Town-Crier Newspaper September 22, 2017

STORM CLEANUP UNDERWAY IN GROVES SEE STORY, PAGE 3

GREEN MARKETS STARTING IN OCTOBER SEE STORY, PAGE 7

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

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Big Ticket Capital Projects Push Up Wellington Budget

Volume 38, Number 35 September 22 - September 28, 2017

Serving Palms West Since 1980

VOLUNTEERS CLEAN PRIMROSE PARK

The Wellington Village Council approved its tax rate, budget and capital improvement plan for the 2017-18 fiscal year on Tuesday, Sept. 12 after the village’s first public hearing.

The total budget proposed is $110.5 million, including transfers, and is an overall increase of approximately $21 million from the current year’s budget of $89.5 million. Page 4

Benefit Event Marks Third Anniversary Of Art Cellar In Wellington

Art Cellar celebrated its third anniversary on Sunday, Sept.

17. The Kids Cancer Foundation received 20 percent of sales from Clothed4APurpose in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Guests enjoyed painting along with sangria and light bites. Page 11

Wellington’s Community Services Department hosted students from Palm Beach Central High School and other volunteers for a post-Hurricane Irma cleanup community service project at Primrose Park on Thursday, Sept. 14. Community members and students worked together with village staff to clear away large amounts of debris deemed unsafe to leave in the park. Shown above, Joshua Fitter, Bryanna Jennings, Talia Fitter and Kaitlyn Theroux collect debris.

MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY JACK LOWENSTEIN/TOWN-CRIER

By Jack Lowenstein Town-Crier Staff Report Village Manger Paul Schofield gave a post-Hurricane Irma report during the Wellington Village Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 13.

“We are in really good condition at the moment. Hurricane Irma did not hit us nearly as hard as we thought it was going to, right up until Thursday and Friday,” Schofield said. “There was a point when we all thought that we were

going to be looking at a category four or five storm. What we got was basically some very strong tropical-storm-force winds, and we did get hurricane-force winds for a good part of Sunday.”

Schofield gave updates about electricity, roadway obstructions, debris removal and other manifestations from Irma’s presence. He said that it will take two to three weeks to clear all debris within residential areas of the village.

“If you have debris, go ahead

On Saturday, Sept. 16, staff from Palms West Hospital worked to help with hurricane relief. When the hospital’s administrative team learned that many employees were still without power and unable to locate water for their families, the team organized a hurricane relief distribution. Page 13

As We Recover From Irma, It’s Time To Help Those In Need

The Town-Crier returns to publication this week after a brief delay due to Hurricane Irma.

Like the return of this newspaper after a hurricane-marred week, life in the western communities continues to return to normal at a fairly brisk pace after the storm. We can’t help but think that as bad as it was (and it was not fun), it could have been much worse. Lasting damage to homes and businesses from Irma in our area was fairly light. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS...............................3 - 13 OPINION.................................. 4 NEWS BRIEFS......................... 6 PEOPLE................................. 12 COLUMNS.......................14, 21 BUSINESS..................... 22 - 23 SPORTS..........................25 - 27 CALENDAR............................ 28 CLASSIFIEDS................ 29 - 32 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

By Jack Lowenstein Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Village Council approved several requests Tuesday, Sept. 19 made by Hunt Midwest Real Estate Development Inc. as part of the company’s plans to build a 114-bed senior housing facility in the community.

The proposed facility will be located on the north side of Okeechobee Blvd. in between the First Baptist Church of Royal Palm Beach and the Porto Sol residential community.

“If you remember, when we entered into an agreement to sell parts of the land that was platted with the Porto Sol property on Okeechobee Blvd. next to the Baptist church, we included a piece of the roadway that accesses the church and a piece of that tract there,” Village Manager Ray Liggins said. “When they were doing the project, they needed just under

a third of an acre more to make their project work without variances or waivers, so they added a strip along the entire western edge, which changed the boundary of what we were selling, which changes the agreement that we’re recommending approval.”

Councilman Jeff Hmara made a motion to approve the revised agreement, seconded by Councilwoman Jan Rodusky. It passed unanimously.

Up next, Hunt Midwest asked to purchase a 0.93-acre parcel of land and rezone it from the open space land-use designation to the residential mixed-use land-use designation.

“The site is mostly vacant, with a portion of a vehicle site, which leads to the First Baptist Church,” Planning & Zoning Director Bradford O’Brien explained.

This parcel is currently part of See RPB SENIORS, page 15

Manager: Wellington Is Slowly B&G CLUB HELPS AREA Returning To Normal After Irma PARENTS AFTER STORM

Palms West Hospital Employees Support Each Other After Storm

OPINION

RPB Council OKs Changes For Senior Housing Complex

Britt Burton and Jerry Larreateuui clear storm debris from in front of the Wellington Municipal Complex.

PHOTO BY JACK LOWENSTEIN/TOWN-CRIER

and put it out, put it at the curb, but do not stack your vegetation in the road. We don’t want that creating a hazard,” Schofield said. “It will get removed, but it can take a couple of weeks.”

Waste Management, Wellington’s contractor for trash pickup, was only retrieving regular trash in the days after the storm, since the Solid Waste Authority was not accepting other debris.

“As soon as we know when they’re going to start taking recycling, when they’re going to start taking bulk trash again, we’ll let everybody know,” Schofield said.

“Please do not mix bulk trash and white goods [refrigerators, stoves, etc.]. Don’t mix those with your vegetation. Vegetation is going to get removed first, and we will be in the neighborhoods more than once.”

Regarding power and electricity in residential areas, Mayor Anne Gerwig said there were still approximately 4,000 homes without power on Tuesday, Sept. 12, according to FPL’s data. Schofield said power was expected to be restored fully within the village

by Sunday, Sept. 17. However, it See AFTER STORM, page 7

Groves Town Council Slashes Budget To Cover PBSO Increase

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council wrangled to reach a final tax rate of 2.15 mills on Tuesday, below the staff recommendation of 2.6 mills in the proposed budget for fiscal year 2017-18, which begins Oct. 1.

The tax rate is up significantly from the current year, largely to pay for higher contract costs with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

Approving a 2.6 millage rate required a unanimous 5-0 vote, and Councilman Dave DeMarois held out at first for the current tax rate of 1.47 mills before finally consenting to 2.15 mills.

The council then set upon where

to make cuts to balance the budget, which is required under state law, starting by cutting code enforcement in half, then making cuts to other departments.

Town Manager Bill Underwood said the 2.6 millage rate adopted by the council at the preliminary reading was the staff recommendation in order to avoid depleting reserves and cover the PBSO’s recently approved 10-year contract.

“It’s necessary primarily because of the increased cost for the sheriff, and the use of one-time funds is not fiduciarily responsible,” Underwood said. “As a result, we recommend 2.6. If it’s not 2.6, then what number would the council like? We will try to work around that in that fashion.”

Town Attorney Michael Cirullo explained that there are various threshold requirements for adoption of a millage rate above the rollback rate under state law, and the adoption of 2.6 mills would require unanimous approval.

Connie Bell, a Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District supervisor and a member of the town’s Finance Advisory and Audit Committee (FAAC), said that panel had not met as scheduled due to Hurricane Irma, but said she personally favored the rate of 2.6 mills.

“I don’t feel that we should put ourselves into a situation where we may have to go into the reserves because, to me, that’s not any way See LOX BUDGET, page 15

The Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club opened its doors to the public on Thursday, Sept. 14 and Friday, Sept. 15 to help the entire community in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Shown above are Maria Quintero, Nevaeh Renfroe, Nayann Santiago and Erik Rose at the club.

STORY & MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 PHOTO BY JACK LOWENSTEIN/TOWN-CRIER

ITID Pleased With How Roads, Canals Fared During Irma

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors heard reports from several department managers Wednesday, Sept.

20 on how the district fared during Hurricane Irma.

Acreage canals handled the rain from Hurricane Irma well, with no flooding reported from the storm.

Private residences had little damage, although numerous trees were blown down, with a few blocking roads until ITID crews got them cleared.

Director of Operations & Maintenance Rob Robinson said ITID buildings had no structural damage from the storm.

“Paved roads were blocked by downed trees and utility lines, but received no visible asphalt damage,” Robinson said. “Some roadway signs were damaged, but no traffic lights were down.”

Some roadways suffered minor erosion from the driving winds and rainfall, and some were completely blocked by debris from vegetation.

“Culverts and headwalls received no visible damage,” Robinson said. “Minor erosion from driving rain was evident on some of the canal banks and side slope walks. Area residents reported minor damage to roofs, sheds and barns, and falling trees. Fencing received the most damage from wind and falling trees.”

He said falling trees on canal rights of way were the most burdensome task for crews to remove, because access with machinery was limited.

“All major roadways were open for traffic at the end of the shift on Sept. 11, so by the end of the day after the hurricane, all major roadways and secondaries were open,” Robinson said. “Crews will See ITID STORM, page 15

RPB Manager Relieved As Irma Brings Little Damage

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report Some broken branches, damaged fences and downed trees describe the majority of Hurricane Irma’s wrath on Royal Palm Beach.

Royal Palm Beach Village Manager Ray Liggins said that the bulk of the damage from the storm was vegetation, with very little structural damage.

“We prepared for the worst and we got the best of Irma, if there is a best of Irma,” he said. “We certainly didn’t get the brunt of it like the west coast did and some of the islands did.”

Sections of the village lost power, such as the older section at the south end of Royal Palm

Beach Blvd., parts of Counterpoint Estates and La Mancha, as well as Saratoga and Madison Green, he said. Some parts of the community had electricity throughout the storm, and electricity was being rapidly repaired throughout the area in the days after the storm.

Power was expected to be back on to almost all customers by Sunday, Sept. 17. However, residents can report power lines that are down, as well as power outages, by calling (800) 468-8243.

While some municipalities had problems with potable water and wastewater, Royal Palm Beach fared well with no boil water alerts.

“Water was never an issue,” Liggins said. “Palm Beach County Water Utilities’ water system was

always up and running and was never an issue. When the power did go down, they had generators already placed at the lift stations and were ready to operate them as necessary.”

Garbage pickup was suspended, but was resumed by Republic Services on Tuesday, Sept. 12 for garbage and bulk collection. Residents are asked to place containers at the curb on their normal trash day. Recycling resumed its normal schedule on Monday, Sept. 18.

As of Thursday, Sept. 14, Bergeron Emergency Services resumed collecting vegetation.

Residents are asked to avoid placing their downed greenery near mailboxes, signs and fire hydrants, See RPB IRMA, page 17

A large tree was uprooted on Heron Parkway in RPB.

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Page 2

September 22 - September 28, 2017

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Page 3

NEWS

The Acreage Sustains Less Damage, Flooding Than Forecast

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Acreage survived Hurricane Irma with far less damage than anticipated and little flooding, according to Indian Trial Improvement District Manager John “Woody” Wodraska, who said the community had “dodged the bullet” in light of more extensive damage on the west coast.

Wodraska said that at a damage assessment meeting Thursday, Sept. 14, it was reported that The Acreage received between 8 and 11 inches of rain.

“The average was about 8 inches, and that is an important number to put into context,” Wodraska

told the Town-Crier. “We draw down the system to the maximum allowed under the permit, in preparation, creating as much freeboard and as little groundwater in the system as possible.”

He said that ITID Engineer Jay Foy was also at the meeting and said, theoretically, the ITID system, if it is totally drawn down, should be able to handle a 10-inch rainstorm.

“That’s what happened, and we had no flooding and no surprises with the system,” Wodraska said.

Wodraska, who recently took on the manager’s position at ITID after a career that included 20 years as director of the South

Florida Water Management District, compared the Irma event to Tropical Storm Isaac in 2012, which deposited 19 inches of rain in The Acreage, where the forecast had been 4 to 6 inches. The district had not drawn down in anticipation of that size storm event.

He said one of the outcomes, not only from Hurricane Irma, but also Superstorm Sandy and Tropical Storm Isaac, is that the wet times are getting wetter and the dry times are getting dryer. The extremes in weather are happening more frequently, which leads managers to be more conservative and draw the system down more when they get advance notice of a rainfall event.

“The bottom line was the system worked fine, and we were very pleased,” Wodraska said. “I was especially pleased with the reaction from our workforce at Indian Trail. The guys showed up at 6 o’clock in the morning on Monday following the Sunday storm, and they’ve been working 10-hour days grading the roads and clearing the canals. There was a lot of debris in the canals, but we had gassed up all of our chain saws, and all of our equipment was ready to go.”

He gave special recognition to Director of Stormwater Operations Greg Shafer and Director of Operations & Maintenance Rob

Robinson and his crew for staying on top of the situation.

“They really have done an outstanding job, and the residents of The Acreage can be really proud of the work staff has done at Indian Trail,” Wodraska said, adding that the damage has been surprisingly minimal from initial reports.

“We were out doing assessment reports, but we really haven’t run into a bunch of damage,” he said.

“There were a lot of trees knocked over, and certainly debris, and we’re setting up a system. I was at a meeting today on making sure we get reimbursement, and we’re going to have the tickets and everything to be prepared for FEMA,

but right now it’s more debris management than anything else.”

Wodraska said the biggest challenge will be with debris removal because of the amount involved.

“We’re going to have a problem with debris management and removal because there’s so much of it, but I think it’s a manageable problem, and I feel pretty confident we can go forward,” he said.

One of the first reports he got was from the safety coordinator, who said there were no injuries.

“We haven’t lost any time, and the workforce couldn’t be any more responsive, from a safety standpoint as well as a productivity schedule,” Wodraska said.

Lox Groves Roads Cleared Quickly, But Much Cleanup Remains

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Town of Loxahatchee Groves survived Hurricane Irma, clearing all the roads so they were passable. However, the town was still operating without electricity at town hall as of Thursday, Sept.

14, despite assurances that it would have full power shortly after the storm due to its proximity to Palms West Hospital.

“We went through all 57 miles of roads and cut trees and moved trees and moved brush off the roads to make sure that everybody could get through,” Town Manager Bill Underwood told the Town-Crier on Thursday, Sept. 14.

“We finished that yesterday.”

In contrast to Tropical Storm Isaac in 2012, there was little or no flooding as a result of Irma, Underwood said.

“It doesn’t seem like there was a lot of water with this one,” he said. “All the water in the canals were reduced in order to make sure there was plenty of capacity, so I think the water situation was nothing like we’ve seen in the past.

I didn’t hear of any floods. The ground was saturated, so some of the trees toppled.”

Underwood said that he and some staff members were doing business from their vehicles due to the lack of power at town hall since Irma’s first approach.

“I have been working out of my car all week. Today, we actually produced next week’s agenda in the back seat of my car,” he said, referring to the council meeting held Tuesday, Sept. 19. “We’ve got it posted on the web site. That is without any internet connection or electricity, except by use of our

private phone service. The disappointing factor is that we have been without electricity since last Saturday, so tomorrow will be a solid week, and they have yet to turn it on. I finally saw an FPL representative today who looked in and said, ‘Oh, you don’t have any lights.’ I said, ‘No we don’t, and this is town hall.’”

He said the reason the town did not buy a generator for town hall was that he had checked with Florida Power & Light and was advised that the building is on the same grid as the hospital.

“They have breaker switches on the electric, and if they were one pole to the north, I’d have power.

Then I would be on the same grid as the hospital. But that’s not an excuse; they should still come and handle the town’s business,” Underwood said. “We’ve had people

come in, and we can’t help them.”

He said other staff members have kept busy with paperwork that does not involve electronics.

Despite the difficulties, Underwood considers the town fortunate that Irma veered west of earlier forecasts that had the eye directly over Palm Beach County.

“Some people had some damage, obviously, but it could have been a lot worse,” he said. “We could have been Fort Myers or Naples or Key West.”

Underwood said that the town’s contractor, Bergeron Land Development, which is also the town’s FEMA cleanup contractor, has been on the job with initial road clearing and repair.

“They did what is called the first crush, that’s the first 72 hours, to move stuff off the road, getting it See LOX IRMA, page 13

Trees and landscaping were among the biggest victims of Hurricane Irma in Loxahatchee Groves.

Signs and fencing were among the items damaged by the storm.

Loxahatchee Groves Town Hall was without power for several days after the storm.

A look at Okeechobee heading east in the days after the storm.

PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

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September 22 - September 28, 2017

The Town-Crier

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OUR OPINION

As We Recover From Irma, It’s Time To Help Those In Need

The Town-Crier returns to publication this week after a brief delay due to Hurricane Irma. Like the return of this newspaper after a hurricane-marred week, life in the western communities continues to return to normal at a fairly brisk pace after the storm. We can’t help but think that as bad as it was (and it was not fun), it could have been much worse.

Lasting damage to homes and businesses from Irma in our area was fairly light. The worst part of the storm seems to have been damage to trees and landscaping, followed by widespread power outages. And even that pales in comparison to the storms in 2004 and 2005.

Let’s face it: Yes, it was a rough stretch. Yes, while there was a ton of hype, for once the devastating reality was relatively close. And yes, we had to deal with long gas lines, grocery store aisles void of bread and bottled water, and the other inconveniences of preparing for a major hurricane. But, in the end, we weren’t hit as bad as was forecast.

Part of the reason we can look back with a collective sigh of relief is that Irma came on the heels of Hurricane Harvey, which dropped an estimated 33 trillion gallons of water on Houston, which, according to the Nevada Geodetic Laboratory, pushed the earth’s crust down two centimeters while simultaneously flooding the entire region in ways reminiscent of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.

Part of the reason is that when Irma nailed St. Martin, Anguilla and Barbuda, she destroyed thousands of buildings, displacing many from their homes and knocking out power and potable water systems. Food and water are scarce. Hospitals and health clinics are struggling. Schools are closed indefinitely. Something similar can be said of Irma’s devastation in the Florida Keys and parts of Southwest Florida.

Part of the reason is, quite frankly, even when our area was hit by hurricanes Frances and Jeanne in 2004, the area most decimated was north of Sewell’s Point in Martin County: Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast suffered far worse than Palm Beach County.

Add the raging wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and two major earthquakes that just hit Mexico, and, well, we’re doing OK here.

None of this is to say we had it easy. But in the grand scheme of things, we lucked out.

And that luck continued this week with Hurricane Maria skirting our area but blasting Puerto Rico with the same fury Irma laid on St. Martin, with the same devastating results.

So, as we pick up the pieces, let’s remember how lucky we are in comparison and lend a hand to those who need it. If you’re looking for a way to help, check out organizations such as the Red Cross (www.redcross.org), Band Aid For America (www.bandaidforamerica. org), Boots on the Ground (www.bootsontheground.org), Mercy Corps (www.mercycorps. org), UNICEF (www.unicefusa.org), Save the Children (www.savethechildren.org) and SPCA International (www.spcai.org). Or you can help with the rebuilding effort through Habitat for Humanity (http://share.habitat.org/globalvillage) or volunteer via the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (www.nvoad.org). Locally, the southern tip of Florida is in need of volunteers. Consider participation through Volunteer Florida (www. volunteerflorida.org/irma).

The 2017 hurricane season has been absolutely devastating, but it is always inspiring to see communities come together in times of such great tragedy to help those in need.

We’ve done quite a bit, but we’re not finished yet.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Protect Us From Robocalls!

Columnist Leonard Wechsler’s recent article “Stop Robocalls by Making the Companies Pay Us for Them!” (Sept. 8) was right on the mark. Robocalls are more and more frequent and annoying; they must be stopped. I’ve written to senators [Bill] Nelson and [Marco] Rubio asking them what can be done. I suggested that instead of us having to opt out by signing up with the state and federal “do not call” lists (which appear to be worthless), that robocalls can be made only to those people who opt in to receive them. Our lives should not be disrupted by calls all day long, most of which are scams.

Some of these robocalls even leave messages! So, thank you Mr. Wechsler for your suggestion that the callers pay us. I love it!

Judith Kohler Royal Palm Beach

Nielsen Responds To Tom Euell

Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to the letter “Misplaced Blame On Charlottesville” by Thomas Euell, published Sept. 8.

Whether or not the group of progressives had a permit is really beside the point, as every American has the right to defend against the action of those other Americans, who were there with an agenda, and it wasn’t about the removal of a statue of a Confederate Gen. Robert E Lee. It is quite apparent that Mr. Euell does not have the historical perspective of Mr. Rosen (“E Pluribus Unum: Out Of Many, One,” Aug. 25). Most Americans recognize the Nazi inspired “trappings” with anti-Jewish slogans and chants; is this what Americans are about... division? Indeed it is not, nor will it ever be acceptable in a democracy.

I, like most Americans, defend the First Amendment, but using this freedom to “incite to riot” is not what our forefathers envisioned.

Years ago, when I attended psychology lectures in college, our professor labored hard to be able to distinguish between real logic and another kind of logic. He gave us simple examples such as “man eats meat” and “dogs eat meat.” Now, he explained, both statements are true, but the problem comes in what we make a conclusion that can be false and often deceitful; such as, “therefore, man is a dog.” Now, this is a fairly easy to understand example of a complicated issue, and many people like Mr. Euell, either consciously or unconsciously, use this to drive an opinion based on their own bias.

Discussing Bernie Sanders and Robert Byrd does nothing to further your argument and may demonstrate an unresolved discrimination. I want to thank you for your service, but want to point out that our current president had five deferments and never served.

By the way, your hatred for all things liberal should lead you to refuse Medicare and Social Security, both liberal programs!

In conclusion, I would like to end our discussion by pointing out, that if you receive any Social Security, you should return the check, a product of tainted fruit, as Social Security was the idea and platform of the leader of the American Socialist Party and candidate for president, Eugene V. Debs. Franklin Delano Roosevelt later took Social Security into his Democratic platform.

Richard Nielsen Royal Palm Beach

Keep Our ‘Noble Experiment’ Alive

Originally, I had sent in a response to a letter by Larry Spencer (“May The Spirit Of The Confederacy Live Forever,” Aug. 25) with

a decidedly “the South Shall Rise Again” attitude. After reading Mr. Euell’s letter (“Misplaced Blame On Charlottesville,” Sept. 8) in response to my letter decrying President Trump’s response to the Charlottesville episode, I feel I should respond to both.

Both letters are by scary people.

They were written by people who do not understand the history of our country, what it stands for, who built it and who keeps it going. Mr. Spencer should really learn more about what the Confederacy stood for and also about when most of the statues to their leaders were raised. Most were done during the Jim Crow era with another large number during the civil rights era and were designed to intimidate people. We, as a unified, diverse people, should teach and research history, explain and understand it.

We should revere history itself.

That, however, does not mean that we need to revere every person listed in the history books. The statues of leaders of a rebellion to this nation should be put in museums or Civil War battlefields with explanations about each person.

In this day and age, do we really want a statue of Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, one of the early leaders of the KKK and a traitor to the United States, displayed as a hero?

And now to Mr. Euell, a prolific right-wing letter-writer to this publication. The First Amendment does not give a complete right to free speech as some might think.

There are exceptions. I will not go into them, but, again, a reading of the history of this country would provide many examples. I do not deny that people of every political spectrum (even the KKK, Nazis) have the right to opine in a public space, in print, or anywhere they want. I was not writing in order to limit their right of free speech. Mr. Euell, however, didn’t understand that. He feels that anything left of the Nazis/KKK is “left-wing tripe.” Untrue, as is his justifica-

tion defending President Trump’s “good people on both sides” remark. On the Nazi/KKK side in Charlottesville there were not people who were descendants of Confederate soldiers wanting to keep the statues. (Please see above as to when/why those statues were put up.) And what type of history buff/Confederate soldier’s descendant would stay and march with a group who started showing Swastika flags and chanting Nazi slogans? They would have left the march if they were “good people.”

Also, his reference to Bernie Sanders and Richard Byrd, his service in the New York City Police Department, his family’s service during World War II or his service in the military have nothing to do with the argument that President Trump’s remarks were immoral.

Mr. Euell says that the president didn’t say he agreed with the Nazis, white supremacists, etc. (and I do not think Mr. Trump agrees with these hate groups). But, it took tooth-pulling to get him to say he didn’t agree with them, and then he came back again and spoke about “good people on both sides.”

I repeat from my original note: Mr. Trump should have been a unifier.

Both Mr. Spencer and Mr. Euell are on the wrong side of morality and history in this particular instance, but this is not surprising; they represent an element that is almost always on the wrong side of freedoms for people. Though it might take a long time, people like that are always proven wrong as civilized society passes them by and eventually sides with the moral, correct argument for a civilization (slavery, women’s rights, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, etc.) to grow better.

While we as a country have made many mistakes in the past, we still need to “strive for a more perfect union,” and that means coming to grips with those mistakes. “American Exceptionalism” is not just a talking point. Never in history has a country brought so

many diverse people together to work in a unified way, as equals, to raise a nation to the point that the United States has been raised.

We are, and should be, after more than 200 years of our “Noble Experiment” at the forefront of morality for this world.

Andrew Rosen Wellington

to seed in the souls of free men about AGW. But, one can always remind their own selves of the words of King David, who noted that there existed only a single step between he and death, and so one can continue to fear what he cannot control — if that makes him feel important.

Larry Spencer Wellington

Check The Facts On ‘Global Warming’

Kudos To The Royal Inn

One notices a growing superstition about anthropogenic global warming (AGW) that includes expressions of alarm about the many men who do not accept that the recent hurricanes making landfall in America are undeniable proof of AGW (now, called climate change).

But that is to be expected, considering the poor quality of reporting on the question of hurricanes and whether or not such hurricanes happen more frequently than they did in the past owing to putative AGW. Cui bono? Well, the collectivists are delighted to fear-monger men, as that is conducive to getting them to accept a larger and even more intrusive central state, but is it true that we poor Floridians are experiencing more hurricanes/cyclones that at any time in the past?

No. Men can type “1886 Atlantic hurricane season” into their browser and teach their own selves about the facts. Now, admittedly, such an action is likely to arm the inquisitive man against the superstition that the state is trying

As longtime residents of Palm Beach County, we have been prepared for hurricanes since 1973.

We stock up on supplies early, have our shutters, generator, fans, battery backups, TV, radio, gas, water, food and even a portable AC unit for the bedroom. Yes, we were prepared.

However, after going through Hurricane Irma and losing power for four days, we searched for a place to stay that had power.

Our first choice was the Royal Inn on Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. We were in luck and were able to rent a suite. We were so relieved to be able to live in air-conditioned comfort in a home away from home setting for three days until our power returned.

Hats-off to the Santamaria family and the entire staff. They were all so friendly and extremely welcoming. Everyone from check-in to housekeeping had a hello and a big smile for us, even though we’re sure they all went through their own personal hurricane problems.

Thank you, Royal Inn. Maureen and Gary Budjinski Greenacres

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

NEWS

Big Ticket Capital Projects Push Up Wellington Budget For 2018

By Jack Lowenstein Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council approved its tax rate, budget and capital improvement plan for the 2017-18 fiscal year on Tuesday, Sept. 12 after the village’s first public hearing.

The total budget proposed is $110.5 million, including transfers, and is an overall increase of approximately $21 million from the current year’s budget of $89.5 million.

“Please remember that the Acme Improvement District water and wastewater, solid waste and the Lake Wellington Professional Centre budgets were adopted on Aug. 8,” Director of Administrative & Financial Services Tanya Quickel said. “The operating budget includes the preliminary millage rate of 2.43 mills, which is a decrease of .01 from the current rate of 2.44 mills.”

Quickel said the increase in the budget shows that the village is using its reserves for projects instead of increasing the millage rate.

The largest fund increase is revenue from the new countywide sales surtax program.

“We have budgeted $3.5 million in anticipated revenue from that,” Quickel said.

But the majority of the increased spending is in the utility department.

“We set the rate structure so that we can pay as you go,” Village Manager Paul Schofield said.

“We’re not spending $19 million we don’t have, and there is $14 million or so coming out of the utility fund. It is actually there, funded for projects, and we’re getting ready to do a new rate structure. The reason we put the money in place up front rather than borrow it is if we pay as we go, we pay the actual cost of the project.”

If the village borrowed the money for the projects, it would borrow it over 20 years or more, Schofield said. With the cost to borrow approximately $100,000 a year, he said, the village would end up paying back much more during the course of the loan.

“Many years ago, the council made provisions to get as much as we can done paying as we go, so these monies are coming out of utilities; they’re coming out of buildings; and they’re coming out of Acme,” Schofield said. “They’re coming out of places where the reserves will build and potentially pay for construction projects. There is no wild spending here.”

Schofield said he doesn’t want the spending to alarm residents.

“When you look at what the actual increase out of those capital projects are, the increase is from about $89 million to $91 million, and it’s actually the increase that basically accounts for the cost of inflation,” Schofield said. “I want to be very clear about this so residents don’t think we were wildly or recklessly spending down reserves.”

Vice Mayor John McGovern defined the actions the village continues to implement in a nutshell.

“Essentially, we saved this money, and now we are spending it,” he said.

There is $8.2 million in governmental capital projects.

“It’s divided between our ongoing programs between parks, safe neighborhoods, streetscapes and Acme. Then there’s our one-time projects — tennis center parking, the new computer system, and the South Shore and Pierson intersection. Then we have the sales surtax, where we’ve included the Community Park renovation and Village Park upgrades,” Schofield said.

This year, there is $18 million in utility capital projects.

“Including this, with what we had budgeted for utilities this year, you’ll have approximately $45 million in capital projects in the utility department itself,” Quickel said.

The proposed tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year remains at 2.43 mills. For a homesteaded property, that will cause approximately a $15 increase on the tax bill, Quickel said.

“That is because of the average property value increase,” she said.

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“For a non-homesteaded property, you’re looking for an approximate $50 increase, and that’s on an average home value of $371,500.”

McGovern wanted to make it clear where the $21 million increase in this year’s budget was coming from and why.

“Eighteen million of it is the capital projects and utility fund,” Quickel said. “And then, $3.5 million is your sales surtax money, so basically that’s your $21 million.”

Councilman Michael Napoleone followed up, asking if that meant that the fiscal year budget for 2018-19 would see a decrease to a total more consistent with years past because of one-time expenditures this year.

“The surtax is there for 10 years, so you’ll see that $3.5 million for 10 years, and it’s going into the capital, so it doesn’t go into normal operating,” Schofield said. “The utilities will drop for a long time until we get the funding for the next major project. At some point, you’re going to see $15 million to $25 million in the

utility, but that money will be in there, and it will be in the savings account to pay for the next planned expansion.”

Both Quickel and Schofield also confirmed that the budget is going to see a decrease following this year’s finalized budget.

“The utility expenditure, we fund that one time. It’s out next year,” Schofield said. “We’ll be dropping $14 to $15 million in that alone, and I think that number may be as high as $18 million.”

McGovern noted these were expenditures set in place years ago to update the village’s utility system.

“This is the expenditure of dedicated funds that have been accumulated to ensure that we have the quality utility services that our residents have come to expect,” McGovern said.

Napoleone made a motion to approve the first reading of the 2017-18 tax rate, budget adoption and capital improvement plan, seconded by Councilman Michael Drahos. The motion passed unanimously.

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Page 5

NEWS

VOLUNTEERS GATHER TO CLEAN PRIMROSE PARK AFTER HURRICANE IRMA

Wellington’s Community Services Department hosted students from Palm Beach Central High School and other volunteers for a post-Hurricane Irma cleanup community service project at Primrose Park on Thursday, Sept. 14. Community members and students worked together with village staff to clear away large amounts of debris deemed unsafe to leave in the park. The Community Services Department also worked on clearing out debris from other parks that day.

PHOTOS BY JACK LOWENSTEIN/TOWN-CRIER

John Webber, Fernelize Henry, Donna Baxter, Rosemary Antonacci and Anne Gormley of Palm Beach Central with (center) Community Services Director Paulette Edwards.

The volunteers from Palm Beach Central High School and around the village stand together during the cleanup at Primrose Park.

John Jennings, Angelo Del-Valle, Richard Joseph, Joey Piso, Krishan Govin, Jacob Weiss, Joey Hyppolite, and Tauben and Scander Brenner.

Tauben Brenner stands in the truck to receive debris from fellow volunteers.

Chase Strelec and Farah Eid.

Ace and Evie Eliason.

Cassandra Grisales, Briana Filogene and Christina Lopez.

Kainsey Dorrington rakes together a pile of debris for cleanup.

Aiman Anis and Darrien Perez.

Fernando Guerra uses the chainsaw to break down debris for cleanup.

Elizabeth Margolis, Fernelize Henry and Nathan Isaac.

Eesa Warraiat, Jacob Grant and Omar Omar.

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Page 6

September 22 - September 28, 2017

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NEWS BRIEFS LGLA To Meet On Sept. 28

The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will meet Thursday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd.). The speaker for the evening will be from Big Dog Ranch Rescue, who has been asked to discuss the things they do for dogs in need and what they do to help educate the public about the proper care for their pets. Come prepared to ask questions. All residents are welcome to attend and share time with their neighbors. The public is welcome, but only members can make motions or vote on a motion.

For more information, contact Marge Herzog at (561) 818-9114 or marge@herzog.ms.

RPB To Host Annual Fashion Show Oct. 13

The Village of Royal Palm Beach will host its ninth annual fashion show at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center, located at 100 Sweet Bay Lane, on Friday,

Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The price is $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Last year’s fashion show was a huge success with more than 170 attendees. This year, the theme is Disney and will feature models from the community, such as students and seniors. The program will include a fashion show, appetizers, a light lunch from Carrabba’s Italian Grill, entertainment from Western Academy Charter School, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle.

For more information, visit www.royalpalmbeach.com or call (561) 790-5149.

Bracelets On Sale Now For Fall Festival

Bracelets are on sale now for the annual Wellington Fall Festival.

This year’s event will take place Saturday, Oct 21 from 3 to 10 p.m. at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). The new extended hours will provide families with younger children an opportunity to enjoy the fun and activities earlier in the day, while still getting their little

ghouls and goblins home in time for bed. The start and end time of some attractions may vary.

Visit the Haunted Hallways (opening at 5 p.m.) if you dare, or enjoy one of the many other event attractions, including a petting zoo, pony rides, a pie-eating contest, hay rides, trick-or-treating, face painting, bounce houses, newly added laser tag, vendors and more.

Twenty food trucks will be on site, with sweet and savory food and beverages for purchase.

Attendees can also enjoy live performances or participate in costume contests for prizes, with awards for each of the following age groups: under 3, ages 4 to 6, ages 7 to 10, ages 11 to 14, and 15 and older.

Unlimited all-access bracelets are required for activities and can be purchased at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd) and Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). Bracelets purchased by Oct. 20 are $7 for children and $5 for adults. On the day of the event, bracelets are $10 for children and $5 for adults.

Children ages 2 and under are free.

Adult bracelets are only needed if the adult will accompany the

child on the hayride, to play laser tag or to go through the haunted hallways.

Free shuttle service will be available from the Palm Tran bus stop located near Nordstrom at the Mall at Wellington Green beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Special thanks to the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital at Memorial for its support as the featured sponsor. Other sponsors include: Wellington Regional Hospital (event shuttles), Palms West Hospital (bounce houses), Bright Horizons (petting zoo), Promise Life Chapel (trick-or-treat doors) and Christ Community Church (face painting).

For more information about the Fall Festival, call (561) 753-2484 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/ fallfestival. For sponsorship and vendor opportunities, call (561) 791-4082.

Photo Club To Meet Sept. 25

The second season of the Audubon Everglades Photography Club begins on Monday, Sept. 25th at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at St. Michael Lutheran Church

(1925 Birkdale Drive, Wellington).

The program will feature “15 Ways to Improve Your Photography Without Buying Any Gear,” led by award-winning photographer Art Silverman.

Four of the nine programs this season will feature guest presenters to teach members how to become better photographers. The other five programs will be dedicated to critiques by accomplished photographers during friendly and supportive competitions.

The first of three Audubon Everglades Photo Club field adventures will be at Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach) on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. Mounts has a suggested $5 donation.

On Monday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m., there will be a workshop for new and returning members on “How to Submit Images into a Competition,” which will be a pre-competition review on how to prepare, resize and upload images. Be sure to bring a laptop and images that you plan on submitting for the October competition.

One of the goals of the club is to help members support the work of

environmental agencies and to get their work published by providing images of birds, butterflies, insects, plants, etc. taken by photography club members to environmental organizations for their use in promoting wildlife and habitat awareness.

Club founder Dr. Pete Lekos, a widely published and award-winning photographer, hopes the club will continue to “increase our knowledge of photography, inspire one another in our photographic activities, and, especially, to make new friends.”

Nature photographers of all skill levels are welcome. Members will be able to share their work, meet and form friendships with other photo enthusiasts, have their work critiqued by experts and grow as photographers in the digital age.

Regular meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Wellington.

While Photography Club membership is encouraged, it is not a requirement for attending. Guests can attend up to two club meetings without membership. Call Lekos at (201) 600-6463 for more information.

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Page 7

NEWS

Arrival Of Fall Season Brings Dreams Of Bountiful Green Markets

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report As we embark upon the fall season, green market season is just around the corner. Weekly green markets will open next month in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, both run by POTTC Events.

The Green Market at Wellington will open Saturday, Oct. 7 and be open Saturdays through April 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the Wellington Amphitheater.

The green market will be closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s weekends, as well as

After Storm

Wellington Returning To Normal

continued from page 1 is not within the village’s control to restore electric service, he noted.

The village has also continued to have power outages at its own facilities. The Wellington Aquatics Center had power restored late Monday evening, Sept. 11, Schofield said. The pool reopened Wednesday, Sept. 13.

“We are going to try to get Village Park open as quickly as we can. We have just gotten power back there, but there are a lot of trees down. It’s not really safe at the moment,” he said. “We didn’t start on any of the parks. It was more important for us to get roads and the canals cleared than it was to get the parks open.”

Schools continue to be closed throughout Palm Beach County last week, but reopened Monday, Sept. 18.

A curfew was enforced in the days after the storm, and one of the main reasons is related to restoring all functions to intersections in the village.

“We have traffic lights out.

They’re being restored as quickly as they can be, but please treat an intersection with a light that’s not working as a four-way stop,” Schofield said. “We’ve had a couple of very major accidents because people… are just blowing through the intersections. People

Nov. 18, Jan. 27 and March 24.

The Royal Palm Beach Green Market and Bazaar will open Sunday, Oct. 15 and be open every Sunday through April 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veterans Park on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. The market will be closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Easter weekends.

POTTC Events owner Kathy Gilbert is looking forward to the third season of the Green Market at Wellington.

“We will have everything from plants, produce, specialty foods, artisan foods, baked goods, soaps,

handcrafted items and a lot of really nice things — something for everybody to go there and shop,” Gilbert said.

Typical green markets, she said, do not offer a diverse selection.

“We’ve opened up this market not only to just bringing in produce and plants, but we’ve also opened it up to other vendors, such as artisan craft people,” Gilbert said.

“A lot of green markets don’t necessarily bring that out, but we do allow that.”

For opening day, Gilbert is planning on having live music.

“I always try to bring in some-

thing special for the opening day,” she said. “It’s something that the whole community likes to come out and be a part of.”

In Royal Palm Beach, the green market will be starting its fifth season. Opening day will have live entertainment, and Gilbert is expecting to bring in bounce houses, as she has in previous years.

“For Royal Palm Beach, the market is on Sunday. It is held at Veterans Park, which is a beautiful park setting. Now that we’re going into this fifth season, it’s well-established, so more and more people are coming out and

are getting hurt out there. The state law is if the lights aren’t working, it’s a four-way stop.”

Schofield emphasized the importance of obeying the curfews.

Although, they were lessened as the week progressed.

“If you’re out on the street after that, you’re going to get stopped, and you need to have a very good reason to be out there,” Schofield said. “As long as we have this many traffic lights out, the PBSO is worried, and just for everybody’s general store of information, we have about three times as many deputies on the street during the day and night than we usually have, so they are everywhere, and we’re happy that they’re everywhere.”

For people in need of water resources for horses, the village had its waypoint set up for accommodation. “If you are an equestrian and can’t bring water to your horses, we have a watering point setup at the intersection of Ousley Farms and Greenbriar,” Schofield said. “It’s where the big water tank is. We have water out there, and we’ll provide water to you.”

Schofield said he noticed that people are also getting water for themselves from these waypoints.

“If you need water, you can get it at any village facility. We will provide it,” Schofield said. “You don’t have to go to a water point.”

All gas stations within in the village have restored power, but fuel continued to be in short supply in the days after the storm.

“We’re expecting in the next couple of days that the fuel situ-

ation will resolve itself. The grocery stores are also waiting to be restocked,” Schofield said.

Schofield acknowledged the many village staff members who were instrumental in the rate of recovery that the village is undergoing since Hurricane Irma.

During the storm, Schofield said Wellington received anywhere between 10.5 and 11 inches of rain in the village. He credited the work of the surface water management group for managing potential flooding during and after the storm.

“Had they not managed that system as well as they did, 10-anda-half inches of rainfall usually produces roadway flooding,” Schofield said. “They got the canals down lower than they have ever been in their history, and right now the canal levels are back up to the point where [they are] when we go into the first of October, which is the beginning of the dry season.”

Schofield credited the roadway maintenance workers for clearing all major obstructions by Sunday evening, Sept. 10.

“One thing I want residents to understand is we’ve cleared the roads, but we’ve not taken away the debris, because we’ve got some documentation that we have to do for FEMA,” he said.

“If we take all of it away before we do that documentation, there is no hope that we are going to get reimbursed.”

Utilities maintenance staff were able to keep lift stations operating during the storm.

“We have 109 lift stations.

Thirty-five of them didn’t have power at one point,” Schofield said. “They took generators to each one of them. We never lost a lift station. They kept waste being pumped. We didn’t lose power in our plant. There are no well water notices anywhere in Wellington.

Our utilities maintenance crews did a phenomenal job.”

Schofield also thanked those who worked at the village’s call center around the clock to perform their duty during Irma.

“Those folks came to work Saturday morning, and they did not leave until we sent them home Monday. They worked 24 hours a day,” he said. “They did a truly amazing job.”

After Schofield’s report, Councilman Michael Drahos weighed in on something he felt Schofield left out.

“There is one individual in this village who is the first to take responsibility when something doesn’t go right, but I think is the last to take credit when something goes well. I got a text from a resident who said, ‘Paul Schofield does an excellent job doing these videos,’ and I wrote back immediately, ‘Paul Schofield does an excellent job period,’” Drahos said. “I think the reason why our roads weren’t flooded is because you preemptively took steps at a time that was right on the money and saved us a lot of hassle, and I’m a firm believer in the adage that a sports team takes on the personality of its coach, and I think this staff takes on the personality of its village manager.”

A fallen street lamp on the sidewalk off Big Blue Trace.

Landscaper Scott Reiter trims a fallen tree.

Bushes bent by Hurricane Irma in the Stonegate area.

Trees cut up for removal behind Solara in Wellington.

Landscaping in disrepair in front of Hampton Inn Wellington.

really, really enjoying the market,” Gilbert said. “They love to come out and shop the produce vendors.

Fruit and vegetables, plants, baked goods, clothing, arts and crafts. We have a nice selection.”

Both green markets are open rain or shine, with free parking.

They’re also both family-friendly and pet-friendly. As long as dogs are well-behaved and on a leash, they are welcome to visit, Gilbert said.

Additionally, both markets will have favorite vendors returning.

“We love to see a lot of our vendors from the past season re-

turning. We’re going to have some new vendors joining us as well,” Gilbert said. “That’s something that we really love to see; bringing back the people who have been there in the past who everyone knows and loves, in addition to welcoming new vendors to the market.”

Each market offers something special and different. Some vendors come to both markets, however, there are unique, different vendors at each market.

“There’s always something new and different to see,” Gilbert said.

See GREEN MARKET, page 15

A street sign down in the Paddock Park neighborhood.

PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER AND JACK LOWENSTEIN/TOWN-CRIER

A tree down along Greenbriar Blvd. in Wellington.

A damaged tree by standing water at Wellington High School

Debris is cleared in front of the Wellington Municipal Complex.

An uprooted tree in the Wellington Lakes area of Big Blue Trace.

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September 22 - September 28, 2017

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Page 9

NEWS

Boys & Girls Club Helps Parents With Hurricane Irma Aftermath

By Jack Lowenstein Town-Crier Staff Report The Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club opened its doors to the public on Thursday, Sept. 14 and Friday, Sept. 15 to help the entire community in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

“With many parents, who are going through a lot of things with the hurricane, it gives them a chance to take care of what they need to take care of, while we are able to provide their kids with food, games and a place of safety,” Program Coordinator Anthony Talton said.

Normally, the Wellington facility is only open to club members, but with schools closed and many parents back at work, the Boys & Girls Club took action to help the entire community recover from the storm.

Food was provided for children ages 6 to 18 both days. Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza and the Jacobs Family Foundation of Wellington

donated food to the club, which served more than 100 children during lunchtime both days.

Talton credited club staff for ensuring that the club was safe and ready for its members and nonmembers alike to share the space last Thursday and Friday.

“I was glad that our staff was able to come out,” Talton said. “I appreciate that some of the staff members were still affected by the hurricane. Some who came out Wednesday still didn’t have lights.”

He thanked staff members for sacrificing to come out and clean up to make sure that the building was presentable on Thursday and Friday.

Talton was proud that the club was open to both members and nonmembers as a community service after the storm.

“That was a big deal for me, because that showed that we really wanted to help our community, and we waived the fees,” he said.

This was a countywide effort implemented by Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.

“We want to make sure that parents and caregivers can return to work after Hurricane Irma with the peace of mind that their children have a safe place to go with adult supervision and electricity,”

said Jaene Miranda, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.

All clubs resumed their regular schedules for members only on Monday, Sept. 18 when schools opened. For more information, visit www.bgcpbc.org or call (561) 683-3287.

Armani Ross, Sadie Almengor and Avyannah Estima with Arianna Bramwell.

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September 22 - September 28, 2017

Page 11

NEWS

BENEFIT EVENT MARKS THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF ART CELLAR IN WELLINGTON

Art Cellar celebrated its third anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 17. The Kids Cancer Foundation received 20 percent of sales from Clothed4APurpose in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Guests enjoyed painting along with sangria and light bites. Art Cellar is located at 10660 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more info., visit www.artcellarwellington.com.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Clothed4APurpose owner Brittany Russell with Jamie Bond.

Kids Cancer Foundation Executive Director Michelle O’Boyle addresses the painting group.

Sue Kull and Lisa Valdivia work on their paintings.

Art Cellar owner Jennifer Hernandez paints.

Lisa Valdivia mixes colors for her painting.

Art Cellar owner Jennifer Hernandez, Kids Cancer Foundation Executive Director Michelle O’Boyle and Clothed4APurpose owner Brittany Russell.

Dina Samek works on her painting.

HIDDEN GEMS FOUND AT THE GIGANTIC GARAGE SALE AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

The annual Gigantic Garage Sale was held Saturday, Sept. 16 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. Shoppers found bargains on household items, Christmas items, artwork, jewelry and more. A portion of the admission fee was donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk - Team Dylan/South Florida Fair.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Anabell and Cameron Manners with Jim and Linda Biancarosa at the South Florida Fairgrounds table.

PNC Bank personal banker Jonathan Clark gives out prizes to lucky spinners.

Members of Cub Scout Pack 318 and Boy Scout Troop 325 manned a booth and helped shoppers with their packages.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Village of Royal Palm Beach currently has a vacancy on the Recreation Advisory Board which meets on the fourth Monday of the month. All meetings are held in the Village Meeting Hall. If you are a resident of Royal Palm Beach and would like to volunteer your service and expertise on this local government Board, pick up an application at the Village Clerk’s office or download it from our web site www.royalpalmbeach.com and go to Departments then Village Clerk section and then click on downloadable forms to Committee Board Application Form.

Return the completed application to the Village Clerk’s office no later than September 27, 2017 for Council consideration at its October 5th meeting.

If further information is desired, please call the Village Clerk at 790-5102.

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Page 12

September 22 - September 28, 2017

LIFE.CHURCH MEMBERS HELP CLEAN UP AFTER HURRICANE IRMA

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the team from Life.Church, located in Wellington, helped their neighbors and church attendees clean up debris from the storm. Among the cleanup crew were staff members from Oklahoma, where Life.Church is based. They traveled to Florida before the hurricane’s landfall to help immediately after the storm passed. Life.Church is a multi-site church with 27 locations in eight states. (Above) Wellington-based Brian Atkins, Todd Wells and Joshua Dougan. (Below) Wellington-based Brian Atkins and Ian Macintyre join Oklahoma-based Todd Roy to trim a damaged tree.

The Town-Crier

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Families First PBC To Honor Bellissimos

Seven years ago, Mark Bellissimo and his daughter Paige, the eldest of his children, found a way to meld their love of all things horses with their philanthropic endeavors.

Called the Great Charity Challenge, the annual event pairs a special equestrian event with the distribution of funds to nonprofit organizations. Amounts awarded run from $150,000 for the firstplace winner to $15,000 for the 36-place winner.

To date, more than $10 million has been awarded to local charities.

In recognition of their contribution to the community, Families First of Palm Beach County is presenting its Harriet Goldstein Award to the Bellissimos at its 11th annual Children’s Day Awards Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 6 at the

Kravis Center. The award is presented annually to individuals who have made lasting contributions to the community.

“We measure the success of the event, not in terms of money raised, but the numbers of lives we touch, which, at this point, is in the tens of thousands,” Mark Bellissimo said of the Great Charity Challenge, held at his Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington.

This year’s keynote speaker at the luncheon, attended by some 400 people, will be Palm Beach County School Board Member Barbara McQuinn, who will reveal details of a childhood of abuse and neglect and abandonment, and how she has overcome it.

Business leaders, nonprofit and government leaders, and local public and private funders will

Paige Bellissimo (left) and Mark Bellissimo (right) attend the event, which includes Blackwell will serve as master of a highly popular silent auction, ceremonies. For more information, performances by local school chil- or to purchase tickets, visit www. dren and giveaways. WPTV’s Ric familiesfirstpbc.org.

Lox Native Serving Aboard U.S. Navy Warship

A Loxahatchee native and 2012 Park Vista High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Fox is a damage controlman aboard the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer operating out of Yokosuka, Japan. The Curtis Wilbur is one of eight destroyers forward-deployed in Yokosuka.

A Navy damage controlman is responsible for the ship’s survivability using firefighting and dewatering equipment, making sure the ship stays afloat.

“My dad was a Marine and taught me good discipline and leadership,” Fox said. “My mom taught me to stay the course and never give up. Their influence impacts my job daily in the Navy.”

With more than 50 percent of the world’s shipping tonnage and a third of the world’s crude oil passing through the region, the U.S. has historic and enduring interests in this part of the world.

“Our alliance is rooted in shared interests and shared values,” said Adm. Harry Harris, commander of U.S. Pacific Command. “It’s not hyperbole to say that the entire world has benefited from the U.S.-Japan alliance. While our alliance helped stabilize the region after the Second World War, it also enabled the Japanese people to bring about an era of unprecedented economic growth.

And for the last six decades, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen have worked side by side with the Japan Self Defense Force to protect and advance peace and freedom.”

Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship.

Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the ship running smoothly. They do everything from maintaining gas turbine engines and operating the highly sophisticated Aegis weapons system to driving the ship and operating small boats.

Forward-deployed sailors are crucial to the success of the global

U.S. Navy mission and earn high praise from their leaders.

“I like the fact I have the opportunity to see and do amazing things. Being in the Navy, I have had experiences that I never thought I’d be able to do,” Fox said. “I’m proud of the fact that I came from an undesignated position to being a damage controlman in just three years. It was a lot of hard work.”

Sailors serving abroad in Japan are highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions.

“I’ve met many amazing people during my time in the Navy,” Fox said. “I was surrounded by some of the best leaders and mentors and learned many life and leadership skills which I’ll carry throughout my entire career.”

With the ability to conduct anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, destroyers are capable of sustained maritime operations supporting forward naval presence, maritime security, sea control, deterrence of aggressive actions on U.S.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Fox partners around the globe, as well as humanitarian assistance. Fast, maneuverable and technically advanced, destroyers provide credible combat power, at and from the sea.

Okeeheelee’s Mary-Lee Cobick On Inaugural List Of The 50 Best LPGA Teachers

The Ladies Professional Golf Association Teaching and Club Professionals membership recently announced the launch of a new annual recognition. The LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals’ Top 50 LPGA Teachers is presented in partnership with Women’s Golf Journal.

“The LPGA is excited to partner with Women’s Golf Journal on this annual recognition,” LPGA Chief Teaching Officer Nancy Henderson said. “More than 70 percent of our members teach the game of golf for a living, and they are dedicated to the advancement of golf through teaching golfers of

all ages and abilities to enjoy the game of golf.”

Okeeheelee Golf Course head golf professional and owner of Golf Professional Services Inc. Mary-Lee Cobick was recognized as one of the LPGA Top 50 Best Teachers.

Cobick has been an active

member of the LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals since 1998.

In 2016, Cobick was recognized as LPGA National Professional of the Year. Cobick is also the president of the Junior Golf Foundation of America.

“I am honored to be part of this

elite group of golf professionals and thank the LPGA and Women’s Golf Journal for this recognition,” Cobick said.

Women’s Golf Journal celebrates the lifestyle of golfing women everywhere.

“The depth of teaching expertise in the LPGA is astounding,” Wom-

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September 22 - September 28, 2017

Page 13

NEWS

PALMS WEST HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES SUPPORT EACH OTHER AFTER STORM

On Saturday, Sept. 16, staff from Palms West Hospital worked to help with hurricane relief. When the hospital’s administrative team learned that many employees were still without power and unable to locate water for their families, the team organized a hurricane relief distribution. Vice President of Human Resources Marcy Mills worked with each department to identify those in need. Director of Food & Nutrition Russ Couron arranged for ice and water to be delivered for the more than 100 employees who stopped by to pick up ice, water and ready-to-eat meals. Hospital officials were proud to see co-workers helping one another.

Vice President of Human Resources Marcy Mills and Director of Food & Nutrition Russ Couron with bags of ice.

Lox Irma

Cleanup Will Take A While

continued from page 3 out of the way,” he said, explaining that they had about 10 employees a day for 10 to 11 hours a day for the

better part of three days.”

He noted that some of the work was slowed down by well-meaning individuals who pushed the trees into canals or onto the side of the road.

“I’m not sure who the individual was, but there was a citizen trying to assist the town, but it created a little bit of an issue,” Underwood said. “They didn’t clear it the way

Signs and trees were among the big casualties of the storm.

Jennifer Toppin, Jacqueline Bell, Katherine May and Joan Grant. it needed to be cleared in order to remove the debris. It was pushed off. There was a tree that got pushed off into the A Canal that we couldn’t get.”

That did cause some delays in the work flow.

“We spent a lot of time up on North D Road yesterday, probably at least six hours, and some other areas that were problematic, but we got it all done,” Underwood said.

He said that the town’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was active during and after the event, with a member that was stationed at the county’s Emergency Operations Center.

“They made sure that residents have access if they need medical attention or issues relative to that to make sure they’re OK,” Underwood said. “I think most people were inconvenienced, but I think most people understood, because we were closing pieces of road while we were doing this work, and people would have to go other ways.”

Some repairs will be required.

For example, a culvert collapsed on North B Road just north of Morrow Court.

“It gave way and the district did send somebody out, and they threw a bunch of dirt into it. We’re going to have to address that at some point because I would suspect that given sufficient rain, it would wash completely away,” Underwood said. “That culvert didn’t appear as though it was even existing. That’s going to be a problem.”

Katherine May and Marie Vernet with hurricane supplies.

Lox Groves CERT Springs Into Action To Help After Irma

After training for 10 years, the Loxahatchee Groves Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) went into full activation for Hurricane Irma.

Members reported to Palms West Presbyterian Church and did Rapid Impact Assessment surveys in the town on selected routes. Reports of several power lines were

sent to command via ham radio.

The reports were shared with the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District and the total report was sent to the radio operator at the Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center. Fortunately, there was no major damage in the town to structures and no medical issues that were discovered.

On Thursday, Sept. 14, Loxahatchee Groves CERT leader Pat Johnson picked up a donation of solar light cubes from Gary Yang (www.solight-design.com) and distributed them to some town residents without power, as well as to residents in Belle Glade through a team member at the Bank of Belle Glade.

(Above) Sunsport Gardens resident Paul Meckstroth receives a Solar Puff light from CERT members Dave and Becky Elliott. (Right) CERT’s Pat Johnson gives Ava Sue Hickerson a Solar Puff light. Hickerson was still without power and had no generator five days after the storm.

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Page 14

September 22 - September 28, 2017

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FEATURES

Hurricanes Are Super Exciting... Until They’re Suddenly Not

Well, that was fun.

Nothing like a good hurricane to reset your priorities. Just when you’re feeling confident, like you’ve got it all and you know where you’ve put it, Mother Nature intervenes to remind you that she is still in charge, you little twerp.

The weathermen go absolutely nuts.

After months of predicting Florida as “hot and sunny with afternoon showers” like a team of robots, they finally have something new to report. People are tuning in! People care! I don’t even need to turn up the sound on my TV. I just watch the hurricane icon, its track and the weatherman’s tie, which is the real giveaway that danger is approaching. If

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER he has loosened it, the hurricane is one day away. If he is in shirtsleeves, batten down the hatches.

Here’s what you’re supposed to do to prepare for a hurricane: get water, get a generator and get gas for the car in case you’re evacuated or to run said generator.

Here’s what I do to prepare for a hurricane: fill a bucket with water, buy several pounds of m&ms and organize my reading material with the Valentine’s Day magazines on top. I will get through the stack.

My life does have purpose.

Loss of life and billions of dollars in damage aside, I enjoy the excitement of a hurricane. I love rushing around, not knowing for sure what’s going to happen.

I love the sudden drop in air pressure and the eerie feeling I get from it. And I really love having a break from the electronics that usually run my life.

At first, that is.

The aftermath isn’t as much fun. The cleanup, the erratic schedule (what’s open

and what’s not) and, worst of all, the seemingly endless deprivation of the electronics that I depend on to run my life.

Not having air conditioning, refrigerated food and access to a television set gets old fast. I mean, after you’ve taken a tour of the neighborhood, oohing and ahhing over downed trees, flooded streets and overturned patio furniture, you head on home to what? A cold beer and Game of Thrones? No. You just sit in your hot house with a warm water and a cell phone that you’re afraid to use because you don’t want to run down the battery.

Loss of power really makes you appreciate what Thomas Edison did for us — Benjamin Franklin, too, if you want

to factor in the whole kite thing. Turns out those idyllic days of yore may not have been so idyllic. Bored people going to bed at 9 p.m. and getting up with the chickens. Bleah.

On the other hand, going to bed at 9 p.m. is great if you need 13 kids to help you on the farm. Because you’re going to get them. There’s nothing else to do.

Which brings me to my point — the minute those tickers were up and running again, I hope you bought stock in pregnancy tests, diapers, formula, baby food and cribs. Because next spring we’re gonna have a baby boom like you haven’t seen since the 1950s. That’s the real aftermath of a hurricane.

Good Movies Need Great Writing And Amazing Storytelling

Why has this summer’s box office been the worst in years? There have been some good movies, actually some really good movies, but box office receipts are down by 15 percent. And as those of us who go to the theaters regularly know, prices have gone up. Add those together, and maybe attendance might be a bit more than three quarters of what is has been in the past.

2017 was supposed to have a great summer. There were a whole lot of big budget summer movies, generally based on established franchises. There were performers who had brought in huge amounts of money in previous films. In many cases, those movies went nowhere.

The one criticism that I wind up harping on constantly is poor writing. A bad script can ruin any film. Batman vs. Superman was an example of that. The two heroes generally acted like spoiled kids. Batman went after Superman because theoretically

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler the Man of Steel might cause a lot of damage. This is not what fans want to see. We all know that what really makes these films work is great villains. Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger were the walkaway stars of their Batman films. They provide the fun and the danger. Superman just doesn’t quite work as the bad guy.

The studios did not learn their lesson.

We had a few real disasters. Pirates of the Caribbean was deadly. It seemed like a retrospective on the fun parts of the previous four movies with the fun left out.

Johnny Depp was still there, but no one noticed that he has not had a real box office winner in years. And Tom Cruise was added to a boring version of The Mummy.

It looked like the producers decided to add “sure fire box office” Tom to cover a script that was remarkably similar to the earlier films in the series and was a real dud. Transformers 5 showed its age and nothing much happened. Valerian was a new franchise that boasted that its actors were bad because they were supposed to be. Even Dwayne Johnson could not save Baywatch. On TV, it featured pretty women in bathing suits. This movie focused on Johnson and Zac Efron’s buff bodies. The fanboys stayed away.

There were some really good movies.

Guardians of the Galaxy 2, while not as strong as the first film, had some great moments. Wonder Woman finally showed how a female superhero could conquer the box office if the film was really well-made.

And it was. And Spider-Man revived the franchise by switching things and going smaller. Most sequels go really big. Here, Spidey went back to his roots and a basic unknown, Tom Holland, got bigger box office than Depp or Cruise. Why? Hey, people go to movies that are good!

Then we hit August and it looked like the studios just gave up. A very weak Hitman’s Bodyguard was the big film for weeks because there was so little.

Part of the problem is that the big producers seem not to know what the audience will like. There are no more movie stars. The one actor who always seemed to bring in audiences was Dwayne Johnson. But it is now clear his success has been based on his picking films audiences favor. Dozens of stars have made films in the past year that have flopped. Some of them seem desperate for hits having not had any in years.

But we need creativity. Yes, a lot of

big-budget superhero films died at the box office, but there were some huge hits.

Yes, we tend to like special effects but, by themselves, movies can get very boring.

What makes them interesting is how they work into great stories, and we need the stories. Baby Driver, my favorite small film from the summer, had some great driving special effects. But it was the strong script and great acting that kept me involved.

There will be more big budget films before the end of the year, and I hope they really are good. But perhaps the big shots who make films should spend more time focusing on improving the scripts than on creating the same old special effects.

Hiring actors who have in the past had hits is a waste of time.

Let us go on from here. I will be around to let you know what is actually enjoyable.

And you can join me in hoping the big shots learn their lesson.

Pets Are Family, Too!

By Randall S. Dugal, D.V.M.

Eric Gordon

SUNBURNED PETS

Personal Concierge

Dogs and cats are as vulnerable to sunburn as humans, especially those animals who have less hair, are shorthaired, or who have thin or white fur. Most animals have spots on them that are more vulnerable, such as snouts and ears, which means that all pet owners should take care to protect their animals from sun overexposure.

The best line of defense from the sun is to allow plenty of shady places outside for dogs. If the animal goes on hikes often or spends lots of time outside, use vet-approved sunblock. While cats don’t go on walks quite as often, they love to sit in sunny spots afforded by windows. Consider treating the windows with UV-blocking film.

The responsibility of pet ownership includes providing protection from hazards of all kinds, including sunburn. The philosophy of our practice at COMMUNITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF ROYAL PALM BEACH is to encourage preventive, compassionate care for all animals. We treat all the pets that come to us as if they were members of our own family. Please call 798-5508 for appointments or emergencies pertaining to your pet’s health. Conveniently located at 11462 Okeechobee Blvd., 1/4 mile east of Royal Palm Beach Blvd., we’re OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

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P.S. If no pet sunscreen is available, pets can use unscented sunscreen that is appropriate for infants.

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Join The Western Business Alliance on Tuesday, September 26th at Wellington National Golf Club for a Luncheon you won’t want to miss! Our guest speaker is State Attorney, Dave Aronberg.. Our Valet Sponsors are Barry’s Jewelry Spa and Keane Telecom Solutions, Inc. For sponsorship opportunities, visit TheWesternBusinessAlliance.com $35 Online registration | At the door $40 | Free valet parking Event Address: 400 Binks Forest Dr, Wellington, FL 33414

Welcome New and Renewing TWBA Members

Amber Cove .......................................................................Rhonda Ferrin Davis

Mel’s Way Bistro............................................................................Melanie Magari

Royal Palm Dental Associates, P.A ....................................David Goldberg D.D.S.

Creative Contracting Group ................................................................Lisa Addis

Palm Beach Aquatics Inc.......................................................................John Natale

The Unlimited Auto Wash Club.......................................................Kevin Dalton

Gourmet Deli House.....................................................................Boris Brodsky

Palms West Hospital.........................................................................Lorna Kernizan

The UPS Store.........................................................................................Joe Gall

Health Source of Royal Palm Beach...................................Dr. Sandra Hernandez

PlanMember Securities Corporation...............................................Bonnie Douglas

Velocity Community Credit Union..............................................Maria Pumarejo

Hilary’s Restaurant..........................................................................Mary Rakoff

Poinciana Golf Club.......................................................................Frederic Paquet

Wellington Community Foundation....................................Thomas M. Wenham

Marriott International....................................................................Jennifer Dott

Roth Farms, Inc.......................................................................................Rick Roth

Wellington National Golf Club .........................................................Julie Pickens

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

September 22 - September 28, 2017

Page 15

NEWS

Cooperative Extension To Host ‘After Irma: Restoring Trees’

Hurricane Irma cut a large swath through Palm Beach County, leaving uprooted, torn and tattered trees in its wake. Sadly, residents could have prevented some of

this damage, if they had planted more wind-resilient species and recognized the seven defects that increase the likelihood of tree failure.

To help rectify this problem, the Palm Beach County Extension Service will be hosting “After Irma: Restoring Your Landscape and Preventing Future Damage”

St. Peter’s Church To Host ‘Saturdays In The Patch’

Well-known for its annual October pumpkin patch, St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington will hold three community-wide events for all ages in the pumpkin patch.

“Saturdays in the Patch” will offer activities on three Saturdays:

Painting in the Patch on Oct. 7, Gardening in the Patch on Oct. 14 and Movie in the Patch on Oct. 28.

• Painting in the Patch, Oct. 7: Artist Sandra Harmon will lead the painting class from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Everyone will paint the same scene: four large pumpkins

Project On Okeechobee Blvd. In RPB

continued from page 1 the La Mancha plat. It has been owned by the village since 1989 and was assigned to the village by the Royal Palm Beach Colony Limited Partnership, the community’s original developer.

“The applicant intends to purchase the 0.93-acre parcel and combine it with the 5.45-acre, village-owned parcel directly adjacent to the east,” O’Brien said.

Hmara made a motion to approve the request for purchase, seconded by Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas. It also passed unanimously.

With the purchase of the 0.93 acres, combined with the other 5.45 acres, Hunt Midwest requested to rezone the smaller area from town house residential zoning to residential mixed-use zoning.

Parcel size, width, setbacks and

Lox Budget

Council Cuts Budget And Lowers Rate

continued from page 1 to run a government,” she said.

“Any time you have to go into the reserves, that’s just putting a BandAid on it. You’re going to get into a problem in the future.”

Former Councilman Jim Rockett, also an FAAC member, did not favor a millage rate of 2.6. He suggested financing the PBSO increase from the general fund, and over the next few months have the FAAC work on some proposals.

“We haven’t had the opportunity to do the work that we should have been doing… for spending reductions,” Rockett said. “We have an opportunity for additional revenue, and we need to look at that hard and fast. I think the finance committee can do that, and we can

when to hire an arborist, plus tips on when to remove or restore a tree. Real-life images of damaged trees from Hurricane Irma will help participants understand the mechanisms of tree failure. A hands-on portion will include an examination of trees in Mounts Botanical Garden.

Participants will receive a voucher for two free three-gallon native plants per household, compliments of the Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management.

Classes will be held at the

Mounts Auditorium, located at 531 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach.

The cost is $5 per person to cover materials. Pre-register by calling Candace Smith at (561) 233-1759 or by e-mail at csmith5@pbcgov. org. Class minimums and maximums apply.

The Cooperative Extension will conduct a separate tree trimming class for green industry professionals on Thursday, Oct. 19. Contact Smith for more details and to pre-register. Vouchers will not be available at this program.

morning after the storm, they were all over 18 feet, Shafer said. “They were right at the top of the canals,” he said. “We’re lucky we didn’t get any more, because there probably would have been a flood.”

Shafer said that as soon as it was safe, they immediately began another drawdown to wet season control levels.

“Currently, in our lower basin, we’re already there. The upper basin is under a half a foot [from control level]. Again, that’s the Corbett area,” he said. “They’re releasing water, and we’re adjusting.”

Throughout the storm, Shafer said ITID staff had close communication with South Florida Water Management District officials and others from West Palm Beach, Corbett and the Seminole Improvement District.

“We did very well through this hurricane,” he said.

ITID President Jennifer Hager said maintaining communication with other government entities was a huge step forward. “I’m very happy with that,” she said.

in a pumpkin patch with a red barn in the background. Children will paint pumpkins and participate in other activities. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

• Gardening in the Patch, Oct. 14: Gardeners from the Wellington Garden Club will teach about gardening in Florida. Children will have the opportunity to plant pumpkin seeds and watch them grow at home.

• Movie in the Patch, Oct. 28: Stop by from 7 to 9 p.m. for a free showing of Spookley, the Square Pumpkin. Bring your friends and neighbors to this family-friendly event for all ages.

In addition to the activities, pumpkins, gourds, pumpkin bread and apple butter will be available for sale.

Hours of operation for the St. Peter’s Pumpkin Patch are Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from noon to 8 p.m., and Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information, contact Samantha Scott at sscott@stpeters-umc.org or (561) 793-5712.

High Marks For Roads And Canals

continued from page 1 continue to work through Friday to remove debris from secondary roadways. Sidewalks were open in time for school Monday morning.

Canal debris removal will continue to take possibly several months due to limited access.”

Robinson said he has enlisted the use of a drone to get an aerial overview of some of the canals that ITID staff has limited access to, and come up with a plan to get rid of the debris.

Director of Stormwater Operations Greg Shafer said his staff went to work on Monday, Sept.

4, immediately after the governor declared a state of emergency.

“We understood the storm was huge at that point, so we didn’t take any chances,” Shafer said.

“We started drawing down at once. Because of advance notice, we were already at wet season control level.”

He said they were able to bring down most of the water by gravity flow, with little use of pumps.

“I did do some pumping in the upper basin because of Corbett,” he said, referring to the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area. “Some of their waters were released into ours.”

Shafer said the district has five rain collectors, all of which had more than 7 inches of rain in them.

“Typically, in high winds, the rain doesn’t come straight down,” he said. “You can say some areas got more than 7 inches of rain, some well over.”

All of the canals were drawn down to about 14.5 feet, and the

pervious area were all reviewed by staff.

“Overall, the proposed rezoning is generally consistent with the village’s comprehensive plan, compatible with adjacent land uses and meets all the concurrency level of standards,” O’Brien said.

“Therefore, staff is recommending approval of this application.”

Hmara made a motion in favor of the zoning change, seconded

by Rodusky, which passed unanimously.

Finally, the council considered several amendments to the village code requested by Hunt Midwest toward the overall design features of the senior housing facility.

The first proposed change is to the maximum building height, to allow for senior housing facilities of a maximum building height of 32 feet and no more than three stories. In this instance, the code section refers back to the building height limitation of the residential mixed-use district. The maximum residential building height for a mixed-use district is limited to 22 feet.

“This proposed maximum building height is consistent with the village’s multi-family non-residential zoning district, so it’s kind of going in line with those,” O’Brien said. “The applicant contends that the proposed language clarifies the allowable height based on the senior housing facility’s use instead of zoning district.”

The second proposed change is to allow for decreased setbacks for portions of the building that exceed 22 feet or two stories in height. Currently, village code requires an additional 25-foot setback for those portions of the building that exceed 22 feet or two stories.

“When you’re talking about the 32 feet in height, the facility itself is still two stories, but because of different height levels of various areas would be up to 32 feet, correct?” Councilwoman Selena Smith asked. “Or is it a three-story building in certain areas?”

O’Brien confirmed that the facility will be two stories. “The 32 feet would be at the roof beam,” he said.

For rooms, minimum floor areas were presented, as well as a request to allow dual occupancy for up to 10 percent of the approved beds. The 10 percent limitation is made allowable for related couples.

Features planned at the facility include gardening areas, shuffleboard courts, tennis courts, a pavilion or courtyard with seating, a putting green, a croquet court, a pool/jacuzzi area, a pergola with benches, a fitness or walking trail, and a dog park with a fenced area and benches. If a feature such as the tennis court is constructed, it would only allow for one court as part of the request.

Hunt Midwest has planned for the installation of an emergency generator that will be located in a common area of the facility in order to be able to accommodate all residents in a climate-controlled area in the event of a power failure. “[Gov. Rick Scott] directed the Florida Department of Health and the [Florida] Department of Elder Affairs to issue emergency

rules, which they did this week to address the situation that just happened down in Broward County, where the eight people, unfortunately, passed away,” Village Attorney Jennifer Ashton said.

“The emergency rules, from my understanding, are going to be followed up with new legislation.

A bill has already been proposed for the next legislative session to make these emergency rules law of the land.”

Ashton said the request by Hunt Midwest does not interfere with the recent directions from the governor, but based on the state law, may cause the council to further review that request in the future.

Valuntas made a motion to approve the requested changes, seconded by Rodusky. Approval was unanimous.

Some of the items for the senior housing facility were preliminary readings that still need to go before the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission. They will return to the council for final approval at a later date.

bring back whatever recommendation we can come up with over the next couple of months.”

Councilman Todd McLendon said that if any member of the council wanted to go with anything below the 2.6 rate, that member needed to go through the budget and recommend what to cut.

“I don’t want to just pass a number and then say, ‘How are we going to get there?’” McLendon said. “Let’s go through the budget line by line and see where were going to cut. Are we going to cut out code enforcement?

Are we going to cut out planning and zoning? Are we going to cut legal in half? Are we just going to say take it from reserves and keep spending like we’ve been spending? That’s not good at all.

If anybody wants less than 2.6, I want you to tell me where you’re going to cut.”

McLendon pointed out that the council has already approved the expanded PBSO budget, which is

expected to improve public safety in the town.

“I said then, ‘We’re going to have to double our millage rate,’” he said. “We all voted for it. What did you think was going to happen when we got to this point?”

Vice Mayor Ron Jarriel said a budget cut is not necessary because they can go into the reserves and cut the budget next year, adding that he would support the 2.6 rate if the motion was for that.

“I know, for a fact, that we can make it through this year without 2.6, even though I’m going to support it,” Jarriel said.

Mayor Dave Browning said he supported the 2.6 millage rate.

“That covers the cost of the sheriff’s contract,” Browning said.

“We had a reason to do it. They upped it; we tried to negotiate. I talked hard, I got mad, I did everything I could. Their deal was, either $600,000 or set up your own department.”

Browning added that another

cost that has not been determined is storm cleanup.

“FEMA reimburses a little over 80 percent after all is paid, so all of this stuff has to be paid first,” he said. “We’ve got additional costs to maintain roads and culverts, because I understand the LGWCD board is not going to do culverts. We’re going to have extra maintenance by taking on the extra roads.”

He added that the 2.6 millage rate would gain $60,000 from commercial uses.

“It goes from $30,000 to $90,000,” Browning said. “It scares me to use reserves. Maybe that’s because I’m retired now.

That savings account can only be spent once.”

He pointed out that when he and other council members were on the LGWCD board, they put off raising assessments until they were forced to make a 50 percent increase. In addition, he noted that the town would still have among

the lowest tax rates in the county.

Browning added that people want more services, and that the tax increase would be mitigated by the council’s partial underwriting of residential garbage assessments.

“If we want to come down, I would hate to come all the way down to 2, because that’s just barely more than what we’ve got now,” he said. “We have to come up with a budget number tonight… Something will have to go, because I don’t want to see us cut into that reserve too much.”

DeMarois was the sole holdout, saying that he wanted to remain at the current tax rate of 1.47 mills.

McLendon noted that the council could approve 1.5128 mills with four votes.

“My question to Mr. DeMarois is, where do you plan on cutting services?” he asked. “What do you plan on cutting out of the budget?”

“Just like Mr. Jarriel said, take it out of the reserves and look at next year,” DeMarois said.

During Painting in the Patch, attendees will paint an image of four pumpkins in a patch with a red barn in the background.

RPB Seniors

for residents, business owners and community association representatives.

The class will take place on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will repeat on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at the same time.

The program will focus on selecting plants for wind resistance, proper planting and tree care, and pruning of young and mature trees to increase longevity and storm resilience.

Also covered will be how to assess and restore trees in the aftermath of storms, how and

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Green Market

Opening In October

continued from page 7 “They could pick up some of the fresh produce, but when they’re there, they may also find the perfect gift for somebody.”

POTTC is an event production company that works throughout Florida.

“We either put on or assist with festival and events throughout the state. In addition to both green markets that we run, we also work with different municipalities on special events,” Gilbert said.

The company stages other themed events and festivals ranging from pirates to seafood.

Vendor opportunities are still available. For more info., visit www.greenmarketatwellington. com or www.rpbgreenmarket. com.

Jarriel made a motion to adopt a 2.0 millage rate, which would be 49.9 percent above the rollback rate of 1.3338 mills. McLendon said he would vote for the motion if it included removing council salaries. Jarriel did not accept that condition, and the motion failed 4-1 with McLendon dissenting.

After several more failed motions for rates of 1.99, 2.2 and 2.1 mills, the council approved a motion by McLendon of 2.15 mills, which carried 5-0.

The council then approved a balanced budget 4-1 on a motion

by Councilman Ryan Liang with McLendon dissenting. It cut several items, including removing $55,340 from code enforcement for a 50 percent cut, removing $5,200 for special events, removing $20,000 for comp plan preparation, cutting $5,000 from public works, cutting $20,000 from repair and maintenance, and cutting $11,329 from the contingency fund.

Page 16

September 22 - September 28, 2017

The Town-Crier

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The Town-Crier

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September 22 - September 28, 2017

Page 17

NEWS

RPB Irma

Manager Relieved After Storm

continued from page 1 and to keep plant and tree debris separated from bulk items.

Once Irma’s winds slowed, Royal Palm Beach’s public works crews went to work clearing the streets to prepare for Bergeron, Liggins said.

Village staff went back to operating as normal Tuesday, Sept. 12.

Due to problems with lights, trees and other damage, some of the parks in Royal Palm Beach were temporarily closed. Check www.royalpalmbeach.com for the most up-to-date information about park closings.

All-in-all, Royal Palm Beach made it through Hurricane Irma in excellent condition.

“It was a preparation exercise.

We never got the full brunt of it,” Liggins said. “[Hurricane]

Matthew [last year] was a great exercise for a lot of the new things we had been implementing in emergency management and recovery. We got to practice in Matthew, and we got to practice in a little bit higher of a degree this time. I’m really pleased with the way things are working out.”

Coordinating with the damage assessment teams and the building department also went well, Liggins said.

“The group that we have here is very dedicated. They’re getting us up and back to normal as quickly as possible,” Liggins said. “We have to be very, very organized in the way that we deal with stuff like this.”

Liggins credited the efficient work of village staff during the storm to Village Engineer Chris Marsh.

“Chris Marsh is our lead emergency manager. He has rewritten the emergency plan. He has done a good job of writing up a plan that has everyone’s responsibilities well spelled out,” Liggins said.

A tree crashes into a shed.

Trees down in front of a boarded-up house in Royal Palm Beach.

“When everyone knows what they need to do, they do it, and they did, and I’m very pleased.”

All department directors have responsibilities and roles, and one of those includes keeping notes on lessons learned. “There are always lessons learned,” Liggins said.

The most amusing lesson from Hurricane Irma is to be cognizant of how vehicles are labeled.

The village used code enforcement vehicles and staff, along with building inspection staff, for

private property damage assessments. They came across a woman on Monday, Sept. 11, who thought that they were out first thing after the storm on code enforcement duties.

“I think in the future I will get magnetic stickers that cover up ‘Code Enforcement’ with ‘Damage Assessment,’” Liggins said.

For more information regarding Hurricane Irma in Royal Palm Beach, visit www.royalpalm beach.com.

A large tree uprooted on Heron Parkway.

New fencing to replace broken fencing at Bobwhite and Starling.

Tree limbs line the street.

A tree fell on truck on Sandpiper Avenue.

Tree branches down in front of Royal Palm Beach home.

A tree landed in the roadway on Sandpiper Avenue.

A mailbox toppled on Heron Parkway.

A fallen tree in front of RPB’s administrative building.

Enriquez Mesa repairs a fence on Pintail Court.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN AND JACK LOWENSTEIN/TOWN-CRIER AND COURTESY HENRY PEREZ

Page 18

September 22 - September 28, 2017

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The Town-Crier

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Personal Ponies Shares The Love With Patients

Sandra Seiden is the driving force behind the local chapter of Personal Ponies, part of a national nonprofit. The Boca Raton-based group provides farm visits to groups such as the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Association, enabling clients to spend special therapeutic pony time. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 21

September 22 - September 28, 2017

Operation Blue Roof Program Available Post-Irma

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers installed the first temporary post-Hurricane Irma roof for the Operation Blue Roof program last Saturday. Operation Blue Roof provides a temporary covering of blue plastic sheeting to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made. Page 22

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After Harvey And Irma, Tips On How To Avoid Buying A Car With Flood Damage

In addition to the tens of thousands of homes damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, even more vehicles were damaged by the flood waters. Cars that are classified as totaled should be disposed of, but some flooded vehicles inevitably end up in the used car market, and Earl Stewart Toyota wants consumers to know what to look for so they don’t become unintentional victims. Page 23

Sports

Keiser Football Program Debuts With Area Players

The Keiser University football program invited the media and the public to its first practice in pads Saturday, Sept. 16. The university has been promoting its new football program throughout the summer, and the excitement was palpable as players began practicing with their new equipment. Page 25

THIS WEEK’S INDEX TAILS FROM THE TRAILS............................. 21 BUSINESS NEWS................................... 22-23 SPORTS & RECREATION.........................25-27 COMMUNITY CALENDAR............................. 28 CLASSIFIEDS......................................... 29-32

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September 22 - September 28, 2017

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FEATURES

September 22 - September 28, 2017

Page 21

Personal Ponies Shares The Love With Special Patients

Sandra Seiden is the driving force behind the local chapter of Personal Ponies, part of a unique national nonprofit charity. The Boca Raton-based group provides farm visits to groups such as JARC and the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Association, enabling clients to spend special therapeutic pony time.

She also brings ponies on visits to hospitals, schools, nursing homes, veterans hospitals, and learning centers such as Easter Seals and ARC — wherever a pony’s special touch can help.

Growing up in Cranford, N.J., Sandra was a horse-loving kid who lived to ride. Her grandparents bought her a horse when she was a teen, but then came college, life and children, and horses receded to a fond memory. Until her daughter, Rebecca, started riding.

“What’s wrong with this picture?” Sandra wondered. “How come she’s the only one riding?”

Soon, Sandra was back in a saddle, eventually owning two horses she rides on trails for pleasure. Sandra’s first four children excelled at everything, with Rebecca eventually becoming a veterinarian. Then, along came a surprise fifth child.

“Jacob was born with special needs,” Sandra recalled. “He has the rare Prader-Willi syndrome. He’s developmentally delayed, has Type 2 diabetes, an insatiable appetite, Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/Horse TalkFL.

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg was nonverbal through his early years and is on the autism spectrum.”

The family sought out many of programs and therapies for him.

“When Jacob was four, he began therapeutic riding with Horses and the Handicapped. I knew horses would have a positive effect, and sure enough, he just lit up every time he was near a horse,” Sandra recalled. “While I was researching horse therapy programs, I came across a link to Personal Ponies. They breed tiny Shetland ponies and place them around the U.S. free of charge.”

Impressed with the concept, she e-mailed founder Marianne Alexander, telling her about Jake. “We kept writing, and one day she asked if I wanted to apply for a pony,” Sandra said.

“I wasn’t sure, but two weeks later, she wrote that she’d found the perfect pony for Jake. My husband was onboard. We were willing to try anything that might help. So, we got not one, but two ponies, Cookie and Sugar. Jake was 4 years old. When they arrived, I heard Jake talk for the first time. ‘My ponyz! My ponyz!’

It was like magic.”

Kiss Me makes her monthly visit to a pediatric nursing facility, making Milli laugh.

Even though Jake was not a confident child, after the ponies arrived, he became much more independent, brushing them himself, even pushing away Sandra’s helping hand. He took the ponies for walks.

Knowing there were other special needs children out there, Sandra decided to share Cookie and Sugar. She reached out and con-

tacted local groups, organizing “Breakfast in the Park with Ponies” and scheduling visits to the Miami Children’s Hospital and schools with special-needs programs. She held fundraisers to buy a trailer, and things grew.

Her Personal Ponies group, begun 13 years ago, now has seven ponies at a five-acre See ROSENBERG, page 27

Page 22

September 22 - September 28, 2017

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What To Expect When Registering With FEMA

If you live in one of the disaster-designated Florida counties and experienced property damage or loss directly caused by Hurricane Irma, register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster assistance — even if you have insurance. This can be an important step to begin the process of recovery.

You can register for assistance online at www.disasterassistance. gov. If you don’t have Internet access, you can call (800) 621-3362.

People who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY can call (800) 462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) should call (800) 621-3362. These toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA assistance for individuals may include grants for rent, temporary housing and home repairs to primary residences, as well as funding for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical, dental or funeral costs. If you have insurance, FEMA may still be able to assist with disaster-related expenses.

After you apply, a FEMA inspector will contact you to schedule a

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“The first temporary roof installation is a significant milestone for people impacted by Hurricane Irma,” District Commander Col. Jason Kirk said. “The blue covers are a tangible sign to the community that ensuring their safety, security and peace of mind is our top priority.”

Operation Blue Roof provides a temporary covering of blue plastic sheeting to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made. The blue plastic sheeting is installed using strips of wood that are secured to the roof with nails or screws.

This program is available at no cost to eligible primary homeowners in Broward, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties. Other counties may be added at a later date.

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free inspection, which generally lasts between 30 and 40 minutes and consists of a general verification of disaster-related losses and a review of ownership/residence records.

When a FEMA housing inspector comes to visit your home, be sure they show you proper identification.

All FEMA inspectors have prominent photo identification badges. If you suspect someone is posing as a FEMA housing inspector, call the toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721.

Once the inspection process is complete, your situation will be reviewed by FEMA. You will receive a letter by e-mail or physical mail outlining the decision about your claim. For more information about the inspection process, and documentation you will need to provide the inspector, search for the FEMA Individual Assistance Inspection Process page at www.fema.gov.

You may receive a visit from more than one inspector. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, state and local officials and inspectors for private insurance also visit affected neighborhoods.

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by Army Corps teams in convenient For rental property, legal permis- neighborhood locations. Updated sion for a blue roof to be installed information about collection center must be obtained from the property locations in each county will be owner. Renters must also obtain distributed daily. legal permission from their landlord Current information is available to continue occupying the residence on the Jacksonville District web site until more permanent repairs are at www.saj.usace.army.mil/blueroof made. and at 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888Homeowners must sign a Right 766-3258). Information is provided of Entry (ROE) form to allow gov- in both English and Spanish.

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BUSINESS NEWS

September 22 - September 28, 2017

Page 23

Tips On How To Avoid Buying A Car With Flood Damage

In addition to the tens of thousands of homes that were damaged or destroyed by the effects of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, even more vehicles were damaged by the flood waters.

An estimated 500,000 cars were damaged in Hurricane Katrina. Cars that are classified as totaled should be disposed of, but some flooded vehicles inevitably end up in the used car market, and Earl Stewart Toyota wants consumers to know what to look for so they don’t become unintentional victims.

“A car can look fine and seem to run well, but there are tell-tale signs that consumers can look for to tell if a used vehicle has flood damage,” said Earl Stewart, owner of Earl Stewart Toyota. “Not only are these cars a waste of money, they can also

be dangerous if systems end up failing due to flood damage.”

Stewart offered these tips for spotting a flood-damaged vehicle: • Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) against the National Insurance Crime Bureau database. This will tell you if the vehicle has been declared a salvaged vehicle, damaged beyond repair. VINs are usually located on the bottom of the driver’s side of the windshield.

• Use your sense of smell and touch. Flood-damaged cars develop mold and mildew issues, which can be detected with a simple sniff test.

If the vehicle smells musty or has a strong scent of air freshener, it could be a sign of mold and mildew due to water damage. In addition to smell, use your sense of touch to find any

areas of collected moisture in the vehicle. Points to check for moisture include on and underneath the carpet, in and around the spare tire area, and look for any signs of rust or corrosion on the body or engine.

Areas to check for rust or corrosion include door hinges, screws, springs, under the dashboard and in the trunk latch, and on all four doors — anywhere moisture could have collected and led to rust or corrosion. Use a mirror to check the underbody of the car for any signs of rust or corrosion.

• The carpet and upholstery of a vehicle can also give clues to flood damage. Check closely for any signs of water stains. Or, if the carpet seems brand new, it may be a sign that it was replaced following a flood. Also, mismatching uphol-

stery and carpeting may be sign that one or both has been repaired or replaced due to flood damage.

• A life-threatening impact due to flood damage is a vehicle with a damaged electrical system due to water damage. A close inspection of all electrical components is necessary to ensure that all are operating effectively. If electrical wires under the dash are brittle, this can indicate water damage. Test drive the car to make sure all electrical components are operational, including the backup lights and camera, turn signals and emergency blinkers. Headlights and taillights can look foggy if they have moisture inside due to water exposure. Also check the air conditioning and wipers to make sure they work.

• Flood-damaged cars collect

debris as they sit in the water, so look for any mud or grass or other debris inside the engine crevices, glove compartment, trunk, under the dashboard, around and underneath the spare tire, and any other nook or cranny that a car cleaner could have missed.

Stewart noted that if a consumer is unsure of their own ability to detect flood damage, they can take a used car they are considering buying to a trusted mechanic who can look for tell-tale signs of flood damage.

“The most important thing is to investigate the car thoroughly before you buy it,” he said. “Once you buy it, the problem is yours, and it is a very costly and dangerous mistake to be the owner of a flood-damaged vehicle.”

Foundation Offers Hurricane Assistance Fund For Nonprofits

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties has activated its Hurricane Assistance Fund to help find solutions to the challenges Hurricane Irma brought for local nonprofit organizations.

The Hurricane Assistance Fund will support longer-term recovery

and rebuilding efforts in South Florida as the true effects of the storm are discovered in the days ahead. People can donate to the fund at www. yourcommunityfoundation.org.

Nonprofit organizations can apply for funds from the Community Foundation’s Hurricane Assistance Fund. The fund will be

used for grant funds to nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach and Martin counties that have specific needs caused by storm conditions concerning interruption of services or facility repair and restoration. It is intended to support both immediate and long-term relief and is dedicated to filling gaps not met by

local and federal efforts.

As a part of its service to the community, the foundation will not collect an administrative fee for the Hurricane Assistance Fund.

“We are ready to help our nonprofits recover and rebuild. Together with our donors, partners and other funds, we can serve the needs of our

community after this difficult time.

We are better together,” said Bradley Hurlburt, president and CEO of the Community Foundation.

For more information about the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, visit www.yourcommunityfoundation. org.

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September 22 - September 28, 2017

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SPORTS & RECREATION

September 22 - September 28, 2017

Page 25

Keiser Football Program Debuts With Many Area Players

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Keiser University football program invited the media and the public to its first practice in pads on Saturday, Sept. 16. The university has been promoting its new football program throughout the summer, and the excitement was palpable as players began practicing with their new equipment.

Seahawks head coach Doug Socha has been keeping his squad and staff focused on their path to be competitive in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

“It felt great, because of how hard these kids have worked and all the build-up through the summer, the conditioning, learning the culture in the weight room and school starting, the kids finally have something that resembles football,” Socha explained. “It was our first step, we did some contact, but as we progress, it’s going to get better and better.”

The heaviest contact was during a one-on-one drill that the players enjoy, Socha explained. “They love it because it’s one-on-one combat,

and the video is on them,” he said.

“We told them two things: you’re either going to get exposed or get discovered.”

The Seahawks definitely attracted the attention of Palm Beach County and the surrounding areas of South Florida. Most of the roster is made up of players from Palm Beach County high schools. Socha explained that the area has a wealth of talent and it provides kids an opportunity to play college football and remain close to home.

Fifteen athletes from the western communities are on the roster: Tremayne King, Javen Miles, Austin Perrotta and Chris Hart of Seminole Ridge High School; Camron Allen, Sage Chen-Young and Dion Cooper of Wellington High School; Kemar Downer of Palm Beach Central High School; and Tre Gilbert, Daniel Rivera, Kyle Maschi, Eugene Marlon, Andy Angervil, Mikahil Hanson and Ron Brown of Royal Palm Beach High School.

The rivalries established over the years are now reflections of humorous conversation among the

Wellington alum Camron Allen (right) competes in the one-on-one.

His new team’s first actual game will take place in 2018.

Tre Gilbert, a Royal Palm Beach High School alum, moves toward the ball during practice exercises last Saturday.

Western communities alumni who are now Keiser Seahawks: (front row) Dion Cooper, Andy Angervil, Tremayne King, Kyle Maschi, Mikahil Hanson and Ron Brown; and (back row) Camron Allen, Chris Hart, Javen Miles, Tre Gilbert, Sage Chen-Young, Daniel Rivera, Eugene Marlon and Austin Perrotta.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

new teammates. The local players seemed genuinely enthusiastic about playing college football and being able to reconnect with one another.

“Either way, I get to play college football, and I love it,” Hanson said.

“It has been a while, so you just have to readjust.”

The entire Seahawk squad will practice through the season but will not officially compete in any scheduled games until the 2018 season.

A stadium, along with facilities, are in the works to be constructed at the flagship campus in West Palm Beach.

But that does not deter any of the players from their focus and motivation. “Everybody is coming together as a team,” Rivera said.

“The chemistry is building, little by little.”

“I think we took off great today; defense is flying to the ball,” Allen added. “Everyone is hustling.”

Allen is a Wellington alum defensive lineman. He was an all-conference selection in 2016 and will

play on the defensive line for the Seahawks.

Most the players noted that the college game differs slightly from high school football but welcome the new challenges that await them.

“It feels pretty good to represent my team,” said King, who will play cornerback for the Seahawks. “It’s different from both the mental and physical standpoint. It’s a faster game and more intense.”

Cooper returns to South Florida from Georgia as a Keiser Seahawk.

He played cornerback for the Wolverines and probably will line up as a safety for the Seahawks. “It feels good to be back in Florida,” he said. “I feel comfortable being with Camron and Sage.”

If there is any doubt about making the decision to play for Keiser, just ask Hart. The 2016 all-conference tight end believes he made the right choice.

“For me, it’s more comfortable staying in the state than going somewhere that’s more frigid,”

Keiser cornerback and Seminole Ridge alum Tremayne King participates in a cover drill during the morning training session.

he explained. “This was the right school for me. I had a lot of schools looking at me, but I just felt like this was home.”

Hart will make the transition to the defensive line for the Seahawks.

Socha is confident in his squad and coaching staff to build a successful program for Keiser but understands there is still much to be done.

“Internally, football-wise, it’s just nonstop development,” he said.

“They need to learn how to be a college student, they need to compete in the classroom, and we need to build our identity and culture in the weight room and on the field, so it’s just nonstop development.”

There are plans for an alternative site if the school is faced with delays in the stadium construction. Locker rooms, showers, a weight room and offices in a facility are also planned, and Socha stressed that there is a 100 percent commitment from the university.

Socha dispelled any concerns or questions of keeping the players motivated without playing a season in 2017. “A lot of people ask me, ‘Well, you’re not playing a game, so how do you keep these guys focused?” he said. “These guys are focused, they’re locked in, they’re locked in academics, weight room and football as well; they love practicing.”

Socha explained that his staff will focus on getting the players in shape and eventually work into going live and scrimmaging.

This group is part of history in the making for Keiser and Palm Beach County. They will set the bar for years to come for kids who have the desire to play football at the next level while earning an education without having to travel far from home.

To follow the Keiser Seahawks, visit www.kuseahawks.com.

Page 26

September 22 - September 28, 2017

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Wellington National Golf Club To Host Special Olympics Tournament The Wellington National Golf Club will serve as the host venue for a Special Olympics tournament and fundraiser in Wellington community. Be sure to keep your calendars clear on Monday, Dec. 4 in order to participate in the inaugural Special Olympics Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Wellington National Golf Club, which will benefit Special Olympics Florida-Palm Beach County.

The day will not only feature an 18-hole men’s and women’s professional and amateur tournament, but breakfast, a lavish buffet lunch and cocktail reception will be served to players and their families and guests.

Breakfast will be available from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., followed by a 9:30 a.m.

shotgun start to the tournament.

Tournament teams will be comprised of four amateurs and a professional.

Players can sign up as a foursome or, if lacking the number of people to create a full team, as a threesome, twosome or single to be joined with others to constitute a full foursome.

Nearly 1,700 athletes are served

by Special Olympics Florida in Palm Beach County, and more than 400 volunteers from the community already donate their time to the program. Special Olympics Florida is a charitable organization with a mission to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities

who wish to participate, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship.

The ultimate objective of Special Olympics Florida is to help people with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing the public’s awareness of their capabilities and needs.

Wellington National Golf Club invites the community to consider

Equestrian Sport Production Summer Series To Resume This Weekend

Equestrian Sport Productions will resume the 2017 ESP Summer Series on Friday, Sept. 22 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington with the start of the ESP Florida State Fall Show. The ESP September competition slated for Sept. 15-17 did not run due to the recovery from Hurricane Irma.

“Thanks to hard work of our

facility staff in the pre-storm preparations, both grounds faired very well during the storm with minimal damage at either property,” said David Burton, chief operating officer of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and ESP show manager.

“With the understanding that many of our customers are dealing with the aftermath, as well as those returning

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who evacuated the area, we will plan to resume our ESP Florida State Fall competition [Sept. 22]. We sincerely hope that everyone remains safe in their recovery efforts and hope that we can all return to a normal routine.”

For more information on events at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, visit www.pbiec.com.

participating, attending or sponsoring the Dec. 4 philanthropic event to help local children and their families. Donations will help to continue the work that Special Olympics Florida has been providing for the community.

For more information, contact Julie Pickens at (561) 718-9656 or julie@wellingtonnationalgolf.com.

To learn more about Special Olympics Florida-Palm Beach County, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org/palm-beach.

Kravis Seeks Volunteers For The Upcoming Season

In preparation for its star-packed season starting in October, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is seeking interested volunteers.

The next new volunteer orientation will be held at the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 10 a.m.

“With more than 400 volunteers, the Kravis Center knows that the show would not go on without the dedicated corps of people who donate their valuable time to the center,” Usher Coordinator Karole Cooney said. “While many volunteers have been with us since opening night, we are now seeking applicants to join the ranks and become an integral part of this vibrant theater.”

There are volunteer opportunities as ushers, tour guides, and to work

in hospitality, gift shop, data entry, the education department and the administrative offices.

To become an usher, applicants must complete a training course about Kravis Center operations. The course includes information about emergency evacuations, seating, show procedures and customer service skills.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer is encouraged to download a printable volunteer application from the Kravis Center web site, fill it out and bring it to the orientation program. Those unable to attend the orientation can mail the application to: Beth Foster, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

The application is available online at www.kravis.org/volunteer.

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Rosenberg

Personal Ponies

continued from page 21 private farm. It still serves children, but also Alzheimer patients, hospice centers, Boys & Girls Club locations and addiction/detox groups. Children come to the barn each week to participate in different activities, which aid increased attention span, following directions and practicing verbal skills. Programs include pony visits to retirement homes, hospitals, schools, and centers treating disabling injuries resulting from fires or accidents, and emotional or behavioral disorders caused by abuse, neglect or abandonment.

Pony Tales is a unique reading program where students get to select and share a book with their pony reading buddy. Ponies for Heroes serves veterans and their families by providing a group or one-on-one interactive farm experience.

“Ponies bring a lot of comfort,” Sandra said. “Their size makes them less intimidating to children. Kids can independently groom and lead and handle them. I love watching the interaction of a child talking to his pony, kissing him, looking him in the eye and feeling comfortable and relaxed. Plus, ponies can go places

SPORTS & RECREATION

big horses would never fit.”

She is proud of the work Personal Ponies do.

“I’m always amazed at the progress our clients make. Very often, a special needs child doesn’t have a best friend. Ponies don’t judge or laugh. They understand, and a trusting friendship develops,” Sandra said. “Personal Ponies promotes an ‘I can’ attitude by allowing children to interact through tasks such as grooming, handling, stall maintenance and feeding the pony.

We strive to help this attitude carry over to school, family and social settings.”

Jacob is 18 now, and Sandra

credits the ponies as key to his development. He helps out at the barn, which empowers him.

Personal Ponies is run completely through volunteers. No one gets paid, and there are no fees for services. All funds are used to purchase and care for the ponies, along with operational expenses.

“We focus on what we can do,” Sandra said.

She always finds a way to work in new clients. She is also on the lookout for volunteers, either with or without horse experience. She is also looking for people who have room to house some ponies.

“We couldn’t exist without our

September 22 - September 28, 2017

volunteers,” Sandra said. “There are many opportunities to get involved.

This program started as Marianne Alexander’s dream, but it has become my passion, a volunteer position that became a full-time job. A true labor of love, it’s one of the most

Page 27

rewarding things I’ve ever done.”

For more information, or to help out, call (561) 445-4456 or visit www.personalponies-fl.org, www. facebook.com/personalponiesfl or the national group at www.personal ponies.org.

(Left) Sugar lips visiting a memory care day center.

(Right) Cookie Face makes a home visit to surprise his friend Xavier, who had recently had surgery.

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September 22 - September 28, 2017

Saturday, Sept. 23 • The Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension (559 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will offer a Farm Your Backyard Vegetable Growing Workshop on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register, call Dina Ligotino at (561) 2331792 or e-mail dligotino@pbcgov.org.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Rock Painting for ages 14 and up on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. Have you seen the painted rocks hiding around town? Paint your own rocks to hide and spread joy to others.

Materials will be provided. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Teen Wii U Gaming & Crafts for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 3 p.m.

Meet friends for Wii gaming, classic board games and crafts. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• Barnes & Noble (10500 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) will hold a book signing on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 4 p.m. featuring Josh Sabarra and his newest release, Enemies Closer, a hilarious and crazy journey inside Hollywood, shining a shocking spotlight on entitlement and foul play.

Call (561) 792-1292 or visit www.facebook.com/ bnwellingtonfl for more info.

• Audubon of the Everglades will walk in the Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Boynton Beach on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. For more info., visit www.auduboneverglades.org.

Sunday, Sept. 24 • Audubon of the Everglades will walk in Snook Islands in Lake Worth on Sunday, Sept.

24 at 8 a.m. Visit www.auduboneverglades.org for more info.

• The Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension (559 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will offer Yoga in the Garden on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 8 a.m. Relax, refresh and reflect by practicing yoga in the tropical landscape of the Mounts Botanical Garden. For more info., call (561) 233-1757 or visit www.mounts.org.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Book Chat: A Lesson Before Dying

by Ernest J. Gaines in a staff-led discussion on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. Copies of the book are available. Light refreshments will be served.

Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Rotary Club will host its annual Rotary Peace Ceremony on Sunday. Sept. 24 at 3 p.m. at the Wellington Rotary Peace Park on Royal Fern Drive in Wellington. For more info., visit www.wellingtonrotary.org.

Monday, Sept. 25 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Geeky Papercrafts: Superheroes!” for ages 8 and up on Monday, Sept. 25 at 3:30 p.m. Make paper models of awesome superheroes from your favorite comics to celebrate National Comic Book Day. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Pajamarama Story Time: Leaves & Trees for ages 3 to 6 on Monday, Sept.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

25 at 6:30 p.m. Listen to silly stories, songs and finger plays, and make a special autumn craft.

Wear your favorite pajamas. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Yarn-Wrapped Bottles for adults on Monday, Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Upcycle empty glass bottles and turn them into beautiful decorations by wrapping them in different colors of yarn.

Materials will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Tuesday, Sept. 26 • The Western Business Alliance will host a luncheon Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 11:30 a.m. at the Wellington National Golf Club featuring guest speaker State Attorney Dave Aronberg. For more info., visit www.thewesternbusinessalliance.com.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Art for Adults: Chalk Pastel Techniques for ages 16 and up on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. Learn a traditional approach to working with chalk pastels. Explore blending techniques, application methods and the different undertones in color. Pastels, paper and other materials will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The South Florida Science Center & Aquarium will host its GEMS Club on Tuesday, Sept.

26 at 5 p.m. for young girls to learn and grow as they discover the exciting world of math, science, engineering and technology. Dinner and refreshments will be provided. This program is open to girls in grades 3 through 8, and a $7 registration fee is required per session. September’s theme is “Cool Coders” and will include a special presentation from a woman in the industry, in addition to themed activities and crafts. For more info., visit www.sfsciencecenter.org or call (561) 832-1988.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Personalized Picture Frames for ages 12 and up on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. Use a little ingenuity to design your own custom wood picture frame. Bring in a photo and use a scanner and Microsoft Publisher to edit the photo to fit your frame. Materials will be provided. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Latin American Artists Showcased at the Norton Museum of Art for adults on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. Glenn Tomlinson, the William Randolph Hearst curator of education, will discuss works by Latin American artists in the museum’s collection and preview the new Norton attractions. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

Wednesday, Sept. 27 • Audubon of the Everglades will walk in the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge west of Boynton Beach on Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. For more info., visit www. auduboneverglades.org.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Cen-

The Good Earth Farm 2141 B Rd Loxahatchee

more than just a zoo on Sundays...

• Daily Horseback Riding Lessons - beginners and advanced (for kids 3 and up to adult and seniors) 2 trainers • Trail Riding - safe and no drama (for adults) • Miniature Horse Club Sundays - for kids

something new and amazing...

Pre-k mommy and me classes in the petting zoo FRIDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS 9:30 TO 11:00

taught by a curriculum specialist for ages 2.5 to 5 Call today 561-792-2666 Loxahatchee Groves Fl

ter Way) will host Book Discussion: The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez for ages 16 and up on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. This beautifully written novel gives voice to a new vision of being American. Pick up a copy of at the research services desk. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Crafternoon: Painted Bottle Vases for ages 14 and up on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 3 p.m. Upcycle empty wine and spirit bottles into pretty painted vases. Materials will be provided.

Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host A Night in Havana: Musical Presentation by Ángel Roque on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. Pianist Ángel Roque and vocalist Marta Ivelisse will perform music from Cuba.

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

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Teen Takeover for ages 12 to 17 on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. Enjoy Wii games, board games and more. Bring a friend or make new ones. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Village of Wellington will hold a Neighborhood Watch meeting for the Aero Club community on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. Call (561) 791-4764 for more info.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Family Trivia Night for all ages on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. Choose your team and get ready for a fun trivia battle for all ages with questions about movies, shows, music, animals, people, places, books and more. Call (561) 6814100 for more info.

Thursday, Sept. 28 • The Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension (559 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will offer Qigong/Tai Chi in the Garden on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 9 a.m. Qigong literally means “energy practice” and is for people interested in taking charge of their health and inner peace. Natural benefits include reducing stress, increasing vitality, improving concentration and sense of balance, how to heal or better manage an illness and more. For more info., call (561) 233-1757 or visit www.mounts.org.

• The Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension will offer The Essence of Scent: Fragrant Flowers on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 1 p.m. at Saks Fifth Avenue in the Gardens Mall featuring horticulturist Joel Crippen. Many natural and man-made perfumes were created by extracting natural oils from plants. In this special presentation, Crippen will utilize fragrant flowers to explain the romantic language of perfume. RSVP to (561) 233-1757 or (561) 694-9009, ext. 262.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host its Drama Club for ages 8 to 12 on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 4 p.m. Want to be a star or just like being silly? Play theater games and learn basic acting skills at this fun, informal event. Call (561) 681-4100 for more info.

• The Village of Wellington will host a Food

The Town-Crier Truck Invasion at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) on Thursday, Sept.

28 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. with a free “Summer of Love” 1960s tribute concert at 6:30 p.m. For more info., visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Book Discussion on The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck for adults on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m. Pick up a copy at the research services desk. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Friday, Sept. 29 • Audubon of the Everglades will walk in Peaceful Waters Park in Wellington on Friday, Sept. 29 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Visit www. auduboneverglades.org for more info.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host its After-School Lego Builders Club for ages 5 to 12 on Friday, Sept. 29 at 3 p.m. Use Lego bricks to work on creative projects alone or with friends. Call (561) 681-4100 for more info.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a free screening of the movie Beauty and the Beast on Friday, Sept.

29 at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

Saturday, Sept. 30 • The Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host its Exotic Plant & Orchid Sale and Indoor Arts & Craft Fair on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with numerous vendors selling orchid jewelry, orchid supplies, locally produced honey and a variety of gourmet teas, along with the Palm Beach County Wood Turners and a festive beer and wine garden. Admission is free for members and children 12 and under, and $10 for non-members. For more info., call (561) 233-1757 or visit www. mounts.org.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Music by Walter Voigt for adults on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 2:30 p.m. One-man band Walter Voigt will perform a wide variety of American and international music including Polish, German, Italian and more. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Kids Cancer Foundation’s annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Celebration will take place Saturday, Sept. 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the gymnasium at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church (12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington).

This is a free event for all young patients and families. There will be lots of great food, music, fun games, crafts, face painting, bounce houses and a petting zoo. For any questions, or to register, e-mail nicole@kidscancersf.org or call (561) 236-1110.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a free Motown tribute concert by N2 Nation on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33, Wellington, FL 33414 or e-mail news@gotowncrier.com.

The Town-Crier

EMPLOYMENT MAKE $2000 A WEEK— Sales exp a plus, great networking skills, valid drivers license. Mature and or retired candidates are encouraged to apply. Join our team call Mark 561-352-0298.

PA R T- T I M E C L A S S R O O M T E A C H ER — 3-5 year olds. CDA/40 hours - 6 hours per week - $13 per hour. Call 561856-5202. Royal Palm Beach Location.

CHILDCARE TEACHER ASSISTANT — Looking for teacher assistant, experience preferred please. Hours are (8 a.m. - 2 p.m. ) or (2 p.m. - 6 p.m. ) This facility is located in Western Communities. Call (561) 793-5860 SECRETARY FOR SMALL ACCOUNTING OFFICE — heavy phones, client contact, filing, preparing documents. Must know Word. Excel a plus. Please fax resume to: (561)333-2680.

LEGAL SECRETARY/PARALEGAL-MATURE — part to full time for solo practitioner, small office, heavy phones, client contact, scheduling, preparing documents, etc. Must be experienced. Timeslips, ProDocs, Word Perfect or Word. Probate, estate planning, guardianship and Medicaid planning. Please fax resume to (561)333-2680. References required.

MODERN TOUCH HAIR SALON — looking for shampoo person 1 - 3 days per week. Must be someone who is energetic and loves working with people. Call 795-8937 ask for Valerie or Stop In! 1165 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. Winn-Dixie Plaza.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE FOR SALE - WELLINGTON SPACIOUS LIVING IN SPANISH STYLE COURTYARD HOUSE ON CUL-DE-SAC — in prestigious Wycliffe Golf & Country Club. Split bedroom floor plan, 4 bd. 4 ba. overlooking courtyard/pool with view of lake/ golf course. $425,000.00 Sold as is. Seller motivated. Wendy G. Perlman 561-818-3398 wgperlman@gmail.com

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

EMPLOYMENT WANTED

A/C AND REFRIGERATION

ROOFING

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

NEIL O’NEAL JR. ROOFING — Roofing & Reroofing. Family owned and operated.

Residential/Commercial. Wood Replacement, Roof Coatings, Solar Vents, Skylights & Roof Ventilation. 561-656-4945 Lic. & Insured CCC1330208.Free Estimates

HOME HEALTH AIDE AVAILABLE — Experienced Home Health Aide seeks new position. Flexible hours, full time or part time, day or night. I am a Licensed CNA who has worked as a home health aide and also as a nanny. I have many years of experience taking care of the elderly at home. Price negotiable, references provided upon request. Call Pat at (561) 294-1423.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

AUTO BODY REPAIR JOHNNY V'S MOBILE SCRATCH & DENT REPAIR — 561-252-8295 Residential & Commercial Fixmypaint.com

CLEANING - HOME/OFFICE

SEPTIC SYSTEM REPAIR DANNY'S SEPTIC — Commercial/Residential. Drainfields, Lift Stations, Grease Trap Pumping, Drain Cleaning. Licensed/Insured.

SA0031137 SR0111696. 561-689-1555

CLEANING LADY — I can help get your house cleaner than ever! Try me once and you will not be disappointed! 561-657-0420 Patrycja

SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years.

Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600

DRIVEWAY REPAIR D R I V E W AY S — F r e e e s t i m a t e s A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed.

Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716

TREE SERVICE TREES TRIMMED AND REMOVED — 561-798-0412 D.M. YOUNG TREE SERVICE. Family Owned & Operated Lic. & Insured 1992-12121 Visit our website at dmyoungtreeservice.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS ANMAR CO.— James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftsman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC1327426 561-248-8528

INSURANCE

LOT FOR SALE - ACREAGE/LOXAHATCHEE

OCALA LOTS FOR SALE

NORTH CAROLINA REAL ESTATE FOR SALE COOL OFF IN THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS OF NORTH CAROLINA! — Immaculate 4026 SF Home on 20 acres, 8 stall barn, fenced pasture, in Leatherwood Equestrian development near Boone and airport. $1,395,000. Call Margo Lenmark (828) 260-0873

Real Estate

For Sale or For Rent Place Your Ad Here Call 561-793-7606

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

LOCKSHOP & SECURITY CENTER

OCALA LOTS FOR SALE — 1/4 Acre to 1 Acre lots from $25,000 to $50,000. I can assist you with builders who will build a house for you (plans, prices, finishes, etc.) Move to Ocala and live in a brand new 3BR/2BA home from about $135,000 (Including Land) Call Steve 561-329-5499.

SECURITY

SINGER ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING, INC. — Electrical work you can trust at an affordable price, Fully Licensed and Insured. EC#13007941 561-425-5409

FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT — Seeking mature adult. All utilities included. Small pets only. Call 561-324-9839

ACREAGE LOT — on paved road with sidewalk, close to shopping and other conveniences. $117,900. Halina Sledz, Broker, Ameron Realty. Call/Text 561-596-9727

SCREENING JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio re-screening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com

WE CLEAN OFFICES & PRIVATE HOMES — Licensed & Insured. Call for an estimate and to schedule your apartment. Discount for Central Palm Beach County Chamber members and to all new clients for first cleaning. 561-385-8243 Lic. #2012-25277

INSURANCE — Medicare supplements - Medicare Advantage Plans - Life Insurance - Dental - Vision - Hearing - Long Term Care - Home Care - Cancer - Critical Issue - Disability - Retirement Planning Lifetime Income. SENIOR SOLUTIONS INSURANCE Call Sherry 561-370-5142

FOR RENT - WELLINGTON

September 22 - September 28, 2017 Page 29

CK'S LOCKSHOP & SECURITY CENTER.— Since 1960. Keys - Locks-Safes-Decorative/ Commercial Hardware-Access Control Systems-Card & Key Fobs -Medco. High Security Locks-Alarms/Monitoring/Surveillance Camera Systems 561-732-9418

PAINTING J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified -pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473

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

ROOFING REPAIRS RE-ROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC-0067207

WALLPAPERING PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Installation,Removal. Repair of Paper.

Neat, Clean & Reliable. Quality work with a woman’s touch. 30 years experience.

No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263

PLACE YOUR AD HERE

CALL 561-793-7606

PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

SEEKING POSITION: Companion to elderly person, non-medical position, college educated. Please call 561-324-5807

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL 561-793-7606

WELLINGTON Bringing You The Best Of Wellington Since 2004

THE MAGAZINE

Advertising Sales Representative

Wanted

Call Today...

Start Tomorrow 561-793-7606 WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

Page 30 September 22 - September 28, 2017

PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

WHITE

GLOVES

Sherry Stevens Licensed Agent

cleaning service

Patrycja Jaskolski (561) 657-0420

11194 61st North West Palm Beach, FL 33412

piwanska@yahoo.com

References, Experience, Professional Service

(561) 370-5142

sstevens@seniorsolutionsinsurance.com www.seniorsolutioninsurance.com

Homes | Apartments | Offices

Commercial/Residential

Is your roof leaking?

Are you hurricane ready?

Call us for all your roofing needs!

Licensed & Insured

Re-Roofing & Repairs

• Drain Fields • Lift Stations • Septic Tanks • Grease Trap Pumping • Drain Cleaning

(561) (561)

689-1555 West Palm Beach 357-9292 Fax

dannysseptic@comcast.net dannys-septic.com

Lic.#057261

ENTERPRISES INC.

561-741-8919

4704 Dolphin Drive Lake Worth, FL 33463

Laura Camhi Owner

SA0031137 • SR0111696

The Town-Crier

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September 22 - September 28, 2017 Page 31

HERE’S MY CARD Residential Commercial

Knockdown Textures Interior - Exterior Carpentry Repairs

W.H. BROWN,LLC PAINTING

Free Estimates

Lic. #U-16274 Bonded Insured Wallpaper Removal

Ph: (561) 649-5086 Cell: (561) 313-0409

Drywall Repairs

Protect Your Pet Mosquito Season is here!

Medicare Solutions

Dr. Maria Esvel Yanguas - DVM Practicing Medicine From The Heart

561.600.8406 • Fax: 561.600.8407 AFTER HOURS CALL 561-307-1770

14579 Southern Blvd., Loxahatchee, FL 33470 www.loxvet.com • lgvc60@yahoo.com

Elisa Lamar

Licensed Sales Agent

7600 Corporate Center Dr. Miami, FL 33126

Direct: 754.263.7841 Office: 828.337.9601 Fax: 754.263.7841 lamare@peoplepc.com FL License #A313776

Bottled Water Home and Office Delivery

JL Water & Coffee Services, Inc. “Better Water, Makes Better Coffee, Makes Better Sense!”

Office: 561-996-3525 Cell: 561-985-3336 Joey@jlwaterandcoffee.com

Joey Lakatos President

www.jlwaterandcoffee.com

Page 32 September 22 - September 28, 2017

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

HERE’S MY CARD Available Locally in Palm Beach County. Call Today!

Can be converted to Guest Quarters, Mother-in-Law suite, Office, College Students, Starter Home

Deluxe Lofted Barn Cabin with Optional 3x3 Windows

FREE DELIVERY & FREE SETUP!* *Within a 50 mile radius of dealer

Shedheads143@gmail.com

The Town-Crier

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September 22 - September 28, 2017

Page 33

Summer Menu

1895 10% CASH DISCOUNT

$

There’s only one thing better than the delectable aroma of fresh, homemade Italian cuisine...

CAESAR SALAD, HOUSE SALAD, PASTA FAGIOLI, OR MINESTRONE

Eggplant Parmigiana with pasta Eggplant Rollatini with pasta Chicken Parmigiana with pasta Chicken Francese with pasta Chicken Marsala with pasta Veal Parmigiana with pasta Veal Milanese with pasta Shrimp Parmigiana over pasta Shrimp Marinara over pasta Zuppa di Mussels over pasta Sole with Broccoli or Potatoes

It’s the taste!

~Fish may be prepared either Oreganata, Luciano, Francese, or Grilled~ ~Pasta Sides are Linguini or Angel Hair with meat sauce or tomato sauce~ CANNOLI OR CHOCOLATE CAKE SOFT DRINK OR HOT COFFEE / TEA WITH DESSERT NO SUBSTITUTIONS Prepared Fresh to order.

Summer Happy Hour All Day Every Day

Beer Specials ~ House Wines $5 ~ Svedka Martini’s $6

Large 1 Cheese 6” Pizza $8.99 P ick up a n Cash on d ly

IN THE MARKETPLACE AT WYCLIFFE 4115 State Road 7 • Wellington (Facing Lake Worth Rd.)

561-355-5900

Open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to close.

Page 34

September 22 - September 28, 2017

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The Town-Crier

Floor Specialists of Wellington has won the “Best of Customer Service” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. Our family owned and operated flooring store was chosen by more than 40 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

CARPET • HARDWOOD • TILE & STONE • LAMINATE STORE HOURS: MON. - FRI.: 9-6 SAT. 10-4

Shop Smart.

DuChÂteau® floors

561-514-1912 Shop Local.

www.floorspecialists.biz floor specialists of wellington

Our new showroom is located at 11101 South Crown Way, Suite 5 • Wellington, FL 33414