Town-Crier Newspaper September 14, 2012

DEUTCH VISITS WITH CENTRAL CHAMBER SEE STORY, PAGE 7

NO COCKTAIL LOUNGE OK FOR THE GRILLE SEE STORY, PAGE 18

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TOWN - CR IER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

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INSIDE

Volume 33, Number 37 September 14 - September 20, 2012

COUNCIL ATTENDS WHS FOOTBALL

Wellington Ceremony Commemorates 9/11

Wellington commemorated the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks Tuesday with a ceremony in front of the Patriot Memorial.

Village officials spoke of the tragedies, and the crowd participated in a moment of silence before a wreath-laying ceremony.

Page 3

ALA Presentation On Acreage Drainage

The Acreage Landowners’ Association hosted a primer on how the community’s canals and drainage system work during a special meeting Monday. About 30 people gathered in the Seminole Ridge High School auditorium for “Canals 101,” a presentation about drainage in the wake of flooding from Tropical Storm Isaac. Page 3

Mosquito Warnings As Horse Dies Of WNV

Palm Beach County Health Department officials say residents and horse owners should remain vigilant of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases in the aftermath of the recent flooding. Page 7

Women’s Group Starts New Season

Women of the Western Communities held its first monthly meeting of the season Thursday, Sept.

6 at the Wanderers Club in Wellington. There was a buffet dinner and members played four games of bingo for prizes.

Page 9

OPINION Peace Day Ceremony Remains A Worthy Effort

As it has done every year for the past seven years, the Wellington Rotary Club will hold its annual ceremony in honor of the United Nations International Day of Peace next week. It will be held Friday, Sept. 21 at the Wellington Rotary Peace Park on Royal Fern Drive near the Wellington library. Here at the TownCrier, we are proud to have supported this important community observance since its creation. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 13 OPINION .................................4 CRIME NEWS .........................6 NEWS BRIEFS........................ 8 SCHOOLS ............................ 15 PEOPLE ........................ 16 - 17 COLUMNS .................... 25 - 26 BUSINESS ..................... 27- 29 ENTERTAINMENT .................31 SPORTS ........................ 35 - 37 CALENDAR ...................38 - 39 CLASSIFIEDS ................ 40 - 44 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Members of the Wellington Village Council attended Wellington High School’s varsity football game Friday, Sept. 7. The halftime show was conducted by Mayor Bob Margolis and council members Matt Willhite, Anne Gerwig and John Greene. Shown here are council members with WHS varsity cheerleaders, Band Director Mary Oser and WHS Principal Mario Crocetti.

MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 13 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Council Will Explore Hiring In-House Legal Counsel

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council decided Wednesday to hire a consulting firm to help determine whether Wellington should hire inhouse legal counsel or stay with a contracted law firm.

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig was the lone dissenter in a 4-1 vote to hire a consultant to analyze the costs and benefits of each option.

Councilman Matt Willhite said he feels that Wellington has grown large enough to necessitate an inhouse legal counsel. “Our charter says that we have two direct employees, the manager and the attorney,” he said. “The village has grown to a point where I believe that we should hire an attorney that specifically works for the village.”

He suggested creating a legal services department. “I think that we should hire a lead attorney who will potentially have a staff,” Willhite said.

Wellington is budgeted to pay $460,000 to Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz, who is contracted through the law firm of Glen J. Torcivia & Associates. He has served as

Wellington’s attorney for nine years.

“I’ve worked in both systems in my career,” Kurtz said. “There is no right or wrong way. I serve at the pleasure of this council, and I hope to continue to serve in that capacity. But, ultimately, you as a council have to be satisfied.”

Vice Mayor Howard Coates worried that a legal department could mean a bigger budget. “I’m not opposed to the concept of having our village attorney being an employee,” he said. “But I am opposed to the legal department bureaucracy that will guarantee us a legal services budget of more than $1 million.”

He pointed to Lake Worth, which has an in-house legal department that costs the city $1.4 million. Boca Raton pays $1.7 million for its legal budget. “The reason these numbers give me cause for concern is that when you look at the contracted versus in-house costs, the numbers are radically different,” said Coates, an attorney.

Margolis echoed those concerns. “I am not in favor of forming our own legal services depart-

ment,” he said. “We pay our village attorney $400,000 a year. Are we going to do better? I don’t know.”

Coates was also concerned that getting one attorney who can serve all the village’s needs would prove difficult. “The law firm provides us with litigation experience, employment, real estate and more,” he said. “To get that depth with in-house staff, we would need three attorneys.”

Gerwig agreed. “I think we should stick with contracting legal firms that specialize in municipalities,” she said.

Coates also pointed out that with several pending lawsuits, changing attorneys could be problematic. “We have to be very careful changing the horse in the middle of the race,” he said.

But Councilman John Greene said he didn’t see harm in analyzing their options. “I think the prudent thing would be to put it out there and make an informed decision,” he said. “At that point, we may find it’s not financially in our best interest.”

Margolis agreed. “I think we See ATTORNEY, page 18

LGWCD Finalizes Annual Budget

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Supervisors approved a resolution Monday setting its assessment rate and certifying its assessment roll, projected to bring in $1,564,885 in revenue for fiscal year 2012-13.

The board set assessment rates in July at $135 per acre for maintenance of properties on unpaved roads, which is $16.45 below the current assessment rate of $151.45 per acre.

LGWCD Attorney Mary Viator explained that the resolution is different than in the past because there are four roads paved with open graded emulsified mix, or OGEM, as well as a culvert project being paid for by assessments.

Viator said notices were mailed and the district received four letters challenging the assessments.

The Loxahatchee Groves Town

Council in July approved $150,000 to help finance district road maintenance, which allowed the district to adopt the lower rate. The council also approved a subsidy to pay for a portion of the debt assessments on four OGEM roads, which would normalize the assessment rate to no more than $104.17 per acre.

The debt assessment rate for North D Road was lowered from $113.61 per acre to $104.17 per acre.

The rate for South C Road was lowered from $162.70 per acre to $104.17 per acre. The rates for North A Road and North C Road remain unchanged since they are below the normalized rate of $104.17 per acre.

Several residents filed letters complaining about the assessment, and Viator said she wanted people to understand the process.

“We have already been through the process,” she said. “This is the

final notice that they will be assessed, not people actually protesting the process.”

Supervisor John Ryan made a motion to adopt the budget and assessments, and to acknowledge that there were four letters of protest. However, the protested properties were determined to be in the proper assessment areas. The motion carried 5-0.

In other business: • The board also approved an emergency line of credit for $400,000 in the event that a state of emergency is declared by the governor.

At the board’s direction, LGWCD Administrator Clete Saunier said he contacted BankUnited to solicit their interest in proposing an emergency line of credit agreement under the same terms as the district’s agreement with SunTrust Bank, which had initiated a $2,000 See LGWCD, page 18

Serving Palms West Since 1980

Acreage Residents Demand Drainage Improvements

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors heard a barrage of complaints Wednesday from several dozen residents angry about flooding in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaac.

Flooding across the community kept residents of The Acreage without four-wheel drive vehicles or boats stranded in their homes for about a week until the waters finally receded enough for streets to be passable again.

Resident Anne Kuhl said she had a problem with some of the things she had been reading, such as Royal Palm Beach saying it had drained quickly.

“Why did they take two days to give us permission to drain?”

Kuhl asked. “And why should we pay for a berm to keep Corbett water out of our area? We have to

spend money to fix our drainage, not for a community center.”

Resident Randy Gunsen agreed that ITID should put its community center plans on hold and take care of drainage improvements first. That was a sentiment expressed by several speakers.

ITID President Michelle Damone pointed out that Royal Palm Beach was the first community to step up and give ITID emergency discharge rights. “They gave their reserve capacity to us and were the first to do that,” she said.

Damone also noted that ITID has received a letter from Gov. Rick Scott offering support from the state, asking the state, county and district to work together to come up with solutions.

Former ITID Supervisor Mike Erickson said that the flooding should be an eye-opener for the board. “The real problem was with See ITID, page 18

GRANDPARENTS DAY

Grandparents Day was celebrated with a children’s fashion show Sunday, Sept. 9 inside the original Wellington Mall hosted by Nimia’s Creations and Portada Florida. Shown here are Miss Princesita for St. Jude 2012 Eimy LaFuente, Miss Princesita 2012 (10-12) Melanie Concepcion, Miss Princesita 2012 (7-9) Mary Elizabeth Keith and Miss Princesita 2012 (4-6) Mia Rubio. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Residents Ask RPB To Save Their Lake

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Village Council agreed Tuesday to work with residents of the Huntington Woods community to improve the water quality in their lake after more than a dozen residents showed up to complain about pollution that they say is coming from Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

Christine Walker of Parkwood Drive in Huntington Woods presented a petition signed by 38 of the 40 homeowners around the lake asking the village to stop the pollution. The homeowners blame the problem on the recent installation of curbs and gutters along Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

“We have watched the turbidity of the lake turn into a greenishbrown soup,” the petition stated, asserting that the removal of swales on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. and subsequent installation of curbs and gutters has allowed stormwater runoff from the street to flow directly into the lake.

Further, the switch to a curband-gutter system has allowed trash to pass through the system to the lake, Walker said, citing a Sept. 5 memo from Royal Palm Beach Public Works Director Paul Webster.

Walker added that the water in the lake should be Class 3 under the Florida Administrative Code, See HUNTINGTON, page 4

‘Tree Of Life’ Project Honors 9/11 Victims At WLMS

Teachers Jennifer Tomko, Jane t Winkelman and Theresa Flowers in front of the “Tree of life” at Wellington Landings.

PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Sept. 11, 2001 is a day that will forever be in the minds and hearts of the American people. The tragic day’s 11th anniversary was observed Tuesday by Wellington Landings Middle School seventhgraders.

To remember the victims, the children put together a remembrance wall with a “Tree of Life,” created from decorated hand cutouts to resemble leaves. Seventhgrade civics teacher Jennifer Tomko came up with the idea last year, after reading the book Legacy Letters by Tuesday’s Children, edited by Brian Curtis.

This is Tomko’s second year putting together the successful project, and it received such tremendous support and great re-

sponse from all the teachers that seventh-grade civics teachers Janet Winkelman and Theresa Flowers decided to participate this year.

Although the students are too young to remember the events of 9/11, more than 350 seventh-graders came together to learn and demonstrate the solidarity present on that tragic day. “It’s the same activity and same idea as last year, but now the entire seventh grade is involved,” Tomko said.

Winkelman knew she had to get involved after learning that Tomko was going to put the tree together on a small wall in the back of her classroom. “I said, ‘Why don’t we do it out there in the hall, and include everybody?’” she said. “I thought it was a really cool project that she did last year, and I was really excited to do it this year.”

In the beginning of the school year, the tree was the first thing Tomko put up. “The leaves or ‘hands’ for the tree can be done in one day, but the entire tree background has to be set up already,” she said. “It took me a week to do.”

Tomko bought all her own supplies. “Only the markers were supplied by the art department,” she said.

The children used the markers to write the name, age and location of an “adopted” victim on their hands. The students were given the opportunity to pick their 9/11 victims from the book randomly.

“One student got the same victim from last year, [and] he liked that a lot,” Tomko said.

The children feel good about See WLMS, page 7

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NEWS

Wellington Council Keeps Tax Rate Unchanged At Budget Hearing

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report A divided Wellington Village Council gave preliminary approval Tuesday to hold its tax rate at 2.5 mills — the same as in the previous three years — despite an increase in revenue.

In a 3-2 vote, council members decided to keep the tax rate steady at the first of two required budget hearings.

Vice Mayor Howard Coates and Councilwoman Anne Gerwig dissented, arguing that the village should give taxpayers a break in light of increased revenue.

“Our families are losing per-capita income,” Gerwig said. “It may be a minuscule lowering, but it’s going in the right direction for what our families are going through.”

A rate of 2.5 mills means a property tax of $2.50 for every $1,000 of taxable value. At that rate, the owner of a home assessed at $150,000 after exemptions would pay $375 in village property taxes next year.

Wellington will finalize its budget at its next meeting, Wednesday, Sept. 26. The maximum tax rate they could adopt is 2.5 mills, but they could still lower the rate at that time.

For the first time in five years, Wellington will see an uptick in its property tax revenue, Director of Finance Mireya McIlveen told council members.

Next year ’s proposed budget of $74.46 million also marks the first increase in five years, up $524,000 from last year. Initially the budget was expected to fall, but it grew

due to increased transfer funds, she said.

Coates said that having an increased budget on a lower millage means residents will continue to get great service. “For the first time in years, we can decrease the millage rate,” he said. “If we can do that in a way that doesn’t impact the services we provide to the village, how do you not go with that? Our residents haven’t had a decreased tax rate in four years.”

He asked McIlveen what the difference in revenue between the rates would be for Wellington.

“The difference between 2.47 mills and 2.5 mills is approximately $150,000,” she said, adding that it translates into a savings of approximately $6 for residents.

Though Coates pushed for the

council to lower the rate, Councilman John Greene said he was concerned that, in light of Tropical Storm Isaac, Wellington might need the extra money.

“I don’t want to handcuff us at this point, where we don’t have the option of going back and raising it,” he said. “I would rather be cautious at this time and let staff reevaluate based on the events of the last couple of weeks. I am concerned about doing anything that restricts us.”

Councilman Matt Willhite agreed. “If we set it at 2.47 and [staff] comes back with any new information in the next two weeks about the storm, we absolutely cannot raise the millage rate,” he said. “We’re stuck at 2.47 and that’s it.”

He noted that the village may need to make improvements to prevent future flooding. “We had residents flooded in houses who couldn’t get out,” Willhite said.

“We have to do things to get them out of there, which is raising roadways, working on culverts and building bridges.”

Mayor Bob Margolis said that residents he talked to were largely in favor of holding the tax rate the same. “They said, ‘$6 a year is 50 cents a month; what are we arguing about?’” he said.

He, too, agreed that Wellington might need the money for improvements.

Coates made a motion to approve the budget with a tax rate of 2.47 mills. Gerwig seconded the motion, but it failed 3-2.

Coates offered a word of warning to the council. “If you give staff more money, they’ll always find a way to spend it,” he said. “I don’t think that should ever be a reason for increasing taxes to our community.”

But Greene said he wanted staff to have the opportunity to use the money to offset costs of the storm.

“I just don’t want to be in a position that we can’t go back and say we don’t think it’s a good allocation of those funds,” he said.

“This still gives us the opportunity to go back and revisit lowering the rate.”

Willhite then made a motion to maintain the tax rate of 2.5 mills.

The motion passed 3-2, with Coates and Gerwig opposed.

ALA Presentation Wellington Ceremony Commemorates 9/11 Recounts History Of Acreage Drainage

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Acreage Landowners’ Association hosted a primer on how the community’s canals and drainage systems work, during a special meeting Monday, Sept. 10.

About 30 people gathered in the Seminole Ridge High School auditorium for “Canals 101,” a presentation put on by the ALA to inform residents about drainage in the wake of flooding brought by Tropical Storm Isaac.

“The reality is that most of the issues we have are not local issues,” ALA Government Liaison Mike Erickson said. “They are more regional issues, and state and national agencies will not give us the outfall that we need.”

Erickson added, however, that there is room for improvement by the Indian Trail Improvement District. “I want you to understand the system so you can ask intelligent questions and try to push the board toward finding solutions,” said Erickson, a former member of the ITID Board of Supervisors.

He noted that the amount of rainfall from Tropical Storm Isaac was not predicted and that those responsible for draining excess water ahead of time were caught unprepared. Instead, Erickson said,

officials expected to get 4 to 6 inches of rain.

“I think all the entities got caught with their pants down,” he said. “The results of this event were unheard of out here. I’ve never encountered what we encountered. The Acreage pretty much got 15 to 18 inches of rain.”

Although many residents have expressed their frustration with the flooding on Facebook, Erickson said he was disappointed that so few showed up to learn about the system.

“Shouldn’t this room be full?” he asked. “The attention span of this community only lasts as long as the problems are in front of their faces. I think this is an important issue for our community, and if I can wake up a dozen people… maybe we can make this community what it is meant to be.”

Indian Trail’s history dates back to the 1950s, when 100 square miles of land were joined together under one landowner. That became known as Indian Trail Ranches. In 1957, the property owners created the Indian Trail Improvement District “in order to build roads and canals and basically drain the swamp,” Erickson said.

When the portion that became See DRAINAGE, page 18

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington commemorated the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks Tuesday with a ceremony in front of the Patriot Memorial.

Village officials spoke of the tragedies, and the crowd participated in a moment of silence before a wreath-laying ceremony.

“On this day, 11 years ago, terrorists struck at the very core of our American way of life,” Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis said.

“We are gathered here today to convey our deepest sympathy to the families impacted by 9/11.”

He said that we as a nation must continue to honor those who were lost that day, as well as those who continue to serve our country.

“We gather to honor the memory of the courageous first responders — police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel who came to the rescue, in many cases losing their lives in order to save others,” Margolis said. “We thank all of the members of our military for battling terrorism.

Across our country, we thank our first responders who risk their lives to keep us safe at home.”

Vice Mayor Howard Coates said that the day is a way to unite the country. “One of the great things about this country is that no matter who you are or where you’re from, we all are patriots,” he said.

Wellington recently sent a brick from its memorial to Michael Bloomberg, mayor of New York

City, who thanked the village with a letter, Coates said. He read the letter to the crowd.

“The support that we have received from our fellow Americans and the international community really has been amazing,” Bloomberg wrote. “As we continue to honor the memory of all those we lost on 9/11, I appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity.”

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig said that although many wish the day had never happened, we cannot forget those lives lost. “It changed our country forever,” she said. “We all remember where we were at that moment when we realized that we weren’t safe anywhere.”

She said that although the day made her reflect on how it changed her life, she said she felt that was insignificant compared with those lives it touched more directly.

Many of those lost that day, Gerwig noted, were innocent people who were going about their everyday business.

“I would like for us to think about the men and the women, the brothers and the sisters who went in to work that day,” she said.

“Whether they went to work in an office, or they were serving food at the top of that building, they were pursuing the American dream, and they were all patriots.”

Councilman John Greene told the crowd that even through such See 9/11, page 18

Wellington council members lay a wreath at the memorial.

Retired Navy veteran Warren O’Brien with his wife, Jean.

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OUR OPINION

Rotary’s Annual Peace Day Ceremony Remains A Worthy Effort As it has done every year for the past seven years, the Wellington Rotary Club will hold its annual ceremony in honor of the United Nations International Day of Peace next week. It will be held Friday, Sept. 21 at the Wellington Rotary Peace Park on Royal Fern Drive near the Wellington library.

Here at the Town-Crier, we are proud to have supported this important community observance since its creation. We encourage those who haven’t attended any of the past ceremonies to stop by. It’s a great way for people in the community to come together to recognize and reflect on one of the most essential aspects of being human — how we interact with each other. It sounds like a simple concept, but as anyone can see by watching just a few minutes of the nightly news, humans often have a hard time getting along.

The United Nations established the International Day of Peace in 1981 and first observed it in 1982. Peace Day observances are held by individuals, organizations or nations with the purpose of creating practical acts of peace around the world, all on the same date. Each year, the Wellington Rotary Club engages area students by hosting a variety of contests in which they write poems and essays, create posters and submit photographs on the subject of peace and conflict resolution.

While the notion of world peace seems like an impossibility, it shouldn’t be viewed as an end in itself but an ideal everyone should work toward. From the smallest, most insignificant situa-

tion, such as two motorists fighting for a parking space, to the more serious, such as two nations fighting for the same piece of land, there are two basic options: either both parties try to reach an agreement diplomatically, or they further escalate the conflict. The purpose of Peace Day is to promote the goal of peaceful coexistence, and that can’t be achieved when either side views the other as an enemy to be defeated.

In the western communities, there have been recent instances in which residents and elected officials alike struggled to see eye to eye. Recent tensions among members of the Wellington Village Council, as well as problems in The Acreage in the wake of Tropical Storm Isaac are prime examples of the need for peaceful conflict resolution. We understand that sometimes people need to vent. But that isn’t an end in itself, and it usually only results in the situation being exacerbated. Plus, while it can feel good to get on a soapbox and talk down to someone you disagree with, it feels even better when the tensions ease and you realize you’re getting along.

Most people would do well to improve their handling of conflict resolution. But that can’t happen until they make the decision to change. That’s where Rotary’s Peace Day ceremony comes in. It offers a chance for people to spend a few hours reflecting on the subject while surrounded by like-minded people doing the same. For more about the Sept. 21 ceremony, visit www.wellingtonrotary.org. For more on Peace Day, visit www.internationaldayofpeace.org.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Be Proactive In Fixing Drainage I totally agree with the TownCrier’s opinion “Isaac’s Water Brings Anger And Blame, But We Need Solutions” (Aug. 31). Residents’ ire at the Indian Trail Improvement District to me is quite justified.

While Royal Palm Beach, Wellington and Loxahatchee Groves were spontaneous (they were out of the starting block like Usain Bolt), I regret to say that here in The Acreage, the response was sluggish, to say the least. For many years, Indian Trail did a good job, but lately this has not been the case. Landscaping since privatization has gone downhill.

Canals are not being properly maintained, road construction and maintenance is an insult to the engineering profession. Letters and e-mails to the board members from many residents do not generate a response.

When a disaster such as Tropical Storm Isaac strikes, and streets, easements and canals are flooded, the Indian Trail board and its workers need to be more visible.

Acreage residents are well aware of the board’s limitations obtaining permits, lack of funds, etc., but had the board and its workers been more visible from the start, and interacted more with the residents, much of the residents’ anger and frustration could have been avoided.

Shame on all those major tow truck companies that refused to enter The Acreage, with Kauff’s being the exception. Kudos to them, fire-rescue, USPS, FedEx, UPS and last but by no means least, good neighbors for the services they provided. It is time for all the western communities residents to realize just how vulnerable we all are to flooding. Don’t just lobby County Commissioner

Jess Santamaria. For all the great work he is doing on the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners, he has just one vote and more often than not is seen as the lone ranger on the commission when it comes to our interests. So let us focus on Tallahassee and Washington, state representatives and senators, congressmen and anyone who will listen to us.

Let us not blame just Indian Trail, the South Florida Water Management District, the city and the county. Never underestimate the power of the people. If we are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem. There are many Acreage residents who own the adjacent property to theirs. These are empty lots Indian Trail could work closely with the owners and the county to see how many retention ponds could be built on these properties (even if this means a slight increase in our taxes). Without resorting to eminent domain, canals and easements could be widened/deepened. Also, let’s not forget strategic pipelines.

These are small steps in the right direction. It’s quite easy to have hindsight after an event like Tropical Storm Isaac. We all know that the situation in The Acreage could have been handled in a better manner. We in the western communities were caught napping. Isaac was our wakeup call. We are all in this together, and we must be wellprepared next time. A coordinated effort is needed by all. Working together, we must all be proactive, not reactive.

Karl Witter The Acreage

President Is Killing The Job Market On Friday, Sept. 7, the unemployment number and jobs-creat-

ed numbers were announced for the month of August.

Created jobs were 96,000, and the unemployment number was 8.1 percent. The 96,000 is terrible, and the 8.1 percent dropped from 8.3 percent. The drop was because 368,000 Americans left the job market because there are no jobs.

Obama is killing the job market on purpose to make Americans more dependent on the government.

This is his plan — thus, the food-stamp president. If this is not his plan, he was not able to create enough jobs in his first term, and he will not be able to do it in another term. Another term will end America as we know it. His plan is to make America just another country and strip it of its exceptionalism. If that happens, we will be socialists and on our way to communism. Those who believe in any God should know the Democratic Party took God out of their platform at the convention. Those who don’t believe in any God will probably vote for Obama again.

Ronald Piretti Royal Palm Beach

Wise Words From Wise Leaders Abraham Lincoln said, “I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country… corporations have been enthroned, and an era of corruption in high places will follow.”

Lincoln was wise. He was right and would be saddened if he saw what his party has done to America today.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, “A woman’s right to choose an abortion is something central to a woman’s life, to her dignity… And when government controls that decision for her, she’s being treated as less than a full adult being responsible for her own choices.”

And this war on women is coming from the “small government” party!

Lyndon Baines Johnson said, “The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.”

How profoundly contemptuous that the Republican Party unapologetically denies millions of Americans the right to vote, because they think they’ll vote for the other party. How do these people sleep at night?

Gwynne Chesher Wellington

President Obama Tried, But Failed There is a huge difference between fact and opinion, and depending on the source of the media being viewed (or read), it is often difficult for many to distinguish one from the other. In an attempt to clarify vast discrepancies from one cable network (or newspaper) to another, we often refer to socalled “fact checker” sites only to become even more confused, as many of these sites are now controlled by political fanatics. It is difficult to find nonpartisan information these days, so we must read as much of a variety as time allows and form our own intelligent conclusions — then vote accordingly!

One of the letter-writers last week suggested that the 2016 documentary is anti-Obama and that we should read Obama’s book, Dreams From My Father, to learn the entire story (Nancy Tanner, “Responding To ‘Romney/Ryan’ Letter”). I saw the documentary and felt that it was an excellent study of Obama’s youthful experiences, through the eyes of those who knew him and his family on a

personal level, in their own words.

Many adore him still. I also read Obama’s book and studied everything I could find that was available in print, looking for an alternative to Sen. John McCain in 2008. Ultimately, I decided I couldn’t vote for this well-spoken, handsome young man who wanted to change America in a way that I did not want for my grandchildren’s future.

I greatly admire Sen. McCain and appreciate his service to our country, both in the military and in Congress, but felt that he would not make the ideal president for that time. Barack Obama’s way with words and his ability to connect with people was awesome, but in listening to his real message in detail, I saw that it was in direct contrast to what I and many Americans want for our country and our freedoms under the constitution.

Another writer suggested that the GOP is counting on mass amnesia, but I beg to differ (Richard Nielsen, “GOP Is Counting On Mass Amnesia”). I think, admit it or not, we all remember well that President George W. Bush worked with a Democratic house and senate, as did President Obama for his first two years in office. Under

Bush, attempts to rein in the questionable lending practices leading to the housing downturn and eventual collapse were thwarted by the Democrats, with Rep. Maxine Waters going as far as to say it was just a witch hunt against Franklin Raines, the CEO of Fannie Mae. Rep. Barney Frank said if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Raines was later found to have engaged in questionable accounting practices in order to boost his bonuses.

The blame game isn’t creditable, and our country has gone from bad in 2009 to devastating in the past three-plus years, fiscally and otherwise. It must end now.

For many who haven’t been paying attention over the past few years, the Democratic National Convention was quite a revelation as to the real platform of the liberals. There is quite a difference in how other countries view Obama as a leader and how they respect America as a world power under his leadership. Those unfortunate “open mic” blunders spoke volumes to us and to the world.

President Obama tried but failed, so the time has come for us to let him go — for America’s sake!

Marge Fitzgerald Wellington

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Submit letters, with contact name, address, and telephone number (anonymous letters will not be published), to The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to (561) 7936090; or you can e-mail letters@goTown Crier.com.

OPINION

Some Things To Keep In Mind When Purchasing Auto Insurance While used car salesmen have developed, over the years, a reputation for less-than-transparent information given to customers, the insurance “whiz-bangs” of today may not be far behind.

Put out one or two of your current policies for bid and watch the variety and interesting numbers that come back. You will be

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin surprised and possibly shocked.

Which brings us to automo-

bile insurance. Take note: Here are five key things to keep in mind. First, do not skimp on liability coverage. Most experts advise you to make sure you have enough liability.

In virtually any serious crash, figures like $25,000 per individual personal injury or $50,000 per incident or $10,000 for property

damage truly don’t go very far.

Remember, an average award for vehicular liability is more than $388,000 (2009), and the average time for these cases is 40 months.

Experts recommend $100,000.

Second, try “bundling” auto and home insurance with a single carrier, which can result in a healthy discount. Next, the dif-

ference in premiums between a $250 deductible and a $1,000 deductible is some $300 per year.

Even if you have a single accident in three years, you will have saved some $900, which should normally, and easily, cover outof-pocket repairs.

Amazing. Statistics show one in seven drivers is uninsured.

While your mandated insurance will usually cover, minimally, just a few dollars more can buy uninsured-motorist coverage. At least double your coverage since you will be getting nothing from the uninsured. Finally, if at all possible, try and pay your premium up front. There is a worthwhile savings of $100 or more!

Liggins said he had met twice with neighborhood representatives, along with former councilman David Swift, a retired scientist with the South Florida Water Management District, who gave a presentation on best management practices for lakes and ponds and passed out workbooks.

“There are several best management practices for these ponds that can be implemented that can improve the quality of the water,” Liggins said, explaining that some measures are more expensive than others. “I think that the move that the homeowners’ association made in getting rid of their aquatic contractor now, who is basically spraying and killing everything around the edges, which is not good for the quality of the lake, and then looking at the contractor to plant back the herbaceous plantings around the whole perimeter

is a huge step in improving that quality.”

Liggins said there are ways to control the amount of solids coming from the storm water runoff from the street and recommended that homeowners look at the workbook, decide what methods they want to implement, and come back to the village with a more specific request.

“Based on what I can and cannot do, we’ll deal with it as much as we can on an administrative level, and what we cannot do on an administrative level, that will require a policy change, and I’ll bring that to the council,” he said.

In other business, the council approved a tax rate of 1.92 mills at its first public hearing on the budget. The total budget for fiscal year 2012-13 is $32.2 million. The final hearing on the budget will take place Thursday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.

NEWS Huntington

Residents Want RPB To Fix Lake

continued from page 1 suitable for fish consumption, recreation, propagation and maintenance of a well-balanced population of fish and wildlife.

“We used to have this before the removal of the swales and increase of water drainage,” Walker said.

Brian Newsholme of Parkwood Drive on the northwest side of the lake said he has lived there 22 years and has seen the quality of the water and marine life go downhill since the construction along Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

“My kids and I used to kayak and canoe in that lake,” Newsh-

olme said. “I’ve even taken them scuba diving in that lake. We fished all the time and caught very big fish, but nobody catches fish any more. The duck life has almost disappeared. There are no more ospreys flying over our lake.”

Newsholme thanked Village Manager Ray Liggins and his staff for meeting with homeowners about the lake.

“We’ve talked about this at length, and the one variable that has changed in the 22 years I’ve been here is the road construction on Royal Palm Beach Blvd.,” he said. “The initial insult was when the contractor was pumping all kinds of debris and silt and junk into our lake. The insult continues with the road debris, the runoff and vegetative matter.”

He added that the organic matter is leading to algae blooms in the lake.

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Newsholme acknowledged that Royal Palm Beach Blvd. is much safer and looks much better with the additional landscaping, but that the problems created must be fixed.

He also called attention to an ordinance passed recently by the council that prohibits grass clippings and other vegetative matter from being washed, swept or blown into ditches or storm drains connected to bodies of water.

“All you have to do is walk along Royal Palm Beach Blvd., and all you see is vegetative matter going toward the storm drains, then coming right into our lake,” Newsholme said.

Newsholme said the homeowners’ association has started an integrated management approach by hiring a new aquatics company recently.

“They are going to start on

Oct. 1 by planting deep-water and shoreline littorals,” he said.

“This will hopefully help filter some of the stuff, but our lake cannot continue to take the insult of the road debris, the silt, the oils, the diesel fuel, and inorganic and organic solids and be expected to survive.”

Newsholme asked the village to help solve the problem. “We, as a homeowners’ association, are trying to do our part,” he said.

“But we have a very limited budget.”

Mayor Matty Mattioli said he wanted to help but that the village cannot work on private property, and that it is a private lake. “To say we did it, I take umbrage at that,” Mattioli said. “It could come from anybody.”

He asked that the homeowners continue to work with staff to resolve the issue.

BARRY S. MANNING Publisher

JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor

JODY GORRAN Associate Publisher

DAWN RIVERA General Manager

JASON BUD JINSKI Community Editor

RON BUKLEY Managing Editor

EDITORIAL STAFF/ Chris Felker • Denise Fleischman Jessica Gregoire • Lauren Miró CONTRIBUTORS/ Jules Rabin • Ellen Rosenberg • Leonard Wechsler • Deborah W elky ART & PRODUCTION MANAGER/ Stephanie Rodriguez ADVERTISING/ Betty Buglio • Evie Edwards • Wanda Glockson STAFF/ Shanta Daibee • Carol Lieberman • Geri O’Neil

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September 14 - September 20, 2012 Page 5

NEWS

AMERICAN LEGION POST 390 HOSTS FUTURE HEROES CHARITY GOLF TOURNEY

Wellington American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390 held its Future Heroes Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. Proceeds benefited the Future Heroes Scholarship Fund and local youth, patriotic and veteran support programs. There was a silent auction, raffles, contests and gift bags for players. Awards were given out at the barbecue buffet.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

The Reyka family: Autumn and son Christopher, Sean and son Christopher, widow Kim, and Ashely Reyka Steele.

Ed Portman with first-place winners John Young and Steve Thibodeau, and John Isola.

Tom Wenham presents a $1,000 check to Post Commander Mike Pancia on behalf of the Wellington Preser vation Coalition and the Jacobs family.

Roy Foster, Bruce Handy, Max Nelson and Aaron Augustus.

Second-place winners Bob Wilson, Dave Thompson, Frank Isola and Fred Deironimi with John Isola.

Shane Claytor with Lexie, Paws 4 Liberty Executive Director Heidi Spirazza with Samson, and Joe Rainey with Tanker.

CHILDREN’S FASHION SHOW CELEBRATES GRANDPARENTS DAY IN WELLINGTON

Grandparents Day was celebrated with a children’s fashion show Sunday, Sept. 9 inside the original Wellington Mall hosted by Nimia’s Creations and Portada Florida. There were gifts, raffles, vendors and a silent auction to benefit Autism Speaks. Instructors from Fred PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER Astaire Dance Studios performed several styles of dance.

Mariana Echeverry and Yasiel Alburquerque.

(L-R) Naomi Reyes, Alina Pena and Eamila Diaz show off their fashionable threads.

Mar Martinez and Clifton Sepulveda dance.

Page 6 September 14 - September 20, 2012

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CRIME NEWS

Woman Scammed Out Of $1,000 Cash

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report SEPT. 10 —ARoyal Palm Beach resident called the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach on Monday afternoon to report a case of fraud after she was allegedly scammed out of $1,000. According to a PBSO report, the victim was in the Commons Plaza on State Road 7 at approximately noon when she was approached by an unknown black male who said his name was James. According to the report, the man said he had found an envelope with $30,000 cash and wanted her help to find a post office because the envelope was addressed to Cuba. The victim said that an unknown black female then joined them, and the three of them discussed how to divide the money. According to the report, the black male said his boss would help them with the paperwork and that he needed $1,000 from each woman. According to the report, the victim drove the two suspects around the corner of the plaza, where the man said he worked.

The victim was unable to see the office from where she was parked, but the man left to go into the office and then returned. The woman then left to go to the office and returned. Then the victim was told to go into the office and complied.

According to the report, the employees in the office told her they didn’t know what she was talking about. When the victim returned to her car, the suspects were gone with her $1,000 cash. According to the report, the victim believed she would make $11,000 on the deal. The deputy said he spoke with employees of the office where the suspect supposedly worked, but none of them observed the suspects in or around the office.

There was no further information available at the time of the report.

••• SEPT. 5 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to a home in the Preserve at Crestwood community last Wednesday morning regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim left his home at approximately 9:30 a.m. At approximately 11 a.m. he was notified of an intruder, and a deputy responded. According to the report, the deputy discovered that someone entered the home through the rear sliding glass door and pried open the victim’s safe in the master bedroom closet. The perpetrator(s) removed several pieces of jewelry from the safe. The stolen items were valued at approximately $2,950. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

SEPT. 7 — A business owner contacted the PBSO substation in Wellington last Friday morning to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim was cleaning a roof in the Versailles community and left his pressure washer on the homeowner’s driveway while he was on the roof. When he went to retrieve the pressure washer, it was gone. According to the report, the homeowner said he observed a man walk up to the pressure washer, carry it to his white Ford van and drive away. According to the report, the homeowner said he knows the man and was able to give the deputy his information.

There was no further information available at the time of the report.

SEPT. 7 — Two West Palm Beach men and a Royal Palm Beach juvenile were arrested last

Friday afternoon on burglary charges after neighbors saw them attempt to break into a home on Palm Beach Trace Drive. According to a PBSO report, two neighbors contacted the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach after they observed three black males break into the victim’s home through a window. One witness said she observed a black male with short, cropped hair, wearing a black shirt and black shorts open the victim’s window using a towel. According to the report, she then observed a black male with short hair, wearing a white T-shirt and black shorts, reach inside the home and pull on the window blinds. The third suspect, a black male with short black dreadlocks, a black shirt and black shorts, appeared to be acting as a lookout. The witness said the men fled the area. According to the report, the deputy arrived and observed the three suspects running westbound along the canal. He made contact with them and identified Justin Brown and Dominique Felder, both 18, along with the juvenile. Both witnesses were able to identify the men as the burglars, and the deputy observed that the window to the home was open, the curtain was pulled down and it appeared the blinds had been damaged. Brown and Felder were arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where they were charged with burglary to an unoccupied dwelling. The juvenile was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

SEPT. 8 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to a home on Key Lime Blvd. last Saturday morning regarding an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9 p.m. last Wednesday and 10 a.m. last Saturday, someone pulled the victim’s electricity meter off the wall.

According to the report, the victim discovered his garage door was not working and observed that the seal on the meter had been broken, and it was hanging from the wires. The meter is valued at approximately $200. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

SEPT. 8 — A resident of the Sunglade Point community contacted the PBSO substation in Wellington last Saturday evening regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim said that a white-gold ring was stolen while moving houses. The victim said he believes it was taken by one of the movers. The stolen ring was valued at approximately $7,860.

There was no further information available at the time of the report.

SEPT. 8 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to the Chevron gas station on Greenview Shores Blvd. last Saturday afternoon regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked his vehicle at the gas station and went inside, leaving his black wallet on the passenger seat. According to the report, while he was inside, someone entered his vehicle through his unlocked passenger door and removed his wallet containing his bank card, Social Security card and photos.

The victim said he checked his bank and discovered there were two fraudulent charges made at the same gas station for $56.13 and $125. The deputy contacted the clerk, who verified that the $56.13 charge was made at a pump. The See BLOTTER, page 18

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Caitlin Good is a white female, 5’4” tall and weighing 102 lbs., with blond hair and blue eyes. She has a tattoo on her back. Her date of birth is 04/14/90.

Good is wanted for failure to appear on charges of possession of oxycodone and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her occupation is unknown. Her last known address was at large. Good is wanted as of 09/06/12.

• Israel Rodriguez, a.k.a. Israel Rodriguez-Tolento, is a white male, 5’5” tall and weighing 150 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos. His date of birth is 05/12/79.

Rodriguez is wanted for violation of probation on a charge of possession of cocaine. His occupation is warehouse manager. His last known address was Leland Lane in Greenacres. Rodriguez is wanted as of 09/06/12.

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.

Caitlin Good

Israel Rodriguez

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

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September 14 - September 20, 2012 Page 7

NEWS

Jobs And Economy The Focus As Deutch Visits Central Chamber

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Congressman Ted Deutch (DDistrict 19) was the guest speaker at the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce luncheon Monday at the Wellington Community Center.

Deutch congratulated chamber members on the successful merger of the Greater Lake Worth and Palms West chambers of commerce, citing it as the kind of cooperation needed on larger levels, including the federal government, to resolve current economic issues.

“There are things we can accomplish on behalf of our local economy when we work together, working with all of you to further those shared goals that we all have,” he said.

Deutch was elected to Congress in 2010. Before that, he served in the Florida Senate for four years.

He is a commercial real-estate lawyer.

“As you can imagine, I have seen the unwholesomeness of the Florida economy when it comes to development and growth,” he said. “I have learned from my days in the firm the role that construction plays in South Florida, the role that development plays, and how commercial development all work together here in South Florida to boost and propel our economy.

Everyone knows that these sectors are still struggling to get back to where they were before.”

While there is a lot of work to do, he also noted that many businesses have added jobs in the past 30 months. “This is something that I am particularly excited about,” Deutch said. “Florida in particular is coming back in a really significant way.”

Deutch said he is intent on enacting legislation to get the economy moving again. “There is so much we can’t do but we really have to do to move the economy forward,” he said. “You may have noticed that recently in Washington… partisan gridlock has taken hold. All I can tell you is the frustration that I feel, I know is shared by my colleagues.”

Although Congress passed a two-year transportation bill, he said he was frustrated that a longterm transportation bill wasn’t passed, calling that necessary for the creation of more jobs.

“I’m going back to Washington from here, and I continue to be hopeful that when it comes to some of these big issues, we will be able to come together to figure out how to get through them,” he said.

Deutch said there are some relatively simple nonpartisan things that can be done that he will continue to press for, such as blocking any tax increase on small businesses. “We need to ensure that at least 98 percent of small businesses won’t see a tax increase at the end of the year,” he said.

Another impetus to encourage

investment by small businesses would be allowing them to write off investments in such things as computers and machines. “We can permanently eliminate capital gains taxes on certain small business stock held for more than five years,” he said. “That would help drive small business, which is ultimately where jobs are created in our economy.”

Deutch has spent a lot of time in Washington talking about a national infrastructure bank. “A national infrastructure bank would permit us to take the funds that we desperately need to compete, not as Democrats and Republicans, but for the U.S. to compete internationally with Brazil, China and Russia,” he said. “We can make those investments in the infrastructure that we need — the bridges, roads, airports, seaports.”

The legislation is supported by both the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO, he said.

“There is a pool of private capital out there, much of it being invested in infrastructure projects around the world, that could come back and invest here,” he said.

“There is $400 billion of private capital to be invested in infrastructure projects here that would really help not only put people back to work, but would help put us in a [better] position to compete internationally.”

Deutch predicted that the Republican and Democratic numbers will be closer in Congress after the

upcoming election, but that no matter what the balance, Congress must respond to the needs of the people by working together.

“It’s going to require a balanced approach,” he said. “We want to see our economy transform in a way that focuses more on making the kind of investments that permit the private sector to really work,” he said, listing investments not just in infrastructure but in research and education.

Deutch said Congress can’t afford to wait until after the election to take steps to restore the economy.

“I know there is a presidential election taking place — you can’t miss it,” he said. “For those of us in Florida, if you ever watch television, the ads continue to pick up, and a lot of them are nasty. It’s frustrating. I understand that. But Congress still has an obligation to work on behalf of the American people.”

He remains optimistic that positive action will be taken. “I don’t think you can do this job without a healthy dose of optimism,” he said.

Deutch received his law degree from the University of Michigan.

He lives in western Boca Raton with his wife and three children.

Currently representing the 19th Congressional District, he is seeking re-election in the newly drawn 21st Congressional District.

Deutch, who does not face a Republican challenger but will be on

the ballot along with two independent candidates, is highly favored for re-election in a district that is considered a safe Democratic seat.

Should he win re-election, he will represent all of Wellington in Washington, D.C., rather than just a small part of the community as he does now.

In other business, chamber members learned about the Wellington Rotary Club’s plans to mark the United Nations International Day of Peace at the Wellington Rotary Peace Park on Friday, Sept.

21 at 6 p.m.

Rotarian Wes Boughner invited chamber members to attend the observance.

“I’d like to extend an invitation to all of you and your families to attend our United Nations World Peace Day observance,” Boughner said. “We believe that world peace begins in our communities.”

The Wellington Rotary participates in a peace initiative that starts in February and culminates Sept. 21, which is World Peace Day. “We have 500 to 1,000 children who participate in our poster, essay and poetry contests,” Boughner said. “We give prizes to the winners, and at our annual event, we will have our ceremony and once again we will be placing some new peace poles in the park.”

A peace pole is typically 8 feet high with four to eight sides. Each side displays the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in different languages. He said more than

Congressman Ted Deutch 250,000 peace poles have been dedicated in more than 200 countries across the world.

The Wellington Rotary will also give out community peace and conflict resolution awards, as well as peace merit badges to scouts at the ceremony. The release of peace doves culminates the ceremony.

“Our purpose is to bring to the community our word of peace,” Boughner said. “The only way we can do this is by having your participation.”

Wellington Rotary Peace Park is located off Forest Hill Blvd. at the corner of Royal Fern and Birkdale drives, between the Wellington branch library and Elbridge Gale Elementary School.

Mosquito Warnings From Health Department As Horse Dies Of WNV

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Palm Beach County Health Department officials say residents and horse owners should remain vigilant of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases in the aftermath of the recent flooding.

One horse in Loxahatchee was euthanized last week after contracting West Nile virus. It was the second confirmed case of the virus in Florida this year.

Health department spokesman Tim O’Connor said people should not focus too much on where ex-

WLMS

Students Create Tree Of Life To Mark 9/11

continued from page 1 what they’re doing. “It builds solidarity throughout the school,” Flowers said. “This project really demonstrates civic engagement.”

Flowers came up with the idea to have the children tape the name of their victims on their shirts.

“One of my students did not want to throw the paper with the name away and asked if he could keep it,” she said. “I suggested that they tape it on their clothes, so that people throughout the school could also remember what happened that day.”

The creation of the hands is part two of the two-day project. The first part was the day before 9/11, when the children focused on six stories from the book Legacy Letters. “The children were divided into six groups, and each group

actly the horse was, but that the virus can spread quickly.

“The birds carry it, and the mosquitoes have a two-mile flight zone,” O’Connor said. “If they bite a bird that carries it, they don’t get sick and then they can transmit it, and birds can go anywhere. We anticipate it’s going to get carried.”

People need to be aware of the danger and take precautions, O’Connor said. “The good news is we’ve only had eight cases of West Nile virus since 2001, so it’s kind of indicative that people have done a pretty good job in protectgot to read their letter,” Tomko said. “We guided them through the letters, so they could really build a connection with the victims and their families.”

This really made an impact on the children. “The letters are from children who lost a parent, to their parent,” Winkelman said. “A majority of the kids are like, ‘Aw, that’s so sad, what if I had lost my parent or guardian?’ and some of our kids have lost a parent.”

The stories that were shared among the students about the events on 9/11 were especially memorable. “One boy told us that his father overslept for work and didn’t get to work on time. He was working at the World Trade Center,” Winkelman said.

Tomko, Winkelman and Flowers are coming up with ideas to make next year’s 9/11 remembrance even bigger by getting the entire school involved. “We’ll probably do something different for every grade,” Winkelman said. “That way they’re not doing the exact same things, but they are building on the knowledge of that day through social studies.”

‘One of my students did not want to throw the paper with the name away and asked if he could keep it,’ teacher Theresa Flowers said.

‘I suggested that they tape it on their clothes, so that people throughout the school could also remember what happened that day.’

ing themselves from mosquito bites,” he said. “It’s also a credit to our mosquito control for knocking the population down.”

Mosquitoes also carry other diseases. “We have evidence from our sentinel chickens that St. Louis encephalitis is also out and about,” O’Connor said.

The Health Department has seven sentinel chicken outposts across the county. “That is our first defense,” he said. “They don’t get sick, but they carry it and we test their blood every week.”

O’Connor said mosquito con-

trol has been doing aerial spraying west of Military Trail. “They are going to go up again later,” he said. “They’ve knocked down the mature mosquitoes, so the new hatchlings have to grow a little bit, and they’ll keep working on those, as well. It’s an ongoing process.

Hopefully they can keep the mosquito population down, but we’ve gotten lots of reports of lots of mosquitoes.”

The recent heavy rains and standing water across Palm Beach County can increase mosquito populations. “Mosquitoes are

Dania Amra, Jennifer Tomko, 9/11 first responder Bob Keating, Olivia Eames and Madison Aguilar.

Michael Lista next to his hand on the Tree of Life.

nearly always present in our tropical climate,” health department director Dr. Alina Alonso said. “As always, residents and visitors need to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites since there is no ‘season’ for mosquitoes.”

The health department recommends that residents make their properties less attractive to mosquitoes by taking the following precautions: • Drain any standing water as even the smallest container can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

• Cover doors and window with

screens and repair any holes or tears. Use air-conditioning when possible, which makes conditions unfavorable for mosquitoes to thrive indoors.

• Cover yourself with clothing including long sleeves, long pants and socks and use insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridi, or IR3535 following the manufacturer’s recommendation. Use netting for babies under 2 months of age.

For more on mosquitoes and the infections they can spread, visit www.pbchd.com or www.pbcgov. com/erm/mosquito.

Oscar Paz and Sarah Kimberly color their hands.

Andres Venegas, Dylan Swartz, Trevor Wolf and Taylor Funk.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Page 8 September 14 - September 20, 2012

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NEWS BRIEFS Acreage Community Park Jam Sept. 15 The Acreage Landowners’ Association and the Indian Trail Improvement District will host the free monthly Acreage Community Park Jam on Saturday, Sept. 15 from 4 to 10 p.m. at Acreage Community Park (6701 140th Ave. North).

The Acreage Community Park Jam features musicians, comedians and any other artists of all ages, styles and skill levels. The Sidekick Band will be the event’s host band. Food vendors will be onsite, so bring your appetite. For classic car lovers, there will be a Classic Cruisers Car Show. Attendees are invited to bring and display their classic vehicles or motorcycles.

For anyone feeling lucky, there will be a 50/50 raffle. Join your friends and neighbors while enjoying an evening of diverse entertainment. Event organizers recommend bringing a chair or something to sit on, as well as mosquito repellent. No glass containers are allowed.

This event is open to all ages.

Acreage Community Park also has

a playground and skateboard park adjacent to the jam area. Adult supervision is required for playground use. A consent waiver is required for minors wishing to use the skate park and available by visiting www.indiantrail.com and clicking “Our Parks.�

For more information, or for a signup application, visit www. acreagelandowners.org. Go to “Events,� and then select the “Community Jam� link. To sign up as entertainment or make general inquires, contact Bob Renna at (561) 602-0676 or bobrenna@ bellsouth.net. Sign in and walk up entertainment the day of the jam is also welcome. The stage includes some instruments and public address system and will be set up for all to use. Volunteers to set up and break down are needed.

19 at the Wanderers Club. Speaking on behalf of the SFWMD will be intergovernmental representative Pam Mac’Kie and engineering specialist James Fyfe.

RSVPs are required to attend.

The event will sell out, so RSVP early. The cost to attend is $20 for chamber members and $30 for nonmembers and the general public. Registration takes place at 11:30 a.m., and the luncheon begins promptly at noon. Sponsorship tables and sponsor opportunities are available.

To purchase tickets, call the chamber at (561) 792-6525 or visit www.wellingtonchamber.com.

Next Wellington Chamber Lunch On Sept. 19

As it does every year, the Wellington Rotary Club sponsored several contests as part of its annual peace initiative. Schools throughout the community participated during April and May in poster, poetry and essay contests.

The involvement of Wellington students was tremendous and broke the record of previous years.

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host an educational and interactive forum/luncheon titled “Before and After the Storm� with South Florida Water Management District on Wednesday, Sept.

Rotary Peace Day Ceremony Sept.

21 In Wellington

Winners will receive their prizes at the Rotary Club’s World Peace Day Ceremony on Friday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Wellington Rotary Peace Park on Royal Fern Drive.

The object of the entire peace initiative is to provide a view of conflict resolution and multicultural understanding aimed at the promotion of world peace and understanding.

Contest winners have been chosen. The selection of winners of the poster competition for all fourth-graders proved to be difficult amid the heavy competition.

This year’s competition attracted more than 350 submissions. Wellington’s elementary schools participated for a prize of $50 to each school’s winning student, as well as a $50 prize to the classroom teacher. An overall winner from all of the finalists will receive a $75 check.

The elementary school poster prize winners are as follows: Equestrian Trails – Alex Venegas (student) and Caroleen Rodriguez (teacher); Elbridge Gale – Hailey Poignant (student) and Dr. Nicole Crane (teacher); Panther Run – Jaime Waterous (student) and Shannon Culp (teacher); and Binks Forest – Milena Chib (student) and

Karen Carney (teacher). Students and teachers will each receive checks for $50.

The overall winner was Karissa Neal from New Horizons, who will receive a $75 check. Her teacher, Jude Valdov, will receive a $50 check.

Neal’s winning poster is being used as part of the Rotary Club’s advertising campaign and is currently on display at various businesses around the community.

The club also received poems from middle school students. The winners are Amira Richards of Emerald Cove Middle School and Olivia Polden of Wellington Landings Middle School. Both girls captured the spirit of the peace initiative. Rotary offers a special thank-you to their teachers, Amy Yuzenas and Kerry Emery. A prize of $75 will be awarded to each student.

The winner of this year’s essay competition was Irieka Morris of Palm Beach Central High School.

Rotary thanks her teacher, Joy Ostaffe, for her work in guiding Morris. Morris will receive a $100 prize.

A community-wide photographic contest was also held, also on the subject of multicultural under-

standing and conflict resolution with the aim of world peace. Both color and black-and-white photographs were accepted for judging.

This year’s winners are all from Wellington High School: first place, Emily Deems; second place, C.J. King; and third place, Katherine Donahue.

During the World Peace Day Ceremony on Sept. 21, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops will march in to be honored with merit badges for a series of peace-associated tests they were given earlier in the year. Several other peace prizes will be awarded to people from the community deemed to have contributed during 2012 in the promotion of peace.

The Wellington Rotary Club wishes to invite all of the winners, their teachers and families, and Wellington residents to attend the celebration. The club congratulates all the students and teachers and members of the community who participated and also thanks the volunteers from the Wellington Rotary Club who worked with the schools.

For further information, contact Larry Kemp at (561) 333-2770 or larry.kemp@comcast.net, or visit www.wellingtonrotary.org.

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NEWS

WOMEN OF WESTERN COMMUNITIES STARTS NEW SEASON AT WANDERERS CLUB

Women of the Western Communities held its first monthly meeting of the season Thursday, Sept. 6 at the Wanderers Club in Wellington.

There was a buffet dinner and members played four games of bingo for prizes. They also brought in donated items for YWCA Harmony House. For more info., contact Carol O’Neil at carol.oneil@wwc-fl.com or (561) 389-1227.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Stacy Kaufman, Jo Cudnik, Allyson Samilijan, Carole Anderson and Marge Hartig-Specht.

Betsy Carroll, Michelle Haines, Janice Downs and Michelle Donn.

Allyson Samilijan, Hope Barron, Maureen Gross and Maggie Zeller with their bingo cards.

Carol O’Neil verifies Hope Barron’s winning bingo numbers.

Betsy Carroll, Teresa Harrington and Laurie Piel enjoy some wine.

YWCA Communications and Special Events Director Allyson Samilijan, YWCA Director of Abuse Programs Mary Cauthen and Club President Mair Armand.

Dream Sponsors Benefits As Neumann Wins Allstate Foundation Contest Tom Neumann of the Allstate/ Tom Neumann Agency was named the Allstate Foundation’s Hand in Hand Contest winner from the Florida region, and his winning nonprofit is Dream Sponsors Inc. In honor of the Allstate Foundation’s 60th anniversary, the company provided a unique opportunity for its Allstate agents and exclusive financial specialists to give back to their communities. The contest encouraged agents to advocate for the nonprofit organizations of their choice, providing additional financial assistance to the nonprofits the agents care most about. Winners were randomly selected. Dream Sponsors will be awarded an additional $5,000

contribution to help advance its mission to provide basic needs and school fees to needy Kenyan orphans, assisting them in making their dreams of a successful future a reality.

Neumann is a founding board member and has actively volunteered for the organization since its beginning in 2006. He also serves as an active member of the Wellington Rotary Club, which has also been very supportive of the mission and vision of Dream Sponsors. In 2010, Neumann traveled to Kenya with his wife, cofounder and president, and fellow board members for a site monitoring visit and personally witnessed the slum living conditions that the organization’s sponsored orphans

endure. One child was still healing from lifesaving open heart surgery that was coordinated through the global networking of the Dream Sponsors Team.

“The life stories and dreams of these motivated children were very inspiring,” Neumann said.

“To them, the opportunity to go to school is golden, and they will walk miles in their bare feet just to get there — on time. It was very humbling to see the deplorable tin and mud shacks in which these children live, while also visiting their overcrowded and often dilapidated schools. The children expressed their gratitude in poems, dances and songs, knowing now, that they too, are in good hands!”

Dream Sponsors Inc. is based

in Wellington and operates with a team of volunteers in two impoverished regions of Kenya, in addition to the volunteer board of directors in the United States. The organization is in need of additional local volunteers to help them carry out their work and expand their fundraising in order to accept more children into the project. In Kenya alone there are an estimated 2.3 million orphans struggling to survive and hope they can eventually become self-sustaining thru the gift of education.

For more information on how you can help or become involved, visit www.dreamsponsorsinc.org or the Dream Sponsors Inc. page on Facebook, or call (561) 7952223.

Tom Neumann meets with school youth during a site monitoring visit to Kenya.

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September 14 - September 20, 2012 Page 11

Page 12 September 14 - September 20, 2012

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NEWS

WELLINGTON VILLAGE COUNCIL MEMBERS TAKE PART IN WHS HALFTIME SHOW Members of the Wellington Village Council attended Wellington High School’s varsity foo tball game Friday, Sept. 7. The halftime show was conducted by Mayor Bob Margolis and council members Matt Willhite, Anne Gerwig and John Greene. Twirler s from Wellington Landings Middle School and Wellington Elementary School performed. On the field, the Wolverines defeated Forest Hill 20-6.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington varsity cheerleaders await the team on the field.

Wolverine mascot and cheerleader Nico Ramos with varsity cheerleaders and village council members.

Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis talks with some Mighty Wolverine Sound members.

Councilman Matt Willhite, Mayor Bob Margolis, Band Director Mary Oser, WHS Principal Mario Crocetti and Councilman John Greene.

Wellington Councilwoman Anne Gerwig with Lois Spatz.

The Wolverine cheerleaders lift the crowd’s spirit.

WHS Principal Mario Crocetti with the Wolverine mascot.

WHS majorette Ashley Domark leads the twirlers from Wellington Landings and Wellington Elementary School.

Mayor Bob Margolis and Councilman John Greene (background), along with Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, lead the WHS band.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Sem Ridge’s Larson Receives ‘Gumby’ Award Seminole Ridge High School speech and language pathologist Peggy Larson has received the School District of Palm Beach County’s “Gumby” award, a peernominated honor presented annually to one district speech and language pathologist (SLP).

The Department of Exceptional Student Education’s Speech-Language Impaired program sponsors the award and accepts nominations during each May, when “Better Hearing and Speech Month” is celebrated. “‘Gumby’ nominees demonstrate flexibility and excellence as they practice their field in our public schools, and this is the 24th year of ‘Gumby’ awards,” district spokesperson Sue Alex said. “The person who receives the award gets to display it at her school for one year.”

Larson was nominated by several SLPs in the district, among them former staff member Holly

South. “She’s extremely flexible, and she provides community services through her FACE Club,” Crestwood Middle School SLP Ginny Berg said of Larson.

Facial Anomaly Community Education (FACE) was started by Larson and raises money for, and awareness of, people with craniofacial anomalies such as cleft palate.

Also nominating Larson was Suzanne Pendleton, SLP at Royal Palm Beach High School. “[Larson] demonstrates excellent clinical skills as she provides creative and evidence-based therapeutic services,” Pendleton said. “She works tirelessly for her students.”

Ironically, the term “Gumby” was a source of distress for Larson as a child. Born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, she was bullied because of it. Due to her cleft, she had missing teeth, and her front teeth were very small so you couldn’t see them when she smiled

Third-grade teacher James Crickenberger and Principal Michella Levy after their hair was colored.

Gumby Award — Peggy Larson (third from left) and SRHS Principal James Campbell with district lead SLPs Eileen Petersen, Joan Clark and Suzette Gingold. or spoke. A group of kids at her school called her Gumby, she recalled, and it always brought tears to her eyes. Now, she said, “It brings a sense of pride and accom-

plishment,” because now she “really is a ‘Gumby,’ and it’s a blessing and an honor” in her profession.

— Nanci Moore

TKA To Present Wilder’s ‘Our Town’ Sept. 27-29 The King’s Academy’s awardwinning Performing Arts Department will present Thornton Wilder’s definitive version of Our Town Sept. 27-29 at 7 p.m. This edition of the play differs only slightly from previous acting editions, yet it presents Our Town as Wilder wished it to be performed.

Described by Edward Albee as the greatest American play ever written, the story follows the small town of Grover’s Corners through three acts: Daily Life, Love and Marriage, and Death and Eternity.

The play is narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets.

Audiences follow the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry and in one of the most famous scenes in American theater, eventually die.

To purchase tickets, visit TKA’s performing arts web site at www. tkafinearts.net or call the school at (561) 686-4244.

For more information about the King’sAcademy, visit the school’s web site at www.tka.net.

Principal, Teacher Show School Spirit At Binks Forest Students at Binks Forest Elementary School brought in more than 7,700 box tops in a two-week period. The contest began on the first day of school and continued until Aug. 31.

The two top winning classes, first-graders from Angie Yerkes’ class and third-graders from Lisa Gifford’s class, were able to have some fun with pink hair spray. Two students from each of these class-

rooms were on the morning announcements spraying pink coloring on the hair of Principal Michella Levy and third-grade teacher James Crickenberger.

The staff and parents at Binks Forest are very proud of the hard work of the students during this contest, as well as the show of school spirit from Levy and Crickenberger for allowing their hair to take on a very different look.

NEW HORIZONS HONORS VOLUNTEERS

RPB’s Cypress Trails Receives Grant From Target Cypress Trails Elementary School recently announced that its CTES Super Readers Book Club was awarded a $2,000 grant from the Target Corporation. Target recognizes the efforts of Cypress Trails in developing an afterschool enrichment program designed to promote reading for pleasure.

The grant will help develop the book club and provide resources to promote independent and shared reading and discussion.

“We are thrilled to receive the grant from Target,” Cypress Trails Principal Tameka Robinson said.

“Our goal is to help students build mastery in reading, and this book

club allows them to do that and have fun.”

The grant is part of Target’s ongoing efforts to build strong, safe and healthy communities across the country.

These efforts include Target’s long history of giving 5 percent of its income to communities, which today equals more than $3 million every week. As part of this commitment, Target is on track to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015 to help kids learn, schools teach and parents and caring adults engage.

“At Target, we are committed to serving local communities where we do business,” Target Commu-

nity Relations President Laysha Ward said. “That’s why we are proud to partner with Cypress Trails Elementary as we work to strengthen communities and enrich the lives of our guests and team members.”

In addition to the grant received

by Cypress Trails, Target also gives through signature programs such as: • Take Charge of Education, a school fundraising initiative that provides undesignated funds to local schools for whatever they need most, from books and school supplies to classroom technology; • Arts Accessibility, free or reduced-price admission to arts and

cultural events nationwide; • Target School Library Makeovers, a program that leverages Target’s world-class design expertise to transform school libraries across the country with new construction, furniture and technology, as well as 2,000 new books; and • Education grants and awards, including Books for Schools Awards, Target Field Trip Grants and Early Childhood Reading Grants, that provide schools, libraries, teachers and nonprofit organizations the resources they need to bring learning to life and put more kids on the path to graduation.

New Horizons Elementary School recently invited school volunteers to an orientation breakf ast, sponsored by the PTA, where they enjoyed food and fellowship while learning various ways they can help at the school. Volunteers are a valuable asset to New Horizons. If you are interested in volunteering at New Horizons, contact guidance counselor Lynne Bray for more information. Pictured here are volunteers at the orientation breakfast.

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Hanley Meets First Lady Michelle Obama Lauren Hanley, a 12-year-old who attends the Bak Middle School of the Arts, had a unique opportunity to meet and speak with First Lady Michelle Obama during her recent trip to South Florida.

The First Lady came to Fort Lauderdale on Aug. 22 for a grassroots campaign event, which more than 2,500 supporters attended.

Hanley was among a handful of guests invited to a reception before the rally, where local dignitaries and community activists were also in attendance.

Hanley’s outreach to her local community, whether it is through serving food to needy families, helping out at homeless events to raise money for programs, or through other means of giving, is

a huge interest of hers that she hopes to one day play a larger role in.

“It was an honor to have been invited to meet and speak with the First Lady, who has done so much to outreach to communities from all around the country,” Hanley said. “She has had huge successes with her wellness and healthy eating project, especially to students, as well as her programs to urge you to give back to your community through volunteering.”

With her desire to better the community around her in mind, Hanley is running for seventhgrade class president at the Bak School of the Arts, where she also served as the sixth-grade senator last school year.

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First Lady Michelle Obama with Lauren Hanley in Fort Lauderdale.

“I am not entirely sure what I tion,” Hanley said. want to be when I get older, but I Hanley is the daughter of Brian am positive that whatever path I and Mary Anne Hanley of Royal take, I want to make a contribu- Palm Beach.

Jordan Daais Completes Marine Recruit Training Marine Corps Pvt. Jordan Daais, son of Amanda and Jehad Daais of Lake Worth, earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C. For 13 weeks, Daais stayed committed during some of the world’s most demanding entrylevel military training in order to be transformed from civilian to Marine.

The training instilled pride, discipline and the core values of honor, courage and commitment.

Training subjects included close-order drill, marksmanship with an M-16A4 rifle, physical fitness, martial arts, swimming, military history, customs and courtesies.

One week prior to graduation, Daais endured the Crucible, a 54hour final test of recruits’ minds and bodies.

Upon completion, recruits are presented the Marine Corps emblem and called Marines for the first time.

Daais is a 2011 graduate of Park Vista High School.

Area Teens Donate Supplies To Pleasant City Elementary School For the past five years, Alex Ng of Wellington High School, and Andre Ferreira and Devin Wallace of Royal Palm Beach High School have been providing Pleasant City Elementary School with backpacks and school supplies.

The boys organized the collection by texting their friends and utilizing the powerful social media of Facebook to network and spread the word. They received donations from students attending Palm Beach Central, Seminole Ridge and William T. Dwyer high schools, as well as many other schools. “I saw a girl walking around the school with a Publix

shopping bag carrying her books when I first visited the school five years ago for a holiday toy drive, and offered to do a backpack drive for them,” Ng said.

So Ng contacted his friends, Ferreira and Wallace, to help out.

“I will try to pass this on to my sister after I graduate high school, so it can keep going,” Ferreira said.

“Just the fact that a lot of my friends want to help, well, that’s a good thing,” Wallace added.

The boys donate gently used backpacks with new school supplies in the fall. They also visit the school in the winter and hold a toy drive.

Alex Ng, Andre Ferreira and Devin Wallace fill the backpacks.

Pleasant City students with their new backpacks.

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September 14 - September 20, 2012 Page 17

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Baby Swan Symbolizes Wellington Horse Community’s Resilience

Two Swans Farm’s new baby swan, Isaac, with his parents, Anthony and Cleopatra.

PHOTO COURTESY CAROL COHEN

Wellington took an unexpected hit from Tropical Storm Isaac, and equestrian estate Two Swans Farm had a unique dilemma during the storm. Thanks to a wellthought-out construction and design, Two Swans’ stables and grounds stayed high and dry. Instead of worrying about horse stables and homestead during the storm, Two Swans owner Carol Cohen had a special concern: a baby swan, now named Isaac, who was born just a day before the storm.

By design, Two Swans was raised well above flood levels, with two ponds adorning the front gate and serving as runoffs for the underground irrigation system. The ponds are also home for the farm’s resident swans.

Two of the farm’s swans, Anthony and Cleopatra, welcomed a new addition — a tiny baby swan born just in time to bear the brunt of Isaac’s heavy rains and winds.

“My biggest concern as the storm approached was the baby swan,” Cohen said. “The parents wouldn’t let me near him!”

While Cohen stood by helplessly, the

CHRISTINA BURRESS WINS BUCA DI BEPPO SWEEPSTAKES

Wellington mother of two Christina Burress was the grand-prize winner of Buca di Beppo’s “Celebrations to Share Facebook” sweepstakes. The contest kicked off in June, and on July 27 Burress was announced as the winner. Contestants were encouraged to participate by liking the Buca di Beppo Facebook page and selecting their celebration preference (either a birthday/anniversary celebration, bridal celebration, family reunion or office celebration).

Fans received one entry each time they visited and played the “Celebrations to Share” game. “I had a great time playing it,” Burress said. “I still can’t believe I won!” Shown above, Burress (third from left) is announced as the winner.

storm raged on the baby swan and his parents. “Thankfully he fared just fine and is now enjoying the freshly filled ponds,” Cohen said with relief. “This little swan is a symbol of resilience, and we named him after the storm.”

When the farms two ponds filled to the brink, leaving no dry bank for the swans to stand on, little Isaac climbed on his mother’s back while she floated around the pond in the storm. Cohen attributes the farm’s resiliency to the vision and insight that she and her late husband Alan Cohen shared with the team of engineers and architects from 5 Star Builders. The farm was built in 2003, with every detail accounted for. Longtime Florida residents, the Cohens understood the dangers of hurricanes and low-lying land, and designed accordingly. Two Swans was raised well above flood levels, and its two ponds serves as runoffs for the underground irrigation system.

“The elaborate irrigation system, multitude of gutters and structured drainage helped to funnel the water away from the structures so that even when the rest of Wellington was swimming, Two Swans

only had full ponds,” Cohen explained.

“When I watched the surrounding properties fill with water, I was sure Two Swans would follow suit.”

Cohen recalled that Two Swans sustained little damage and no flooding following the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005.

“My landscaper arrived a few days after Isaac prepared for the worst, as all of the other properties nearby had sustained significant damage, but he was shocked by how spectacularly Two Swans held up,” she said. “I guess our decision to go the extra mile and perfect the irrigation system was the result of our experience during Hurricane Andrew and my paranoia about standing water.

Everything on the farm was built with hurricanes or flooding in mind, from the wind load on the roof, impact glass in the living area, and of course our irrigation. I even put in a gasoline tank and 80 KW generator. We are quite self-sufficient when Mother Nature decides to strike, and this round with Isaac made it all worth it!”

Two Swans Farm is currently for sale as Cohen and her daughter Rebecca, an

BRENDON REAVY EARNS PURPLE HEART

U.S. Army Specialist Brendon M. Reavy recently received a Purple Heart for injuries suffered while on combat patrol in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. Reavy remains deployed with the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division. He is assigned to the 3rd Squadron 61st Cavalry Regiment based at Fort Carson, Colo. Reavy is the son of Scott and Patricia Reavy of The Acreage and a 2009 Seminole Ridge High School graduate. Shown above, Reavy receives the Purple Heart from Lt. Col. Hancock.

up-and-coming young champion dressage rider, have moved their horses north to enjoy the cooler weather. Cohen was married to the late Alan Cohen, owner of the Boston Celtics, the New Jersey Nets, and chairman of the board of Madison Square Garden, where he ran the New York Knicks and Rangers and started MSG Network. Alan is also in the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, and Carol said sports have always been a big deal in their family.

“Being part of the equestrian scene is in our DNA,” she said. “Immersion in our sport is how I was taught and how we have tried to indoctrinate our daughter Rebecca. Two Swans is the complete package: beautiful, functional, and unique. I have always been very proud of my homes, and Two Swans is no exception. It is a special place, and I am hoping whoever buys it will appreciate it as much as we do.”

Meanwhile, neighbors and horse friends from throughout the horse community are coming over to meet little Isaac and all that he stands for after the storm.

Christopher Allen Helps Construct Naval Medical Facility Overseas Navy Lt. Christopher Allen, a 2000 graduate of Wellington High School who is assigned with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11, Det Musa Qal’ah, recently completed construction of a 3,100square-foot medical facility at a combat outpost in the Musa Qal’ah region of southern Afghanistan.

The medical facility, which houses a trauma ward, two operating rooms, a laboratory, and a post-anesthesia recovery room, will provide medical evacuation support and trauma care for operating forces at numerous outposts and forward operating bases in the Musa Qal’ah region.

U.S. Navy Seabees have a unique expertise in expeditionary construction. Their ability to build a quality product in a contingen-

cy environment during a time of war is reflected in their motto, “We build, we fight.” Enduring extreme heat, high winds and frequent dust storms, members of Detachment Musa Qal’ah took pride in overcoming the challenges of living and working in austere conditions.

Homeported in Gulfport, Miss., Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 is deployed to Afghanistan to conduct general, mobility, survivability engineering operations, defensive operations, Afghan National Army partnering and detachment of units in combined/joint operations area of Afghanistan in order to enable the neutralization of the insurgency and support improved governance and stability operations.

Send Palms West People items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090.

E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.

Page 18 September 14 - September 20, 2012

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NEWS

Council Amends Grille Decision To Remove Cocktail Lounge OK

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report In an attempt to clarify a decision made last month, the Grille Fashion Cuisine was subjected to additional conditions Tuesday in a move that Vice Mayor Howard Coates labeled “anti-competitive.”

The change, clarified by Councilman John Greene, revokes the restaurant’s designation as a cocktail lounge and thereby requires it to comply with state requirements that 51 percent of its daily income be from food and not alcohol.

The council split 3-2 on the change, with Coates and Councilwoman Anne Gerwig opposed.

In August, the restaurant came before council requesting a conditional use permit to be labeled a cocktail lounge, as well as extended hours of operation.

The designation would have allowed the restaurant to make 51 percent of its annual income from food, rather than the daily requirement imposed by the state. The village would have audited the restaurant to be sure they were in compliance.

But Greene said that he believed

ITID

Many Angry Residents

continued from page 1 South Florida Water Management and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” Erickson said.

“This was not your fault, but it will be your fault if you don’t take care of this.”

Longtime community activist Patricia Curry said she has lived in the area for 32 years and had never seen such community-wide flooding.

“A little blame needs to go all the way around,” Curry said. “I feel Indian Trail did not convey to the South Florida Water Management District how flooded we were.

Royal Palm Beach roads were high and dry. I don’t know why we weren’t draining south.”

Damone replied that she did not sleep Sunday, Monday or Tuesday after the storm because she was trying to communicate to every agency she could that the district was flooding. “Nobody recognized that we were flooded to the degree we were,” she said. “We were reaching out, begging for assistance.”

Damone added that she believes The Acreage did not get the attention it deserved until Gov. Scott visited. “Help has been coming in since,” Damone said. “Ev-

Drainage

ALA Offers Presentation

continued from page 3 Royal Palm Beach was sold for development, most of the area’s drainage rights went with it.

“The whole area of Indian Trail Ranches had one inch of outfall for everybody,” he said. “If you had a property, you were allowed to drain one inch of outfall in 24 hours.”

This became problematic when it came to developing Royal Palm Beach, which has the lowest elevation in the area, Erickson said.

“In order to develop Royal Palm, they needed more outfall,” he said. “So they said, ‘We’ll take the outfall from all these acres out here [in The Acreage]. They are swamps that are never going to be developed.’ So they took outfall from what is The Acreage today.”

This gave Royal Palm Beach the drainage it needs, but left the area that became The Acreage with only one-fourth of an inch until 1998. In 1995, large storms flooded the area, prompting ITID to seek more drainage rights, Erickson said.

9/11

Ceremony At Patriot Memorial

continued from page 3 tragedy, the American spirit has

there was confusion over his motion, which he said was to grant the extended hours of operation, but not the cocktail lounge designation.

In a letter to council members, Greene requested the item be put back on the agenda, but not open for public hearing. “The applicant has presented to council and the public has already been given the opportunity to comment,” he wrote.

Greene said he wanted to amend his motion to clarify it, as well as remove the requirement that the village be able to audit the restaurant annually.

Avery Chapman, attorney for the applicant, was ultimately given a chance to speak. He said that the change was unfair. He noted that other restaurants, such as the Players Club, have been given similar designations, and are allowed open later. “The restatement of the motion effectively eviscerates 50 percent of what we asked for,” he said.

The change could affect the restaurant’s ability to stay operational, he cautioned. He noted that

the owners were pro-active in seeking out a designation so to avoid problems.

“I think you need to give us our [designation] so we don’t have problems in Tallahassee,” Chapman said. “We don’t control what people buy. If we have problems in Tallahassee, they could strip us of our license and we could close which, and I don’t say this to be confrontational, will be your fault.”

Owner Juan Gando told council members in August that the conditional use would be necessary to operate under the state’s license — which cost $80,000 — and to be competitive with restaurants like the Players Club, which are open later.

Chapman called on Greene to recuse himself from the decision due to his relationship with Players Club owner Neil Hirsch. “Given the stated relationship, and given past recusals, I urge you… to recuse yourself,” Chapman said.

“I think that it offers the appearance of impropriety.”

Greene admitted that he has been a friend of Hirsch for 30 years, but said that he does not stand to

gain financially from the relationship. “Our relationship is not business related,” he said. “I have consulted with our attorney and sought outside opinions. There is nothing in anyone’s opinion that poses a conflict. I have no intent of recusing myself.”

Coates said that when he seconded Greene’s motion in August, he believed he was granting the Grille a cocktail lounge designation.

“I thought it would be the same thing we did with the Players Club,” he said. “If that wasn’t the motion, there would have been no reason for the village to require that we audit the food and beverage sales.”

Greene said he tacked on the requirement because it came from the Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board.

Coates said he felt that Wellington would be giving a competitive advantage to the Players Club if they didn’t grant the cocktail lounge designation to the Grille.

But Greene said there was no reason to compare the two. “It’s

like comparing apples to oranges,” he said. “Where the Players Club is located and where other restaurants are located is very different than the [area] that the Grille is located in.”

Coates disagreed. “To suggest that there is any meaningful difference between the commercial and the competitive environment of the Players Club and the Grille

ery single one of us was requesting assistance.”

Robert Stevens of the neighboring Deer Run community asserted that water was flowing into his community from Indian Trail.

Stevens, who has served on Deer Run’s property owners’ association board for 15 years, said that during previous floods, water was coming in from Lion Country Safari and Palm Beach Aggregates, but this time, it was from TheAcreage.

“This storm really flooded us,” he said. “We had swamp buggies rescuing horses. Water coming in from Indian Trail kept us flooded for 14 days. This needs to be addressed.”

Damone encouraged Stevens to come to a workshop Tuesday, Sept 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. to discuss the issue further.

Resident Sue Davie-Kunda said drainage should be based on need not on contracts. “If we’re flooded with three feet, we should be given priority,” she said. “It should not be based on who signed what contracts.”

Resident Diana Demarest urged more cooperation between ITID and the county.

“The county was clueless as to our condition,” she said. “I tried to give out as much credible information as possible.”

Demarest said she called the county’s emergency operations

center to get supplies out to people stranded in their homes. “Her response was, “Aren’t you aware we have a pavilion at Acreage Community Park?’ My response was, ‘Aren’t you aware we need a sailboat to get out?” she recalled.

Demarest said she relied on Todd Bonlarron, the county’s intergovernmental coordinator, to coordinate relief efforts with ITID. “I told Todd we need to get the food to the people,” she said, noting that emergency responders did not become available until the Wednesday after the storm.

Sandra Love-Semande, a former ITID employee and supervisor, said she had never seen this type of flooding. “It’s a little ridiculous to only have a quarter-inch a day discharge,” she said. “I really want Acreage residents to stay on top of this. I don’t want to come to another meeting to get answers.

It’s the same old status quo, and I’m getting tired of it.”

Love-Semande also questioned why the Corbett area is allowed to keep the water level dangerously high. “I know there have been talks and letters and meetings,” she said. “Someone needs to step up to the plate here.”

Damone said the board has written numerous letters to the state that Corbett is holding water levels too high. “We have been recording those levels in Corbett for a reason,” she said. “There is a

water level issue in Corbett.”

Damone said that although she did not agree with everything that had been said that evening, she understood everyone’s anger and frustration. “Now is the time to move forward,” she said. “We need to unite together for additional discharge.”

Damone passed out a draft resolution to board members pledging that the board would work with other agencies, including the SFWMD and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, to address long-term solutions. Supervisor Carol Jacobs made a motion to approve the resolution, which carried 5-0.

Supervisor Carlos Enriquez made a motion to delay construction of the community center until the board figures out what to do about infrastructure improvements. That motion also carried unanimously.

Damone also asked that resolutions be written thanking numerous agencies and property owners that allowed ITID emergency drainage onto their property or through their canals during the flood’s aftermath, including Royal Palm Beach, the SFWMD, the School District of Palm Beach County, GL Homes and CalleryJudge Grove.

Jacobs made a motion to have those resolutions written, which carried 5-0.

LGWCD

“In 1998, the district engineer revised the existing permit [with the South Florida Water Management District] and got us some of the conditional outfall,” he said.

“It took us from 1995 to 1998 to get the permit adjusted, and there have been no adjustments to that permit since.”

When The Acreage was developed, it was done in a way to help drain the area, Erickson noted. Excess water is meant to flow out of the yards and into the canal system, which is made up of both the small canals that are often found at the end of dirt roads as well as the larger canals that run throughout the area.

“The water drains into our swale and, from there, makes it to some secondary canals,” he said. “From there, it gets into the larger canals and then falls out to the community where it becomes another agency’s responsibility.”

Some water has to collect in the yards, he said, because most of the homes use well water. “The water percolates down into the soil and back into the water table,” he said. “We need to replenish those wells.”

In The Acreage, Erickson said that the lowest-lying area is south of Orange Blvd. and west of Roy-

al Palm Beach Blvd.

“That area was hit the hardest,” he said. “If it weren’t for the canals, they would have actually had trapped water. Though they were pumping water to try and get it down, it didn’t look like the water was moving from the lowest elevation.”

Using maps and graphs, Erickson showed the area’s drainage system, which flows either out west, or north and south through the M-1 canal.

“There’s a whole balancing act,” he explained. “The M-1 impoundment pumps 500,000 gallons per minute. But the pump stations can only be turned on when there is capacity in the upper basin of the M-1 Canal.”

He explained that if the canal is overflowing, pumping more water in will “just be passing water back and forth.”

But the SWFMD’s strict environmental standards for water flowing into the Everglades can pose a problem, he said. “The pumps work, the water flows, but they don’t meet the 10 parts per million phosphates, so it’s not considered operational,” he explained.

Erickson said that the SFWMD’s priorities have shifted over the years from flood control

to enforcing environmental standards. “Environmentalists have taken over, and any flood control issues have moved to the bottom,” he said.

Another issue, he said, is with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who designated a crucial reservoir as a wetlands, further hindering drainage capabilities in the area.

“I don’t think they should be able to come in here and say, ‘Oh you made it so nice that it’s a wetlands now,’” he said. “There are two culprits here, if you ask me.”

Erickson encouraged the community to get involved and urge ITID to make whatever improvements it can, as well as put pressure on other agencies to prevent flooding in the future.

“We need to get people to show up and put pressure so we get the proper outfall permit,” he said.

He added, however, that it will take the community actually coming out and putting pressure on officials to solve the problem.

“Will the community wake up, or will it bury its head again when the issue is not in its face?” he asked. “We can have 1,200 people screaming on Facebook, but they don’t come out for the real answers and solutions.”

endured. “Today we are able to put aside our differences and remember that we are Americans,” he said. “We will come together, and our resolve will never be broken.

A senseless act of terror… doesn’t change who we are.”

Councilman Matt Willhite, who spearheaded the Patriot Memorial

project, said he was glad to have a special place for residents to gather and remember those lost.

“This piece of steel only represents one aspect of that terrible day,” he said. “There were the lives lost in Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon. We’re here to remember every life that was lost that

day. As a country, and as a community, we come together to remember.”

By commemorating the day, Willhite said, those lives were not lost in vain. “It’s the spirit inside each one of you that reminds us of who they were and carries their legacy on,” he said.

Mayor Bob Margolis welcomes the crowd.

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig recalls the events of 9/11.

Wellington officials salute the flag as Wellington Idol winner Cara Young sings.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Attorney

In-House?

continued from page 1 owe it to the residents to see what else is out there,” he said. “I’ve always believed a municipality our size needs to have an in-house counsel. I think the time is right to do it now.”

Rather than putting the burden on staff to evaluate the matter, Willhite suggested hiring a consulting company to evaluate information and make a recommendation to council.

Gerwig said that it would just be doing studies on top of studies. “To me it seems like we don’t

Line Of Credit

continued from page 1 annual fee to carry the line of credit, although it had not charged a fee at all prior to that.

However, BankUnited proposed an annual fee of $4,000, which is 1 percent of the credit line amount. He also asked SunTrust Bank if it would be willing to reduce the annual renewal fee from $2,000 to $1,000, and it agreed. The current emergency line of credit agreement expires Sept. 23.

Ryan made a motion to approve Suncoast’s fee of $1,000. “The fee is one quarter of 1 percent,” Ryan said. “That’s a very reasonable fee.

For the benefit of having a $400,000 line of credit that’s secured against FEMA and other agencies, it is reasonable to have each year. I’d feel much more comfortable having this to rely on rather than dollars we have in the bank we may need for other purposes.”

Supervisor Don Widing agreed, saying he had just gone through a similar process at his job trying to get coverage. “We’re at the peak of hurricane season right now,” Widing said. “I recommend we approve this.”

The motion carried 5-0.

• The board also approved a referendum process for stabilization of North B Road with OGEM. In May, the district received a petition from the property owners who access their property from B Road between the intersections of Okeechobee Blvd. and North Road, requesting that the board improve the road following the procedures set forth in the district’s enabling legislation for the other OGEM paving projects recently completed by the district.

The district has estimated the costs for stabilizing the section of B Road will be a total of $668,942.

The acres benefiting from improvements are estimated to be 748, which would give an estimated cost per acre of $895.

The estimated annual cost per acre, if financed over 10 years, would be $108, assuming an interest rate of 4 percent annually.

A workshop has been set for Saturday, Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m. to explain the process to the property owners. Ryan made a motion to approve the process, which carried 5-0.

• The board also decided to hire

Blotter continued from page 6 deputy was able to retrieve fingerprints and a DNA sample from the vehicle. Video surveillance footage was available, but there were no suspects at the time of the report.

SEPT. 9 — A Royal Palm Beach woman was arrested last Sunday afternoon on charges of theft after she was observed stealing cash from JCPenney. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation responded to the Mall at Wellington Green after 53-year-old Cheryl Veneziano, an employee of the store, was observed stealing $50 cash from the cash register. Veneziano was arrested and charged with theft.

SEPT. 9 — A resident of Collecting Canal Road called the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last Sunday morning to report an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 2:30 a.m., the victim heard a loud noise outside his property and later observed that approximately 40 feet of his wooden fence had been damaged. The victim said he believed a tractor caused the damage. According to the report, the victim then discovered that another 10-foot section of his fence had also been damaged in a similar manner. Accord-

is disingenuous,” he said.

He noted that the Players Club already benefits from having later hours of operation. “I cannot come up with a justifiable reason why we would treat one business different than another,” Coates said.

But the majority disagreed, and Greene’s motion carried 3-2 with Coates and Gerwig opposed. want to have the responsibility of this choice,” she said.

But Margolis disagreed, pointing out that Wellington used a similar method to decide whether it should have its own police force.

Willhite made a motion to draft a request for a consultant. The motion carried 4-1 with Gerwig opposed.

“I don’t see any harm in exploring what our options are,” Greene said. “For me, this is not about making a change. It may be complete validation that the system we have in place is the best system. I just think we have a financial obligation to the tax payers to look at what our options are.”

a new contractor to control vegetation growth after flooding during Tropical Storm Isaac was complicated by excessive vegetation.

Saunier said the spray used by the current contractor, DGC Environmental Services, proved to be inadequate and recommended the contract be terminated.

Saunier said his staff had attempted to work with the contractor about insufficient service for the past several months. Two site reviews were conducted with the owner where excessive vegetation growth was identified for immediate action. The contractor responded each time with additional manpower to spray the overgrown vegetation, but the chemical treatment proved to be inadequate.

Saunier recommended that the contract with DGC be terminated for default, provided that the contractor would be given 30 days written notice specifying the default and would have the opportunity to correct the problem within that time.

Saunier also recommended that the district’s procurement and contracting policy requirements for soliciting new aquatic vegetation control bids be waived and a new agreement with the previously advertised RFP’s second lowest bidder, DeAngelo Brothers/ Aquagenix Inc., be executed contingent upon DGC Environmental Services’ termination.

Saunier recommended waiving the bid process due to the critical, immediate need for the district to secure an aquatic vegetation control contractor during the hurricane season. DeAngelo was the provider for many years prior to the current contractor.

Supervisor Don Widing made a motion to approve the termination process, and it carried 5-0.

• The board also decided to hold a workshop to iron out terms of a new contract with Saunier, whose current contract expires in November. Saunier has been administrator for 14 years and was hired at a time of instability in the district.

The contract offered Saunier many benefits, including a separation package that assured supervisors would not terminate him for frivolous reasons.

The workshop was set for Monday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. Several supervisors said they might favor offering Saunier the same benefits package as other employees, and set a salary range. ing to the report, the victim’s wife also heard the noise and went outside to find a large yellow frontend loader tractor followed by a white Chevy pickup truck traveling south on A Road. She said she did not observe either vehicle causing damage to the fence. According to the report, the deputy observed large tire tracks, consistent with a tractor, along the fence line near the damaged areas. The deputy followed the tire tracks to a gated private property. According to the report, the deputy was unable to make contact with the homeowners and could not see if there was a tractor on the property. The damage was estimated at $300. There was no further information available at the time of the report.

SEPT. 10 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched Monday morning to a car dealership on Southern Blvd. regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 3:30 p.m. last Sunday and 11:30 a.m. the following morning, someone entered an unlocked truck and removed a navigation system along with the interior dash panels. The stolen items were valued at approximately $2,900. There were no suspects or witnesses available at the time of the report.

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NEWS

AN INFORMATIVE GOOD TIME AT WELLINGTON JEWISH CENTER’S OPEN HOUSE The Wellington Jewish Center held an open house, “shofar factory” and family barbecue Sunday, Sept. 9 at the shul location in the Wellington Courtyard Shops. Families enjoyed food while watching Rabbi Mendy Muskal give a kosher shofar-making demonstration, discussing the shofar’s history and how it is used. For more info., visit www.wellingtonjewishcenter.org. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Rabbi Mendy Muskal leads a kosher shofar-making demonstration.

Wellington Jewish Center co-director Miriam Muskal grills burger patties with her daughter, Mushkie Muskal.

Herschel Mendelwager with Ira Steinberg.

Reesa Davis, Basia Schober and Teddi Davis enjoy the barbecue.

Jenny and Shari Zbar tour the shul.

Siblings David, George and Leah Matar.

BIRDING EXPERT ATTENDS GARDEN CLUB’S FIRST MEETING OF NEW SEASON The Wellington Garden Club held its first meeting of the new season Monday, Sept. 10 at the Wellington Community Center. Members participated in a business meeting followed by a lunch and a program presented by birding expert James Currie. For more info., visit PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER www.wellingtongardenclub.org.

Second Vice President Joan Kaplan, guest speaker James Currie and President Susan Hillson.

Wellington Garden Club President Susan Hillson, First Vice President Twig Morris and second vice president Joan Kaplan with the executive committee members.

New members Kathy Siena, Taryn Owsley and Evvy Bartley.

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County, Horse Owners On Jim Brandon Concerns

For the second installment in a series about Tropical Storm Isaac’s impact on the local equestrian community, columnist Ellen Rosenberg talks to county officials and local horse owners about their frustration due to the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center not being available after the storm. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25

September 14 - September 20, 2012 Page 23

Hawks Football Squad Falls In Opener To Park Vista

The Seminole Ridge High School varsity football team held its season opener against Park Vista on Friday, Sept. 7 at Callery-Judge Stadium, with the Hawks falling to the Cobras 21-7. The Hawks battled mostly on defense to close out the last minutes of the game but were unable to close the gap. Page 35

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business K&E Travel Makes Vacation Planning An Easy Task For Any Type Of Traveler

Redefining the travel industry, K&E Travel has made it easier for the average person to plan a vacation and even become a travel agent. Owner Mark Elie is an experienced businessman with a background in promotions who decided to expand his business to include travel. K&E Travel recently relocated its office headquarters to Wellington from Greenacres. It handles all types of vacations but specializes in cruises and tours. Page 27

Sports RPBHS Football Comes Up Short Against John I. Leonard, Falling 21-16

The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team fell to John I. Leonard 21-16 on Thursday, Sept. 6 at the Lancers’ home. Though the Wildcats jumped out to an early lead, the Lancers came from behind in the fourth quarter to score, leaving no time for Royal Palm Beach to catch up. Page 35

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES ........................25-26 BUSINESS NEWS.................................. 27-29 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ...................... 31 SPORTS & RECREATION........................ 35-37 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ......................38-39 CLASSIFIEDS ........................................40-44

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FEATURES

County, Horse Owners Respond To Jim Brandon Concerns Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of columns by Ellen Rosenberg on Tropical Storm Isaac and the equestrian community.

They say you should hide from wind, but run from water. Had we known…

On Friday, Aug. 31, I called the Emergency Operations Center. They referred me to Animal Care & Control, which handles any animal-related matters for them.

“We are a core component of the EOC, and have people sitting in on their meetings when needed. After Tropical Storm Isaac, we responded to reports of horses standing in water, many in the Deer Run/Fox Trail area,” said Capt. David Walesky, operations manager.

“We went out in airboats on Friday morning, Aug. 31, and offered to bring them hay and feed, if needed. We didn’t trailer any horses out, but we did make sure they had free access to higher ground or could bring the horses to someplace dry.”

“Why wasn’t Jim Brandon made available?”

I asked.

“There was a lot of discussion on that,” he replied. “There were other, larger facilities available: Palm Meadows and Sunshine Meadows, so the need to open Jim Brandon did not exist.”

Gary Van Den Broek is the general manager of Palm Meadows Training Center in BoynGet updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/ HorseTalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg ton Beach. This complex, along with Sunshine Meadows in Delray Beach, were made available to horse owners whose barns had flooded. The 40-barn facility, with a total of 1,424 stalls on 304 acres, normally houses race horses during the winter racing season.

“I got involved when Linda Wirtz, assistant manager at the Jim Brandon facility, contacted me on Monday morning, Aug. 27,” Van Den Broek recalled. “She came out and met with me, and I said, ‘Of course, no problem.’

We had plenty of dry, empty stalls, and people were welcome to use them, as long as they had current Coggins tests on the horses and could do their own care and feeding. I don’t have the personnel to watch other people’s horses.”

The first horses arrived later that afternoon, mostly from Loxahatchee and The Acreage.

“By Friday morning, Aug. 31, we had 35 horses. They seemed very happy and did well.

I was glad we were able to help out,” he said.

“Horse people stick together and lend a hand in times of need. I know having to come out here to feed twice a day is a huge hike for

some people, but they love their horses.”

LaVerne Jones has lived in Loxahatchee Groves for 10 years and has “seven and a quarter” horses: one is a three-month-old foal. Jones is also a retired Broward County police officer with 24 years’ experience, some of it helping move and care for horses in emergencies.

“When the rains came on Sunday, Aug. 26, I could already see we were going under,” she recalled. “By Monday, it was knee-deep and getting worse. I’d been through the three hurricanes, and I never saw flooding like this before. I started getting a little crazy. Even though I didn’t want to, I knew I had Standing water on LaVerne Jones’ property. to move my horses. I had no choice.” port it, but I was told to go to the other, private Jones called the Jim Brandon facility, then barns, Palm Meadows or Sunshine Meadows. talked to, e-mailed or left messages for all kinds The county basically blew us off.” of people in authority at the county: Wirtz, Jones was also annoyed by the different Eric Call, Commissioner Jess Santamaria. reasons she heard as to why.

“All I wanted was to bring my horses to Jim “I got different stories. I was told the faciliBrandon, but I was told that was not going to ty was damaged. Then they said it wasn’t happen,” she said. “It was ludicrous! Those equipped to board horses. I told them I didn’t other facilities were too far to go to care for want to board my horses, just keep them there them twice a day. Here was this nearby, beau- a few days until the water receded,” she said. tiful facility, high and dry. I pay taxes to supSee ROSENBERG, page 26

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FEATURES

Spending Time With My Parents Brings Back Memories I got to spend some time with my parents this summer. You’d love my parents. Everyone does.

They’re the perfect combination of Ricky and Lucy, Rob and Laura, George and Gracie — all those icons of 1950s television but with reality thrown in for good measure. They are, in fact, their own reality sitcom.

Mom was always the pillar of our home, but I didn’t figure this out until I was about 40, when I asked her. I said, “If women have the babies, if women do better in school, if women are constantly being chased by men, how come women don’t rule the world?” I asked her.

Her answer will stick with me forever — “They do.”

Get your Sonic Boomer humor every day!

Follow Deborah Welky on Twitter at twitter.com/TheSonicBoomer. On Facebook, stop by “The Sonic Boomer” page and click the “Like” button.

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER That’s when I realized the true meaning of “working behind the scenes.”

Mom may have been ruling the roost, but when I was growing up, Dad was the quintessential 1950s dad — he went to work, he brought home the pay, he stepped in whenever brute force was needed, like to open a pickle jar.

He also provided the firm, stable base that allowed the rest of us — including Mom — to exercise our creative options. My brother Jim created (and rode) 16-foot-tall bicycles with inverted forks; my brother Dave built most of

a Lamborghini in the basement (then realized he wouldn’t be able to drive it out); my sister Pam wrote plays (one of which was produced using Equity actors); and I, well, I do a little needlepoint.

When my parents and I are together, we like to reminisce or, as we call it, “compare notes.” For instance, they may not remember exactly which child came up with the idea of riding down the stairs in a plastic laundry basket. I do; it was Jimmy. (It was always Jimmy.)

For my part, I don’t remember the details of the time I was taken to the hospital after catching two wasps under my shirt while doing flips on the jungle gym.

“That’s because you were in shock,” my mother said, matter-of-factly. “You’re allergic to one-millionth of a sting!”

Good to know.

Once, my sister Pam came running up from the basement with a pick-up stick poking out of her eye. We’d been playing down there, and something went horribly wrong.

“Well, pull it out!” Mom chided. “You don’t want to go to the emergency room, do you?”

The threat of the emergency room always loomed large. For Mom and Dad, it was probably due to the expense. For us, it was a place known to harbor needle-waving doctors.

My best friend, Bonnie, said the only real fun she had growing up was at our house.

Her parents were older, somewhat refined, and therefore less likely to put a rubber hot dog in your bun. Not Dad, although he could take a joke as well as he could dish them out.

One time, we were playing a card game on the floor. Dad bent over too far and, when he came up, there was an ace of spades stuck to his forehead. We kids laughed ourselves sick while he, perplexed, looked from one of us to the other. This summer, I finally had to let him in on the joke. After all, it has been 30 years.

Come to think of it, unraveling those mysteries may be the real reason they come to see me.

When My Computer Didn’t Work, I Found The Help I Needed Getting good service is almost unheard of these days. Thus, when my computer more or less decided I needed to upgrade, I felt deep despair. I once was young; and that was before there were many computers. I learned how to use them, but they have become increasingly complex over the years. Of course, they all claim that they simplify things, but my first computer program, Appleworks, was 250 kilobytes, and that served as word processor, database and spreadsheet. Now, any one of those programs is 100 times as large, particularly because they can do billions of things I no longer need.

When I bought my old computer a decade ago, I thought having 40 gigabytes in a hard drive was crazy. Of course, I had thought that five megabytes was crazy 30 years ago. But there was limited space, and Microsoft, that most gentle of computer giants, had already announced it would stop providing service for XP machines, a form of computer euthanasia. So I upgraded to a far more powerful but, unfortunately, cursed (pronounced in two syllables for emphasis: curs-ED) model.

Learning from past frustration, I decided to actually go to people who understood the latest doohickeys. Years ago, setting up a new

Rosenberg

Isaac, Part 2

continued from page 25 “I have a horse trailer with living quarters. I offered to stay right there with my horses or do whatever the county required, same as they would for a horse show, keep a night watch, even pay for stalls. I got nothing. I tried going through channels and got nowhere.”

Jones finally ended up bringing her horses to a friend’s barn on Tuesday, then back home again Friday.

“My feeling was that the main county horse venue should have been made available in this emergency situation,” she said. “I hope they change this policy for any future emergencies. A local horse group could easily be part of this plan. I know a lot of horse owners

computer required saving a few CDs of data and then moving a few programs. Putting the computer together just required plugging in different types of plugs and wires.

But I am currently part of a home wireless network required both for my wife’s laptop for work and my Kindle. Some elements are wireless; others are not. Transferring 25 gigs of material takes a huge amount of time and more precision than I have. And we no longer can simply transfer programs from one machine to another using backup disks. So I turned to the charming guys at Fix My PC Store on Okeechobee Blvd., just west of State Road 7.

I got the kind of service we now only dream about. Remember movies in the old days when, at gas stations, attendants ran over, checked your oil, washed your windows and

checked your tires while they filled your gas tank (for about as much money as a single gallon costs today) and did it with a grin?

Well, I needed that kind of service and happily got it.

I brought the new machine to them one Wednesday (the day after I bought it) along with my old machine. “It’s easier to do the copying here,” Brian, one of the owners, told me. And he was at my house within two minutes of the appointed time the next day. It took him less than an hour to check everything out, making certain that everything worked, giving good advice.

That was fine, but three hours later, I walked back into my office and found that the screen on the new, very large monitor would not light, and I could not find a switch. The computer itself was on, but I could see nothing. A halfhour later, Chris, one of the workers, drove to my house, agreed with me that there were no switches, and together we found out that under the screen on the right side there was a small infrared sensor that you had to flick your finger under to get the screen lit. He had taken time to drive to my home and back but refused to charge, saying, “It’s part of the service.”

After that, I discovered that the new surge

would volunteer and get involved. There could be a rescue team to help catch loose horses or pick up and transport horses needing a ride. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel.”

Maria Vitale runs Kindred Spirit Equine Emergency Medical Transport. She helped as many people as she could, moving more than 20 horses to friends’ farms or Palm Meadows.

“Some people pitched a hissy fit when they found out we couldn’t use Jim Brandon,” she said. “We pay for that facility. We should be allowed to use it. A lot of us feel like the county let us down.”

Vitale thinks the horse community needs to be better organized in the case of an emergency.

“We should definitely get a team of people

together who can respond during times like this, an equine rescue team,” she said. “There are a lot of horse neighborhoods and towns in this area: Jupiter Farms, Caloosa, The Acreage, Little Ranches, Loxahatchee, Wellington, Deer Run, Fox Trail, White Fences. I think we should get together with two to four representatives from each area and train them in horse and large animal rescue.”

There is work to do before and after the storm.

“We should have spotters out assessing the roads so we know what routes are OK to drive,” Vitale continued. “There should be teams in place ready to bring hay and grain to barns who’ve been flooded. We should use this storm as a learning experience so we can get things right the next time. Let’s not let this happen again.”

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

protector I had bought had a side on-off switch that I had accidentally pushed when I vacuumed under the desk, turning the machine off. Brian, who drove over after my panicky call, thought it was amusing and again refused to charge. When I called up in a panic because my illuminated keyboard would not light, Andrew calmly had me check the box it had come in (never get rid of boxes for computers quickly!), and I found a cable that had to be used to recharge it. Then my printer refused to work, and Mario, who manned the desk at the store, gave me suggestions. I went home, called him when those suggestions did not work, and we discovered that upgrading to the new Windows meant I needed new software to clean off the printer head. And we took care of it together.

So far, just about every piece of the computer has had something go wrong with it, mostly confirming my incompetence, and the guys at the store keep providing service. And at no charge beyond the initial installation.

Too bad we can’t get service like that for everything we buy. But if you have computer problems, who ya gonna call? Fix My PC Store.

Call them at (561) 439-5224 or visit www.fixmy pcstore.com.

Fitness Games Fight Childhood Obesity The Royal Palm Beach Parks & Recreation Department will offer an indoor version of Crazy Games from Saturday, Oct. 6 through Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Crazy Games is intended to attract children ages 4-13 who don’t participate in traditional competitive sports and need extra motivation to be physically active. It is open to all kids regardless of their athletic ability.

During the summer, more than 2,000 children participated in the program countywide.

For more information, call (561) 386-9703 or (561) 790-5124, or visit www.crazygamesfl. com. Registration is available online at www. royalpalmbeach.com or at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center.

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BUSINESS NEWS

K&E Travel owner Mark Elie in his new Wellington office.

PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

K&E Travel Makes Vacation Planning Easy For Any Type Of Traveler

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Redefining the travel industry, K&E Travel has made it easier for the average person to plan a vacation and even become a travel agent.

Owner Mark Elie is an experienced businessman with a background in promotions who decided to expand his business to include travel.

Elie particularly chose to go into the travel industry because of his interest in travel. “I enjoy traveling, and I’ve been many places,” he said. “My favorite thing to do is go on cruises.”

K&E Travel recently relocated its office headquarters to Wellington from Greenacres, where the company had been since it started.

A 23-year resident of Wellington, Elie thought it would be a great place to relocate. “We are new to Wellington, but not new to travel,” he said.

K&E Travel handles all types of vacations but specializes in cruises and tours. “That’s the bulk of our business,” Elie said.

In 2001, Elie made a monumental business move by deciding to take K&E Travel a step further to become a host agency. “We have agents all over the country,” he said. “We have over 3,000 agents who book travel through us and gain a commission.”

As a host agency, its agents are able to work under the K&E Travel license. “They earn commission whether they book for themselves, friends, relatives or business associates,” Elie said.

By working either independently or with help from K&E Travel, agents are able to build up their own business. “They can either book it through the vendors directly, using our identification numbers, or they work for our office and we help them do the bookings,” Elie said.

Ninety percent of the planning and book-

ings are done over the phone or on the Internet. K&E Travel agents communicate with clients on a daily, weekly or monthly basis depending on the clients’ needs. “We create something for the clients depending on what their needs are,” Elie explained.

When assisting clients in planning for a vacation, agents initially ask many types of questions to find out what type of vacation the client is looking for.

“They ask them things like what’s their budget and whether they want to drive or fly,” Elie said. “They try to understand exactly what they are looking for, and then they make suggestions based on what the client tells them.”

Agents can plan for all types of people in various situations, from large groups to people on tight budgets. For local residents, K&E Travel Manager Jim Norman is able to meet with clients in person at the company’s new location. “He has been in the travel industry for over 20 years up in Boston, so he knows what he’s doing,” Elie said.

Planning a vacation on your own can be overwhelming, and K&E Travel understands how frustrating it can get for its clients. “Over the Internet there are thousands of sites, and it gets very confusing,” Elie said. “And statistically, this was in the Wall Street Journal, 85 percent of all travel bookings, other than airline tickets, are booked through a live person.”

With so many different options, it’s easier to have someone who can tell people specific types of information. “They want to talk to a live person who knows all the right information, and we are going to take care of you,” Elie said. “If you have any problems or questions or concerns, we are just a phone call away.”

K&E Travel is located at 12789 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 2C. For more information, visit www.ketravel.com or call (561) 966-9808.

September 14 - September 20, 2012 Page 27

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BUSINESS NEWS

Wellington Chamber Welcomes Wellington Delivery Dudes The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has announced that Wellington Delivery Dudes recently started business in Wellington and has become a chamber member. The company’s goal is to serve the community and meet all of its delivery needs.

Wellington Delivery Dudes is owned and operated by two young entrepreneurs, Melissa Siegler and Michael Fraunfelter. Siegler was

born and raised in Columbia, S.C., where she attended the University of South Carolina. She moved to Delray Beach in 2010.

Fraunfelter is from Columbus, Ohio. He moved to Tampa in 2000 and then Delray Beach in 2007. Siegler was good friends with Fraunfelter’s fiancée, which is how Siegler and Fraunfelter met. Both wanted to be entrepreneurs and own a busi-

Panera Bread Partners With Quantum House Panera Bread is partnering with Quantum House for its annual Quarters for Quantum campaign.

Customers who contribute to the Operation Dough-Nation boxes at Palm Beach County cafes help care for the families who stay at Quantum House. Panera will collect on behalf of Quantum House for the remainder of the year.

Panera’s Operation Dough-Nation efforts are in conjunction with its sponsorship of Quantum House’s Quarters for Quantum campaign.

Quarters for Quantum is a grassroots fundraiser that invites the

community to play a part making Quantum House a place where hope has a home. Already, local schools, businesses organizations and individuals have received their canisters and started collecting change.

“We are honored to host the Quarters for Quantum campaign in support of Quantum House in West Palm Beach. This is about doing our part to help make a difference for local children in need of medical care,” said Sam Covelli, owner and operator of Covelli Enterprises.

For more information, call (561) 494-0515 or visit www.quantum house.org.

ness, so they decided to join forces and become partners. They were both familiar with the delivery business and saw that there was a need for their service in Wellington, so they created Wellington Delivery Dudes.

“Whatever you need, no matter what time of day, Wellington Delivery Dudes is going to deliver it to you,” Siegler said.

It appears some area businesses believe the same. Duffy’s Sports Grill, Bru’s Room Sports Grill, Heritage Hens, Schaefer Drugs and Taylor Made Cafe are using Delivery Dudes’ services to deliver meals, goods and products to customers in the area.

Fraunfelter noted that although Wellington Delivery Dudes initially focused on working with area restaurants to deliver meals, he and Siegler plan on making it the go-to company to call when your need anything picked up or delivered. Fraunfelter foresees doing actual grocery shopping and other errands for Wellington residents who are either too tired after work, are physically unable to leave them homes, or are simply too busy and need some help.

“We are here, and we are local.

We always pick up the phone,” Siegler said. “Your call goes straight to

Ribbon Cutting — Wellington Delivery Dudes owners Michael Fraunfelter and Melissa Siegler (third and fourth from left) with Wellington Chamber ambassadors Melissa Wise, Dale Grimm, Bob Salerno, Mark “Boz” Bozicevic, Christian Lopez and Maria Vassallo. our cell phones so when you need to talk to us, we’re going to answer that call. We give you a time frame.

If we say 45 minutes, we’re going to be there in 20 to 30 minutes. That’s our goal.”

For more information about Wellington Delivery Dudes, visit www.

wellingtondeliverydudes.com or contact the company via e-mail at info@wellingtondeliverydudes.com or by phone at (561) 800-4979.

For more information about the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, visit its web site at www.wellington chamber.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Pahokee Rotary Club Installs Its New Officers For 2012-13 The Pahokee Rotary Club recently held its annual installation. The new officers were officially installed by club member and Wellington resident Barnie Walker, who informed them of their responsibilities for the 2012-13 year.

The new members of the board of directors are Elizabeth “Liz” Cayson, president; Julia Hale, vice president; Kay Brand, treasurer; Mary York, secretary; Donia Roberts, sergeant at arms; Mike Garcia; Walker; and Pastor Patti Aupperlee.

“We need leadership, and Liz exemplifies the true meaning of leadership,” Walker said during the installation of Cayson as president.

“She will do a wonderful job as president of the club.”

During her acceptance speech, Cayson noted that Rotary International’s theme this year is “peace through service.”

“I do not know what every club’s success story will be, nor do I know what every district will accomplish,” she said. “But I know this year with the support of all of our members, we will be proactive and provide community service projects to promote peace through service.”

Francisco Alvarez, Mary York, Terri Wescott, Mike Garcia, Liz Cayson, Donia Roberts, Kay Brand and Craig Korbly. Not pictured: Julia Hale.

Cayson is married to Sgt. Trevor Cayson of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and is employed by the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in health services with a specialization in community health education and advocacy at Walden University.

Rotary District Gov. Terri Wescott, a resident of Royal Palm Beach, was one of the distinguished guests to attend the installation. She present-

ed Brand with the “Rotarian of the Year” award. Brand, a Royal Palm Beach resident and manager of the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office in Belle Glade, received the award this year for her dedicated and invaluable service to the club. Each year the club recognizes an outstanding member who goes above and beyond his or her duties.

The Pahokee Rotary Club has been active since 1929.

September 14 - September 20, 2012 Page 29

Equestrian Hypnosis Training In West Palm Laura Boynton King’s Summit Hypnosis Performance Training nine-day course will be held Sept.

29 through Oct. 7 at the Hampton Inn West Palm Beach Airport Hotel, with two bonus business development days Oct. 8-9.

Many equestrian entrepreneurs report that it is getting much more difficult to increase and maintain their client base during a time when it seems as if the market is quickly becoming saturated with a rapid emergence of new equine client services. In fact, many traditional trainers and riding instructors have begun incorporating various aspects of sports and life coaching into their business, and therefore are able to offer a more robust value proposition to both new and existing clients.

Now horse-related business owners can become certified hypnotists and offer an additional service to their clients.

The course is a basic to advanced hypnosis certification program and includes detailed instruction on how to build and sustain a viable hypnosis practice. Participants will learn the skills to be an effective hypnotist as well as the secrets to creating

a successful, stand-alone, full- or part-time practice, or how to incorporate hypnosis into an existing business. The course will explain what hypnosis is (and is not) and why it works; how to successfully hypnotize someone, including several induction techniques with hands-on practice during training; and neuro-linguistic programming and how to use it to bolster the hypnotists success with time-line therapy, how to write and customize hypnosis scripts for weight loss, stress management, pain management, sleep improvement, peak performance in any sport, peak performance at work, relationship enhancement and more.

Boynton King is a certified hypnosis instructor, master neuro-linguistic programming practitioner, certified sports hypnotist and performance coach, and life coach.

The cost to attend the course is $2,497 for the full nine days and $697 for the two bonus business development days. Attendees will receive more than $4,500 in course materials and bonuses.

For more information, call (561) 841-7603 or visit www.lauraking.net.

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Norton Museum To Hold Chinese Moon Festival Sept. 29 The Norton Museum of Art’s seventh annual Chinese Moon Festival Celebration, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 29 from noon to 5 p.m.

This celebration of Chinese art and culture is filled with children’s games, family art projects, tours of the museum’s world-renowned Chinese collections as well as traditional Chinese moon cakes and tea. The afternoon is highlighted by a performance of Monkey King: Journey to the West, featuring renowned storyteller Diane Wolkstein.

The Moon Festival is free with regular museum admission, though the Norton is honoring Smithsonian magazine’s national Museum Day Live tickets, each of which is valid for two free adult admissions. (Sat-

urdays are also free to West Palm Beach residents.)

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of China’s most important holidays — the others being the Chinese New Year and the Dragon Boat Festival.

On this day, family members and friends gather to admire the bright mid-autumn harvest moon and eat moon cakes.

Steeped in tradition and legend, this centuries-old harvest celebration has become an annual all-ages event at the Norton.

“Each year, this event draws families, students and adults to the museum to experience different aspects of Chinese culture,” said Glenn Tomlinson, William Randolph Hearst Curator of Education. “This year, we are truly fortunate to have Diane Wolkstein perform Monkey King.”

A young Moon Festival attendee earnestly tries his hand at writing Chinese characters.

PHOTO BY TOM BRODIGAN

Through performances, teaching, books and recordings, Wolkstein has played a major role in the renewed interest in mythology and the modern storytelling movement.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg named June 22, 2007 “Diane Wolkstein Day,” in honor of the artist’s 40 years of storytelling in New York, where she initiated America’s first graduate storytelling program and pioneered a yearround storytelling program for parks and schools.

Monkey King: Journey to the West is one of the three great Chinese epics. Written in the 16th century, the historically based saga recounts the poignant and humorous adventures of the impetuous, determined, irascible and yet loveable, superhero Monkey King. Wolkstein has performed the story throughout the world to great acclaim, most recently in Singapore, Taiwan, Australia and the Asian Museum of Art in San Francisco.

The tale is appropriate for age 9 and older.

The Moon Festival schedule is as follows: • Noon to 3 p.m. —A Chinese character writing workshop with Bei Bei She. (All ages are welcome.)

• Noon to 4 p.m. — A holiday lantern and monkey mask art projects for children.

• Noon to 5 p.m. — Self-guided treasure hunts in the Chinese collection galleries.

• 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. — A docentled tour and question-and-answer session in the Chinese galleries.

• 1 to 2 p.m. — A pottery demonstration in which artist Matt Fiske creates a moon jar.

• 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Face art by Daisy.

Diane Wolkstein and percussionist Jeff Greene recount the tale of Monkey King.

PHOTO COURTESY DIANE WOLKSTEIN

• 2 to 3 p.m. — A curator’s conversation with Laurie Barnes, Elizabeth B. McGraw curator of Chinese art.

• 3 to 4 p.m. — Monkey King: Journey to the West, featuring Diane Wolkstein. (Seating is limited.

Theater doors open one hour before performance.)

• 4 to 4:30 p.m. — A tea and mooncakes reception with Diane Wolkstein.

The seventh annual Moon Festival Celebration is made possible in part by the generous support of John and Heidi Niblack.

The Norton Museum of Art is a major cultural attraction in Florida, and internationally known for its distinguished permanent collection featuring American art, Chinese art,

contemporary art, European art and photography. The museum is located at 1451 S. Olive Ave. in West Palm Beach, and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and major holidays.

General admission is $12 for adults, $5 for students with a valid ID, and free for members and children age 12 and under. Special group rates are available. Palm Beach County residents receive free admission the first Saturday of each month with proof of residency.

For additional information about the Chinese Moon Festival Celebration, call (561) 832-5196 or visit www. norton.org.

Two Local Artists’ Exhibit Opens Sept. 18 At PBSC Gallery Two accomplished local artists are collaborating for an exhibition at the Art Gallery at Eissey Campus at Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens.

Titled “Other-word-ly: An Exploration In Multi-Media,” the exhibit features more than 20 pieces of work by Hanne Niederhausen of Boca Raton and Terre Rybovich of Lantana. The pieces include drawing, mixed-media paintings and printmaking.

The exhibit runs Sept. 18 through Oct. 19 at the gallery located at 3160 PGA Blvd. An opening reception will be held Tuesday, Sept. 18 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public.

The two artists stretched beyond their boundaries to test new

artistic expressions or art forms.

Niederhausen, a printmaker, painter and book artist, likes to challenge herself in different forms of artistic expression.

Although Niederhausen experiments and shifts her unique media techniques, she doesn’t stray from her basic aesthetics and attitudes.

After years of making charcoal drawings based on imprints of her body, Rybovich tackles new art forms: three-dimensional drawings modeled on her torso, pastel drawings of birds in her back yard and an abstract video. All are part of her ongoing quest to find a way forward for this world.

The gallery hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday

from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, contact art gallery specialist Karla Walter at (561) 2075015 or visit www.palmbeach state.edu/artgallerypbg.

Serving more than 49,000 students annually, Palm Beach State College is the largest institution of higher education in Palm Beach County, providing bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, professional certificates, career training and lifelong learning. Established in 1933 as Florida’s first public community college, it offers more than 100 programs of study at locations in Lake Worth, Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens and Belle Glade.

(Right) Sprouts Playing with Bubbles by Hanne Niederhausen.

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

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Hawks Football Squad Falls In Opener To Park Vista 21-7

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Seminole Ridge High School varsity football team held its season opener against Park Vista on Friday, Sept. 7 at Callery-Judge Stadium, with the third-ranked Hawks falling to the seventh-ranked Cobras 21-7.

The Hawks’ original season opener scheduled against cross-town rival Palm Beach Central was cancelled due to flooding caused by Tropical Storm Isaac. With limited practices over the past week and a half, the Hawks knew they had their work cut out for them to avoid a repeat of last year, which saw Park Vista defeat Seminole Ridge 14-13.

The Hawks were held on their first set of downs to open the game, but Park Vista on their first play from scrimmage opened up with a pass

that was picked off by Hawk defensive back Issac Esson. The interception eventually set up a 42-yard field goal attempt by Hawk kicker Derek Falk, which sailed wide left. The Cobras struggled early against the tough Hawk defense.

Midway through the second quarter, Seminole Ridge drew first blood when running back Silas Spearman ran 4 yards up the middle to drive in the score. Falk’s point-after attempt gave the Hawks an early 7-0 lead after a 40-yard, six-play drive. Cobra quarterback Quad Martin threw his second interception of the game in the second quarter to Hawk defensive back Omar Pierre-Louis, giving the Hawks another opportunity to extend their lead. But Park Vista’s defense was able to hold off the Hawks.

SRHS running back Silas Spearman runs for a big gain through Park Vista’s Dalton Barkman.

It wasn’t until late in the second quarter that the Cobras were able to answer back. With only 1:36 remaining on the clock, Park Vista tied the score at 7 with a 45-yard touchdown pass. As the first half counted down, Hawk quarterback Zach DeCosta threw his first interception of the game at the Park Vista 10 yard line.

The interception came close to being returned for a score, but Seminole Ridge finally brought down the ball carrier at the Hawk 12 yard line.

With 23 seconds left on the clock, the Cobras needed only two plays to take the 14-7 halftime lead with a short pass into the end zone.

The second half started slowly for both squads, as they struggled to find a groove. DeCosta threw his second interception of the game, which was returned 50 yards for the Cobras’ third and final score, extending their lead 21-7.

Seminole Ridge showed signs of life offensively on the ground when running back E.J. Elien jetted off for a big 33-yard gain on their first play after the kickoff.

As time ticked away on the clock, the Hawks attempted to put the ball in the air, but DeCosta threw his third interception of the game. The Hawks battled mostly on defense to close out the last minutes of the game and were unable to close the gap, ending the game at 21-7. Spearman had 13 carries for a total of 69 yards.

Seminole Ridge is 0-1 on the season and will host Palm Beach County powerhouse Dwyer on Friday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.

SRHS running back Elie Turene runs up the middle for a big gain and a first down.

Hawk Aaron Wiltshire tackles Cobra Lekraig Bens for a loss.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

RPBHS Football Comes Up Short Against Leonard 21-16

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team fell to John I. Leonard 21-16 on Thursday, Sept. 6 at the Lancers’ home in Greenacres.

Though the Wildcats jumped out to an early lead, the Lancers came from behind in the fourth quarter to

score, leaving no time for Royal Palm Beach to catch up.

In the first quarter, both teams struggled to cover ground, turning the ball over after several failed attempts to gain yardage.

With five minutes left in the first quarter, the Wildcats were able to break through the Leonard defense to land near the end zone. A pass

RPB’s Anthony McGrew hands the ball off to Demarcus Holloway.

from quarterback Anthony McGrew connected with Jojo Williams, who was tackled into the end zone to score a touchdown. An extra point gave the Wildcats a 7-0 lead.

Only two minutes into the second quarter, the Lancers tied the score at 7, taking advantage of a short Wildcat punt.

But for the remainder of the half, both teams battled to take advantage of ball control with little success. Holding and false-start penalties cost both yards. Then, with 1:40 left in the half, the Wildcats put in a field goal to break the tie and make the score 10-7 at halftime.

Royal Palm Beach put in only one more score for the remainder of the game. Meanwhile, the Lancers put in two touchdowns, including a 40yard touchdown pass with 4:20 left in the game.

Ultimately, Leonard was able to come back and defeat the Wildcats 21-16. The Wildcats will host Palm Beach Central on Friday, Sept. 21 for a 7 p.m. game.

Wildcat Colton Schranth jumps up for a pass.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

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SPORTS & RECREATION

High Expectations For King’s Academy Varsity Swimmers

The Berean offense lines up against the Lions.

Berean Football Off To A Good Start Berean Christian School began its fifth season of the return of football to its athletic program by bringing home a win against Zion Lutheran, 7-6. The football contest that took place Friday, Aug. 24 was one of the longest games in Berean’s history. Rain and lightning on the eve of Tropical Storm Isaac caused the field to be cleared four times.

Even with the delay-of-game breaks, Berean came out on top. The Bulldogs scored on a 24-yard touchdown strike from senior quarterback Caleb Pinkerman to Austin Skelton midway through the first quarter.

Berean dominated defensively as Josh Stephens and Daniel Downey led the Bulldogs in tackles.

Zion Lutheran scored just before halftime, when Pinkerman’s pass from his own goal line was intercepted by a Lion defender and returned 17 yards for a touchdown. The Lions’ extra-point attempt failed, making the score 7-6. It stayed 7-6 throughout the third quarter until the officiating crew finally called the game after the lightning alarm sounded. The Bulldogs were driving for a potential score at the Lions’ 18 yard line when the game was halted.

The King’s Academy boys and girls varsity swim teams are ready to get back in the pool and compete after a successful 2011 campaign, which saw the boys finish 13-2 and the girls 8-7. Many experienced swimmers have returned to lead the program this season, and expectations are high.

Seniors Jacob Percy and Julia Corley lead a record number of swimmers as they enter the season with an extremely competitive meet schedule. A majority of the team participated in an extensive dry-land conditioning program and stroke clinic under second-year head coach Katie Piccirillo at Lake Lytal.

Team-building exercises focused on building a strong chemistry early in the season. Senior Jake McCarty shared that the team has committed itself to the team verse found in Hebrews 12:1, which reads, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race before us.”

The season has already gotten off to strong start with the boys team

King’s Academy swimmers hold a team meeting. defeating Lake Worth and Santaluces high schools in a tri-meet while the girls were victorious over Lake Worth as well. Sophomore Julian Ortega broke senior Percy’s school record in the 100-meter butterfly at the meet.

Piccirillo said she is excited for the team this season. “We have a very

strong team this year, with numbers and natural talent working in our favor,” she said. “I’m excited to see these kids work hard and compete against some of the best swimmers in the state! I’m looking forward to seeing this vibrant group of kids make every day count and give all the glory to God.”

PLAY & LEARN - A Parent/Child Interactive Program “It was easy for me to send my child to preschool because we did Play & Learn together. She knew what to expect from a school setting, and I felt comfortable leaving her because she was happy.” ~ Alyssa

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THIS SCHOOL IS A GOLD SEAL PROGRAM & NAEYC ACCREDITED LIC.# 50-51-0135423

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Wellington Wrestlers Compete In National Super 32 Qualifier The Wellington Wrestling Club traveled to the Super 32 Qualifier tournament last weekend in Kissimmee for a chance to qualify for the Preseason National Super 32 tournament in Greensboro, N.C. Nik Bonadies, an 11th-grader, qualified by placing fourth in the 129-pound weight class. He finished with a 5-2 record for the tournament and defeated a couple of Florida High School Athletic Association state qualifiers from last season. Bonadies also had to defeat the sixth-place finisher from last year’s state tournament to place in the top four, which qualified him to compete in the national tournament next month.

Other standout Wellington wrestlers who had winning records at the tournament but were unable to qualify were Briar Macfarlane (123 pounds), Brandon Paz (141 pounds) and Angel Lopez (195 pounds).

“This was a great experience for our guys, and we are very proud of Nik for qualifying this year,” coach Travis Gray said. “Our whole team was shut out last year, so we really wanted someone to break through

Nik Bonadies, Briar Macfarlane, Brandon Paz, Colton Macfarlane, Steven Hanford, Bryce Pfeil, Mathew Wunderlich and Angel Lopez. to that next level. All of our wrestlers will be returning next year, so hopefully Nik has paved the way for them in the future. Many of the weight classes had 40 to 50 wres-

tlers, so it was a long, grueling tournament for all of our guys and will give them some motivation to work for moving into the high school season this year.”

Tarafa Qualifies For National Ice Dance Championships

Local ice dancer Tabatha Tarafa has qualified for the 2012 National Solo Dance Championships to be held Sept. 20-23 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Tarafa will be in the solo free dance event at the novice level.

In order to qualify for this national championship, Tarafa spent this past summer competing in the United States Figure Skating Association’s National Solo Dance Series, Eastern Division, in order to accumulate enough points to qualify. These competitions took her to Atlanta, Ga.; Baltimore, Md.; Princeton, N.J.; Lake Placid, N.Y.; and Hershey, Pa. By finishing the series in the top six in the east, she received an invitation to compete in the championships.

At the championships Tarafa will compete against the other top skaters from the east, as well as the top skaters from the Pacific and Midwest divisions. She trains at Palm Beach Skatezone on Lake Worth Road at Florida’s Turnpike.

She is coached by Dylan Field-

Tabatha Tarafa house and choreographer Sherry Tautiva.

Tarafa is 12 years old, lives in western Lake Worth near Wellington and is homeschooled through Florida Virtual School in order to accommodate her training schedule.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, Sept. 15 • Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host Coffee & Tea Club on Saturday, Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon. All club members will be offered a taste of the featured coffee and tea and may a sample to bring home. A reusable mug is recommended. There is no charge. Visit www. wholefoodsmarket.com to pre-register or call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Militar y Trail in West Palm Beach) will host the plant sale “Everything Orchids: A Shady Affair” Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15-16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free for members and $5 for nonmembers. For more info., call (561) 233-1757 or visit www.mounts.org.

• UnitedHealthcare will host a free educational health event as part of National Medicare Education Week on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. at Palm Beach Atlantic University (901 S. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach). The event is designed to help baby boomers, Medicare beneficiaries and their families/ caregivers learn more about Medicare. RSVP to (850) 443-6401. For more info., visit www.nmew.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Chess Club for Kids for age 8 and up Saturday, Sept. 15 at 2:30 p.m. Chess fans practice strategy skills with other players. Basic game knowledge is required. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will present “Board Games for Adults” on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 3 p.m. Show your skills playing a variety of retro board games. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will present “Teen Writing Club” for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 3 p.m. Hang out with other teens and hone your skills with writing exercises. Review each others’ writing. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will present an Eagles Tribute Concert featuring the band Long Run on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Bring your own seating. Call (561) 753-2484 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

Sunday, Sept. 16 • The Knights of Columbus M.J. Benvenuti #8419 will sponsor a Youth Soccer Challenge on Sunday, Sept. 16 at noon at Wellington Village Park. It is open to boys and girls ages 10-14. For more info., call the Faith Formation Office at St. Rita Catholic Church at (561) 795-4321.

Monday, Sept. 17 • A seven-week Guitar Class will begin Monday, Sept. 17 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way) for age 6 and up with teacher Melody Stuart Hipsman. For more info., call the cultural center at (561) 790-5149 or Hipsman at (561) 324-4824.

• Financial planner Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University Classes will begin Monday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. at Wellington Presbyterian Church (1000 Wellington Trace). For more info., or to register for the classes, call Scott Smythe at (561) 793-1007.

Tuesday, Sept. 18 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Duct Tape Bling” for grades six to 12 on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 4:30 p.m.

Bring your school items and create a new look for them. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host a French Comfort Cooking with Wine Class on Tuesday, Sept.

18 at 6:30 p.m. Get ready to kick-start fall with your slow cooker or Dutch oven. The cost is $10 per person. Visit www.whole foodsmarket.com to pre-register or call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature Chess Club for Adults on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. Chess fans unite to practice strategy skills with other players. Basic game knowledge is required.

Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will present “Drawing Basics” for adults on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. This is a basic introduction to drawing a two-dimensional still life. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will present “So You Want to Be a Cowboy?” for ages 6 to 8 on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.

Learn what it takes to be a real cowboy or cowgirl. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 7932418 or visit www.loxahatcheegroves.org for more info.

Wednesday, Sept. 19 • The next Royal Palm Beach Young at Heart Club meeting will take place Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). For more info., call (561) 790-5149.

See CALENDAR, page 39

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 38 • The Safety Council of Palm Beach County will offer a Basic Driver Improvement Course on Wednesday, Sept. 19 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Wellington High School (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.). Visit www.safety councilpbc.org for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “All Hands On Craft: Button Bracelets” for adults on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Make a stylish button bracelet. Materials will be provided.

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

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will present “Sushi 101 for Kids” for ages 6 to 14 on Wednesday, Sept.

19 at 6:30 p.m. Learn how to roll sushi in a hands-on class with bamboo rolling mats and chef hats. “Sushi 101” handbooks will be provided. The cost is $5 per child. Visit www. wholefoodsmarket.com to pre-register or call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• The Michelangelo Lodge #2864 of the Sons of Italy in America will host a pizza party Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). The cost for the pizza party is $5. For membership info., call Dennis Piasio (561) 641-1643. For pizza party reservations, call Pat De Vivo at (561) 249-1298.

• Shulamit Hadassah will host movie night featuring Iron Jawed Angels on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station #30 (9910 Stribling Way, Wellington). The cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. RSVP to Shirley at (561) 204-1894 or shirlhorn@ aol.com, or Lisa at (917) 355-3867 or lisashaul@att.net.

Thursday, Sept. 20 • Royal Manor (600 Business Park Way, Royal Palm Beach) will hold a Health Fair on Thursday Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more info., call Julette Browne at (561) 798-3700.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Race Car Derby” for age 8 and up Thursday, Sept. 20 at 3 p.m. Start your engines and get ready to race! Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Mario Kart” for ages 6 to 10 on Thursday, Sept. 20 at 3:30 p.m.

Play Mario Kart on the Wii. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register.

• The Safety Council of Palm Beach County will offer a Motorcycle Rider Course on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. and

Saturda y and Sunday, Sept. 22 and 23 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wellington High School (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.). This combined classroom and road course includes motorcycles and is required for motorcycle endorsement. For more info., visit www. safetycouncilpbc.org.

• Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Militar y Trail, West Palm Beach) will host a lecture titled “Succulents: The Crown Jewel of the Garden” on Thursday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. in Mounts Exhibit Hall A in the Clayton Hutcheson Complex. The guest lecturer is Alan Stopek of professional horticultural firm Efflorescence. There is a $10 fee. For info., call (561) 233-1757 or visit www.mounts.org.

• The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Thursday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.).

Call (561) 790-5100 or visit www.royalpalm beach.com for more info.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host a Gluten-Free Shopping Tour on Thursday, Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Participants will learn where to find these specialty products and be able to ask about gluten-free cooking. There is no charge. Visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com to pre-register or call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

Friday, Sept. 21 • Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “The Sushi Stop” on Friday, Sept. 21 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Taste a different kind of sushi, blue crab and asparagus roll served with garlic mayonnaise dipping sauce. No registration is necessary and there is no charge. Visit www.wholefoods market.com for more info.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will feature an information class titled “Engine 2: 28-Day Practice Drill!” on Friday, Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Learn about the Engine 2 Challenge, a diet plan created

by Rip Esselstyn, former professional tri-athlete, firefighter and author of the best-selling book, The Engine 2 Diet. There is no charge.

Visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com to pre-register or call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will feature a free screening of the movie The Hunger Games on Friday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Bring your own seating. Call (561) 753-2484 or visit www. wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. Email: news@gotowncrier.com.

September 14 - September 20, 2012 Page 39

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HONEST, KIND & RELIABLE CNA/HHA — with 20 years experience. References available, Private Duty Day or Night. Call 561-7539209 or 561-386-1867

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

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references.

Shopping available. 561-572-1782 HOUSECLEANING — affordable cleaning services, Royal Palm Maids. 561-666-7738 “For all your cleaning needs”

HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACT ORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, sof fits, aluminum roofs, Serving the W estern Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561791-9777

BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE — Auto •Home • Life• Renters •Motorcycle •R V • Golfcart • Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/ rCavanagh

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

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support & troubleshooting w w w.mobiletec.ne t.

561-248-2611 D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3331923 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach. We accept major credit cards.

DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716

WH LANDSCAPE & DESIGN — Specializing in Landscape Design Pressure clean your driveway, sidewalk or p atio.

For estimate call Mike or James 561-818-5298 or 561-965-0539 Email:mickstur28@gmail.com Lic. #45-5033273 Very Reasonable ALL credit cards accepted

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102 J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 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

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 at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS DON HARTMANN ROOFING — Roof painting, Carpentry. Lic. #U13677 967-5580 ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable.

Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 JOHN C. BEALE BUILDING & ROOFING — Additions, remodeling, roof repairs & replacements, screened porches. Licensed & Insured. Call for Free Estimates. 561798-6448 ccc1326383 ccc1250306

SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening.

Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed!

CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com 561–577–9176 — We answer our phones! Build all type ENCLOSURES, repair, reinforcements & RESCREENING, slabs/footers/fascias. If u don’t like sloppy jobs - Call us! Recession rates AAA Pro Screening lic # U-21289/ins

www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Repairs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties.

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door inst allation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets / countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 7919900 or 628-9215 HANDYMAN AND CLEANING SERVICES — Caza Services for all your handyman and cleaning needs. 18 years experience. No job is too small. Call us today. Insured 561-802-8300 or 754-242-3459

ANMAR CO .—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back!

Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528

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 p ainting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est.

Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. W ellington Resident

PETS OF WELLINGTON — 13889 Wellington Trace, Suite A-12, Wellington.

Dates: 9/16, 10/14, 11/11 3:30 P.M. till 5:00 P.M. 561-768-2817

ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985.

U-17189 561-791-9777

AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990

SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980.

Quality you expect, service you deserve. Lic. bonded & Ins. U21006 561-662-9258

\ JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458 PLUMBING REPAIR — Drain cleaning, roofing repair, roof cleaning & pressure cleaning, facia, & wood, rot rep air, kitchen, door & window rep air. visit us at plumbingandremodeling.net 561-252-3992 CALL TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD AD HERE 561-793-7606

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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

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

REALESTATEAUCTIONS.COM Lots, condos, farms & homes Buy or Sell Fast!

Rgiacobba@realestateauctions.com 561-822-3896

APAR TMENT OF RENT IN LOXAHATCHEE - Small apartment for rent. Quiet Neighborhood. All utilities included. $700.00 per month. Call 305-481-3789

WELLINGT ON WATERFRONT APARTMENT FOR RENT — 3/2 1 car garage. 561-714-8376 or 561793-1718

FURNISHED HOUSE FOR RENT/ SHORT OR LONG TERM — situated in a cul-de-sac and 5 minutes away from Spruce Meadows, this 2000 sf. 2 story newer house in Shawnessy has hardwood floor throughout and 2.5 bathrooms.

Leather furniture, 48” TV and a Piano in main floor. Master bedroom has Jacuzzi. 2 large size bedrooms and bonus room. Wireless Internet, double att ached garage, fenced backyard with BBQ. Weekly housekeeping, linen service and lawn cutting plus all utilities included. For more details call (403) 808-7254 OR (403) 700-2065 106.33 ACRE EQUESTRIAN FARM NEAR AIKEN, SC — Please call Debbie Harrison, Realtor with Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Co., at 803-480-5245 for details.

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in Wellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINATOR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays. Also needed: EXAM PREP TUTORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Prep aration T utors. Must have a 4 year degree preferably in Mathmetics or English.

Be available to tutor on Saturdays.

Please e-mail your resume to marlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com ENTR Y LEVEL RECEPTIONIST — Computer literate. Heavy phones & filing. Fax resume 561-333-2680 FRONT DESK — Loxahatchee/ Boynton Beach. Busy Dermatology practices, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends.

Fax resume to 561-790-7568 MEDICAL ASSISTANT NEEDED IN LOXAHA TCHEE/BOYNTON BEACH — Busy Dermatology practice, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends. Fax resume to 561-790-7568

B2B FIELD REPS W ANTED— Exp anding Counterfeit Money Detection Agency. Top commissions and bonuses paid weekly. No cold calling. Fax resume to 561-5337400 WINDOW INSTALLERS WANTED Subcontractors only. Top Pay. No Brokers. Call Matt 561-714-8490 DRIVERS — DEDICATED ACCOUNT! TOP PAY! $2,000 sign on bonus. Benefit s, miles, great hometime and more. 1-888-5674854 Werner Enterprises.

AVON START YOUR OWN BUSINESS - $10! Sell everyday products that people love! Little risk lot of rewards. FREE ongoing training.

Avon store. 798-9011

MOVING SALE - This Saturday, Sept. 15th 8 a.m. - Noon. 128 Santa Monica Ave. in La Mancha

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