Town-Crier Newspaper September 17, 2010

LITTLE SMILES ‘JUNK FOOD RUN’

Trager Leaves Seniors Club To Take Job With Wellington

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Howard Trager, president of the Wellington Seniors Club, has resigned after four years to become a senior services advocate with the Village of Wellington. Trager, 77, has been a board member of the club for 10 years. He was webmaster for the club’s web site and wrote the club’s newsletter. Trager has also been an integral part in helping boost the club’s membership to more than 570 this year.

At the village, Trager’s job will be to “assist, educate, inform, enhance and enrich the lives of Wellington’s seniors,” he told the Town-Crier on Wednesday. “They want me to be the focal point for all senior service agencies that provide services to the senior community. And they also want me to develop leisure activities for the entire senior community.”

Based on a 2006 senior survey, Trager estimated there are more than 9,000 seniors in Wellington. And based on census projections,

must ponder each year. So it is appropriate that the International Day of Peace is observed just 10 days later. Page 4

he said that within 10 years, more than 20 percent of Wellington’s population would be seniors.

Trager, a longtime supporter of senior services in the village, said he would work to provide activities for all seniors. “What we’ve found out is that different age groups require a different set of activities,” he said. “We want to develop arts and crafts, a travel club, cooking — we want to take the whole spectrum from line dancing to Wii bowling tournaments and offer various activities for different age groups.”

Trager said he would expand the role played by past senior services coordinators, a position that had limited powers and responsibilities.

“I’m given the responsibility to actually develop and implement programs,” he said. “I’m energized by the prospects. And we’re only limited by our imagination.”

The first step for Trager will be to get an updated view of the senior population using census and other data, and from there begin to coordinate activities.

He said that hiring an active senior services advocate is a step in the right direction for Wellington. “I’m hoping that this is just the

ITID Launches Design Stage Of Long-Delayed Park Expansion

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Indian Trail Improvement District has begun planning improvements to Acreage Community Park.

Architect Rick Gonzalez, president of REG Architects Inc., whose reconstruction projects include the county’s historic courthouse, the Harriet Himmel Theater and Mar-a-Lago, told ITID supervisors Sept. 8 that he would like to have ideas for the park before the end of the year so they could have it implemented by 2012.

Gonzalez, who has been given a contract to do design work on the park’s expansion, came up with several identifying character-

istics after visiting Acreage Community Park.

“There’s a community use already on the property at the north end with the school and the north park component,” he said. “Something I found very interesting was the M Canal [at the southern end]. I’m an environmentalist, too. I like to go kayaking and canoeing.

Gonzalez spoke enthusiastically of the fact that the M Canal runs along the property and connects large water areas and recreational opportunities — similar to the Riverbend Park project in Jupiter that he worked on several years ago with Palm Beach County. Schools at the southern end of the property also present opportunities, as does the county’s ad-

jacent nature preserve.

Issues of concern include topography, which tends to be wet.

“We also checked some of the existing traffic circulation and proposed circulation, and the entry points to the park from the adjacent neighborhoods,” Gonzalez said.

For grading and water management, some berms already are in place. “We’ll have to sit down with the engineers and work with them on those existing conditions along the rim,” he said.

Gonzalez said he has extensive experience designing community centers that serve the needs of residents from infants to seniors, utilizing limited resources and space

See PARK, page 16

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Although the Wellington Village Council had previously voted to raise the property tax rate for the 2010-11 fiscal year, council members directed village staff Monday to use projected net revenues to offset the cost of lowering the millage rate to 2.5 mills.

The council initially adopted the rate of 2.63 mills as its preliminary rate in July. However, at last week’s budget review meeting, council members asked village staff to present ways to maintain the 2009-10 tax rate of 2.5 mills.

The council initially proposed the higher rate to partially compensate for the decline in the amount of taxes Wellington will collect next year due to falling property values.

A millage rate of 2.5 mills means a property tax of $2.50 for every $1,000 of taxable value. State law requires the village to set its preliminary tax rates in July. Municipalities may lower the rates before final adoption but cannot raise them.

Next year’s budget is proposed to be $75.7 million, down nine percent from $82.9 million this year, Director of Financial Management & Budget Mireya McIlveen said.

Village Manager Paul Schofield explained that Wellington could easily reduce its millage rate to 2.6 mills with no effect on the proposed budget.

“We have had a slight change

in taxable value,” he said, “so with no impact on the budget, we can recommend setting the millage rate at 2.6 mills. That has no impact on the budget we’re proposing, and it is about a net $5 per year impact per home in the village.”

But a millage rate of 2.5 mills would leave the village with about $500,000 to make up, McIlveen said. To make up for the loss, staff presented council members with three options.

The first option would be to use projected net revenue from the half-cent sales tax, lien search fees and utility service taxes from the current fiscal year, but Schofield couldn’t guarantee that would make up for the loss.

“There’s been a little bit better collection on the half-cent sales tax,” he said. “We’ve had some additional collections of liens, and interestingly enough, the [hottest] summer on record has impacted the franchise fees that we collected from Florida Power & Light. Collectively, that money may come to half a million dollars. We do not know that yet.” A second option would be to reduce expenses from the capital budget, services, staff and/or maintenance cost. Council members were provided a list of several areas that could be delayed or cut. The capital items included delaying the landscaping of Greenview Shores Blvd. or the renovation of Tiger Shark Cove

Armas To RPB Board: Progress At School

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Jesus Armas, the new principal at Royal Palm Beach High School, gave an update Monday to the village’s newly appointed Education Advisory Board on progress at the school.

The school’s reputation has suffered in recent years with reports of it being unsafe and not having a curriculum that keeps the village’s better students in the community, topped off with an FCAT grade of “D” last year.

The situation led Royal Palm Beach officials to organize a task force, led by Councilman David Swift, to examine problems at the school.

Armas, who said the school has not lived up to its violent reputation since he has been there, told committee members he has set up a plan to bring up its grade ranking and to offer personalized, targeted instruction, advanced programs and a realignment of the school’s vision.

“I understand I am the fourth person to be principal in seven years,” he said, explaining that with such a succession of principals, it is easy for a school to “lose its vision.” Armas has heard task force members express a desire to have a magnet program such as math and science to keep better stu-

See RPBHS, page 16

Rotary Peace Observance Set For Sept. 21 In

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Little Smiles held a “Junk Food Run” Friday, Sept. 10 from BJ’s Wholesale Club in Royal Palm Beach to the Palms West Hospital pediatric unit. Items were handed out to patients, their families and nurses with help from local dentist Dr. Farokh Jiveh and his Smiles by Jiveh staff.

Howard Trager with incoming Seniors Club President Tony Alfalla.

LITTLE SMILES ‘JUNK FOOD RUN’ BRINGS BIG SMILES TO PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Debra Middleton, Armando Rodriguez and Lisa Field.

Ashley Rubsky gets covered with silly string to mark the end of her chemo treatments.

Dr. Farokh Jiveh with patient Alejandro Valdez (in the orange shirt) and his family.

Alexander Cote gets some candy from Christi Hetzel, Debra Middleton and Dr. Farokh Jiveh.

Dr. Farokh Jiveh, Debra Middleton, Alice Sofianos, Christi Hetzel, Raina Ruelle and Lisa Field at BJ’s Wholesale Club.

Lisa Field, Dr. Farokh Jiveh, Little Smiles’ Shannon Burrows and Bryant Salgado pick out some candy.

ITID Opens New Ring At Expanded Hornstein Park

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Friends and family of Nicole Hornstein, community leaders and equestrian enthusiasts gathered at Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park on Sunday, Sept. 12 for the opening of a new ring and dedication of a sign commemorating June 9, 2009 — the day Nicole’s Law was signed by Gov. Charlie Crist.

Nicole Hornstein, 12, died of head injuries sustained in 2006 after a car spooked a horse she was riding, causing her to fall. In October 2009, Nicole’s Law went into effect, requiring that riders under 16 wear a helmet while riding a horse on public property and in lessons.

Community leaders last year rededicated Hamlin Equestrian Park in honor of Nicole. On Saturday, the Indian Trail Improvement District reopened the park after it had been closed for the construction of a second ring, benches, tables and a better irrigation system. The ceremony included speeches and a performance by the Outsider Drill Team in the new ring.

ITID President Michelle Damone welcomed the crowd.

“I’m so glad to be here and I’m so glad to see all the trailers and all the horses,” she said. “Today we’re going to celebrate Nicole Hornstein’s memory and everything that she’s done for us.”

The celebration came more than a year after Crist visited the park to sign Nicole’s Law, an event commemorated on a new plaque hung outside the park’s pavilion.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to celebrate Nicole and her life,” Damone said. “Even though she is gone way too soon, look at what she has done for our lives.”

Damone said that through Nicole, the community learned an important lesson about helmet safety and the consequences of not wearing one.

“I’ve always believed that everyone should wear a helmet whenever possible,” she said, “and when I met Mr. Hornstein, Nicole’s father, it was something that was already in my heart. I saw that his daughter made the ultimate sacrifice when she was not wearing a helmet.”

ITID Vice President Carol Jacobs explained that the new ring would improve the park, which is heavily used by the Acreage Horseman’s Association for events. Local equestrians also frequent the park and would be able to use the new ring if the original ring was occupied.

“They [the AHA] have barrel racing and a lot of events out here for the children,” she said. “It has really improved.”

Lox Groves Council Trims Millage Rate

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council approved the same solid waste assessment as last year along with a decreased ad valorem tax rate of 1.4 mills at public hearings Monday, Sept. 13. The council gave preliminary approval to two resolutions during the budget hearing. One adopted the annual millage rate and another adopted the final budget. The approved rate was 1.4 mills, a decrease of 13.03 percent from the 2009-10 millage rate, according to the staff report.

The proposed budget was $2,114,597, compared with a budget of $2,004,076 for 2009-10. The budget increase was possible because of increases in miscellaneous revenue.

Town Manager Frank Spence said the council Monday night was adopting a tentative millage and budget, and that final adoption would be at the next public hearing at 5:15 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 27.

Spence said the council would have the authority to lower but not increase the tax rate after preliminary approval.

“The budget is a balanced budget as required by law,” Spence said. There was no public comment.

Councilman Ron Jarriel said he was proud of town staff for doing a good job holding down the budget and holding the tax rate at 1.4 mills. “I believe there’s other cit-

ies that raised taxes,” Jarriel said. “I’m thankful that we were able to maintain and hold it the same.”

Vice Mayor Dennis Lipp agreed. “I think this will be an easy thing to do moving forward next year and maybe trimming it back some,” he said.

Councilman Jim Rockett made a motion to adopt the resolution setting the millage rate, which was seconded by Jarriel and carried 30 with Mayor Dave Browning and Councilman Ryan Liang absent.

Jarriel made a motion to accept the budget, which also carried 30.

During the solid waste hearing, Spence pointed out that the hauler Waste Pro did not raise its rates.

“The council has recommended keeping the rates the same as last year, which is $372.73,” Spence said. “That figure is contained within your resolution.”

The first hearing was held Sept. 13, according to the staff report. Again, there were no comments from the public.

Jarriel said he was happy the council was able to maintain the same rate as last year.

“I think that’s good for the taxpayers, Jarriel said. “I think right now they can use something like that instead of an increase. I thank the finance committee and I thank the staff for doing an outstanding job on this.”

Jarriel made a motion to ap-

prove the solid waste fee, which was seconded by Rockett and carried 3-0.

Ribbon Cutting — ITID Supervisor Mike Erickson, AHA Director Helmut Schmitt, ITID Supervisor Ralph Bair, ITID President Michelle Damone, ITID Vice President Carol Jacobs, AHA President John Rivera and AHA Secretary Brenda Riol cut the ribbon to open the new ring. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Nicole Hornstein’s family gathers beside the new ring.

Nicole’s sister Samantha Hornstein takes a turn in the new ring on Chip.

On Tuesday, Sept. 21,

Last week, as Americans reflected on the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, news footage from the terrorist attacks reminded us that the line between “war time” and “peace time” has been forever blurred. But it’s a reality we must ponder each year as we memorialize the lives lost that day. So it is appropriate that the International Day of Peace is observed just 10 days later.

Established in 1981 by the United Nations as a way to “create practical acts of peace on a shared date,” Peace Day is observed by individuals and organizations, such as the Wellington Rotary Club, which holds an annual ceremony at Wellington’s Rotary Peace Park and engages local students in contests on the subject. It’s an effective way to turn on young minds by having them demonstrate an understanding of the concept of peace in the international community. As the Internet Age continues to advance the reality of a “global village,” it’s more important than ever for children to grow up with a broad view of the world.

With the stroke of a few computer keys, you can be conversing with people from all over the world without leaving your home. It’s an easy way to spread good will to folks in far away places, whether through the simple act of having a friendly chat with folks on a message board or, if you’re particularly tech savvy, posting a YouTube video.

Food Supply Must Treat Animals Better

I would like to comment on one of your writers, Ms. Ellen Rosenberg, and her enlightening article in the Aug. 27 Town-Crier titled “Horse Slaughter, Egg Recalls And America’s Food Supply.” I was very impressed with her views on the way animals are made to suffer before they are slaughtered in this country.

I personally have nothing against eating meat or fowl from animals. It is the horrendous conditions the animals have to survive in before they are slaughtered that sickens my stomach. As Ms. Rosenberg points out: why should pigs be confined in individual steel and concrete gestation cages so small that they can’t turn around when they are nursing their young?

Why should layer hens have to live in wire cages so crammed with birds that each hen has only 67 square inches in which to sit and lay eggs. By the way, they cut off their beaks so they don’t kill each other in their frustration.

Broiler chickens live in 45-by490-foot windowless sheds with 33,000 other chickens so genetically deformed that they’re unable to walk more than a few steps before plopping down again, eating drug-laced feed until they are slaughtered.

Trager A Job With Wellington

continued from page 1 opening entrée,” he said. “I’m hopeful that this will be the first step in the political will and the recognition that we’ve done everything we can for the kids, we’ve done everything we can for the equestrians, and now it’s time to take a look at the rest of our population.”

And although he does not know the fate of the Wellington Community Center, which many have lobbied to be turned into a senior center, Trager said he would like to see it used by all residents. Instead, he’d like to call it a “total life center,” where the village will

Tax Rate

Back To

2.5 Mills

continued from page 1 Park until 2012, which would save the village a combined $410,000. The council also could choose to cut one deputy and squad car or to reduce the winter pool hours by 30 percent to save $110,000 each. It also had the option to cut senior programs and save $150,000, neighborhood enhancement grants for $150,000 and/or national holiday events such as Memorial Day, the Fourth of July or Veterans Day, saving $93,000. Maintenance reductions could come from a one-mile roadway overlay, a field renovation, or fertilizer and pest control costs. And the list also proposed cutting an average position in the village, which typically costs $70,000 a year, and/or employee benefits by $1,000, which alone would save

Then there are the poor cows and turkeys that never see the light of day, and it would take too much space to go into their inhuman treatment.

If you saw someone treating their dog, cat or any pet the way most factory-farmed animals are kept, you would call the Humane Society and report it because it would be illegal and morally a sin against God. With factory farms it is not only legal, it is business as usual.

I myself will never eat meat or fowl from a grocery store again unless I know that the animals are kept in humane conditions before they are slaughtered. There are such markets to be found. How can we call ourselves children of God and continue to allow the least of us to suffer so horribly?

Barbara Powers Wellington

Seniors With IRAs: The Forgotten Segment

As our country continues to move deeper into debt, and the government continues to spend money to help the people who are losing their homes, their jobs and their healthcare, they have paid no attention to the millions of retired seniors who have lost 30 percent to 40 percent of their retirement

“provide TLC,” he said. Trager also hopes to create a mutually beneficial relationship with the local chambers of commerce.

“I want to market the senior community,” he said. “Everyone wants to keep business within the community. And if I could develop business relationships and also foster the aims of the senior programs, then it becomes a win-win for everyone.”

The senior population has potential that remains untapped by the village and local businesses.

“We have a valuable commodity that no one has addressed,” he said. “We’re the volunteers. When they call us, we show up. If they need help at the luncheons, at schools, at hospitals, we’re there.”

The decision to take a job with

the village $250,000.

“Should you choose to [cut benefits], the 11 most senior people in the village would request that the first $100,000 of that come from us,” Schofield said, noting that members of senior staff approached him with the idea. “We’d rather the 11 of us give up the first $100,000, and then the other 240 employees would share the balance.”

A third option would be to use the village’s rate stabilization fund, which totals about $500,000, to make up for the loss.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore asked what the amount of reserve funds would be by the end of the month and if those funds could be used to offset lost money from maintaining the millage rate.

“I’m asking that in lieu of the optional expense reductions, can we do this through the increase in dollars that we’re going to receive and reducing our reserve rates?”

Of course, Peace Day isn’t necessarily limited to international relations. If anything, it’s a good example of thinking globally and acting locally. After all, it’s our family and friends, neighbors and coworkers we deal with on a daily basis. And because we don’t always get to choose who we spend time with, chances are there are plenty of people in our lives we don’t see eye-to-eye with. Perhaps it’s personalities or a matter of ideological differences. If you see that person on Peace Day, call a truce. There’s always something two people can agree on and share a laugh about; why not focus on that for a change?

One of the big lessons learned after Sept. 11 was the importance of setting aside our differences and coming together as Americans. On Sept. 21, let’s take that idea to the next level and come together in support of world peace. Sometimes we get too wrapped up in the images and identities we’ve created for ourselves, and we forget that we’re all cut from the same cloth. It’s through small steps like this that slowly but surely will lead to a more peaceful planet.

On Tuesday, Sept. 21, we encourage everyone to take part in Peace Day in whatever way they can. And if you’re able to make it out to the Rotary Peace Park, the ceremony starts at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.wellingtonrotary.org. To learn more about the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, visit www.internationaldayofpeace.org.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

dollars in their IRA accounts. It is especially devastating to the retirees who probably will never get back most of their loss, since they must continue to draw down monies from their IRAs for daily living expenses. Interest rates on bonds and money accounts are at an all-time low. Stocks are down, and the government has even frozen the cost of living increases that they were giving to Social Security recipients each year.

Seniors are in big trouble, and no one is even talking about what to do about it, much less coming up with a plan to help them.

There is money for bad mortgages, the unemployed, the banks, car companies — money for almost everyone, but not a dime for the retired seniors who have lost a major part of their life savings.

Special attention has been given to unions, police, firemen and teachers to ensure they would not lose their jobs, nor suffer salary cuts. The average federal government employee is paid $123,049, while the average American’s is $61,998.

It is long overdue to address this problem. Let me suggest an idea that will not only help the seniors, it will help the economy. Let the retired seniors draw up to their normal monies from their IRAs, for the next two years, and pay no income taxes on these withdrawals. Retirees will withdraw less. This leaves more money in IRAs,

the village is bittersweet for Trager, who said he was excited for the opportunity but would miss the club.

“I find it exciting. I find it energizing,” he said. “I have mixed emotions, and I have a heavy heart leaving the seniors club. But I’m really energized by the prospect of doing things for the entire senior community.”

With his job to begin Oct. 1, Trager announced his resignation Wednesday to a record crowd of almost 300 Wellington Seniors Club members at the club’s first meeting of its new season. He will officially step down Sept. 30.

“It’s not often that someone is given the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of their peers,” he said. “Just such an opportunity has been given to me.”

he asked, clarifying that he still wants to maintain a high reserve rate.

Schofield explained that as the operational budget drops, the amount of money required to maintain a reserve rate of 30 percent also drops from $13.6 million to $12.7 million.

“It looks like, as we hit Sept. 30, that our reserve balance will be about $280,000 higher than that,” he said.

McIlveen noted that the funds were included in the $500,000 presented in option one.

But Vice Mayor Matt Willhite said he was concerned about the reliability of the projected funds and also noted that the village is continuing to take on projects.

“All of this says ‘projected’ and ‘not surely calculated,’” he said.

“Think about the additional projects that we’re putting online this year. As much as I appreciate these projected numbers… they’re assumptions and projections coming

which means more will stay invested in the economy.

Morley Alperstein Wellington

Residents, Not Business Elite Should Run Palm Beach County

County Commissioner Jess Santamaria represents us all, not just the business community. Sometimes, just sometimes, the business community and the nonbusiness community (spelled: resident homeowners) interests’ are not the same.

Witness the implosion and resulting furor of the collapse of many of our financial institutions on a national and international level. It wasn’t about the average citizen, but rather big business and big financial institutions, with the average Joe footing the bill for their greed.

Today, here in Palm Beach County, BIZPAC (the Business Political Action Committee of Palm Beach County) decided not to support Jess in favor of someone no one has ever heard of! Why? Because Jess supports lower housing density, he questions never-ending deals for sand mining pits, less big-box stores, less commercialism in residential areas and fewer CRALLS designations (translated to “bumper-to-

Trager thanked the board and members for their service and devotion to the club.

“I firmly believe that we have given our seniors a membership club to be proud of,” he said. “It is with a heavy heart and mixed emotions that I therefore tender my resignation as president of the Wellington Seniors Club. I wish you all good health and happiness for the future.”

Incoming President Tony Alfalla, along with members of the board, honored Trager on behalf of the club with an award for his dedication.

“Howard has held many hats during his involvement with the seniors,” Alfalla said. “He will surely be missed because of his professionalism and his leadership.”

from a state that’s already in a little bit of crisis.”

Willhite wondered what the dollar difference would be for a resident if the village raised the millage rate to 2.6. McIlveen said that for an average home with a taxable value of $150,000, it would cost a resident an additional $20 at 2.6 mills.

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig said she thought that the village should be willing to tap into its savings to keep the millage rate low. “With this kind of budget and with these projections,” she said, “we do have a little wiggle room to hold the millage rate.”

Although doing so could affect the community in the future, Gerwig said she was optimistic about the decision.

“We can’t necessarily say that if we do this now, we are cursing our future,” she said. “This is the time when I think people are really wanting that break.”

Priore agreed with Gerwig. “I

bumper traffic”), which affects each and every homeowner adversely.

Unlike BIZPAC and local chambers of commerce, Jess represents the lowly citizen, too. It appears to me that in Wellington, the Palms West/Wellington chambers of commerce basically decide who gets elected here, perhaps with one exception. Who then represents me and you, the average Wellingtonian?

Consider the loosening of our signage standards. (Does anyone really have trouble finding our stores?) Adding digital signing is another example of Miami-ization!

Consider the possibility of a huge development around Wellington Regional Medical Center, which guarantees bumper-tobumper traffic right at our main entrance (predicted by experts). Why, why, why? How far are we going to go to help business, and at what cost to our community?

Jess Santamaria is our non-political county commissioner. He represents all of us and is not be-

holden to business contributors. He advocates compromise, and I advocate him. I truly wish that I could say the same thing about our Wellington Village Council. Friends, some, yes, but too far into the business community’s pocket. Just as the residents should try to buy locally and support our business community, so too should the council respect the nonbusiness residents. I fear that this is not the case.

Wellington appears to be a microcosm of what is wrong with America. It is the business community that failed us on a national level due to greed. Let us learn from that.

Larger signage, digital signage, higher density, more traffic/congestion, development on a golf course, etc., are clear indicators of where Wellington is going. Miami déjà vu! Business and residents can and should work together, but I see a bit too much catering to the business end.

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

think that this would be the opportune time to reach out into the dollars that we’re going to receive,” he said, noting that the village could still maintain a high reserve rate and therefore keep good credit.

Councilman Howard Coates disagreed that the village needed to use its reserve funds, noting that it would be receiving enough funds to cover the loss.

“A substantial amount of the shortfall is going to be made up of money that will carry over [from last year],” he said.

The council voted unanimously to direct staff to draft a budget set at 2.5 mills, using the projected net funds to offset the $500,000 shortfall.

A second, final hearing will be Monday, Sept. 27, when the council will adopt its final budget and tax rate for next year. In other business, the council voted to approve a roughly $120,000 contract with tennis pro-

Cheatham Inc. Under the contract, Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz said, Cheatham will take over the majority of the maintenance responsibilities and pay a portion of its gross revenue to the village starting at 4 percent and gradually increasing. Coates opposed the contract because he felt that the village was paying its own reimbursement by Cheatham. He asked whether Cheatham offered to pay the village if the village was not paying the company for the cost of maintenance, which Kurtz was unsure about.

“We’re being told that we’re getting 4 percent return,” Coates said, “but if the 4 percent was not on the table except if we’re paying maintenance, I have a very serious concern that we’re in fact funding our own rebate by paying for the maintenance.” The council voted 4-1 to approve the contract with Coates opposed.

vider

Wellington Seniors Club board members present Howard Trager with an award for his many years of service.

PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

George Unger Wellington

Royal Palm Beach Rotary Marks ‘Day Of Service’ At The Quantum House

In recognition of the National Day of Service, Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club members provided a day of service at the Quantum House on Saturday, Sept. 11. Rotarians helped with chores around the house, such as sorting through donations, refilling the pantry, vacuuming and cleaning windows. They also offered assistance in maintaining the house’s beautiful garden, playground and outdoor furniture. Rotarians worked with a master gardener, helped paint the outside of the entranceway, cleaned the patio furniture and playground equipment, plus much more. There was work needed to be done in the guest rooms as well.

The Quantum House provides

BY

a “caring place to call home” for families while their children are being treated for a critical illness or injury in Palm Beach County. When a child becomes seriously ill, the whole family suffers, especially if the child must be hospitalized or receive treatment far from home. The Quantum House provides temporary lodging and emotional support during a family crisis so that parents may focus all of their time and energy on their hospitalized children. The Quantum House’s proximity to St. Mary’s Medical Center offers the comfort of being nearby to care for their child’s immediate needs. For more information, visit www.quantumhouse.org.

RPB Rotarians Eric Gordon and Joan Scherer with Brazilian exchange student Rafael Camargos (center).Terri Wescott and Eric Gordon take a break from house cleaning.

Rafael Camargos and Joan Scherer take note of the items of food that were collected.Lynn Balch helps spruce up the house.Lynn and Ryan Balch, Eric Gordon, and Evelio and Noah Borges.

Homeless Man Arrested For Setting Brush Fire In RPB

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

SEPT. 12 — A homeless man was arrested last Sunday for starting a fire on property near the intersection of Southern Blvd. and Lamstein Lane. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was dispatched to the area after passersby reported a small brush fire. Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue personnel arrived on scene and extinguished the fire, observing a white male in the area. According to the report, 61-year-old Richard Lauta told a PBCFR official that he started the fire to clean the area of weeds and bugs. When a PBSO deputy arrived on scene, Lauta said he had only been alongside the canal cleaning it. However, the deputy observed a locked gate with a clearly posted no trespassing sign, as well as a ten-foot area along the canal that had been burned. A search of Lauta found a white lighter, which Lauta said he used to start the fire. Lauta was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where he was charged with trespassing and malicious land burning.

• • •

Hispanic males entered the store carrying empty bags. One suspect exited the store minutes later with a full bag. He then re-entered the store and retrieved a full bag from the second suspect. The store manager noticed the suspects and called for the other employees to contact the PBSO. According to the report, the suspects then fled the store, one throwing the shopping bag at the manager. One suspect drove away in a dark blue Toyota Corolla, and the other suspect left in a white Jeep Liberty driven by an unknown Hispanic female. A check of the license plates for the vehicles found that they were unregistered and expired. More than $600 in items were recovered, including eight packages of Prilosec OTC, six packages of Cosamin joint complex, two Clear Blue easy ovulation kits, two packages of Enzyte and one package of Extenze. Further inspection revealed that four electrical toothbrushes and four boxes of Crest whitening strips had been stolen. The stolen items were valued at $674.92.

SEPT. 9 — A Royal Palm Beach man was arrested late last Thursday night for shoplifting from the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road. According to a PBSO report, a loss prevention officer called the Royal Palm Beach substation after he reviewed security tapes and observed an employee steal several items. According to the report, on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 19-year-old Alejandro Acosta was observed drinking a Monster energy drink without paying for it. Later he was observed taking a shopping bag from the front register, placing a shirt in the bag and placing the bag in his left cargo pants pocket. Acosta then selected a Remington knife from the sporting goods department and concealed the knife in the bag with the shirt, then exited the store without paying for the items. On Sunday, Sept. 5, Acosta was observed drinking a Dr. Pepper without paying for it. According to the report, on Tuesday, Sept. 7, he was observed selecting four Xbox games and entering the rear restroom. He later exited and placed the game cases on a shelf. A loss prevention officer discovered the cases were cut open with the discs missing. Then, on Wednesday, Sept. 8, Acosta was observed selecting four more Xbox games and placing them in a shopping bag. He then entered the back restroom and exited without the bag. Another loss prevention officer immediately entered the restroom and found the bag in the trashcan with the game cases but no discs. The stolen items were valued at $187.63. A loss prevention officer then stopped Acosta. He was arrested and taken to the county jail where he was charged with retail theft.

SEPT. 10 — An employee of the CVS pharmacy on Okeechobee Blvd. called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Friday morning to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 10:30 a.m., two

SEPT. 11 — A Margate man was arrested on charges of drunken driving early last Saturday morning following a traffic stop near the intersection of Forest Hill Blvd. and Block Island Road. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation observed a silver Volkswagen swerving between lanes multiple times and initiated a traffic stop on Forest Hill Blvd. The deputy made contact with 39-year-old David Ledoux. According to the report, the deputy could smell a heavy odor of alcohol coming from the car. The deputy asked Ledoux if he had consumed any alcoholic beverages, and Ledoux said he had not. According to the report, the deputy noticed a slur in Ledoux’s speech and noticed he had bloodshot and watery eyes. The deputy then asked Ledoux to step out of his vehicle. According to the report, Ledoux staggered, lost his balance and held on to the open driver’s door for balance. After failing roadside tasks, Ledoux was arrested and taken to the county jail where he refused a blood-alcohol test. Ledoux was charged with driving under the influence.

SEPT. 11 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to a home in Lakefield West last Saturday afternoon regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 2:55 p.m., the victim’s son observed two white males wearing hooded jackets enter the screened pool area of the home and begin removing pool supplies. When the son opened the sliding glass door, both suspects fled the scene. A canvas of the neighborhood was unsuccessful in identifying suspects.

SEPT. 11 — A resident of the Monterey on the Lake community called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Saturday morning to report a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8:20 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s garage by removing the

See BLOTTER, page 16

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Thomas Flavin is a white male, 5’10” tall and weighing 230 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 05/10/58. Flavin is wanted for felony failure to appear on charges of grand theft and uttering a forgery, felony violation of supervised own recognizance on a charge of grand theft, and failure to appear on charges of reckless driving, operating while driver’s license is suspended, canceled or revoked. His occupation is unknown. His last known addresses were Adams Street in Jupiter and 92nd Lane North in The Acreage. Flavin is wanted as of 09/16/10. • Norman Newkirk is a black male, 5’9” tall and weighing 170 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 10/18/88. Newkirk is wanted for felony grand theft. His occupation is unknown. His last known addresses were Silk Carnation Way in Royal Palm Beach and Canterbury Drive in West Palm Beach. Newkirk is wanted as of 09/16/10 Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppers pbc.com.

Thomas Flavin

Norman Newkirk

County Amends Traffic Camera Ordinance To Fit New State Law

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Palm Beach County Commission enacted a traffic camera ordinance Tuesday that will modify its previous ordinance to comply with the recently enacted state statute. House Bill 325 created the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Program, which regulates the use of red-light cameras. The new county ordinance brings a similar ordinance enacted by the commission in May 2008 up to date, according to the county staff report. During public comment, Acreage resident Sharon Waite told commissioners she felt the ordinance does not give accused vio-

lators sufficient leeway to defend themselves.

“I think there might be a constitutional problem with putting all these lights all over everywhere,” Waite said. “I think you’re violating people’s privacy rights. How in the world can you fight something like that? You might be 12 inches over the line. Where do you go to view this video… that is predetermining guilt before you get to traffic court? How in the world is anybody supposed to be able to protect themselves against a wrongful violation charge? I don’t see anything in here at all that protects the drivers.” Waite added that she felt the ordinance was being enacted to

shore up the county’s revenue shortfalls. “This is a fee-gathering service,” she said. “That’s all it was ever meant to be, not to protect anyone.”

Chairman Burt Aaronson said that was not the case. “We’re following the state instruction. It has been shown to save lives,” he said.

The amended ordinance received preliminary approval by the commission on Aug. 17. During its 2010 session, the legislature authorized the use of red-light cameras as traffic infraction detectors to enforce the state traffic code. The law also established the requirements for use of such devices by local governments. The

amended ordinance is necessary in order to comply with state law.

Vice Chair Karen Marcus made a motion to accept the staff recommendation to adopt the ordinance, which passed 6-0.

This month, the Royal Palm Beach Village Council directed its staff to draft a similar ordinance to comply with the state law, which was on the council’s agenda for Thursday, Sept. 16, with a staff recommendation for preliminary approval. The village’s original ordinance was adopted in November 2008.

Glitches in the local ordinance, along with a general disfavor from residents, precluded the village from enforcing citations, although

RPB has been running the cameras on a test basis. One issue arose over enforcement of right turns and whether drivers are required to come to a full stop or pull close enough to the intersection to see whether there is oncoming traffic.

The state statute does not allow for a violation to be issued for failure to stop at a red light if the driver is making a right-hand turn in a careful manner at an intersection where such turns are permissible.

Village Manager Ray Liggins said the village will not enforce right-hand turns using cameras.

RPB’s photo-enforcement cameras are at two intersections: Royal Palm Beach Blvd. at Okeechobee

The warning period will give residents an opportunity to become familiar with the red-light system, according to village officials, who emphasized that it is a public safety program and their goal is to deter red-light runners and prevent collisions resulting from these violations. Cameras will operate 24 hours a day and capture images of every vehicle running a red light at the intersection. The village’s program is administered by American Traffic Solutions Inc. with each violation reviewed and approved by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office before being issued.

P.W. Chamber Luncheon Features State Legislature Hopefuls

By Carol Porter

Town-Crier Staff Report

State Senate and State House hopefuls were joined by U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney at a Palms West Chamber of Commerce candidates’ forum held Monday at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The forum was moderated by Gina Rascati, the chamber’s vice chair for government affairs. The candidates included state representatives Ellyn Bogdanoff (R-District 91) and Kelly Skidmore (D-District 90), who are running for the State Senate District 25 seat being vacated by Jeff Atwater; former Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto and State Rep. Kevin Rader (DDistrict 78), the candidates for the State Senate District 27 seat being vacated by Dave Aronberg; State House Seat 83 candidates Democrat Mark Marciano and Republican Pat Rooney; and State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo (D-District 85) and his challenger, Republican Tami Donnally. Each candidate made brief introductory remarks in which they outlined their qualifications and goals.

Bogdanoff, who grew up in North Palm Beach and currently

lives in Broward County, chairs the House Finance & Tax Council. “I have enjoyed a position of leadership for many years,” she said. “I actually ran the jobs bill that was passed and which will hopefully stimulate the economy in Florida.”

Skidmore, who has lived in Florida since her family moved to Deerfield Beach when she was a child, noted her own experience in Tallahassee. “I am active on the committees that address such issues as healthcare appropriations and healthcare policy,” she said. “The things I think we should be working on in Tallahassee include incentives for high tech and solar corporations to come to Florida. One of the best things we can do for economic development in Florida is to improve our education system.”

Benacquisto pointed to her eight years as a member of the Wellington Village Council and of her desire to continue to represent the community. “I am rooted and vested in this community,” she said. “Being a mother to my children is one of the most important things I feel I have to do, but the other is to work hard and get our state and District 27 on track to

do what we need to do to focus our full efforts on creating jobs and bringing economic growth.”

Rader noted that his current District 78 seat is comparable to the District 27 seat, with some of the same constituents within it.

“Seat 78 is a gerrymandered seat that goes from Boca Raton to Fort Pierce,” Rader said. “It is similar to the seat that I am running for… I have been endorsed by state Sen.

Dave Aronberg, whom I am looking to replace.”

Marciano, an optometrist who lives in Palm Beach Gardens, and businessman Pat Rooney, brother of Congressman Rooney, are seeking the northern Palm Beach County seat being vacated by State Rep. Carl Domino.

“I have talked to a number of the legislators in Tallahassee, and I feel that number one there are

small

Palms West Republicans Hear From John Carroll And Allen West

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Palm Beach County Commission hopeful John Carroll and congressional candidate Allen West were the guest speakers at the Sept. 8 meeting of the Palms West Republican Club held at the Players Club in Wellington.

Carroll, a retired Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office commander, addressed tax rate hikes, a proposed county incinerator and explained why he feels he should be elected to the county commission in November.

“We need a new county commissioner,” said Carroll, a Republican who is running against incumbent Jess Santamaria and independent Andy Schaller for the District 6 seat. “This county commission has raised [the tax rate] in the last two years by 25 to 30 percent. We have to stop spending money we don’t have.”

He criticized the current commissioners for wasteful decisions.

“This commissioner wants to scrap the landfill, which they have already written a $70 million bond issue for, and he wants to buy an incinerator that will cost us $700 million,” he asserted. “We need to bring our budget under control.” Carroll said Republicans must take back the House and Senate in November, but noted that gains in local government are also necessary.

“I grew up in a working-class Irish and Italian neighborhood,

and when my father wasn’t working, we lived on less money,” he said. “My opponent is very beatable. We need to take back the House and the Senate, but if you don’t take your local government back, they are going to hit you with these tax bills next year, and the year after that, and the year after that.”

Carroll said that elected officials should have a background in how governments operate.

“I spent 35 years as a public servant in Palm Beach County. The day after I retired, I got hired by Barry University. I teach public administration to our children,” he said. “I’m the only candidate who has a master’s degree in public administration. It’s a very important factor into how and why governments do things.”

Carroll went on to note that he has been endorsed by a variety of groups, including the Police Benevolent Association, the Fraternal Order of Police and County Commissioner Steve Abrams.

“Some of you might be fooled into thinking there is another vote in this election,” Carroll said. “If any of us vote for anyone else in this race, you might as well vote for Jess Santamaria because this race is between the Democrats and the Republicans.”

Carroll asked the room full of Republican activists to not only vote for him, but to actively support him.

“I need not only your vote, but

I need you to talk to your friends. I need you to talk to your family and your kids. We need to get them to come out and ask them to vote for me,” he said.

West, who is running against incumbent U.S. Rep. Ron Klein in District 22, concurred with Carroll about the need for Republicans “to take back the country.” He also raised concerns about redistricting and the need to be on the right side of that issue.

“It’s about the Senate, and the House, and what happens in Tallahassee,” West said. “We need to make sure we have the right people in the governor’s mansion. We need to make sure that we have the right people in the State Legislature. All politics comes down to the local level. It’s the county commission and the city governments. This is an important time, and each and every one of you must rise to the occasion.”

West said he is running against an opponent who is running negative attack ads against him, and that only happens when someone doesn’t have any issues to run on.

“When someone wants to call me a name, it doesn’t get my attention,” West said. “They are so wanting you to respond. Because sometimes, when you ignore a problem, it will go away. That’s what we are going to do to Ron Klein. We are going to make him go away.” West focused on the need for limited government and lower tax-

es. “If we’re not careful,” he said, “in January of 2011, the American people will see the largest tax increase they have seen in quite some time. What would you do if you turn around and you see 74 percent of your earnings go out the door? We could see the destruction of the constitutional republic in January of 2011.”

West said the federal government’s suit against Arizona over immigration reform is outside the mandates of the U.S. Constitution. Arizona, said West, has every right to protect its borders.

“We are setting ourselves up for more devastation than 9/11,” West said, “because we are not secur-

ing our borders, airports and malls.

We have an open border, and also we have the fact that we cannot fully define the enemy we are fighting. This is about fighting, and this is about killing. We must protect the American people, and the American way of life.” West said the Obama administration is anti-business and all about creating victims dependent on government handouts.

“Right now we are living in a country where the public sector is outpacing the private sector,” he said. “We are not empowering people. We are enslaving people.

All I have to do is go back to my neighborhood in Atlanta, Ga. and

see the effect of the failed liberal social welfare policies and programs.” West said voters had elected an “American idol” as president in 2008, and it is up to the Republican Party to train the next generation of leaders.

“The founding fathers never meant to have career politicians run for office,” West said. “I will not watch my country, and this great republic, go aground. You have my conviction that I will win this race. I will run through the tape.” For more information about the Palms West Republican Club, visit www.wellingtongop.com.

(L-R) Palms West Republican Club officers Bob McKeen and Lainie Guthrie, congressional candidate Allen West, county commission candidate John Carroll, State House candidate Tami Donnally, and PWRC officers Paul Krayeski and Amy Bachman. PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

District 83 candidates Dr. Mark Marciano and Pat Rooney.

Joe Abruzzo (D-85) and his GOP challenger Tami Donnally.

State Senate District 27 candidates Republican Lizbeth Benacquisto and State Rep. Kevin Rader (D-78).

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

WELLINGTON

New members MariJane Canova and Sue Hampton with First Vice President Linda Rovolis and President Suzanne Redmond.

Joanne MacLeod, Tony Baker, Jean Hennekam, Geoff Wilson and Betty Jane Zedonek.

Leslie Pfeiffer with her oil painting Golden Orchids

Bobbin Salisbury sells raffle tickets to benefit the Wellington Art Society Scholarship Fund.Stephen Hlasnicek with his framed photograph titled Eagle.Adrianne Hetherington buys raffle tickets from Jo-Ann Wolf.

Greyhound Pets of America volunteer Phyllis Gauger with her adopted greyhounds Dodgie and Slammer.Ryan and Matthew Milano adopt two-month-old Alex.Alexus Mendez adopts a kitten named Sweetie.

Wellington Community Fitness 5K Run/Walk Returns On Nov. 6

The Palms West Community Foundation has announced that the 2010 Wellington Community Fitness 5K Run & Walk will be held Saturday, Nov. 6. Joanna Boynton and Terri Priore will both return this year to chair the event. The Wellington Community Fitness 5K Run/Walk has been an annual event since 1997, focused on bringing residents together to promote health and fitness, while supporting a charitable organization. Proceeds from the 2010 event will benefit Scott’s Place, a playground for all abilities. Scott’s Place is a barrier-free playground built as part of the new Wellington Town Center. A cornerstone donation of $250,000 was made by the Williamson fam-

Next LGLA Meeting Set

For Sept. 23

The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will meet Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd.).

The speaker for the evening will be a representative from the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office, who will explain the new TRIM notices that property owners recently received, as well as discuss the appeal process if there is a disagreement about the bill. Residents may also ask questions about how to qualify and

ily in honor of their late son. Now there is a need for community support to finish the project. Scott’s Place will ultimately incorporate a full acre of accessible playground equipment including slides, sensory items, shades, swings and other attractions.

“The Run/Walk Steering Committee felt that donating to Scott’s Place enabled us to provide a place for our community’s children to enjoy fitness on an everyday basis,” Boynton said. “The 2010 Wellington Community Fitness 5K Run/Walk is proud to donate to this project, where children of varying abilities can come together to play in a safe and enriching environment.”

This year’s event will feature a

apply for an agricultural exemption for their land. For additional information about the Sept. 23 meeting, call LGLA President Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875.

Register For Co-Ed Basketball In Royal Palm

The Royal Palm Beach Parks & Recreation Department will be offering a youth co-ed developmental basketball league. Registration has begun for recreational basketball for boys and girls in kindergarten through the eighth grade. Season practices will begin in

USATF-certified 5K run and noncompetitive walk — something for all ages and ability levels. The course this year will be based at the new Wellington Town Center. As in past years, it will be an outand-back route. This year the race will begin on Chancellor Drive just behind the Wellington Aquatic Center and turn right onto South Shore Blvd. Participants will head up South Shore Blvd. and turn right (north) onto Big Blue Trace until they reach the half-way point, and then they will loop back and return to the start/finish line.

“Basing the walk at the Town Center gives a ‘center’ to our community event,” Priore said, “and it encompasses our affiliation with Scott’s Place this year. This new

November. Registrations are being accepted at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center now through Oct. 21. Register early as spaces are limited. Call the Royal Palm Recreation Center at (561) 790-5124 for more information. Register at www. royalpalmbeach.com and receive a discounted price through Oct. 14. In addition to registration for players, volunteer youth basketball coaches are needed for the league. A free training clinic and meeting will be held for youth basketball coaches on Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane). The clinic will

location offers us the opportunity to grow the Community Fitness 5K Run/Walk into an even larger community event in the years to come.”

The Palms West Community Foundation is the nonprofit arm of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce. The foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in western Palm Beach County through outreach programs and by establishing a community center for the region — the new Palms West Chamber building.

To register for the run/walk or for sponsorship information, visit www.communityfitnessrun.com, or contact Maureen Gross at (561) 790-6200 or maureen@palms west.com.

be run by Royal Palm Beach High School boys basketball coach Drew Quinn. The main focus of the clinic will be coaching youth on offensive skills and drills. For more information, or to reserve a participation slot, call (561) 7905125.

WHS Basketball Annual Golf

Tourney Oct. 23

The Wellington High School boys basketball team will hold its third annual golf tournament Saturday, Oct. 23 at Palm Beach Polo Golf & Country Club. Proceeds from the event will go

directly to the boys basketball program and aid in providing muchneeded equipment, travel expenses, camp fees and meals for all three teams — freshman, junior varsity and varsity.

The tournament committee is composed of third-year boys basketball head coach Matt Colin and his assistant coaches Daniel Stechschulte, Randy Nichols and Mike Newkirk. Joining the coaching staff are committee members Dennis Witkowski, Rex Kirby and Chris Fratalia.

The tournament committee invites golfers to join them at 7:30 a.m. for registration and a threepoint putting contest. The tournament will begin at 9 a.m. with

a shotgun start. Immediately following the tournament will be an awards ceremony, silent auction and lunch buffet. Entry fees are $125 per golfer and $500 per team consisting of four golfers. Sponsorship opportunities for the golf tournament are still available. The tournament committee is excited for the continued success of the basketball program at Wellington High School and looks forward to seeing everyone on Oct. 23. For additional information about this year’s golf tournament, contact Colin at (803) 439-5348 or e-mail at matthew.colin@palm beach.k12.fl.us.

Wellington Community Fitness 5k Run/Walk Steering Committee members Bob Heil, Dale Pickford, Maggie Zeller, Joanna Boynton and Maureen Gross at Scott’s Place.

CHILDREN’S FASHION

SHOW BRINGS

CROWD TO ORIGINAL WELLINGTON MALL

PALM BEACH GARDENS HOSTS DEDICATION CEREMONY

J. Gary Baja of Costco in Royal Palm Beach.Youngsters

Deanna Bufo Novak, author and founder of My Heritage Book, chats with customers.

John Napolitano Sr. and his nephew Anthony Grasso.Members

Royal Palm Beach resident Ronald Blicksilver. The memorial is unveiled.

Retired FDNY Chief Talks To Wildcats At 9/11 Remembrance Assembly

Dan Daly, a retired battalion chief with the New York City Fire Department, was the keynote speaker last Friday at Royal Palm Beach High School’s assembly commemorating the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Daly was a first responder to the events at Ground Zero on 9/11, having to commandeer a mail truck to get to the World Trade Center. He was one of 100 firefighters awarded the New York Liberty Medal for his work at Ground Zero.

Though he now spends his time traveling around the world speaking at various institutions and events, Daly still vividly remembers the events of the day that took place nine years ago.

“Arriving at Ground Zero was like landing on another planet,” recounted Daly during the opening of his presentation, which was delivered to an auditorium packed full of senior students, invited guests from around the community and organizations from around the school.

Losing friends and witnessing the devastation of the day changed his life forever, Daly said. He added that he saw his life diverging into two paths, one leading to drugs and alcohol as a form of dealing with the hurt and pain, and

the other was to channel his energies into volunteering. “Today is a gift, and tomorrow is just a promise,” he said. Daly made the choice to focus his time and efforts into volunteering, taking on speaking invitations around the world as well as becoming an active member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Each presentation, he said, affords him the ability to relate some life lessons, “the five golden keys,” to his audiences.

While recounting stories from his travels around the world as a speaker, Daly related each of the keys to his audience: 1) be kind, 2) develop your talents, 3) volunteer, 4) choose wisely and 5) walk with an attitude of gratitude. According to Daly, each of these rules — which can be condensed into the phrase, “kind, talented volunteers choose an attitude of gratitude” — are the keys to living the absolute best life one can lead.

“Nothing comes close to the feeling you get when you forget yourself and help someone else,” Daly said. “That’s the key to happiness.”

Last Friday’s event was organized by Assistant Principal Gina Charla and Principal Jesús Armas. “It was an honor for our commu-

NEW HORIZONS THANKS PARENT VOLUNTEERS

New Horizons Elementary School recently hosted a volunteer breakfast to welcome parent and student volunteers to a new school year. Parent volunteers help teachers by creating copies, decorating the classroom and working with students. Parents help in the media center with book checkout and shelving, and with special events by serving as speakers, servers, room parents, hosts and guides. Shown here are volunteers Sherri Mauck, Angela Mintzer, Stacy Perkins, Megan D’Orvilliers, Laura Kannberg, Monica Noire, Melinda Winaker, Rita Tolman, Anita Candig, Abby Carr, Vicki Johnson, Kelly Wantman, Louise Kannberg, Laura Townsend, Nora Conlin, Sharon Scanlon, Sandy Campagnuolo, Melisa Sanguine, Jacqueline Parra and Johanna Reyers.

nity to have him [Daly] here,” Armas said.

The school administration was happy to provide an uplifting message as students headed into a weekend full of media coverage of Sept. 11. “We were extremely pleased with the chief’s inspirational message of continuing personal growth and volunteerism,” Charla said.

The student body left the assembly humbled and impressed with Daly’s speech.

“I thought that he was an outstanding speaker, and he really gave me some great insights to understand what it was like to be there, in New York on 9/11,” said Tina Mingoia, a senior and member of student council. “It was really eye-opening.”

The event was rounded out by performances by the RPBHS chorus, which performed two numbers, and the new band director, Bill McClendon, who performed “America the Beautiful” on the trumpet.

The event, which was filmed and broadcasted live to every classroom around RPBHS, was scheduled to air on the Education Network last weekend and throughout the week.

— Jake Noble, Daniel Clarke and Sham El-Nil

Ideal Elementary School In Royal Palm Swears In Safety Patrollers

It’s all about keeping students safe when it comes to Ideal Elementary School’s safety patrol. Lt. Marcos Martinez and Diane Smith of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office explained the responsibilities of the prestigious job and conducted the annual swearing-in ceremony for Ideal’s third-graders Friday, Aug. 27.

“We have an enthusiastic group of students this year, and they’re excited to have this opportunity to help keep their friends safe,” said third-grade teacher Erin Elder, this year’s safety patrol leader.

Third-graders at Ideal Elementary School are in charge of helping students exit their cars in the morning and escorting them to

their classrooms, ensuring traffic safety around the school’s campus and modeling the virtue of leadership. Safety patrol is a position that is held by third-graders from August to May each school year. The Ideal School is a pioneer in the use of Multiple Intelligence Theory in the classroom. Its expertise in innovative education draws students from preschool through the eighth grade throughout Palm Beach County.

Ideal Elementary School is located at 400 Royal Commerce Road in Royal Palm Beach. For additional information about the school, call (561) 791-2881 or visit its web site at www.idealschool florida.com.

RPBHS Principal Jesús Armas with retired FDNY battalion chief Dan Daly.

Dan Daly (front row, center) with Principal Jesús Armas and members of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, and the Interact Club.

Assistant Principal Gina Charla, Alexis Chapelle, Angela Bianchi and retired FDNY battalion chief Dan Daly.

WHS Debaters Win At First Tourney Of The Year

The Wellington High School debate and forensic team rang in the new competition season with a rock-solid performance at its first competition of the 2010-11 school year, the Palm Beach Catholic Forensic League’s All-Congress Tournament, with 11 first-year Wolverines earning recognition and another 14 novice and varsity debaters receiving judge nominations for their mock legislator performances.

Three Wellington representatives were honored with first-place titles at the Saturday, Sept. 11 tournament, which took place at the King’s Academy: Scott Meskin (Novice House A), Madi McDole (Novice House B) and Stephi Maravankin (Novice House G). A second-place plaque was presented to Madison Dalton (Novice House D), while third-place hon-

ors were garnered by Kevin Murphy (Novice House A) and Alexa Fortuna (Novice House I).

Fifth-place finishes were recorded by Sydney Rogalsky (Novice House F) and Sabrina Abesamis (Novice House H), while Brittany Buxbaum (Novice House B), Jared Munguia (Novice House C) and Juliana Diatezua (Novice House H) earned sixth-place ribbons. In addition, the following Wellington students each received at least one judge rank during the congress day: Sasha Jimenez, Conor McPherson, Joe Chiarenza, David Levitt, Zina Hall, Haley Torres, Dylan Giesler, C.J. Lewis, Eve Tenenbaum, Jayleen James, Dominick DeFazio, Ryan Kennedy, Darby Guyn and Nick Thibault. Kennedy earned the first Na-

tional Forensic League degree of the year for Wellington, surpassing the 150-point NFL Degree of Excellence plateau.

Wellington’s next competition is Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Fort Lau-

derdale High School “Flying L Invitational” Tournament. The WHS debate team is coached by Paul L. Gaba. For additional information, visit the team’s web site at www. wellingtondebate.com.

SRHS Guidance Department Is Ready To Serve

Seminole Ridge High School has six guidance counselors serving the student body this year. They are as follows: Kevin Cintron, counselor for students whose last names begin with A-Ci; Heather Woeber, counselor for Co-Gi; Girselda Wallace, counselor for Gl-Le; Theresa Hartl, counselor for Li-Pa; Brian Welch, counselor for Pe-Sp; and Sandy Baldwin, counselor for St-Z.

The SRHS guidance counselors are committed to facilitating and enabling students in making crucial decisions about their person-

al and educational needs, and to providing valuable information about colleges, careers and other life choices. They endeavor to meet the needs of students in academic achievement, career awareness and personal/social development. It is their goal to continue developing a community of lifelong learners who will work collaboratively to impact the future. For more information, or to schedule an appointment with your child’s counselor, call guidance secretary Jona Muckle at (561) 422-2610.

Poinciana Students Recognized By Duke

Four seventh-grade students at Poinciana Day School were recently honored by the Duke University Talent Identification Program for their outstanding academic abilities. They are Justin Lubin, Blake Clement, Amar Maharaj and Maeve A’Hearn.

Each of these students scored in the 95th percentile or higher in nationally ranked standardized tests (top five percent of students their age in the country). Because Poinciana Day School has small classes, with a maximum of 15 students in a class, these four students represent a third of the seventh-grade class.

These students will be taking either the SAT or ACT in January — the same test that graduating

high school seniors take.

“We are so proud of the accomplishments of our students,” Head of School Ann Simone said. “The unique curriculum at Poinciana Day School allows students to accelerate academically in all grade levels and all subjects based upon their needs. We also enrich all students’ education with the arts, technology, Spanish and PE.” Located at 1340 Kenwood Road in West Palm Beach, Poinciana Day School is an independent private school for students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. For additional information, call the main office at (561) 655-7323 or visit the school’s web site at www.poincianadayschool.org.

Members of the Wellington High School debate and forensic team, following the Sept. 11 All-Congress Tournament.

Outstanding Academics — Justin Lubin, Blake Clement, Amar Maharaj and Maeve A’Hearn.

SRHS Guidance Department — (L-R) Brian Welch, Girselda Wallace, Sandy Baldwin, Heather Woeber, Theresa Hartl and Kevin Cintron.

Wellington Resident Timothy J. Panian Dies At Age 67

Longtime Wellington resident and Pratt & Whitney employee

Timothy J. Panian passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 8. He was 67. Panian was born in Detroit, Mich. on Oct. 23, 1942. He was predeceased by his parents Gerald and Grace Panian, and is survived by his wife Cherie, his brother Thomas and wife Linda of Jupiter, mother-in-law, aunts and uncle-in-law, nephews and nieces, four grand-nieces and many cousins.

Panian graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in aerospace engineering. He moved to West Palm Beach and worked for almost 30 years at Pratt & Whitney, where he specialized in working on F-15 fighters as well as F-19s.

In addition to his professional life, Panian enjoyed traveling, golfing and was a member of a bowling league. A funeral viewing was held

Timothy Panian

Sunday, Sept. 12 at the Palms West Funeral Home. The funeral service was held Monday, Sept. 13 at St. Therese de Lisieux Catholic Church in Wellington.

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.

Two Named To Marshall Foundation Council

Nancy Marshall, president of the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation, recently announced that Debora Kerr and Harvey E. Oyer III, both of West Palm Beach, have joined the nonprofit organization’s 25-member Advisory Council.

“With their extensive background in business, public health, the law and the history of South Florida, along with their years of experience working on behalf of public service and environmental causes, both Debora Kerr and Harvey Oyer III will be invaluable additions to the Marshall Foundation’s Advisory Council,” Marshall said.

As the assistant director of the Florida Public Health Institute, which advances the knowledge and practice of public health to

promote, protect and improve the health of all, Kerr has a 12-year nonprofit background in building cross-industry collaboration and project development for healthcare, biotechnology, environmental health, education, youth programs and workforce development sectors.

A partner in the law firm of Shutts & Bowen LLP, Oyer also is an adjunct professor of law at the University of Miami School of Law, and an adjunct professor at the Florida Atlantic University Honors College.

Arthur R. Marshall Foundation champions the restoration and preservation of the greater Everglades ecosystem. For more information about the foundation, visit www.artmarshall.org.

Hlasnicek Retires From 25th Infantry Division

Mark Hlasnicek has retired from his position as provost sergeant major of the 25th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army.

The son of 25-year Wellington residents Anne and Stephen Hlasnicek, Hlasnicek is a graduate of Forest Hill High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal and social science. His military career included training as both a paratrooper and in the military police, and his overseas deployments included Italy, Cuba and five tours of duty in Iraq, which began with Desert Storm and ended with the supervision of the im-

prisonment of Saddam Hussein.

Some of Hlasnicek’s awards and decorations include the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, the Military Volunteer Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon (three OLC), the Army Service Ribbon, the Noncommissioned Officer Development Ribbon (Numeral Four), the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Armed Force Expeditionary Medal, the Army Good

Conduct Medal (one Silver Loop), the Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, the Valorous Unit Award, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Army Commendation Medal (four OLC), the Army Achievement Medal (four OLC), the Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for Valor, the Meritorious Service Medal (two OLC), the Bronze Star Medal (four OLC) and the Legion of Merit.

Hlasnicek is married with three children and has accepted a second career position teaching military science near Atlanta, Ga.

Harvey E. Oyer III

Debora Kerr

Mark Hlasnicek

‘Gala Of Angels’ Fundraiser Set For Oct. 23

The inaugural “Gala Of Angels” fundraiser will take place Saturday, Oct. 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Downtown at the Gardens. The event will benefit Little Smiles, Quantum House and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. AngelFlywear Foundation is hosting the gala in an effort to support families faced with the challenge of raising chronically ill children. The family-friendly event is sponsored by A Latte Fun, located at Downtown at the Gardens. Attendees will enjoy delicious food and beverages, prizes and an amazing silent auction while their children play in the state-of-the-art indoor playground.

The public is welcome to enjoy free activities taking place in the center court of Downtown at the Gardens, including live entertainment by the Elvis Tribute Show, DJ Josh and an AngelKids area sponsored by Beaches and Dreams with crafts and games for children of all ages. Additional

vendors include Gus’ Water Ice, Potions in Motion Mobile Bar and the Hot Dog King. A percentage of all vendor sales will be donated to the three charities. “The event is our first fundraiser and will be on my daughter Angelina’s third birthday, AngelFlywear founder Kristen Colman said. “It has been a long and challenging journey through her illness. The foundation is our way of giving back.”

To purchase tickets and view a full event timeline, visit www. angelflywear.com. For more information on sponsorship opportunities and auction donations, contact Colman at (561) 629-7774 or sponsorship@angelflywear.com.

Created from a mother’s dream and a child’s strength, AngelFlyWear was established in 2009 as a vehicle to sponsor fundraisers and benefits that give back to the communities and organizations providing support to families and individuals in times of need. All proceeds from events and dona-

Keenan Stasi Graduates Basic Air Force Training

Air Force Reserve Airman

Keenan P. Stasi has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Stasi completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward a degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Stasi is the son of Kimberly Toohey of Wellington and a 2010 graduate of Wellington High School.

Keenan Stasi

tions are equally donated between Little Smiles, the Quantum House and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

The Quantum House provides “a caring place to call home” for families while their children are

receiving treatments for serious medical conditions in Palm Beach County. The house is the only facility of its kind between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. For information about the Quantum House, visit www.quantumhouse.org.

Joseph Morales Completes Army OSUT Training

Army Pvt. Joseph Morales has graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga. The training consisted of basic military training and advanced individual training (AIT). During basic training, Morales received instruction in drill and ceremonies, military customs and courtesies, map reading, tactics, basic rifle marksmanship, physical fitness, field training and first aid skills. The recruit developed combat skills and handled various weapons available to the infantry soldier. During AIT, the Morales received instruction to serve as an

infantryman/mortarman using light and heavy anti-armor weapons, indirect-fire support and mechanized operations while assigned to a rifle or mortar squad. The training included weapons qualification, tactics, patrolling, navigation, field communications and combat operations; engagement in infantry combat exercises, battle drills, land-mine locating, neutralizing and extracting, and survival operations during a nuclear, biological or chemical attack.

Morales is the son of Argemiro Morales of The Acreage and a 2007 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School.

Krueger Finishes U.S. Army Basic Training

Army National Guard Pvt.

Heidi J. Krueger has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, Krueger studied the Army

mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony,

marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, the military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field-training exercises.

Krueger is the daughter of Ellen Krueger of Odell, Neb., and niece of Theresa Fejes of Royal Palm Beach. Krueger is a 2009 graduate of Diller-Odell High School.

St. Michael Lutheran Church Blessing Of The Animals Oct. 3

St. Michael Lutheran Church in Wellington will hold its second annual “Paws for a Blessing” on Sunday, Oct. 3 with a service beginning at 2 p.m. Because of the extreme temperatures experienced outdoors at last year’s event, this year’s service will take place indoors. The blessing will again be sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The church welcomes everyone to attend, with or without a pet. However, pets must be leashed or confined in a carrier. Paws for a Blessing is also a fundraiser for the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, representatives of which will be onsite during the event

with their PetMobile containing furry friends hoping to find a permanent home. Everyone attending is asked to bring canned

Pastor Marjorie Weiss and her assistant Kevin Murphy bless the cats in the petmobile at last year’s event.

The Gala of Angels Event Committee.

Boys & Girls Club Thanks Wellington Supporters At Luncheon

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Boys & Girls Club of Wellington held a community appreciation luncheon Tuesday at the White Horse Tavern to recognize people who have made significant contributions to the club.

The luncheon, hosted by PNC Bank, served as a means to draw attention to the need for fundraising for the new building planned for the Wellington club, which will be built on village property on Wellington Trace at an estimated cost of $3.5 million.

The new club, which will be near Fire Station 25, will include a gym and age-specific rooms to attract more teens.

“This is an appreciation and recognition luncheon that we have every year for everyone we have involved from volunteers to staff, but we would also like it to serve as catalyst going forward,” said

Park Built In Phases

continued from page 1 in the same building. He noted that he designed one of the first environmentally “green” buildings in Palm Beach County, the Marinelife Center of Juno Beach.

“The State of Florida makes it mandatory now that all public buildings be green certifiable so that you can design them to meet

Peace Observance

Sept. 21

continued from page 1

All of the winners’ teachers will receive a $50 check for use at their discretion in their classrooms. Middle school students wrote poetry. The winners were Keaton Shepard of Emerald Cove Middle School with “In the Children’s Eyes” and Etta Kay of Polo Park Middle School with “Song Bird.”

The theme of the essay competition for high school students was based on the words of the Roman scholar Cicero: “I prefer the most unfair peace to the most righteous war.” The winners of this competition were sophomore Felicia Yan of Wellington High School and senior Samantha Yorke of Palm Beach Central High School.

The club added a photography competition this year, which was swept by WHS students. “We had some absolutely fantastic photographs, very, very professional, especially by the kids at Wellington High School.” Kemp said.

Candidates Chamber Forum

continued from page 7 Beach Kennel Club, also focused on his business background.

“I have been in the district for about 18 years, although my family has been coming to South Florida for as long as I can remember,” he said. “We have the Palm Beach Kennel Club, but I also run two small businesses, which are restaurants. We lost population in the State of Florida for the first time ever last year. It’s completely unacceptable to me as a business person that we are not attracting people and businesses to this state. That is going to be my number one priority if I am elected to go to Tallahassee.”

Abruzzo, who is finishing up his first term in office, noted the work he has done in Tallahassee and pointed out he has the endorsement of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

“When I first ran for office, I ran as a fiscally conservative, pro-business Democrat,” Abruzzo said. “I am proud to announce that I have delivered on those promises. I worked very hard to pass a significant number of bills.”

A 40-year resident of the district, Donnally asserted that Abruzzo isn’t representing his business constituents very well,

Tony Nelson, chairman of the Wellington club. The recognition is more important this year because the club is trying to get its new location up and running, he said. “It has never been as important as it is today,” Nelson said. “As strong as support has been in the community, we have been growing at a pace that for the first time ever we are having to turn kids away.”

Nelson said the Wellington club wants to thank current supporters, but also encourage new people to get involved. “We’re probably going to have to have a stronger push this year than in prior years,” he said. “It’s extremely important to recognize those who have done so much in the past. We’re really concerned about having those individuals continue to support us and possibly influence others to support us in the community.”

that requirement,” he said. “We’ve been doing that for three years now, so that is something we’re familiar with.”

Gonzalez said he would also address issues about lighting and safety, accessibility for the disabled and mothers with children, as well as who will build it, who will maintain it and where to find the money. “Nobody has all the money in place in this economy,” he said.

Gonzalez pointed out that West Palm Beach just completed a wa-

Taking first place was junior Allison Parssi with Cultural Diversity Circle, who will receive $150. Second prize of $100 will go to sophomore Taylor Podder with Playtime. Third prize of $50 will go to junior Jesse Schob for Peace. Sophomores Allison Weiner, Jessica Delroy and Diandra DePina and juniors Alyssa Frank and Hailey Garrett won honorable mentions. The teacher for all the photography students is Barbara “Bobbie” Brubaker. Kemp said there is much more involvement from Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops this year.

“There was one Boy Scout troop that has shown an interest the past couple of years, but it’s really a much bigger deal this year,” he said. “I’ve got all the scouts in the area involved, and they’ll be at the ceremony marching in with their banners. They’ve been working all summer on projects for a peace merit badge that we’ll be awarding to put on their uniforms. There’s probably about six troops involved this year.”

Local Palm Beach County and Wellington dignitaries will attend

and said she could do a better job.

“I stand before you today as your advocate,” Donnally said. “I support [Republican gubernatorial candidate] Rick Scott’s sevenyear business plan that would help create new jobs. I feel that the district should be represented by a team partner and not a career politician. According to a recent poll, Rep. Abruzzo only voted with business 69 percent of the time, and as a former teacher, I would give that a D.” Rascati then asked the candidates a series of questions. On the topic of job creation, Bogdanoff and Rader agreed that incentives are needed to bring more businesses and jobs to the state. Marciano agreed on incentives for businesses but also felt that more attention should be paid to “Farm to Fuel” programs in the state. Pat Rooney said more incentives coupled with less regulation would bring more businesses to the state. Donnally also said that she supported incentives to bring more businesses to Florida and that the legislature must look at mandates that are “crushing the business community.” Abruzzo noted a bipartisan effort that he is part of to institute Chinese languages in the classroom to create students better able to compete in the future job market.

On healthcare reform, Rader said the United States does not have “health care,” but rather “dis-

Nelson said members hope to be more visible in the community so that people recognize the importance of supporting the Boys & Girls Club.

“There are so many single-parent families, working moms and dads where neither have jobs now and nowhere for the kids to go,” he said. “We feel obligated to provide the best service that we can for the kids in the community and want to lend a helping hand.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County President and CEO Mary O’Connor was glad that a new, state-of-the-art facility will soon replace the existing small facility in Wellington.

“Thanks to the Village of Wellington and a number of other very special people, we will be building a new 24,000-square-foot facility, which I hope we break ground on early next year,” O’Connor said. “The Wellington

terfront park but did not implement a programming plan until after the park was built.

“They are now reprogramming,” he said. “I don’t think you want to be in that position. I think you want to be ready to go with your special events and how you’re going to market them.”

The total cost for the park improvements is estimated at about $9.3 million, of which the district has about $6 million saved. ITID has applied for about $2.75 million in grants. Gonzalez said he

the ceremony. The U.S., Florida and Wellington flags will be raised, and peace doves will be released. A commitment to world peace and understanding will be expressed by local multi-denominational clergy, and the pledge of “May Peace Prevail on Earth” will be read in eight languages. Those are also the words inscribed on the Wellington Peace Pole, the centerpiece of the park.

Kemp, who moved to Wellington four years ago from Boston where he ran an international electronics firm, said he is interested in helping the Rotary Peace Initiative grow. This is the first year he was involved in the project.

“We’ll make a few changes next year and think of new things to do,” he said. “We’re just trying to make it bigger and better.”

Kemp said he wants to get more of the youth involved. “It’s not an antiwar scenario,” he said. “Conflict resolution and multicultural understanding is what we’re trying to promote. Getting the youth involved is a good way to start and get them going from school age thinking about it.”

ease care,” and that more money should be spent to make sure that young people lead healthier lives.

Benacquisto said the new federal healthcare mandates will cripple the business community. Pat Rooney said he didn’t support the recent healthcare reform law because he didn’t think the federal government should be forcing businesses into doing things they do not want to do.

While Abruzzo and Marciano agreed the healthcare legislation is primarily a federal issue, Donnally said the federal government should not be allowed to make such an imposition on the states. Skidmore said that healthcare insurance should be just like car insurance, and people should be able to pay for it in a free market system.

Also speaking at the luncheon was Congressman Rooney (RDistrict 16). However, he kept his remarks brief since his Democratic challenger Jim Horn did not attend.

“I work very hard across the aisle,” he said. “I appreciate the chamber’s support over the last two years. You believe in free enterprise and entrepreneurship. This is what this election is going to be about, and this is what I am going to fight for you about in Washington, D.C.”

For more information about the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palmwest.com.

club, because of its small size, has turned away more kids than any other facility in the county.”

With the new club, O’Connor said she hopes to attract more teenagers with programs tailored toward them. The club aims to help children of working parents who would otherwise be coming home to an empty house.

“They would be at tremendous risk of being exposed to negative behavior or, more importantly, becoming a victim themselves,” she said. “This is incredibly important for children, it’s incredibly important for their families.”

O’Connor thanked PNC Bank for its support. “PNC is a prime example of a corporate partner that believes in doing good things for other people,” she said.

Tensy Caine, senior vice president and regional manager for the bank, was there on behalf of the bank. “We are very proud of the

has talked to District Administrator Tanya Quickel about possible funding and grants, as well as landscaping engineers and architects. The phasing of the project will be based on needs, he said.

“You have a lot of research provided as to what the needs are for your community,” Gonzalez said.

The second aspect is how much money is available for each phase, as opposed to how much money is budgeted, he said. “When you put all the elements together and it’s going to be $8 to $9 million, but we only have $3 to $4 to $5 million,” Gonzalez said. “How do we compromise or prioritize so we can do that?”

Gonzalez noted that he has worked closely with the Village of Wellington on its new Town Center project. He said Wellington wanted the Old Florida style, which has become very popular.

RPBHS Principal Speaks

continued from page 1 dents, but he said the most important factor is improving the graduation rate.

However, Armas also wants to get as many students as possible enrolled in Advanced Placement classes.

“It used to be AP was a homogenous group of affluent kids who were mostly white,” he said. “I believe in Advanced Placement classes and for all students, not just a small group.”

The school’s “D” grade in 2010 was caused by a failure to bring up reading grades in the bottom 25 percent of students, he said.

“We have got to get reading skills up. Learning gains overall were good,” Armas said, especially in math. “Our lowest 25 percent had a great year in math.”

For personalized, targeted instruction, Armas said more time will be devoted to tutoring.

“That will take us a little bit of time to do,” he said. “We want to create a culture on campus where all the students are taking school seriously.”

Tutoring in reading has to be pointed to the individual student because there are wide varieties of specific deficiencies, he said.

“One student will have trouble

Blotter

continued from page 6 bottom panel of the front garage window. The door to the home was locked, and only the garage was entered. The victim was not sure if anything had been removed. There were no witnesses at the time of the report.

SEPT. 11 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home in Wellington’s Edge last Saturday afternoon regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5:30 p.m. last Friday and 12:09 p.m. the following afternoon, someone entered the victim’s unlocked car and stole his wallet and two packs of gum. There

“It’s appropriate here, too, in The Acreage,” he said, explaining that he felt the park has the potential to create a major “sense of place” for The Acreage.

Low construction prices make now a great time to start building. Gonzalez said by December he would like to have a master plan with a budget and phasing suggestions. He also suggested getting the community involved with a workshop to hear residents’ desires for the park. Gonzalez expects the entire project to take about two years depending on the phasing. “Even the building can be phased so that you can add on to it,” he said.

Gonzalez especially liked the views presented to the north and south from the community center site.

“You can enjoy the natural settings of those buildings, which can go a long way,” he said. “The op-

with word groupings where another student may have trouble with the main idea,” he said. “We are trying to target every single weakness. There’s a lot there, and we have to make sure they get the right instruction.”

For advanced programs, Armas has created the Excelsior Academy, which will offer a concentration of AP programs. Of 84 incoming freshmen invited to participate, 42 who attended an orientation have enrolled, he said.

“These students will attend classes together for a majority of classes,” he said. “As they progress, the classes will be more diverse. These kids are really sharp. One teacher told me, ‘I have to ratchet up for them.’”

Armas said he expects to see double the enrollment in the academy. He explained that the academy will always be an in-house program, available only to students in the school’s attendance boundary. A meeting is planned for Sept. 22 with local middle school staff members to discuss identifying next year’s freshmen who qualify for the academy.

Armas said he is still working on a program for students drawn to math, science and engineering.

“Right now I’m in the process of creating a program,” he said.

“That is part of my goal. I will continue to increase the number of AP course offerings.”

Another area to improve is the

were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

SEPT. 12 — A West Palm Beach woman was arrested last Sunday afternoon for shoplifting at the Icing store in the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation was dispatched to Icing after a loss prevention officer observed 21-yearold Chanel Brathwaite take a pair of earrings valued at $12.50. Brathwaite was arrested and taken to the county jail where she was charged with theft.

SEPT. 14 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to a home in Counterpoint Estates on Tues-

portunities are endless on the south side, the parking lots, the playing fields, the BMX tracks, all the things you want to do, I don’t think anyone else has tried to achieve in one shot at one park. I think it will generate a lot of interest and a lot of public good for The Acreage.”

President Michelle Damone noted that the original park was built in 1997, but the expansion has been in planning for 10 years. “We’re finally here,” Damone said. “It’s something that’s near and dear to this board for many different reasons, and our community needs this more than any other right now.” Damone said she liked Gonzalez’s interest in getting the community involved in the design.

“That couldn’t come at a better time for this community,” she said. “It’s key to our community moving forward.”

perception of the condition of the school, he said. “We need to clean up the reality and then clean up the perception,” he said. “The reality is that it is a safe school.” To make the school more friendly, Armas said he has changed the office protocol to remove the answering machine for incoming calls and have a receptionist answer telephone calls. He also is working to create a safe, respectful environment while increasing student accountability. Armas noted that a new focus on reducing truancy led one reporter at the student newspaper to write an article titled, “Why Is It More Difficult To Skip This Year?” RPBHS also has an increased emphasis on extracurricular activities, he said. The chorus has been asked to perform the national anthem at the next school board meeting and Armas is encouraging more parental and community involvement and communication through parent/principal summits, school advisory council participation, student general assemblies, media contact and business partnerships, as well as volunteer opportunities through civic organizations, academic advisory boards and the community school. Added emphasis will be on college readiness with graduating senior meetings, college nights, career academies and dual enrollment to prepare students for a career as well as advanced learning.

day regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 4 p.m. last Friday and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, someone stole an air conditioning unit and a black metal mailbox from the home. The victim was alerted to the theft when a customer called to ask if the home, which is for sale, included an air conditioner. According to the report, the yard is enclosed by a four-foot chain link fence, but the deputy observed that the west gate was ajar and that the unit’s cable and high and low pressure coolant lines had been cut. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

commitment that PNC has to the community as well as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County,” she said.

Wellington Boys & Girls Club Program Monitor Debra Sahagian and Program Coordinator Marissa Foglio honor Basil Burke.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County President and CEO Mary O’Connor presents a certificate of appreciation to Tony Nelson, chairman of the Wellington club’s board of directors. PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Dennis Carpenter presents a certificate to board member and golf tournament co-chair Gary Thomas of BuiltX.

Dennis Carpenter presents a Service to Youth award to fundraising golf tournament founder Ed Portman.

Marissa Foglio presents a certificate of appreciation to longtime board member Patricia Evans.

Debra Sahagian presents a certificate of appreciation to Safe Neighborhoods Advocate Meridith Tuckwood.

It’s not simply about portfolio holdings and account balances. It’s about your complete life. You should have a wealth management partner who understands that. Who cares about your personal goals for your family, your business, your future. Who

give you comfort in making decisions that not only support your financial objectives, but that help ensure you have time to do the things you enjoy with those you love.

MacLeod Offers Buyers ‘Everything But The Horse’

Stacey MacLeod used to have a living room. But that was before her equestrian consignment business Everything But the Horse took over much of her large and lovely house in the Deer Run community of Loxahatchee. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 21

Science Museum Features ‘Night At The Museum’ Damaged in the wake of Hurricane Wilma’s wrath and tucked away for almost five years, the observatory at the South Florida Science Museum has reopened to a starry-eyed public for the museum’s monthly “Nights at the Museum,” held the last Friday of every month from 6 to 10 p.m. Page 26

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

Business

Budget Blinds Franchise Allows Local Customers To ‘Window Shop’ At Home Budget Blinds — the largest and fastest-growing window covering company of its kind in the United States — recently announced that it will offer its convenient services to homeowners in the western communities, as well as parts of West Palm Beach and Greenacres. Owned and operated by longtime area residents Jim and Cindy Williams, the local Budget Blinds franchise began operation earlier this year. Page 29

Spor ts

Seminole Ridge Hawk Football Squad Tops Santaluces 31-19

The Seminole Ridge High School varsity football team defeated host Santaluces on Friday, Sept. 10 by a score of 31-19. Santaluces was unable to contain the Seminole Ridge running game and could not hold on to the ball, with the Chiefs fumbling three times.

Page 33

FEATURES

Stacey MacLeod Offers Buyers ‘Everything But The Horse’

Stacey MacLeod used to have a living room. Her large and lovely house in the Deer Run community of Loxahatchee has bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, closets, hallways, entranceways, a back patio and a space that clearly used to be a living room.

That area now houses her consignment tack shop, Everything But the Horse, and is filled, wall to wall and floor to nearly ceiling, with horse stuff. Come to think of it, parts of those other areas also house assorted horse items. Well, who cares? MacLeod’s clearly having a blast with her business/hobby, and so are her customers.

MacLeod began in 2000 doing Internet sales on eBay. She was living in Boca Raton and riding dressage at the time. Anytime she needed new clothes or equipment, she would first shop at a local equine consignment store but found that it stocked mostly hunter/jumper stuff rather than dressage gear. She would look online, but some of the items she received didn’t fit or weren’t exactly what she wanted. That’s when the penny dropped.

“I knew I couldn’t be the only dressage rider out there trying to save some money,” MacLeod said. “Clearly there was a need for a consignment shop that offered things for dressage riders.”

In 2001, she moved to the house that used to have a lot more space in Deer Run and got down to business. She took in single items or whole contents of barns, whatever people needed gone. She would visit farms, take everything, log it in and add it to the inventory,

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

then sell it and send the former owner a check.

“The consignment business is really amazing,” MacLeod said. “People are realizing that it’s better to buy something of quality used than to get something new, which costs more and doesn’t last half as long. Horse people don’t even realize how much money they have sitting around in used tack.”

Then there are families with kids who are showing.

“Kids grow so fast that a show coat which fit perfectly one month is suddenly too small when the next show hits,” MacLeod said. “And it’s bloody expensive to keep buying new coats at $300 or $400 a pop. We like to help people out, especially in today’s rough economy. We’ll take in items and give the customers a trade-in credit toward another coat or whatever.”

MacLeod also gets a lot of almost-new stuff. Some people come to show for the season in Wellington and don’t feel like carting everything back home, especially buckets and barn implements. Some items have been used only a couple of times and are virtually new.

“We get in a lot of high-end stuff, like Hermes and Albion,” MacLeod said. “If I don’t think I can sell it, I don’t take it. But there’s a great market for this stuff out there. People can live within a budget and still afford to show and do it right. It’s always show season somewhere.”

And what does MacLeod have? Basically, anything you can imagine that has to do with horses. There are saddles, saddles and more saddles: English, western, hunter, dressage, Australian, saddle seat, side saddle. There are 50 to 60 saddles on racks in the crowded liv-

See MACLEOD, page 22

Stacey MacLeod with some of the items packed into her living room.

A Check In The Mail Means My Anniversary Is Coming Up

Sometimes I remember that my wedding anniversary is coming up because my parents and my maid of honor send me cards. They are so good about that. And my parents’ card always contains a check — a check that makes me smile because it is their tradition to send their children $5 per year of marriage.

On the first wedding anniversary, they send $5. On the second, $10. It’s their little way of encouraging us to stay with our spouses. My brother, who has been married for 37 years, says it’s the only thing keeping him and his wife together. (We know that’s not true, however. He and Linda are still together because Linda is a saint.)

So when I opened this year’s envelope, I thought I knew what to expect.

But no.

“Hey, look at this!” I said to my husband, Mark. “Mom accidentally sent me $60 when it should have been $55.”

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

“We’ve been married 12 years,” Mark replied.

“We have?”

I looked at him doubtfully, but he’s always right about this. I never know which anniversary I’m celebrating because I don’t know how to subtract 98 from 10. I knew I should’ve waited until the year 2000 to marry him!

“I got you a present,” he said, almost shyly.

“I got you a present, too!” I exclaimed.

“Open it up!”

I got him what I always get him — paperback books that I read to him on long car trips and before bedtime. Total retail cost: $30.

He got me what he always gets me — expensive gold jewelry that I don’t deserve and hardly ever wear because I’m afraid to lose expensive gold jewelry. But his total retail cost was still: $30.

Let me explain.

In 2001, Mark came home bearing a gold charm bracelet with a single charm — the No. 3.

“Dale Earnhardt?” I asked, knowing the No. 3 NASCAR driver had just died on the final lap of the Daytona 500.

Mark hung his head. “No. It’s our third anniversary.”

“Oh. That. Um, happy anniversary!” I said as I quickly ran to the bookstore. But the charm bracelet turned out to be a good idea because it allowed me to even up our gift-buying. Ever since that day, when-

ever if I see a charm I love, I put it on layaway and pay for it a little at a time until it is finally within what I consider the “acceptable” price range for a gift ($5-$30).

Yet, oddly, just like I can’t remember how long I’ve been married, Mark never seems to realize I’ve already picked out my gift. He consistently goes to the same jewelry store and looks through all the necklaces and bracelets and earrings and tries to figure out what I would like, and then the jeweler brings up the fact that I have something on layaway and, if he agrees with my choice, Mark pays it off. But I messed up this year. Because I forgot about our anniversary (again), I thought I had until Christmas to pay off the charm. I hadn’t gotten the total down to anywhere near $30.

So Mark has one-upped me again — unless I run out right now and pick up an additional $100 in books. Hmmm.

I’ll be right back.

‘Nikita’ Is An Old Story Told In A New And Interesting Way

Nikita is a clever, exciting remake of a tale told several times before. The first time, in the French film La Femme Nikita, the general template was laid out. A violent young woman is trained through a combination of brutality, gentleness and general brainwashing to be an expert spy and assassin. Since that first movie, it has shown up in several more incarnations.

The CW network has begun the new television series wisely by trying it against the general dross of summer television. More of us can see it and enjoy it. Unfortunately, it also has decided to run it in the 9 p.m. Thursday time slot so it can face CSI, Grey’s Anatomy, Fringe and 30 Rock. Now you all understand why the CW network’s shows generally remain unseen. And since Comcast uses second-class technology that only allows two shows at a time to be recorded or seen, something has to give.

And Nikita deserves to be seen. The writers have made some interesting changes. Nikita is played by Maggie Q, an exotic Eurasian actress who brings not only mystery but glamour to the part. She has performed in more than a few kung fu and other fighting

MacLeod Rosenberg Column

continued from page 21 ing room. There are buckets, wraps, gift items, golf carts, bits, bandages, bell boots, tack trunks, top hats, helmets, belts, brushes, chaps, blankets, sheets, bridles, halters, stacks of saddle pads, even dressage arenas. Then there are the clothes: racks and racks of riding jackets, all colors, all sizes. There are bins of britches, shirts, belts and boxes of boots. She also sells Emerald Valley natural horse supplements and feeds.

MacLeod is also proud of her stainless steel tack trunks. She designed them and had the Case Co. start manufacturing them in 2005. The idea came about after visiting with top riders and grooms, who weren’t thrilled with

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

movies, so she handles that part of the role well. Also, this is a new type of Nikita. She had been a member of Division, the secret group that trained her, but fell in love several years earlier and her lover was killed. To prove Division was innocent, its leaders set up a constant series of ambushes aiming to kill Nikita.

One of the strengths of past incarnations was demonstrating how young people were molded into killers. In this series, attention is focused primarily on Alex (Lyndsy Fonseca), a young street kid with a fascinating background that began in the Ukraine, and two fellow trainees, Jaden (Tiffany Hines) and Thom (Ashton Holmes).

Xander Berkeley makes a very effective

the existing choice of tack trunks. She took all of their suggestions and created something better.

“We’re the exclusive sellers of these trunks, and people love them,” MacLeod said. “They come in a variety of sizes, are on casters for easy movement, and basically last forever. We’ve gotten terrific feedback on our trunks.”

MacLeod treats her clients like family.

“I have over 200 clients, and they’re more like friends. They’ll send me e-mails or phone with requests for specific items, and I can look for those and then get back to them before those items get listed for sale,” she said. “My clients appreciate my service, which is very personalized and professional. Once you’re my client, you’ll stay a client forever.”

For more information, call MacLeod at (561) 790-6786, or visit www.everything butthehorsellc.com or her eBay store Everything-But-The-Horse-LLC at eBay.com.

bad guy. He is the head of Division who has no compunctions about killing anyone in his way, particularly Nikita. A more pivotal character, Michael (Shane West), is one of those interesting ambivalent characters who have both good or bad in them and have to choose which they prefer at any given time. He was Nikita’s trainer and obviously has feelings for her. But he also trains Alex and her fellow neophytes.

There is no doubt from the start that Nikita is a tough-minded assassin. She was a street kid who kills casually and easily. As the first episode begins, she has been on the run for three years and Division, being the not exactly the sweet folks we would want protecting us, has a lot of “trip wires” in place. Should she cross one, they would find out and kill her. She crosses when as she deals with a stepfather who would not have won “parent of the year” in any normal community. Unfortunately for Division, she knows it will be after her and is ready.

Maggie Q is fashion-model pretty and seems an unlikely bet to be the kind of person who could take down a vicious govern-

ment agency. However, the actress brings an aura of amoral ferocity to the role that makes any outcome a tossup.

Even better, the show has a sense of style. Yes, Maggie Q does wear clothing that most men will greatly appreciate, but they all seem to be part of costumes worn to avoid showing her real face. She becomes an elemental force, mixed with a tiny bit of Buffy, the Vampire Slayer.

I guess that as the season wears on we will see more personal conflict within Michael and eventually get to watch a battle of wills between Nikita and Alex. But all of that is in the future.

Right now, I can essentially hope that the show will be rerun at times other than its overcrowded time slot or that it is shown in the On Demand part of Comcast. I was surprised at how a series that should be simple can create the complexity required to intrigue me.

Give it a shot. Most shows have us rooting for the good guys. In Nikita we generally have no idea which side is wearing the white hat. Or if anyone at all is. And that adds up to a lot of fun.

Some of the used equestrian items available at Everything But the Horse.

South Florida Science Museum Features ‘Night At The Museum’

Ever wonder what Mars looks like? Are craters, oceans and volcanoes on Venus like what we have on Earth? Come find out at the South Florida Science Museum’s newly reopened observatory. Damaged in the wake of Hurricane Wilma’s wrath and tucked away for almost five years, the observatory at the South Florida Science Museum has reopened to a starry-eyed public for the museum’s monthly “Nights at the Museum,” held the last Friday of every month from 6 to 10 p.m. The regular feature next takes place on Friday, Sept. 24.

Craters, comets and galaxies are just parts of the night sky that guests will be treated to at the spectacular viewing monthly event. The 14-inch F-11 Schmidt-Cassegrain optical Celestron telescope sits in the museum’s dome, which opens and rotates to allow for the best views of the stars and planets. In addition to the observatory, “Nights at the Museum” will feature other more earthly “ScienTerrific” activities, including exciting electrons, shark dissections and touch-tank demonstrations.

The Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches will be onsite with

additional telescopes and will be available to answer all the eager stargazers’ questions. All exhibits will also be open, including Astronaut, a full dome-planetarium movie.

The observatory was last used in summer 2005 before Hurricane Wilma ripped through South Florida and the observatory dome. The observatory suffered water leakage during Hurricane Wilma and was sealed shut to prevent further damage.

The South Florida Science Museum was able to repair the damage while still preserving the integrity of the observatory. Recently completed repairs will offer great access to South Florida’s summertime skies.

The South Florida Science Museum is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach. Admission costs $5 for adult museum members and is free for children members ages 3-12. For non-members, the cost is $10 for adults and $6 for children 3-12. All children under 3 are admitted free of charge. For more information about the South Florida Science Museum and “Nights at the Museum,” call (561) 832-1988 or visit the museum’s web site at www.sfsm.org.

Boca Raton Museum Reopens Oct. 12 With Four Fall Exhibitions

Reopening of the galleries to the public at Boca Raton Museum of Art launches Oct. 12 with a 60th anniversary celebration featuring fall exhibitions “Valerio Adami,” “Robert Cottingham: Twenty Ways to See a Star,” “Romanticism to Modernism: Graphic Masterpieces from Piranesi to Picasso” and “Latin American Art from the Permanent Collection.” The exhibitions continue through Jan. 9, 2011, with the exception of “Latin American Art,” which continues through May 1. • “Valerio Adami” — Adami is an important European artist, who first came to international prominence in the 1960s with Nouvelle Figuration, the French intellectual version of pop art. Adami’s work is steeped in political, social and moral mythologies. This exhibition presents a retrospective of more than four decades of work with 23 important paintings from the 1960s to his most recent paintings. Adami’s images embrace themes that have preoccupied the artist for more than 50 years: literature, travels, poetry, music, politics and painting. After more than half a century of working creatively, Adami has evolved his own iconography, an ingenious pictorial language that embraces both past and present, in which strange creatures keep company with famous faces from history. His famous pop art colors and flat forms

with their thick black contours evoke the appearance of cartoons. Yet his everyday imagery plays a fundamental role in conveying his social, philosophical and literary references. With important retrospectives held in Paris at the Centre Georges Pompidou (1985), in Valencia, Spain (1990), Sienna, Italy (1994), Tel Aviv (1997), Buenos Aires (1998), Athens (Frissiras Museum 2004) and Milan (2008), this exhibition marks an important look at the artist’s work.

• “Robert Cottingham” — This exhibition debuts a series of 20 stellar paintings by Cottingham, an acclaimed photorealist painter and printmaker. Cottingham established himself in the early 1970s as one of the first generation photorealists with such renowned artists as Richard Estes and Chuck Close. Abstraction and realism are skillfully wedded in Cottingham’s shimmering paintings depicting the vanishing objects and icons of American culture, such as commercial neon signs, which were the inspiration behind Cottingham’s star paintings. Cottingham worked on this threeyear project with Michael McKenzie’s American Image Atelier in New York, to produce this new series of monumental “Star” paintings silkscreened onto canvas.

• “Romanticism to Modernism” — Fine prints have, since their ori-

gin in the 15th century, been admired for their great artistic diversity and technical virtuosity. This exhibition includes examples by acknowledged masters of the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries, including masterworks by Giovanni Battista Piranesi (Italian, 1720-1788), Francisco de Goya (Spanish, 1746-1828) and Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973), each of whom is celebrated for his pioneering experiments in graphic art. The exhibition opens with a selection of brilliant works by Piranesi, the highly influential Italian precursor of the romantic style. Included are etchings from Goya’s “The Disasters of War” series (1810-20), lithographs and etchings by James McNeil Whistler and a range of important graphic works by Picasso.

• “Latin American Art from the Permanent Collection” — Twentieth-century and contemporary Latin American art is international in nature, and its leading figures have achieved international stature. This sampling of Latin-American art from the museum’s collections introduces the work of several major Latin-American artists whose works reflect the interaction of politics, society and art, a dialogue between avant-garde movements and “indigenist” thinking, and the search for cultural identity. Twenty works by many of the most impor-

tant 20th-century Latin-American artists range from the traditional figurative sculpture of Francisco Zúñiga, to the modernism of Rufino Tamayo and Matta, the contemporary abstraction of Enrique CastroCid and Carlos Cruz-Diez, and the poetic realism of Julio Larraz.

The Boca Raton Museum of Art

is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday; and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for senior citizens (65 and older), $4 for students and $4 per person for group tours. For more info., call (561) 392-2500 or visit www.bocamuseum.org.

South Florida Science Museum CEO Lew Crampton in the recently reopened observatory.

Southern Star by Robert Cottingham.

BUSINESS NEWS

Budget Blinds Allows Local Customers To ‘Window Shop’ At Home

Budget Blinds — the largest and fastestgrowing window covering company of its kind in the United States — recently announced that it will offer its convenient services to homeowners in the Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee and Acreage communities, as well as parts of West Palm Beach and Greenacres.

Owned and operated by longtime area residents Jim and Cindy Williams, the local Budget Blinds franchise began operation earlier this year. After having been laid off from their jobs of 15 and 28 years respectively, Jim and Cindy Williams started looking at business opportunities in the area. They decided that Budget Blinds was a perfect fit because it allows them to serve homeowners and businesses in the western communities by offering complimentary in-home estimates and consultations, professional measuring and installation, and a rich selection of quality window treatments including shutters, blinds, draperies, shades, awnings and window film.

“With lifestyles becoming more hectic, consumers require the most convenient services possible for home improvements,” Jim Williams said. “Our window-covering specialists come directly to customers’ homes to show, professionally measure and install the products. The consumer never needs to leave their home to shop for window coverings, thus saving them time and travel expense. Now that’s convenience.”

The Budget Blinds concept is unique in that consumers can shop where their windows are — at home. Style consultants from Budget Blinds bring the showroom into customers’ homes so they can better determine what the final outcome will be in their homes.

“Nothing is more frustrating in a home improvement project than discovering the color isn’t quite right or the size is just off when you get the products home,” Williams

said. “We eliminate a good deal of the guesswork by bringing thousands of samples with us, in our custom-designed mobile vans, and exploring different ways consumers can dress their windows to suit their style.”

Once the customer decides on window treatments, colors and extras from thousands of options and combinations, consultants professionally measure the windows to ensure proper fit and order the product. When the customer’s order arrives, Budget Blinds professionally installs the window coverings.

“It’s all about helping customers improve and beautify their homes and offices by providing quality window treatments in a convenient location with exceptional service,” Williams said.

Just recently, they began offering products that are both eco friendly and energy efficient. Budget Blinds works with leading window covering manufacturers such as Norman Shutters, Kathy Ireland Home by Alta, Lafayette and Hunter Douglas, and offers its own private label line of window treatments, Signature Series by Budget Blinds.

For more information, call Budget Blinds of Royal Palm Beach at (561) 629-5444 or visit their web site at www.budgetblinds.com/ royalpalmbeach.

Local Budget Blinds franchise owners Cindy and Jim Williams.

The Budget Blinds van.

Sept. 23 Women In Business Lunch Features Tami Hoag

As part of its Women in Business series, the Palms West Community Foundation will host a luncheon Thursday, Sept. 23 at noon at Binks Forest Golf Club.

IberiaBank is sponsoring the event, which will feature New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag as the speaker. Before deciding this year to make Wellington her permanent home, Hoag had long divided her time between Wellington and Los Angeles due to her passion for riding. She has even competed at a national level in dressage.

Hoag has more than 13 consecutive New York Times bestsellers to her credit. She has more than 40 books in print and has been published in more than 20 languages. Her work encompasses a wide range of styles, from romantic comedy to romantic suspense, but Hoag is best known for her thrillers, with their fast-paced plots and dead-on police procedure. For her speech to the Women in Business crowd, Hoag will discuss tales of her lifetime of experiences in both the literary world and in the equestrian

community of dressage.

The cost for the luncheon is $25 for Palms West Chamber of Commerce members and $35 for nonchamber members. The event is expected to be a sell-out, and reservations are requested by Monday, Sept. 20. To RSVP, visit www. palmswest.com and click on the Women in Business icon on the right-hand side, or call Maureen Gross at (561) 790-6200.

HealthSource To Host Patient Appreciation Day Sept. 25 In RPB

On Saturday, Sept. 25, HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Rehab will host Community/ Patient Appreciation Day to honor the clinic’s patients and say “thank you” to the community as a whole.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include tours of the facility, educational programs and festive activities for all ages. It is open to the public. The goal of Community/Patient Appreciation Day is to encourage residents and

patients to participate in fun activities that highlight how chiropractic can be beneficial to their overall health and wellness.

At the Royal Palm Beach HealthSource clinic, Dr. Sandra Hernandez, Dr. Leland Giordano and the staff work hard to offer exceptional care to each and every patient who suffers from injuries such as back and neck pain, leg pain, arm pain, carpal tunnel, headaches, shoulder pain and fibromyalgia. The clinic

employs a combination approach called “progressive rehab,” which is quickly becoming the treatment of choice by many doctors.

HealthSource is a fast-growing chiropractic franchise, with more than 240 clinics nationwide.

To meet Hernandez and her staff, or to see if HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Rehab can help, visit the office at 125 S. State Road 7, Suite 103. For more information, call (561) 792-4016.

Wellington Equestrian Classifieds Upgraded With Events Calendar

The new locally based equestrian web site www.wellington equestrianclassifieds.com (WEC) has a new feature to make things more convenient for the busy horseman — an electronic events calendar.

The calendar listing includes web links to the group hosting the event, giving the viewer easy access to complete information and without cluttering the visual ease and orga-

nization of the calendar. This makes finding and forwarding the event information much easier.

Listing in the WEC calendar is beneficial because the events are ordered by date and the site allows users to see what else is going on the time of their events.

Site users can still post events themselves in the “events” section of the WEC community forum. The benefit of the forum is that users are

able to attach photos and posters, and not just text information. However, as other people post in the forum, events get moved down in the visual queue.

There is no cost to post a listing on the WEC calendar; just send the information for your competitions, clinics, seminars, lectures, fundraisers and special events, etc. to support@wellingtonequestrian classifieds.com.

Tami Hoag

Heath Evans Foundation Upgrades Web Site, Launches Second Site

When New Orleans Saints starting fullback Heath Evans stepped onto the field in the NFL seasonopener last Thursday night, his organization was stepping up its efforts to help those affected by childhood sexual abuse. The Heath

Evans Foundation has launched a new sister web site, www.ima victim.com, to complement its upgraded web site, www.heathevans.

org.

“The purpose of the web sites is to help end childhood sexual abuse, to bring awareness to this epidemic in Palm Beach County and in New Orleans,” said Evans, who started the foundation several years ago with his wife Beth Ann because they have seen the effects up close. Beth Ann was sexually abused as a thirdgrader.

“The goal of imavictim.com is to give victims of childhood sexual abuse a place to read about the experiences of others affected by childhood sexual abuse and to anonymously share their experiences with others,” Heath Evans Foundation President Glenn Martin said. “We really seek to bring light to the darkness of sexual abuse through creating awareness and dialogue.”

The upgraded web site www. heathevans.org features increased functionality for fans of Heath

Evans and for Heath Evans Foundation supporters as well as photo galleries of foundation events, video archives of events and of Evans’ speaking engagements. It also allows fans and supporters to donate to the foundation and purchase memorabilia.

“The web sites are online resources for families affected by childhood sexual abuse,” Martin said.

The not-for-profit Heath Evans Foundation is dedicated to fostering hope and healing in the lives of children and families affected by sexual abuse. It is committed to breaking the cycle of abuse through healing the psychological, physical and spiritual wounds inflicted on innocent children; to bring hope and healing to the young victims of sexual abuse.

Evans graduated from the King’s Academy in 1997 and is the starting fullback for the Super Bowl champion Saints.

For more information about the Heath Evans Foundation, visit www.heathevans.org.

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

RIBBON CUTTING FOR THE GODDARD SCHOOL

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for the Goddard School. Located at 2665 State Road 7 in Wellington, the Goddard School’s accredited early childhood education programs help children develop learning skills at a pace that supports his or her individual potential, from curious infants to exploring preschoolers to confident kindergarteners. For more info., call Eddy Sarnow at (561) 333-2020 or visit www.goddard school.com. Shown above are Goddard School staff members with Wellington Chamber ambassadors.

Heath Evans

Seminole Ridge Football Squad Tops Santaluces 31-19

By Bryan Gayoso Town-Crier Staff Report

The Seminole Ridge High School varsity football team defeated host Santaluces on Friday, Sept. 10 by a score of 31-19.

Santaluces was unable to contain the Seminole Ridge running game and could not hold on to the ball, fumbling three times. The Chiefs scored early, but the Hawks quickly answered with their own touchdown with 4:14 in the first quarter.

The Hawks scored a field goal and two touchdowns in the second quarter, capitalizing on the fumbles.

Hawks quarterback Trevor Vanscoy was hit hard on one of his three touchdown runs but managed to hold on to the ball in the end zone.

The Chiefs were able to score a touchdown with five seconds left in the second quarter but failed an ex-

tra-point attempt.

The Chiefs seemed to come alive in the third quarter when Terrance Floyd scored on a 99-yard kick return, making the score 24-19 — but that was a close as Santaluces would get.

The Hawks scored another touchdown with 7:30 left in the third. The Chiefs tried to come back late in the third but failed a field goal attempt. Early in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs were unable to make anything happen before turning the ball over on downs.

With five minutes left in the fourth, the Chiefs looked as if they might have a chance but were intercepted by the Hawks’ Ryan Bialczak inside the 20. The Hawks were able to run out the clock in the final minutes of the game, claiming the 31-19 victory.

GAYOSO/TOWN-CRIER

Two weeks into the 2010 high school football season, the Wellington Wolverines have been hit with several major setbacks.

The Wolverines were without three key players in their home opener, a 43-3 loss to Lake Worth on Sept. 10.

In the season opener on Sept. 3 against Olympic Heights, starting quarterback Tyler Vanacore was given two personal fouls and ejected for “use of profanity,” while starting left tackle Brynjar Gudmundsson was given a flagrant personal foul and also ejected. Senior center Corey Ayres injured his right knee in the second quarter.

According to the Florida High School Athletic Association, an ejected player is suspended for a minimum of one game with further consequence issued depending on the circumstance. Vanacore was given a four-game suspension, and Gudmundsson was suspended for five games.

Wolverines coach Chris Romano said on Sept. 10 that the school will appeal. A rul-

By Josh Hyber

downs in the first quarter, the first coming five minutes into the game on a pass from Evan Moore to John Sullivan. Five minutes later, running back Jerry Michel scored on a run.

Moore scored a rushing touchdown two minutes into the second quarter, which brought the score to 21-0. At the 6:05 mark, the Wolverines got a 37-yard field goal from senior kicker Nick Brewer.

ing was expected this week.

“I know what I did was wrong and I was a little out of hand, but I don’t think I deserved four games,” Vanacore said. “Maybe one or two, but I didn’t even think it was going to be close to four.”

Against Lake Worth, junior Ryan Higbee started at quarterback, while Gudmundsson was replaced by junior Connor Flechaus at left tackle. Junior Patrick Gerrits replaced Ayres.

Lake Worth started the game strong and never let up. The Trojans scored two touch-

Sullivan caught another touchdown pass from Moore as the final seconds of the first half ran off the clock. At halftime, Lake Worth led 27-3.

The second half continued with more Lake Worth dominance. Moore threw his third touchdown pass to Bernard Davis after Wellington cornerback T.J. Martin fell to the ground with a cramp in his right leg.

Senior right tackle Austin Peavler said before the game that the Wolverines inserted a Wildcat formation in the absence of Vanacore, using senior Derik Madorma as a passing

quarterback and senior Alex Dinardo as a runner.

Wolverines Football Team Off To A Rough Start This Season Wolverine Watch

Peavler’s tip of a Madorma pass came true at the 8:40 mark of the third quarter. Normally a wide receiver/running back, Madorma took a shotgun snap and threw a pass down the left sideline for 6-foot-3 receiver Davis Martin. Martin jumped over two defenders and tipped the ball to himself, but was not able to make the reception.

Lake Worth extended its lead to 40-3 on a touchdown run from Cory Moore. The extra point, however, was not successful. With 2:18 remaining in the game, the Trojans kicked a field-goal to cap a 43-3 victory.

With Vanacore, Gudmundsson (who has verbally committed to the University of South Florida) and Ayres not in uniform, the Wolverines did not perform well against the Trojans. The Wolverines look for their first victory of the season against Santaluces on Sept. 16 at home. Wellington is also at home Sept. 24, hosting Archbishop McCarthy.

PHOTOS BY BRYAN

Darian Williams and Alex Pierre celebrate a touchdown.

Trevor Vanscoy hands off to running back Gary Holmes.

Ryan Bialczak holds for kicker Max Nielson.

SRHS defensive lineman Pierson Massillon makes the stop.

SRHS running back Thomas Fragale looks for an opening.

Vipers Win USSSA Worth Challenge

Competing in their first tournament as an 11-U team, the West Boynton Vipers baseball team made quite a statement by outscoring their opponents 43-7 on their way to a 40 record and the championship at the USSSA Worth Challenge NIT in Kissimmee over Labor Day weekend.

In the first two seeding games, the Vipers — with players from Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Palm Beach Gardens, Lake Worth and Boynton Beach — let their competition know they meant business. They blanked the Central Florida Wolverines 5-0 and then mercy-ruled the hometown Kissimmee Pride 20-0. Moving on to the first elimination game, the Vipers’ dominance continued with a 9-1 win over the Kissimmee Braves. This led to a championship game confrontation with the Winter Springs Matrix Black. After falling behind early, the Vipers’ Alex Nicholaou blasted a two-run home run in the second inning that changed the momentum of the game. From there, the pitching of Logan Cook and Havier Sans, who struck out a combined nine batters in six innings, imposed their wills on the Matrix Black on the way to a 9-6 victory.

Known in the Florida Premier Baseball League as a strong hitting team, the Vipers displayed dominating pitching with Cook, Sans, Cameron Lauer, Krishna Raj and Dylan Tosto, striking out a combined 22 batters while walking only three during the four games. The Vipers’ offense was led by T.J. McKenzie with .727 batting average and a .769 on-base percentage, and Zack Brundage with a .500 batting average, four RBI and a .636 on-base percentage. The stellar defense, which turned two double plays, was

led by Conner Dunnam, Matt Lashinger and Pierson Reynolds. The team is coached by Eric Cook, Danny Dunnam, Scott Lauer and Alex Sans.

The West Boynton Vipers will be holding a fundraising golf tournament on Oct. 10 at Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach. Golf, greens fees, range balls and dinner will all be included for only $100 per golfer. For more info., visit www.rteamsite.com/baseball/vipers or call coach Danny Dunnam at (561) 309-9289.

Wellington Wave Boys Soccer Teams Win At Miami Super Cup

The Wellington Wave U-13B and U-16B boys soccer teams won their respective divisions at the Miami Super Cup held Sept. 4-6.

The U-13B boys won their first tournament as a newly formed U13 team. Most boys played U-11 last year, and this was the first test of the new season.

On Saturday, Sept. 4, the Well-

ington Wave’s U-13B team beat Pinecrest Premier 3-0 and Plantation 3-2. The boys tied Kendall Soccer Coalition 0-0 in a hard-fought game the following day.

The Wellington Wave again faced Kendall Soccer Coalition in the championship game and prevailed 3-0, capturing the U-13B Grey Division Miami Super Cup.

The West Boynton Vipers and coaches celebrate their victory.

The Wellington Wave players and coaches with their trophies.

Wave U-15 Soccer Girls Split Weekend With Win And Loss

The Wellington Wave U-15 girls soccer team hosted the Coral Springs Renegades on Saturday, Sept. 11 and traveled to Port St. Lucie the following day to play the Makos.

Saturday’s game was the Lady Wave’s third against the Renegades over the past year, with the Wave having lost the first two but managing to end the Renegades’ streak with a 1-0 victory over the Coral Springs club. The Wave started out strong, with several pushes into the attacking third of the field; however, they were unable to finish any chances.

Just after the water break, with the ball deep in Renegade territory, defender Natalie Kelly sent a rocket toward the net, but the Renegade keeper dove to make the save. Unable to hold on to the ball, midfielder Makayla Barrantes followed through with a strike off the deflection, sending the ball into the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.

The Wave maintained the lead throughout the match with strong defensive play from Kelly, Molly Cuthbertson, Alyssa Randell and Amanda Nardi. Goalkeeper Jamie Marzano earned her first shutout of the season. Lacking many substitutions, the Wave struggled at times

from fatigue, but continued to hold on, knowing that the victory was only minutes away. The Renegades poured on the pressure late in the game in an attempt to gain the equalizer, but could not crack the Wellington defense. The Wave would hold on to win 1-0.

On Sunday, Sept. 12, the Wave girls suffered their first loss, falling 2-0 to the Makos. A victory would have put Wellington into the firstplace position in the FLUGSA Division 1 bracket. Defensively, the

team played strong, shutting down most of the Makos’ attacks. The Makos were able to capitalize on two of their chances. Wellington demonstrated more of a possession strategy against Port St. Lucie, passing and controlling the middle third, but could not find the back of the net.

Wellington is currently 2-1 and will need a win this weekend to stay in contention. They travel to Miami on Saturday, Sept. 18 to play a tough Pinecrest team.

Wave midfielders Makayla Barrantes and Kaitlyn Anders push up field.

Natalie Kelly defends against a Renegade attack.

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, Sept. 18

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will feature “Okeeheelee Park Adventure,” a one-hour stroll, always on a new route, Saturday, Sept. 18 at 7:30 a.m. at Okeeheelee Park (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.). Participants will have breakfast afterward at Pete’s Restaurant. Call Daisy at (561) 439-5780 for more info.

• Join Whole Foods Market and hundreds of athletes for the Jeff Annas Memorial Firefighters 5K Run on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 8 a.m. at Okeeheelee Park. The run will benefit three charities: the Jeff Annas Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Kids Cancer Foundation and Courtney’s Wish Capital Fund. A donation of $20 in advance or $25 the day of the race is requested. Visit www.jeffannas5k.com for details.

• The Wellington Carriage Classic & Jackpot Obstacle Challenge sponsored by the Florida Whips will be held Saturday, Sept. 18 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Gates open at 10 a.m. with timed cones and timed obstacle events to begin after lunch. Spectators are welcome; there is no admission fee. For more info., visit www.flawhips.org.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will offer Drop-in Story Times for age 2 and up on Saturdays beginning Sept. 18 and continuing through Oct. 9 at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. Call (561) 790-6070 for info.

• Temple Beth Zion (129 Sparrow Drive, Royal Palm Beach) invites all unaffiliated Jews in the area to a Community Yizkor Service on Yom Kippur afternoon, Saturday, Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. Donations will be appreciated but are not required. For more info., call (561) 798-8888 or visit www.temple bethzion.net.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “TAP: Teen Advisory Posse” for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 2:30 p.m. Share your ideas for future teen programs. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Chess Club meeting for ages 8 and up on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 2:30 p.m. Basic game knowledge is required. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Anime Club” for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 3 p.m. Watch anime, eat Pocky and check out the newest Manga titles. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register.

• Temple Beth Tikvah (4550 Jog Road, Greenacres) will host its annual “Community Yizkor” on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 967-3600 for more info.

• Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement in Florida Inc. (CAFCI) will host its annual Friendship Ball on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach). Music will be provided by CRoy the Entertainer. Tickets cost $60 per person. Dinner will be served at 8 p.m. For info., visit www.cafcipbc.org. Sunday, Sept. 19

• The Village of Royal Palm Beach will dedicate the David B. Farber Training Center at 1050-B Royal Palm Beach Blvd. on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. Call (561) 7905100 or visit www.royalpalmbeach.com for more info.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host an ’80s Party on Sunday, Sept. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. to commemorate the decade that Whole Foods Market was born. Come in your best ’80s gear and enjoy popular ’80s music, birthday cake, kids party hat crafts and your chance to sing in a karaoke contest. A cake cutting will take place at 2:30 p.m. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves) will host a fundraising “Gospel Gala” on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 4 p.m. The event will include gospel, spiritual and classical music featuring the church’s adult and youth choirs, guest soloists and more. The cost is a donation of $25 per person for adults and $10 for children under 12. For more info., call (561) 795-6292 or visit www.pwpchurch.com.

Monday, Sept. 20

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host a Mini Biz Expo & Networking Mixer on Monday, Sept. 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center. RSVP to Jessica Clasby at (561) 790-6200.

• Join Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) for Caribbean Nights Cooking on Monday, Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m. featuring guest cooking instructor Dianne Morin. The cost is $15 per person. Pre-registration is required. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• The Mid-County Democratic Club will meet Monday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Tree’s Wings & Ribs (at the northeastern

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 40 corner of Southern and Royal Palm Beach boulevards). State Attorney Michael McAuliffe will be the featured speaker. For more info., call Nan at (561) 793-9677.

Tuesday, Sept. 21

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Burlap Embroidery” on Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 3:30 p.m. for ages 9 to 12. Learn facts about sea turtles and embroider your own using yarn and burlap. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Rotary Club will mark U.N. World Peace Day on Tuesday, Sept. 21 with a ceremony at 6 p.m. at the Wellington Peace Park on Royal Fern Drive.

Wednesday, Sept. 22

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Healthy Eating as We Age” for adults on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. Ada Medina-Solorzano from the Palm Beach County Extension Service will discuss the benefits of a healthy diet as we age, food that can help minimize the effects of aging and the importance of stress reduction. Learn relaxation techniques. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “The Fibromyalgia Syndrome with Dr. Tim” on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. Join Dr. Tim DeCanio, a board-certified chiropractic neurologist, and learn about foods, supplements and specialized treatments that can help. There is no charge. Call (561) 904-4000 to preregister.

Thursday, Sept. 23

• The Junior Garden Club at St. Davidsin-the-Pines Episcopal Church will dedicate its Butterfly Treasure Garden on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. The club is sponsored by the Wellington Garden Club. The public is invited. For more info., call Headmistress Kathy Vandamas at (561) 7931272 or e-mail club leader Kelly MeyersSinett at meyers-sinett@juno.com.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host a Women In Business Luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 23 at noon at the Binks Forest Golf Club featuring best-selling author Tami Hoag. RSVP to Maureen Gross at (561) 790-6200.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “Kids Cooking with Dianne Morin” for ages 6 to 14 on early school release day Thursday,

Sept. 23 at 3 p.m. The cost is $10 per child. Pre-registration is required. Call (561) 904-4000.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Dragon Story Time” for ages 4 to 6 on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 3:30 p.m. The lords and ladies of the land are invited to hear tales of brave knights, princes and princesses and firebreathing dragons and make a simple craft. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host a Meet the Candidate Networking Reception on Thursday, Sept. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at White Horse Tavern (3401 Equestrian Club Road, Wellington). RSVP to (561) 792-6525.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “Dinner with a Gourmet Chef” on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. featuring master chef Chris Paul. The cost is $35 per person. Pre-registration is required. Visit customer service or call (561) 904-4000 for info.

Friday, Sept. 24

• St. Rita Catholic Church in Wellington will hold a Church Festival Sept. 24-26 at the parish center (13645 Paddock Drive). It will feature a food court with ethnic foods, face painting, a dunk tank, petting zoo and pony rides, children’s mining adventure, vendors, bingo, bake sale, beer/wine tasting, music and more. Proceeds will benefit the new Family Life Center. For more info., call Caroline at (561) 798-2853.

• The 20th annual “Gigantic Garage Sale” will take place Saturday, Sept. 25 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.). The event will benefit Forgotten Soldiers Outreach. Admission is $3. For more info., call (561) 369-2933, e-mail chrissy@forgotten soldiers.org or visit www.forgottensoldiers. org.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host a “Health Starts Here” Demo on Friday, Sept. 24 from noon to 3 p.m. Stop by Chef Joe’s demo table in the produce department and sample one of the delicious and nutritious Health Starts Here recipes. There is no charge and no registration is necessary. Call (561) 904-4000 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.

FILTERS FAST OF FLORIDA — Polys, MERV 8, MERV 11, MERV 13, Air Cleaners, Best Prices, customs fast – (561) 207-1314

JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. —Service & new installation

FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

A/C SALES & SERVICE — New, used, scratch & dent. If you used anyone but Glover’s A/C, you probably paid too much! U10163. 7937388

EAST COAST AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. — Service • Sales • Repairs • Installation ALL MAKES & MODELS. Call us before you replace you’re A/C Unit! FREE 2nd Opinion. 561-478-2662. Credit Cards Accepted.

J.C. TEETS & CO. — Concierge Accounting. discreet, confidential, individualized service to manage all of your personalized financial needs.Visit us at www.jcteets.com or call 561-632-0635

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561-572-1782

HOUSECLEANING —Reliable with long term clients. Over 12 yesr experience. Ref. available. Karen 561632-2271

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/Software setup, support &troubleshooting www .mobiletec.net. 561-248-2611

D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3339433 or Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach We accept major credit cards.

24 POWER ON — Onsite service, night or day. Windows and Apple expert. Crash resolve, virus/ spyware removal, wireless/wired network, critical backup, software/ hardware upgrades. Call now (561) 713-5276

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS 793-3576

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 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

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC. — REMODEL & REPAIRS Interior Trim, crown molding, rotttenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets/ countertops,wood flooring. Bonded Ins.U#19699 791-9900 628-9215

ANMAR CO.—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528

HOME INSPECTIONS — Mold inpections, air quality testing, US Building Inspectors mention this ad $20.00 Off. 561-784-8811

HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACTORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777

BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE

Auto • Home • Life • Renters

• Motorcycle • RV • Golfcart

• Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/rCavanagh

GREENTEAM LANDSCAPING — We make your grass look greener than the other side Call now 561337-0658. www.greenteamllc.com

MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS

Air Quality Testing, leak detection. US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811

PIANO,ORGAN, VOCAL LESSONS — Lessons available in group or private in my studio or your home. Call Dr. Brown Ph.D 561714-7707

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

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473

COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/Exterior, residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident

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

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 798-3132.

LUNDY’S LOW COST SCREEN ROOMS — This month special $125 Off Rescreening with this ad 561-310-9466Lic. U-20539

ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777

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

LICENSED PLUMBER — Beat any legitimate estimate. A/C service lowest price. Complete service, new construction, replacement. CFC1426242 CAC058610 Bonded & Insured. 561-601-6458

ELITE POOL SERVICE — You dealt with the rest now deal with the best.” All maintenance & repairs, salt chlorinators, heaters, leak detection. 561-791-5073

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS — Roof painting.Carpentry.Lic. #U13677.967-5580.

HORIZON ROOFING QUALITY

WORK & SERVICE — Free estimates, No Deposits. Pay upon completion, res/comm.reroofing, repairs, credit cards accepted. 561-842-6120 or 561-784-8072 Lic.#CCC1328598

ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207

SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980. Quality you expect, service you deserve. License, bonded and insured. U21006 561-662-9258

ClubZ! In-Home Tutoring

START AHEAD: STAY AHEAD Great Rates!

All Subjects: PreK- Adult 561 •333 •1980 CLUBZ.COM America’s Largest InHomeTutoring Co.

PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Installation,Removal. Repair of Paper. Neat, Clean & Reliable. Quality work with a woman's touch. 30 years experience. No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263

WE DO WINDOWS — 20 years professional window cleaning. Residential/Commercial references available. Lic. & Ins. 561-313-7098

CARLOS J. RUIZ Publish :Town-Crier Newspapers Date: 09-17-10

TEACHERS/TUTORS P/T Flexible Hrs. Great Pay. MATH • STUDY SKILLS SAT/ACT Certification/Experience Required Fax: 828-8128 Email:tutorking@wpb3331980.com

DENTAL ASSISTANT - Wellington upscale dental office, 2 Saturdays per month a requirement, must have experience and expanded duties certificate, excellent pay and benefits. Please call 561 204 4494 and fax resume to 561 204 2840.

DENTAL OFFICE ASSISTANT MANAGER — Minimum two years dental experience, two Saturdays per month required, must have knowledge of PPO dental insurance, breakdowns and verification. Excellent pay and benefits. Please call 561 204 4494 and fax resume to 561 204 2840.

The LITTLE PLACE — teacher needed for 3 year old class. Full time CDA required 561-793-5860

DRIVERS WANTED FT/PT — Retirees welcome 561-333-0181

YOUTH GROUP DIRECTOR — Part-Time St. Michael Lutheran Church Wellington. Develop program MS/HS youth, flexible hours. Some Sundays email resume to pastorweiss@ bellsouth.net

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS CALL 793-3576

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS

561-793-7606 GET RESULTS CALL TO PLACE YOUR AD!

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE — Generator 6000 watts. Run less than 1 hour. NEW $800.00 will sell for $500 561-694-8078

2009 20’ BENTLEY PONTOON BOAT — wrap around seating, 2 fishing chairs, electric motor plus minkota trollng motor, live well, cd player, fish finder, cover & canopy included. In Lake Wellington $15,000 561-371-5527

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS 561-793-7606

Every Thursday at 6 pm we are having an equestrian vaulting club... if you love music dance and acrobatics and horses, you will love this sport ages 6 to teen $120.00 per month at the good earth farm in Loxahatchee 561-792-2666 call for registration we need a Florida team!

8 YEAR OLD AQHA - Registered quarter horse. Standing 15.3 HH wonderful disposition, kid friendly, walks, trots, canters on que. Loves to jump and take long trail rides good home a must, $3,000 561-644-3114

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS 561-793-7606

2006 LINCOLN MARK LTD PICKUUP TRUCK — Black with gray leather, black leer camper. Excellent condition. 60,000 miles $16,000 561-784-5022

1995 FORD F250 DIESEL — Black, New A/C, Tires, many other new items, long bed. 7.3 liter engine. $4,900 OBO 561-784-8382

1997 GREY SEBRING JXI CONVERTIBLE — new a/c, clean & well maintained. Engine & transmission in excellent condition and new top. Feel free to take it to a mechanic & check it out. Mint cond. $3,300 561) 793-5569 (917) 494-3422