Town-Crier Newspaper September 25, 2009

CAFCI HOSTS FRIENDSHIP BALL

The Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement

Commissioner Jess Santamaria presents CAFCI President Genieve White with a proclamation declaring Sept. 19 CAFCI Day in Palm Beach County. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 3

RPB’s Recchio: Budget Cuts Will Not

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Despite a shrinking budget, the Royal Palm Beach Parks & Recreation Department continues to offer a high level of service. That was the message that Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio brought to the village’s Recreation Advisory Board on Monday.

Recchio praised a budget process that went smoothly even in the face of cutbacks due to decreasing village revenue brought about by state tax reform and lower property values. He said his staff looked critically at capital projects, with the focus on finishing up projects already underway.

“We’re not adding any more for this year,” he said. “We’re going to finish up what’s already on the books.”

Parks & Recreation staff size was also significantly reduced by not filling positions that became vacant, changing the classification of some jobs and making some previously full-time positions part-time.

“We had some vacant po-

between the Royal Palm Beach High School and the Palm Beach Central High School girls varsity volleyball teams, the Lady Wildcats clawed their way to a 3-2 win on the Broncos’ home turf. Page 17

Undermine Quality

sitions that we just didn’t fill, and we found that we’re operating very well without them,” Recchio said.

Recchio said the department has implemented other cost-reducing methods that save both the department and residents money.

“Year after year after year I think we have run a pretty tight ship, and I think the manager doesn’t expect anything less,” Recchio said. “We’ve looked after the taxpayers’ dollars, and I think it has paid off now in these tough times.”

The department has initiated a policy in which residents can register for activities online, which cuts personnel costs. “We didn’t have that before,” Recchio said. “You register online, and it eliminates that staff time from sitting with a resident and doing all that paperwork, filling out all the applications.”

The village gives a fivepercent discount to residents who register online, Recchio said, adding that his department also held the line on fees, with no increases. “We’re sticking with basics,”

he said. “With the basketball program, we don’t need these nylon double knit-type uniforms. We can go with a cotton t-shirt. That will be fine.”

All the recreation programs are pretty much self-supporting, Recchio said.

Mayor David Lodwick, the village council’s liaison to the committee, credited recreation staff with making hard decisions over the past year.

“It goes top-down, but it also goes bottom-up,” Lodwick said. “You don’t start the year saying, ‘I have to protect my positions,’ which is what you have seen a lot of in the public sector.”

As the economy has shrunk and activities have slowed down, Lodwick said all of the department heads have looked at how many people they need to do the job properly.

“Whether you’re in the private sector or in the public sector this year, I think each and every one of us has been asking, ‘how do we do more with the resources we have?’” Lodwick said. “I’m just thankful that we have a

New Park Entrance Expected To Ease Pierson Congestion

By Mark Lioi Town-Crier Staff Report

The opening of a second entrance to Wellington’s Village Park should do much to relieve traffic congestion on Pierson Road, village officials said this week. Village Park, with its many fields, two indoor gymnasiums, lighted track and other amenities, is a hub of sports and recreational activity in Wellington both for individuals and sports teams. Thus far, the park’s only entrance

has been from the two-lane Pierson Road, creating a three-way-stop intersection that becomes quite congested during high-use times such as weekends — so congested that sheriff’s deputies are frequently on hand to direct traffic.

“At this time of year, we’ve got football and soccer, and soon basketball, all at the same time on a Saturday,” Parks & Recreation Project Manager Daryl Boyd told the Town-Crier Thursday. “With

one entrance and the way Pierson Road is, and with the stop signs to get in, that threeway stop, I guess it would take people an hour to get in. People would have to leave for a game well over an hour ahead of time in order to get there on time.”

The additional entrance is located on 120th Avenue South, approaching the park from the west, which should prove especially convenient for park users coming from

See ENTRANCE, page 19

2035 Road Plan Includes Several More ‘Flyovers’

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Coming, perhaps, in a generation or so: flyovers for the intersections of Okeechobee and Forest Hill boulevards at State Road 7, similar to what Southern Blvd. has today. The Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Agency includes provisions for the flyovers in a proposed long-view transportation plan it presented at a meeting earlier this month.

Designed as a 25-year forecast, the 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan is intended to serve as the foundation for future transportation planning within Palm Beach County.

MPO Director Randy Whitfield told the Town-Crier Thursday that the plan does not specify whether the flyovers would be built into SR 7 or the boulevards that intersect it. The amount of traffic in coming years will help determine if they are to be built at all, he said.

“There’s not a definite timeline,” Whitfield said. “What we have done is look at our projected future volumes, and wherever you’ve got significant volume on both the roads where it’s intersecting. If it gets to the point that the intersection is locking up, we will consider putting in a flyover.”

Whitfield said monitoring actual traffic counts would help determine whether construction of a flyover is appropriate. “We’re not just going to say, ‘well, we think in 22.5 years we’re going to program it then,’” he said.

Traffic counts would also determine which direction a flyover runs, Whitfield said. The design would be a “tight diamond” configuration with vertical walls that take less space. “We will make it as

small as we possibly can so there is a minimal amount of disruption, similar to what you have out on Southern Blvd. now,” he said.

Whitfield said the flyovers would be designed to minimally affect businesses and retain maximum access to commercial areas that dominate both intersections.

“There will still be access to the corners, but until we actually design it and see what’s actually there at that time, I really can’t tell you what it’s going to look like,” he said.

Royal Palm Beach Mayor

David Lodwick said he is concerned about a negative impact on the area at State Road 7 and Okeechobee Blvd.

“It would, I think, destroy a whole lot of businesses at Okeechobee and State Road 7,” Lodwick told the TownCrier. “It would harm a majority of the businesses in the Target plaza. It would make access very difficult… The residents behind that, I cannot imagine that they would be happy with the arrangement. When you look at how far [flyovers] have to ramp up and come down, it would impact that entire intersection.”

At last week’s Royal Palm Beach Village Council meeting, Lodwick stressed to his fellow council members that the village has to keep a keen eye out as the county’s longrange planning process continues.

“I would highly recommend that we closely monitor [MPO] agenda items in the coming months to have appropriate people present if need be, in particular regarding the 2035 plan,” Lodwick said. “Okeechobee is now showing five urban inter-

See FLYOVERS, page 19

County Officials Eye Water Conservation Project

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

On a daily basis, Palm Beach County releases more fresh water to the ocean than residents use, Water Utilities Director Bevin Beaudet told the Palm Beach County Commission at a Tuesday workshop.

Beaudet gave the commissioners an initial report on a study underway to assess the feasibility of storing water that is otherwise flushed to the ocean through the C-51 Canal. The report suggests the feasibility of using an existing limestone pit that could be purchased from Palm Beach Aggregates near 20Mile Bend, for use as a proposed “C-51 Reservoir.”

The C-51 Canal, also known as the West Palm Beach Canal, is one of the major waterways that connect Lake Okeechobee to the ocean, Beaudet said. Running along Southern Blvd., it also provides drainage and flood control for much of the county.

The C-51 system has little storage capacity and wastes a significant amount of water through seaward dumping, which results in considerable environmental damage to the Lake Worth Lagoon, Beaudet noted.

“This project concept that we’re talking about today would make available more water in the system for multiple uses and significantly

less environmental damage to the Lake Worth Lagoon,” he said.

Beaudet noted that the project at this stage is highly conceptual and long-term. He said the county partnered with seven other utilities and the South Florida Water Management District on the initial study more than two years ago.

“This is not something that will be built in the next two years,” Beaudet said. “It will take longer than that just to answer the questions that have to be answered to move forward into a project of this size.”

An average 270 million gallons of water is discharged daily through the floodgate of

the C-51 Canal to the Lake Worth Lagoon, Beaudet said.

That is greater than the average annual daily consumption of 232 million gallons permitted by the SFWMD to all Palm Beach County utilities. Besides wasted water, the discharge includes about 8,000 tons of sediment that goes into the Lake Worth Lagoon annually, compromising restoration projects that have cost the county and state between $30 million and $40 million, Beaudet said.

Storing the water would preserve the lagoon and provide a new water resource, he said.

“In order to solve this problem for the C-51, make the water available for beneficial

uses and minimize what goes into the lagoon, we need a new reservoir,” Beaudet said. The next step in the process would involve an attempt to answer questions posed by various stakeholders, and address cost and conveyance issues. “Water has become a scarce resource. I think we would all agree with that,” Beaudet said. “Although we have lots of rain that falls on South Florida, much of this rain gets discharged to tide. Once it goes to tide, it’s basically wasted as a fresh water resource.”

The

“SFWMD Regional Water Availability Rule” has capped all utilities at the amount of water that they See WATER, page 4

(CAFCI) held its Annual Friendship Ball last Saturday at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The theme

“A Symphony of 20 Years” celebrated two decades of volunteerism, community outreach, youth development, educational assistance, health awareness and cultural diversity. Pictured here, County

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

ITID’s Hamlin Park Will Honor Memory Of Nicole Hornstein

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Indian Trail Improvement District officials will unveil a sign at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1 renaming Hamlin Equestrian Park as “Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park.”

Oct. 1 is the day Nicole’s Law goes into effect, noted ITID President Michelle Damone. The new state statute will require children under 16 to wear a helmet while riding horseback on public land.

Nicole’s Law was named after Nicole Hornstein, a 12year-old Acreage girl who died in a riding accident in 2006 when her horse was spooked by a speeding car.

Nicole’s father Gary Hornstein was a leading advocate in the effort to add riding helmet rules to Florida law. To honor the new law taking effect, Hornstein will host Nicole Hornstein Fun Day at the park on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The event will feature a barbecue, bounce houses, water slide and trail rides.

Members of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit will also be on hand. The park is located at the intersection of Hamlin and Hall boulevards in The Acreage.

Damone said she felt compelled to help the Hornstein family get Nicole’s Law passed, because she has an equestrian daughter of about the same age.

“It’s always a personal issue when it happens to one of your residents living near you,” she said. “It hit home; it could have been my daughter, so when I first met Gary, we spoke about his grief, and I suggested to him to maybe look into doing a helmet law similar to the bicycle safety

helmet law.”

In 2007, Hornstein attempted to get the law passed on his own, Damone said, with a bit of guidance from her. “The following year, I was able to pay a little more attention to it, and we originated a resolution from the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors,” Damone said. She worked with Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto to get Wellington to pass a helmet ordinance. They also spent time in Tallahassee to lobby for the state law, Damone said. With the sponsorship of State Sen. Dave Aronberg and State Rep. Joe Abruzzo, Nicole’s Law passed during the 2009 legislative session. In June, The Acreage hosted Gov. Charlie Crist at Hamlin Equestrian Park to sign Nicole’s Law.

“We now have a law that applies to everyone in the state, and it originated in The Acreage,” Damone said. “It seemed only appropriate to name our equestrian facility after Nicole Hornstein.” Hornstein said the renaming of the park has meant a lot to him and his family. “We’re very pleased,” he told the Town-Crier Wednesday. “We’re very choked up about it. She’s a big part of this community, so it seemed right. We’re grateful.”

Damone said ITID is also sponsoring a helmet law education campaign that will start with a fundraiser at the Acreage Fall Parade on Nov. 7. The district is requesting $10 donations from parade entrants toward the education campaign. The Acreage Horseman’s Association will also help with the funding, she said.

RPB Zoners Agree To Fast-Track New Businesses

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of an expedited permitting program Tuesday that would give a fast track to some businesses looking to set up shop in Royal Palm Beach.

Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin said the expedited permitting program would be available to qualifying businesses that are relocating, establishing a new business or expanding operations within the village.

The targeted businesses are largely professional, including those in fields such as engineering, business and financial services, communications and medical services. However, businesses not on the list could be considered for expedited permitting if they demonstrate the capacity to create 30 new full-time employment positions within their first two years of local operation.

The positions must be “value added,” meaning the average salary for new positions created must at least ten percent higher than the current per-capita income level in the county. Erwin noted that buildings obtaining a Leadership in Environmental Engineering and Design (LEED) certification will also qualify for expedited permitting.

Commissioner Richard Durr asked about the criteria, whether a business must meet all the standards or just some of them, and Erwin said the LEED certification is a separate category to qualify. Businesses would need to meet all the other criteria outside the LEED certification.

Commissioner Leonard Urban asked about the requirement that businesses be able to add 30 new employees in two years. “If they don’t add 30 new full-time positions, what do you do?” Urban asked.

Senior Planner Bradford O’Brien said at that point it would be a moot issue. “They would have been through our process,” he said. “This process is an expedited review procedure, which to be honest isn’t all that different from our review procedure for all

our other applications.”

O’Brien explained that the ordinance is in response to a request by the Palm Beach County Economic Development Board to bring all cities together with an expedited review process. “This is just bringing us in line with what some other municipalities are doing,” he said.

Commission Chair Jackie Larson said she felt the village’s review process is expeditious already and was concerned about speeding up the process more. “Some of the industries here have potential environmental issues, and I wouldn’t want one of those things to be overlooked for a short term now to have consequences later,” she said.

O’Brien said village staff would not allow the expedited review process to circumvent any of the village requirements or staff concerns about developments. “If we have concerns about the development, they’re going to go through the due process to resolve those issues,” he said. “This isn’t a way around our issues.”

O’Brien said the ordinance is a way to attract new business and would send a message to businesses looking to relocate that Royal Palm Beach offers an easy approval process. Durr made a motion to approve the ordinance, which carried 4-0.

In other business, the commissioners recommended approval of an ordinance permitting a new type of temporary commercial real estate sign for non-residential buildings with vacancies of 70 percent or greater. The sign would be doublefaced and allowed to open horizontally by a 90-degree angle to offer greater visibility from the roadway, according to Erwin. The sign would not exceed seven feet in height with an area of 32 square feet.

“With the economy the way it has been, we’re getting a lot of requests for people to be able to have larger signs for commercial real estate,” Erwin said, explaining that there are a number of buildings in the village that are finished and have certifi-

CAFCI BALL CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

The Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) held its Annual Friendship Ball last Saturday at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The theme “A Symphony of 20 Years” celebrated two decades of volunteerism, community outreach, youth development, educational assistance, health awareness and cultural diversity. The event featured music, door prizes and a silent auction.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Outstanding Citizen of the Year

Lauriston Simms and his wife Shauna.

Margaret Granda, Elet Cyris, Lita Marie Moody (standing) and Marjorie Aiken.

Palm Beach County Clerk Sharon Bock and State Rep. Mack Bernard with Sherry and Mayor Darell Bowen.

CAFCI President Genieve White receives a proclamation from RPB Mayor David Lodwick.

Cynthia Rainford, CAFCI President Genieve White, Marjorie Schleifer and Tinu Peña.

Genieve White with Event Chair Amanayea Abraham and Rhonda Ferrin-Davis, who was honored for her 20 years of service on the CAFCI board.

OUR OPINION

Prevention: Common Sense For A Difficult Flu Season

Although it may not be as apparent in South Florida, where the temperature has gone from scorching hot to merely tolerable with the arrival of autumn, we are also entering flu season. Given the prevalence of chain pharmacies in the area, by now you’ve probably seen their signs advertising flu shots. Perhaps you’ve even taken the initiative and rolled up your sleeve for a vaccination. If not, there’s still time before flu season hits its peak. In light of the “swine flu” that has been making its rounds across the globe for several months, getting vaccinated is a really good idea.

Despite the initial hysteria surrounding the H1N1 flu virus — when the fears far outweighed the facts — we do know a bit more about it now. While getting a seasonal flu shot is not a guarantee against catching the swine flu, it can help. But as we get further into the flu season, what is now a simple preventive measure will soon be a missed opportunity. Symptoms of the swine flu are similar to those of the normal flu — fever, aches, pains, chills and coughing. Over-the-counter medications can treat these symptoms.

While anyone can catch the H1N1 virus, people in good health don’t need to panic. According to the Centers for Disease Control, most hospitalizations and deaths related to the swine flu were people with weakened immune systems or those suffering from conditions such as asthma, diabetes, obesity or heart disease. Either way, the flu is not something you want to get. Those sick

In Memory

Of Nicole

Editor’s note: The following letter was written by Gary Hornstein, the father of Nicole Hornstein, a 12-yearold Acreage girl who died in a tragic horse riding accident in 2006. Nicole’s Law, which mandates helmets for young horse riders, goes into effect Oct. 1. June 4, 2006, a beautiful Sunday afternoon. I had been working on the barn when my wife said Colie had called and wanted to come home early from Sea World. I guess she felt homesick. Let me back up, Colie had just started her summer vacation. She came to her mother and me, asking if she could go to Sea World with her friend Taylor and her grandmother. I told Colie that she had just got out of school, and I thought we could walk the horses together, but she was persistent (as always). I finally gave in and said yes under one condition: “Colie, you can go if you give me two hugs and two kisses.” Those were the best hugs and kisses I ever had.

I gave her $100 to take with her; she spent every dollar on presents for everyone in the house. She bought flipflops for me, a pineapple for Monique and a necklace for Britney. The funny thing was how proud she was of the presents she had given to us. She

was following me around the yard. I said, “Colie, are you OK?” “Yeah, dad! Just want to see whatcha doin’.” I asked what she wanted for dinner, and of course she answered her favorite, Taco Bell. Monique and I went there and were on our way back when Colie called to ask if she could go to the trainers to ride. Monique said yes, and as we got home and handed out everyone’s food, we got the call.

Colie’s fallen; it’s bad. I got to the scene. There was Colie, already in a seizure trying to get air, but she had aspirated into her lungs and was drowning. I tried to perform CPR, but they stopped me, saying it was a neck injury and not to move her. I was a father watching his daughter slowly die in front of him, and I wasn’t able to do anything. Trauma Hawk landed. They wouldn’t let me go with her, saying it was against the rules. I said, “I have to be with her!” They promised me she would be breathing when they arrived. For 20 days and nights I had my Colie. I never left her side. A tracheotomy for breathing. She developed staph infection in her brain. They cut her legs to the bone on both sides, ankle to knee, and I changed the bandages twice a day. Can you imagine a father watching his 12year-old little angel slowly

days can add up to lost wages. That’s bad for the individual and the economy as a whole. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently released a guidebook for small businesses, recommending they plan for operating with a smaller staff in the coming months. This is not good news under any circumstances. With the economic challenges already facing small businesses, dealing with a potential pandemic will be especially difficult.

In a few weeks, approximately 45 million doses of the new swine flu vaccine will be available. If you’re not in one of the at-risk groups such as pregnant women or a young adult suffering asthma, there’s no need to hurry. How much or how quickly swine flu spreads is nothing you can control. The only thing anyone can do is prepare. The first step is to get vaccinated for the seasonal flu. Beyond that, the important thing is to monitor your health and know your risk factors.

Also crucial are the common preventive measures we all know about, but rarely take. Thoroughly wash your hands and face often, especially after you have been out in crowded places. Carry a hand sanitizer for times you can’t get to a sink. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and avoid being around people who are coughing or sneezing regularly. If you feel sick, stay away from work or crowded places; you will only make things worse. Prevention truly is the best medicine.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

dying more and more each day? Her head was constantly smoldering with fever, and her face had swollen to three times its normal size from the brain staph infection. Still, she never cried, never complained.

The last early morning they told me Colie’s organs were failing and asked did we want them to revive her. I said, “of course!” Then a quiet little voice said, “no, let her go. She’s been through enough.” Words this strong could not have come from a father. The words came from my wife. It was the right call; she had been through enough. I had to go home and tell her best friend Britney and her sister Sammy that Colie was gone. Tears still drown my eyes like it was yesterday. I promised then to never let this happen to another child; to do anything to never let another family go through this tragedy. We started a helmet law named “Nicole’s Law.” We lobbied here all the way to Tallahassee to get it. This is a story about a 12-year-old who gave her life so many others could be spared. Her name is Nicole Marie Hornstein.

Gary Hornstein The Acreage

Thanking Our Local Heroes

In this day and age of cyn-

icism, I believe that everyone needs a hero in his or her life. Well, I have three heroes in my life, and their names are Dr. Samuel Margiotta, Dr. Patricia Masse and Dr. James Goad. The simple reason that these particular physicians are my heroes is that they saved my life. Last year, I had a life-threatening operation, but because of the training and brilliance of these physicians, I am able to write this letter and still be able to see the sun rise. In present times, physicians are either on the end of complaints or lawsuits, but I have nothing but praise and admiration for my three heroes. Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and all of western Palm Beach County can be thankful that my three heroes can be there for their health and well-being.

Peter Young West Palm Beach

Pay Attention

To Healthcare

Far too many voters are paying far too little attention to the proposed federal legislation on healthcare. This legislation is not something that will make just a few changes to Medicare, or place a few restrictions on health insurance, or increase taxes somewhat. This legislation will seriously affect generation after generation after generation of Americans.

OPINION

The long-term result of any form of the legislation (that has a chance of passing) will be akin to the changes brought about by the 16th Amendment (income tax) or the initiation of Medicare/ Medicaid. Neither the Internal Revenue Service nor the Medicare/Medicaid system will ever disappear. Both systems have become more complex and less efficient the older they get. It is well documented that even IRS employees provide inaccurate information in answers to questions about the tax code. And even while praising Medicare/Medicaid, President Obama claims that he can eliminate $500 billion in fraud and waste in order to pay for other parts of the proposed healthcare changes. There are reforms that can be made to parts of the healthcare system that could make it more efficient. What is being proposed has no chance of doing that. The most farreaching effect of the proposed legislation will be to put regulation of health insurance and delivery of healthcare firmly into the hands of Congress. Rules and regulations will then be made on a political basis. Please learn what you can about [Sen. Max] Baucus’ bill and its counterparts in the House and tell your federal representatives what you think about them.

GUIDELINES FOR LETTERS

The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words). Submit letters, with contact name, address, and telephone number (anonymous letters will not be published) , to The Town-Crier , 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to (561) 7936090; or you can e-mail them to letters@ goTownCrier.com

Deliberate Tripping Is Cheap, Classless And ‘Bush League’

Admittedly a lifelong and passionate New York Giants football fan, I watched a couple of weeks ago in disgust as Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Flozell Adams was “beat” on a rush by Giants defensive stalwart Justin Tuck, and then deliberately tripped Tuck. Several television replays documented the shabby footwork by Adams. Tuck, who then fell on his shoulder, suffered a torn la-

Water Storing At Rock Pits

continued from page 1 pumped out of the system in 2006, Beaudet said. “Any further new water has to come from an alternative source.”

The available pit is near another pit already owned by the SFWMD called the L-8 Reservoir, which is designated for the water restoration projects in the northern part of the county. The pits allow water to be stored below ground with a minimal amount of leakage. The pit under consideration can hold about 50,000 acre-feet of water, he said. Its location also provides the option of discharging to the C-51 Basin, the Lake Worth Drainage District, the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or the Everglades Agricultural Area.

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

brum and was expected to miss at least one game. In recalling the incident, Tuck said it was “bush league” and indicated that Adams does this kind of thing

“It gives the option to go in many directions with the water,” Beaudet said, adding that conveyance issues would need to be resolved.

With a view to furthering the process, Beaudet said his staff has held numerous meetings with the SFWMD and is starting to meet with U.S. Department of the Interior officials. They have met with various environmental organizations concerned with preservation of the Lake Worth Lagoon. “We’ve got a lot to look at to determine whether or not this is worth any investment in the future,” he said.

The second phase would clearly define water conveyance requirements, water quality issues, quantify environmental benefits, regional system needs and consistency with Everglades restoration plans. Beaudet said there have been discussions of sharing some of the water with Broward County, but

often. Tuck expressed the wish that he could have returned to the game and punished Adams himself. Be that as it may, Adams complained he didn’t know what “bush league” meant. “I have never heard that term,” the Texas hero said.

Adams should at least know what dirty play is. He was fined $5,000 the previous week by the National Football League for grabbing

most of it would remain in Palm Beach County, which would also reap most of the environmental benefits.

Beaudet said that with the commission’s approval, he would be back with a more detailed report, including the anticipated cost.

During public comment, Theresa Lawrence of the Department of the Interior said federal concerns include possible effects on the wildlife refuge and possible conveyance south to Broward County, although no specific conveyance routes had been presented in the initial report.

“We are also concerned about CERP, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Project, also on the River of Grass planning effort,” Lawrence said, explaining that the concerns are over the quality of the water.

Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Manager Sylvia Pelizza said the initial report does not contain

and yanking the facemask of a Tampa Bay player. Adams also calmly claimed, “the Tuck incident was not my fault.” But he did not know what had occurred. Sorry, Flozell, after many TV replays, you’re not telling the truth.

Among the other Giant players to respond to the tripping ploy was Mathias Kiwanuka. “You don’t want to risk someone getting badly

enough information to determine whether the project would be of benefit to the refuge.

“Our concerns are water quality, quantity, the timing and distribution of the water, and the consistency with the overall Everglades restoration,” Pelizza said. “There is nothing in this report that tells us where the water will be coming from.”

There is no indication whether the water received would be routed through the stormwater treatment areas or whether the wildlife refuge’s rim canal would be intended for conveyance to Broward County or other utilities, Pelizza said. “It can’t go through the refuge if it’s untreated water,” she said.

Attorney Lisa Interlandi of the Everglades Law Center agreed with the concerns raised by the Department of the Interior and refuge officials.

“I think that the benefits as

hurt off something cheap like that,” he said. “There are rules in a game for a reason. That was inexcusable.”

Tuck, a former Notre Dame All-American and generally acknowledged leader of the Giants defensive squad, had not missed a game since 2006. Thus football fans and other fair-minded folk of the non-sports persuasion should mark down the date Dec. 12, when Dallas

presented are highly speculative,” Interlandi said. “This project is in no way not controversial. Certainly there are water quality issues. You saw the muck and the filthy water that is going into the C51. It does not take a scientist to tell you that water is not clean enough to go into the wildlife refuge.”

Beaudet said he understands the concerns raised by some of the speakers and did not disagree. “They need to be addressed, but we need further evaluation,” he said. “I really can’t answer any of those questions without going to the next step.”

Commissioner Shelley Vana said she would support going forward as long as the questions raised were resolved. Commissioner Steve Abrams said he favored the study. “I think the consensus is to move forward, and I certainly would support that,” he said.

Commissioner Karen Mar-

will meet the Big Blue at Giants Stadium. If Mr. Adams has not been suspended by the league for other classless plays by then, the lineups should show Tuck facing his adversary. Stay tuned for the replays! P.S. The NFL has now fined Adams $12,500 for the Tuck trip, plus another trip on the Giants’ Osi Umenyiora, which the game officials failed to call.

cus said storing water and cleaning up the Lake Worth Lagoon are good concepts.

“It’s the part about the water going to Broward County that’s giving everybody heartburn,” Marcus said. “I need assurances that this is not about water going to Broward County. It needs to be about we’re trying to clean up the Lake Worth Lagoon and we don’t like the C-51 discharge.”

Beaudet said the current concept does not involve sending any water to Broward County.

“We’re no longer talking about cascading water through the water conservation area,” he said. “If Broward County were to participate at any level, it would be to help fund the project. We’re looking at this project essentially as a Palm Beach County project.” Beaudet said he would be back with the second report sometime in early 2010.

Phil Sexton

Wellington

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Rotary Peace Initiative Chair Dr. Wes Boughner

Aziza Abdelaziz is recognized by Frank Young for her entry in the Elementary School Peace Poster Contest.

Wellington High School’s Stacy Joseph won the Student Mediator Award for Resolution Tactics (SMART).

World flag donors gather for a photo.

The Palm Beach County Department of Health sent nurses to the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center on Monday to give free seasonal flu shots. They also answered questions about seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus.

Murray Gubin gets his shot from nurse Patricia Taggart.

Nurse Danielle De Marco gives Eugenia Cole a flu shot.Dolly Hughes gets a flu shot from nurse C.J. Byrne.

Wellington Village Council members are recognized: Councilman Howard Coates, Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto and Mayor Darell Bowen.

Caty Asip sings “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

Christina Barbera is recognized by Dr. Farokh Jiveh for her entry in the Middle School Peace Poster Contest.

Don Gross recognizes Daniel Diaz of New Horizons for his entry in the Elementary School Peace Poster Contest.

John Mercer with Cheri and Councilman Howard Coates.

PBSO Investigating Graffiti In Royal Palm Beach Tunnel

By Jason Budjinski Town-Crier Staff Report

SEPT. 18 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched last Friday to the Fairfax community in response to a criminal mischief complaint. According to a PBSO report, a man called the substation to report six new graffiti tags in a tunnel. The deputy was unable to contact the complainant, but discovered what appeared to be freshly painted orange graffiti. The tags read “Moe,” “GTR4E,” “Stan & Spiderman,” “S&S,” “Mullethead” and “DM KC.” Photographs were taken and sent to the photo lab, gang unit and District 9 “Street Team” for further investigation.

• • •

SEPT. 16 — A Lake Worth man was arrested on drug charges last Wednesday night following a traffic stop in Wellington. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation responded as backup to a traffic stop at the intersection of Wellington Trace and Basin Street. Upon making contact with the driver, 34-year-old Omari Scarlett, the deputy smelled marijuana emanating from the vehicle. He asked Scarlett to step outside and gained consent to search the vehicle. The deputy found a glass pipe containing marijuana stored under the center portion of the front seat. Stored inside the trunk was a clear plastic container with a bag containing four grams of marijuana. Scarlett was charged with possession of cannabis under 20 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.

SEPT. 17 — A Westhampton Circle resident called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Thursday to file a criminal mischief complaint. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5 p.m. on June 30 and 5 p.m. last Wednesday, someone struck his air-conditioning unit, causing approximately $500 worth of damage. DNA swabs were collected and submitted for analysis. There were no witnesses or suspect information at the time of the report.

SEPT. 18 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched last Friday to a parking lot at the Mall at Wellington Green in reference to a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 12:30 p.m. the victim parked his 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser in the parking lot. When he returned two hours later, he discovered that his cell phone was missing from the vehicle’s dashboard. The victim noted that he had left the car unlocked and that no other items were missing.

SEPT. 19 — A man was arrested last Saturday following a traffic collision in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation responded to an accident on State Road 7 south

of Okeechobee Blvd. During an investigation, the deputy discovered that one of the drivers, 51-year-old Oscar Boucugnani of The Acreage, had an active arrest warrant in Volusia County for conspiracy to traffic narcotics. Boucugnani was placed under arrest and transported to the Palm Beach County Jail. SEPT. 20 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded last Sunday to the WalMart Supercenter on Belvedere Road regarding a shoplifter. According to a PBSO report, store employees observed 49-year-old Larry Prince place a television into a shopping cart and push it out the front entrance, past all points of sale. When he discovered that the employees had seen him, Prince left the TV at the entrance and walked away from the area. He was apprehended, and the merchandise, valued at $418, was recovered. Prince was charged with grand theft and taken to the county jail. SEPT. 20 — A resident of Northumberland Court called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Sunday night regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked his 1999 Lincoln Navigator at approximately 9 p.m. When his mother arrived home an hour later, she noticed that someone had smashed a window. Stolen from inside were a GPS, radio and amplifier. According to the report, there was a comforter on the passenger seat that had blood on it. The victim said it was not his blood. The deputy attempted to obtain latent prints but was unsuccessful. There were no witnesses or suspects at the time of the report. The case is inactive pending further investigative leads. SEPT. 20 — An Acreage woman was arrested for shoplifting last Sunday at the Macy’s department store in the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, a store security officer observed 50-year-old Nancy Gilles rip tags off miscellaneous clothing items while in a fitting room. Gilles then concealed the merchandise inside her purse and left the store without paying for it. She was apprehended by store security, and the merchandise, valued at $292, was recovered. Gilles was placed under arrest and transported to the county jail.

SEPT. 22 — An employee of the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach on Tuesday afternoon regarding a shoplifter. According to a PBSO report, the employee observed 25-year-old R.L. Thomas Jr. of South Bay enter the electronics department, select multiple DVDs and proceed to the sports department where he opened the merchandise, placed the DVDs in his pants pocket and discard the packaging in the trash. Thomas then attempt-

Ronald Dick

Fajardo

A NIGHT OF HAWAIIAN-THEMED FUN AT ST. RITA CATHOLIC CHURCH

The St. Rita Council of Catholic Women and the Knights of Columbus Council 8149 held a Hawaiian luau last Saturday at the parish center in Wellington. The evening featured a tropical buffet, music, dancing and competitions for the best dressed male and female, with Ralph Guriere and Lynn Maccarone the respective winners.

Contestants in the best-dressed competitions.

Pianists Organize Hispanic Heritage Festival

Wellington pianists Estibaliz Gastesi and Márcio Bezerra, known as Piano Duo Gastesi-Bezerra, will celebrate their tenth year in Palm Beach County with a concert during Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Hispanic Heritage Festival on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 3 p.m. in the Helen K. Persson Recital Hall.

“The duo has received, in the past ten years, so much from this community, that we thought the best way to celebrate our ten years here would be with a festival that would unite art, music and

poetry,” Bezerra said.

Thus, this first edition of the festival — a brainchild of Gastesi and Bezerra, warmly embraced by PBA’s Dean Dr. Lloyd Mims — will have as co-participants poets from the cultural association El Alma Hispana as well as Wellington Art Society painter Ursula Fernández. The festival will run for two days. The opening event, featuring Piano Duo Gastesi-Bezerra, includes works by Spanish, Brazilian and Argentinean composers. The second event, a violin and

piano recital by Venezuelans Alfonso López and Michelle Tabor on Monday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m., will feature works by Spanish, Peruvian, Argentinean and Venezuelan composers.

“This will be a great opportunity for our audiences to experience a richly varied classical repertory that is still mostly unknown,” Gastesi said. “It will be an honor for us to perform in the same event alongside artists of the caliber of Tabor and López.”

Both events are free, and no tickets are needed. For

more information, call PBAU at (561) 803-2970 or visit www.pba.edu.

Wellington Postpones Four-Day Office Hours

The Village of Wellington previously announced new office hours and a four-day work schedule to begin Sept. 28. This schedule has been postponed pending further review and final approval at the Sept. 29 Wellington Village Council meeting. The village will operate under a transitional schedule

RPB Rec Commons Park Work

continued from page 1 staff and a manager that sees it that way. We’re looking to pass savings along, but we’re

beginning Sept. 28 and lasting until further notice. The schedule is as follows:

• Regular office hours for administration are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.

• Regular office/lobby hours for planning and zoning, code compliance, building and customer service are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday (with phones answered until 6 p.m.) and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday (with phones answered until 5 p.m.).

still looking to run high-quality programs.”

Recchio said registration for programs has been down a little, especially for the summer camps, probably due to the economy. He pointed out that some of the school summer camps did not run at all.

• Recreation will continue to operate Monday through Friday under normal operating hours (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

Recchio said his department is looking into ways to make some programs more affordable in an effort to increase participation.

The biggest capital project over the past year has been Phase 1 of the new Commons Park, which largely includes

and on weekends as scheduled.

• The Safe Neighborhoods office will continue to operate 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information about the village’s current office hours, call Project Manager David Feliciano at (561) 791-4000.

the earthmoving and shaping of the 160-acre former golf course on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. between Okeechobee and Southern boulevards.

“I’m sure you all have gone down Royal Palm Beach Blvd. and seen a tremendous change on that golf course,” Recchio said. “The phone calls just keep on coming. The contractor is moving along at a great pace.”

The first phase is scheduled to be finished in June 2010, Recchio said. Documents are being reviewed for Phase 2, which will be the building of the structures, for which $15 million is budgeted.

“All the departments are looking at them to make sure everything is in there before we put that document out to bid,” Recchio said. “It’s a

long process. That document is four- or five-inches thick.”

Lodwick said the park’s first phase had come in about $1 million under the $3 million budgeted and anticipates the second phase will be $2 million or $3 million under $15 million budgeted.

Blotter

continued from page 6 ed to leave the store without paying for the items. He was apprehended, and the DVDs were returned to the store to be restocked. Thomas was placed under arrest and transported to the county jail. SEPT. 22 — A Black Diamond resident called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime

“In this business cycle, it’s bad for a lot of things, but it’s great for bidding work,” Lodwick said. “It’s going to be a great facility. It will be the centerpiece in the original part of town that needs an uplift. This should uplift everyone around it.”

between 7:30 p.m. Monday and 11:30 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s vehicle and stole a Magellan GPS unit and a gold men’s ring from the center console. There were no signs of forced entry. The deputy attempted to obtain latent prints but was unsuccessful. There were no witnesses or suspects at the time of the report. The total value of the stolen property is approximately $1,180.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Jerry and Angela Fonda.

D.J. and Ralph Guriere.

Mike and Mary Lou Romeo.

Lou Ann and Sean McDaniel with Cindy and John Ozog.

Kit Weiss and Caroline Elardi.

The Mid-County Democratic Club held its monthly meeting at Tree’s Wings & Ribs on Monday. The speakers were Palm Beach County Health Department spokesperson Tim O’Connor (shown above) and State Rep. Joe Abruzzo (D-District 85). For more information, visit www.midcountydems.com.

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Estibaliz Gastesi and Márcio Bezerra

Groundwork is underway at Royal Palm Beach’s planned Commons Park.

NEW BANK OPENS IN WELLINGTON

Floridian Community Bank held its grand-opening celebration in Wellington last Thursday. Joining bank representatives were members of the Wellington and Palms West chambers of commerce. Floridian Community Bank is located at 1314 Greenview Shores Blvd. For more info., call (561) 333-5773. (Above) Attendees gather for the ribbon cutting. (Below) Bank VIPs: Executive Vice President Lee Frankhouser, Assistant Bank Manager Anna Daniels, Branch Manager Amy Albornoz, Chairman David Zinn and CEO Joe Marzouca.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Chili’s To Benefit St. Jude Hospital

On Monday, Sept. 28, Chili’s Grill & Bar in Wellington will donate 100 percent of its profits to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Each September, in honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Chili’s kicks off a nationwide fundraiser for longtime charitable partner St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To date, Chili’s has raised more than $25 million as part of a 10year, $50 million pledge to raise money for the hospital.

Throughout the campaign “Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer,” Chili’s customers can contribute by making a donation to color a coloring sheet of the signature Chili’s pepper, which will be displayed in the restaurant for the duration of the promotion.

For more information, to create a pepper online, or to purchase a “Create-A-Pepper” T-shirt, visit www.create apepper.com.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. No family ever pays

for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. For more information, visit www.stjude.org.

Chili’s is located at 2525 State Road 7, just south of the Mall at Wellington Green. For more information, call (561)790-0062.

PBCHA To Host Memorial Hunter Derby

The Palm Beach County Horseman’s Association (PBCHA) will host the Sand Shower Memorial Hunter Derby, featuring $1,000 in prize money, on Saturday, Oct. 3.

Free admission and parking at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on Pierson Road make this Saturday afternoon event perfect for anyone wanting to learn about horses and riding. The estimated start time is 1 p.m. at the Advanced Arena and is expected to last 90 minutes. The equine show jumping event simulates a traditional set of fences and obstacles encountered during a foxhunt. Stone walls, large piles of brush and gates are a few hazards horse and rider must navigate. Other tests for the duo include a faster gallop (rate of speed), rollback or sharp turns, and unmeasured

distances between the jumps.

The class is scored on the horses’ jumping style — how they use their head, neck, back and legs over the jump, as well as the overall smoothness of the round. The rider’s job is to execute a visually pleasing, graceful picture, while meeting each jump at the same rhythm and distance for takeoff.

Laura Danowski, a local horsewoman and principal sponsor of the derby, approached PBCHA about hosting the class.

“The association does an awesome job of providing opportunity to all levels of riders,” she said. “A derby is fun, but very technical. There are specific choices and options a rider can make during the ride. There are more challenges for the rider to overcome on course in a smooth way, especially when the trip doesn’t go as expected.”

The class will have two rounds of jumping. The first round will be judged using an open-scoring system from two judges.

The top-scoring finalists will come back and jump another course of jumps. Scores will be combined and prizes awarded.

For more information on the class, visit www.pbcha. org or call President Ann Root at (561) 866-9899 or Danowski at (561) 889-2344.

Next Garden Club Meeting

On Oct. 5

The Wellington Garden Club will meet Monday, Oct. 5 at 11:30 a.m. at the Wellington Community Center. The featured speaker will be Louise McCormick, whose topic is “Herbs: Medicine in Your Own Back Yard.” She will explore the mysteries of healing plants. She will weave together the wisdom of the mystics, music, art and nature through plants and aromas.

McCormick is co-founder and president of the McCormick-Green Center for Holistic Therapies in Wellington. She integrates ancient healing methods with those of contemporary medical practices.

McCormick is a registered nurse, and taught medical and surgical nursing at Barry University for 28 years. She studied and received certification in herbal, mind-soul aroma, cranial sacral and Thai massage therapies in the Amazon, Bahamas, Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, the Netherlands, Thailand and the United States. The public is invited, and a light lunch will be served. Seating is limited. RSVP to (561) 793-6013 or (561) 7989217.

CAR-THEMED FUNDRAISER BENEFITS AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

“Bondo Ballroom Reunion II: Cruisin’ for a Cure” was held last Saturday at Murphy’s Paint & Body Shop on Southern Blvd. Presented by South East Rods & Customs, the event was a benefit for the American Cancer Society and featured plenty of cool cars, raffles, door prizes and a dinner. Awards for the top-ranking cars were given out by Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, and car enthusiast Donnie Hancock served as master of ceremonies.

Arborwood Stables in Wellington held a riding clinic with 2009 USEF Medal Finals Judge Leo Conroy last Saturday. The clinic featured four classes: Novice A (2’3” jumps), Novice B (2’6” jumps), Intermediate (3’ jumps) and Advanced (3’6” jumps). Arborwood Stables is a hunter/jumper/equitation facility. For more info., visit www.arborwoodstables.com.

Noelle Rauscher-Maya rides Sumatra.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Sheriff’s Choice Award winner Fred Wright with Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

Harold Murphy and Donnie Hancock.

Donovan Crawford and Adam Kelly.

Marge and George Herzog, Claus and Diane Von Grote and Claus’ brother Gerry.

Vicki Helms with a cake she made for the occasion.

Robert Drennen with his 1975 Chevrolet Caprice.

June Pugliese sells cookies.

PHOTOS BY

Leo Conroy advises riders on horse jumping.

Arborwood Stables owner Becky Fruehling with students Sabrina DeSena, Riley Bonis, Nicole Fertig, Bridgette Ness, Olivia Walters, Heather Blauweiss and Ally DeSena.

Marciano Family Optometric Supporting World Sight Day

Mark and

Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits recently announced that his office has been awarded the 2009 Public Information Program Award by the International Association of Assessing Offices. The Public Information Program award is given to assessment jurisdictions that have developed and implemented an effective system for the dissemination to taxpayers of information about the assessment process. “I am honored that our office has been recognized for its achievement in our many public information programs,” Nikolits said. “I believe strongly that public information is a valuable tool for our taxpayers to understand the process by which this office does its job.”

The award was presented Wednesday at the 75th annual IAAO Conference in Louisville, Ky. In a note to his staff, Nikolits wrote, “this

award would not have been possible without the efforts of many. Thank you all for once again proving we are the best at what we do.”

Over the past two years, the Property Appraiser’s Office has increased its public exposure as changes to state tax laws were debated and voted upon. The office has enhanced its award-winning web site, www.pbcgov.com/ papa, and conducted public seminars on its use. In addition, the office has presented more than 150 outreach programs to associations and professional groups. The office also produced several public-service spots that run on its web site and on the county’s television channel and several municipal channels. And this summer, the Property Appraiser’s Office began Homestead Outreach, an ongoing program that visits local municipalities to help residents apply for the 2010 homestead exemption.

Local optometrists doctors Mark and Brandee Marciano aim to transform the lives of those without access to basic eyecare services by participating in the World Sight Day Challenge. World Sight Day is Thursday, Oct. 8 and the Marcianos will donate their professional fees to help some of the estimated 670 million men, women and children worldwide who are blind or vision impaired simply because they do not have access to an eye exam and a pair of glasses.

In many developing countries, there are not enough trained eyecare personnel, and there is insufficient infrastructure to support desperately needed eyecare services. Optometry Giving Sight, the organizer of the World Sight Day Challenge, funds

the solution by supporting programs that offer not only eye exams and glasses, but also establish vision centers and train local eyecare professionals in communities with little or no access to vision services.

“We are proud to join thousands of optometrists around the world in making a difference,” the Marcianos said. “The patients we see every day have a number of sophisticated vision care services and vision correction options available to them. Yet there are millions of people around the world who don’t even have access to the basics — an eye exam and eyeglasses. There are millions of children who can’t see at school and adults who can’t work to provide for their families. We are proud to be able to support

Optometry Giving Sight in its efforts to bring sight to people in countries with little or no access to quality vision care.”

By the end of 2009, Optometry Giving Sight will have distributed $3 million through its partners to help screen and provide basic eyecare services to more than 1.7 million people, train 1,550 mid-level eyecare personnel and create 101 vision centers/ optical workshops. The funds will be directed to projects in Sri Lanka, southern Africa, East Timor, Latin America, indigenous Australia, Papua New Guinea and other parts of the world. It can cost just $5 to provide an eye examination, a pair of glasses and residual training to local staff in countries where eyecare services

are few. This alone could be enough to save someone from the injustices of poverty. The Marcianos invite their patients to make a donation at Marciano Family Optometric during the month of October. Optometry Giving Sight guarantees that 85 percent of all money raised by optometrists and their patients go directly to programs that give sight to those most in need.

Marciano Family Optometric is located at 7750 Okeechobee Blvd., Suite 9, West Palm Beach. Call (561) 2421200 to schedule an appointment. For more information about Optometry Giving Sight and the World Sight Day Challenge, visit www. drmarciano.com.

Small Changes Add Up To Big Savings

Challenging economic times have made it more important than ever for individuals and families to reduce expenses and boost their savings. Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast asked its clients and counselors to share money-saving tips that they have found to be effective as they work to pay down debt, reduce their living expenses and get started on a savings plan to help secure their financial future.

“Successful saving starts with a realistic look at how you are spending money now and what changes you can realistically make,” CCCS President Jessica Cecere said. “Even small changes can add up to big savings over time.” Use common household ingredients instead of fancy brand-name ones for housecleaning and laundry. Baking soda and vinegar are less expensive and environmentally friendly alternatives to many cleaning supplies. Mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle to clean kitchens and bathrooms. Vinegar and

newspaper make for a streakfree mirror or window. Use a half cup of baking soda with your regular laundry detergent and it will brighten and soften clothes. One CCCS client estimates she saves $50 to $80 per month on detergent and cleaning supplies.

Reduce your electric bill by $50 a month or more. Install energy-efficient light bulbs, unplug appliances, televisions and computers when not in use, and wash clothes in cold water instead of hot. If you want to save even more, consider installing programmable thermostats to turn your air up or heat down when no one is at home.

Bring your lunch to work. One CCCS client who works with her spouse estimates they save $70 per week by bringing lunch instead of eating out every day. By packing a salad, they are eating healthier, too. They still enjoy a restaurant lunch once a week, but it no longer breaks the budget.

Save at the salon. Save hundreds of dollars each year by cutting your family’s hair at home. Even if you opt for

the salon, waiting a week or two extra between styles will still add up to savings. Treat yourself to an at-home manicure and pedicure and you can save $40 or more each time.

Skip the theater and the rental store. A client who was spending $20 to $40 every month on movie rentals signed up for a library card and now gets movies for free. She can even go online to reserve the titles she wants to see and gets a notice when they are available.

Save big on groceries.

Many CCCS clients reported saving on groceries. Some purchase items in bulk, others take advantage of “buy one, get one free” offers to stock their pantries, and others claim that dollar stores hold the key to saving big.

One client estimates that her family will save more than $700 this year by buying staples such as bread, eggs and canned goods at her local dollar store.

Check your recurring monthly expenses for items you don’t use or cost more than they’re worth. Have a

monthly subscription to a service you don’t use? These might be online publications, weight-loss programs, photo services, movie rentals — cancel those you don’t use and see the savings add up. Put your bank to work for you. Look for higher-yielding savings accounts, take part in automatic savings programs with your bank and use online bill paying to save on postage and other fees. Give up a bad habit, and save. One client gave up a pack-a-day smoking habit and saved hundreds of dollars in just the first few months.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast is a nonprofit community-service agency that provides confidential budget counseling, money management education, debt management programs, bankruptcy counseling and education, and comprehensive housing counseling. For more information, call (800) 330-CCCS or visit the CCCS web site at www. cccsinc.org.

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PANTHER RUN DONATES SUPPLIES TO SISTER SCHOOL IN BELLE GLADE

Panther Run Elementary School students recently donated school supplies to Pioneer Park Elementary School in Belle Glade, Panther Run’s sister school this year. Panther Run students had been collecting supplies since the first day of school, including backpacks, pencils, lunchboxes, gently used uniforms, binders and paper.

Poinciana Students Hone Leadership Skills

Dan Schaffer’s middle school science students at Poinciana Day School in West Palm Beach have been studying the biology of plant and animal cells, including cell structure and function. Schaffer’s advanced science class created “gene jeans” to help explain these components to the basic science students.

The advanced science stu-

dents created pictures of the various structures of the cells and attached them to their shirts and jeans for a visual presentation. The advanced students then made their presentations to the basic science classes. The advanced students not only taught the basic science students about the cell structure and functions, but how these cells combine to form tissues and organs.

Poinciana Day School To Host Three Open Houses

The community is invited to tour the campus and observe teachers and students during their regular classes on the following dates: Wednesday, Sept. 30; Tuesday, Oct. 6; and Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Additionally, administrative staff will be available to answer questions.

“We know that families are interested in finding the school that will be the best fit for their child,” Head of School Ann Simone said. “We invite families to come and spend some time with us

to explore if Poinciana Day School will be the right school for them. Our small classes and unique curriculum integrates the arts and technology throughout the academics. Our student-centered program provides a rich learning environment, conducive to the needs of various individual learning styles and abilities, allowing students to maximize their individual potential.”

For more information about Poinciana Day School, call (561) 655-7323 or visit www.poincianadayschool. com.

Before class time was over, the advanced students were quizzing the basic students and answering all their questions about cell structure and the differences between animal and plant cells.

The project allowed students to practice their leadership skills and public speaking skills while reinforcing scientific information. This information is the basis for a more in-depth study that the advanced students will begin about the nucleus of the cell, leading into a study of DNA, heredity and inherited traits.

“Our integrated curriculum is a perfect vehicle for teachers to include creative pro-

jects in their classes,” Head of School Ann Simone said. “It helps to engage students in the learning process while keeping the educational process fun. We invite the public to observe classes at Poinciana Day School during our upcoming open houses.” Poinciana students participate in a challenging academic curriculum, enhanced by the arts and technology. All students study visual art, performing arts, technology and physical education. Spaces are still available for the 2009-10 school year. For more information, call (561) 655-7323 or visit www. poincianadayschool.org.

Polo Park Open House Oct. 22

Polo Park Middle School in Wellington will host an open house Thursday, Oct. 22 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the school cafeteria. This will give the parents and other interested parties an opportunity to visit the after-school program.

The instructors will be available to talk to the parents about the school’s different programs. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call Polo Park Middle School at (561) 333-5500.

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

Pioneer Park Principal Suzanne Matuella gives supplies to kindergarten students.

Panther Run PTA members and Pioneer Park Principal Suzanne Matuella help bring items into the school.

Pioneer Park Assistant Principal Michael Rieckenberg gives supplies to the first-grade students.

Poinciana Day School will hold three more openhouse sessions this fall to allow the community to come view the school and its program.

Sixth graders Maeve A’Hearn and Paola Cortez.

Alden Thompson, Melissa Pitcher, Amar Maharaj, Shelley Martin and Eric Mammano talk cell structure.

August Wedding For Berry And Stanley

Laura Michelle Berry, 21, wed Willard Charles Stanley, 22, on Saturday, Aug. 15 at the Reformed Theological Seminary in Oviedo, Fla.

The ceremony was officiated by Ande Johnson, Reformed University Fellowship campus minister at the University of Central Florida. A reception followed at the Radisson Hotel in Orlando. Berry is a 2006 graduate of Wellington High School and an art education undergraduate student at UCF. She will

graduate in 2010. Berry is the daughter of Greg and Paula Berry of Wellington.

Stanley is a 2005 graduate of Fort Myers High School and a computer science graduate student at UCF. He will graduate in 2012. Stanley works as a junior network security engineer for HostDime in Orlando. He is the son of Bruce and Pamela Stanley of Fort Myers.

The couple celebrated their honeymoon at Pass-a-Grille Beach in St. Petersburg. They now reside in Orlando.

Perlman, Goldfarb Plan Fall Wedding

Melissa Perlman, 27, daughter of Russ Perlman and the late Susan Perlman of Wellington, is engaged to Jonathan Goldfarb, 35, son of Roberta and the late Murray Goldfarb.

Melissa is a 2000 graduate of Spanish River High School and former Florida cross-country and track state champion. She attended Brown University and now works in the public relations

department at Office Depot’s global headquarters in Boca Raton. Jonathan, also a Spanish River graduate (1992) and former national tennis champion, attended Rollins College in Orlando on a tennis scholarship and competed on the professional circuit. He now manages the World Tennis Organization, a tennis academy in Boca Raton. The wedding is planned for fall 2010.

JustWorld International Planning Fundraiser

The 2010 JustWorld International Annual Fundraising Dinner will be held Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 at Belle Herbe Farm in Wellington. JustWorld International is a notfor-profit, humanitarian organization working as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping underprivileged children. Money raised at the JustWorld International Annual Fundraising Dinner will go directly to helping educate impoverished children at JustWorld project sites in

Brazil, Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras and Senegal. Last year’s event was a sellout with 450 people in attendance. To buy tickets or tables for the event, call (561) 333-9391 or e-mail jwinfo@ justworldinternational.org.

JustWorld International raises awareness and funds in the equestrian community to support humanitarian projects that benefit impoverished communities and children in the developing world. For more info., visit www. justworldinternational.org.

Vince

School of the Arts and the Savannah College of Art & Design. The wedding is planned for March 2010.

Army National Guard Pvt.

Brooke Davis, Army National Guard PFC Cornelius Dukes and Army Pvt. Ana Caroline Barreto recently graduated from U.S. Army basic combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, they studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military

courtesy, the military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field-training exercises.

Davis is the daughter of Kathleen Davis of The Acreage and granddaughter of Sandra Davis of Sunrise. She is a 2008 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School. Dukes is the son of Cassandra Dukes of Wellington. He is a 2001 graduate of Royal Palm Beach High School. Barreto earned distinction as an honor graduate. She is the daughter of Joseph and Patricia Barreto of The Acreage, and a 2008 graduate of Lighthouse Christian Academy in Tallahassee.

and Sharon Burkhardt of Loxahatchee Groves have announced the engagement of their daughter Melissa Ashley to Sean Stephen McGraw, son of Dr. Stephen and Linda McGraw of Jupiter Farms. Melissa and Sean are both graduates of the Dreyfoos

Willard Stanley and Laura Berry

Melissa Perlman and Jonathan Goldfarb

JustWorld Ambassadors — Executive Director Jessica Newman (left) with JustWorld rider ambassadors Titi Mills, Angela Lawrence, Kevin Babington, Candice King and Natalie Johnson.

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Satursday, Sept. 26

• ArtStart is offering portfolio development classes for fifth-grade students who have applied for the visual arts program at the Bak Middle School of the Arts. The classes begin Saturday, Sept. 26 and will help students create works of art needed to complete their portfolios. For more information, call ArtStart at (561) 635-2037, or visit www.art startinc.org.

• The Autism Society of the Treasure Coast will hold a Bass Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 26 beginning at 6:30 a.m. at Okee-Tantie Campground & Marina on Highway 78 West in Okeechobee. Weigh in will be at 3 p.m. Kids activities will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. To register, call Mike Evans at (863) 763-5679 or Cathy Allore at (772) 486-8207. Forms are available at www.autism-society.org/ treasurecoast.

• In recognition of National Public Lands Day, the Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will help in the development of a loop hiking trail in the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area on Saturday, Sept. 26. Participants will meet at 7 a.m. at the south entrance to the Corbett area at the north end of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, about three miles north of Northlake Blvd. Call Paul at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

• Community of Hope Church in Loxahatchee Groves will offer a $1 Car Wash to the community on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the parking lot of the 7-Eleven store across from the Super Target in Royal Palm Beach (10274 Okeechobee Blvd.). For more info., call (561) 793-8484.

• The South Florida Mustang Club will hold a reception on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Red Barn Feed (12948 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves) to celebrate National Mustang Adoption Day. For more info., visit www.sfmustangs. com or e-mail info@sf mustangs.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold a Scrapbooking Class on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 2:30 p.m. for ages five and up. Bring your own pictures and memorabilia. Basic supplies will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister. Sunday, Sept. 27

• Bird lovers can join a ranger-led educational walk identifying many species of birds that make their home in John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in North Palm Beach on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. Reservations are recommended. The tour is free with park admission. For more info., call (561) 624-6952.

• Join a park volunteer and listen to the reading of an environmental children’s story at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in North Palm Beach on Sunday, Sept. 27 at noon. The activity is free with park admission. Reservations are recommended. For more info., call (561) 624-6952.

Monday, Sept. 28

at 3 p.m. for ages six and up. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

Tuesday, Sept. 29

• The Wellington Village Council will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 791-4000 for more info. Wednesday, Sept. 30

• The Village of Wellington will host a Wellington Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at noon at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Mayor Darell Bowen will update chamber members and guests on the state of the village. Admission is $20 for chamber members in advance, $25 for chamber members at the door and $30 for non-members. Call (561) 792-6525 to RSVP.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature Meet the Author: Stuart Woods on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. for adults. Chat, ask questions and get the scoop on Woods’ novel Hothouse Orchid. A book signing will follow. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Magic School Bus Adventures on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. for ages five and up. Call (561) 790-6070 to RSVP.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. Social worker Susan Lander will offer practical advice on nurturing a life filled with new possibilities. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Thursday, Oct. 1

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Teen Writing Workshop: Writing the Novel on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. During this four-session series, participants will learn how to create a novel-length work of fiction. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Women’s Club invites the public to attend its dinner meeting on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Players Club (13410 South Shore Blvd., Wellington). The guest speaker will be ob/gyn Dr. Maureen Whelihan. Guests are welcome for a fee of $30, which includes dinner and the program. RSVP to Allyson at (561) 798-6741. Friday, Oct. 2

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Science Club: Butterflies and Other Insects on Friday, Oct. 2 at 3 p.m. for ages eight and up. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Saturday, Oct. 3

• The Village of Royal Palm Beach will begin accepting applications on Monday, Sept. 28 for its eighth annual Fall Fantasy Craft Show at Veterans Park on Saturday, Nov. 21. The cost for vendors will be $35 for a covered space (limited) and $20 for an open space. All items for sale must be handmade craft products. Pick up applications at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way) or call (561) 790-5149 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach High School boys basketball team will hold an Offensive Skills Basketball Clinic for boys and girls at the RPBHS gymnasium on Monday, Sept. 28 with Session I from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and Session II from 12:30 to 3 p.m. The cost will be $20 per camper for each session or $30 for both sessions. Participants will need to bring a basketball and lunch if they are staying all day. For more info., e-mail Coach Drew Quinn at quinna@palm beach.k12.fl.us or call (561) 398-8341.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature Paper Plate Puppets on Monday, Sept. 28

• The second annual Wellington High School Boys Basketball Golf Tournament will take place Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Palm Beach Polo Golf Club in Wellington. The 18-hole tournament begins at 7:30 a.m. with a complimentary continental breakfast, followed by a putting contest and a 9 a.m. shotgun start. The cost per golfer is $125 and includes green fees, a golf cart, continental breakfast, buffet lunch and on-course refreshments. For more info., call Coach Matt Colin at (803) 439-5348 or e-mail matthew.colin@palmbeach. k12.fl.us.

• The 22nd Annual Home, Health & Recreation Show will be held inside the Mall at Wellington Green on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4. This consumer expo will have exhibitors showcasing products and services, as well as health screenings, face painting and more. For more info., call Michael Messing at (561) 865-8800, ext. 4 or e-mail michael@placerite. com. • The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center will host its Third Annual Harvest Fest fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The event will feature carnival games, pony rides and riding demonstrations. For more info., visit www. vinceremos.com or call (561) 792-9900. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@gotowncrier.com.

Lady Wildcats Push Past Broncos To Claim Volleyball Victory

By Candace Marchsteiner Town-Crier Staff Report

In a tight match-up Tuesday between the Royal Palm Beach High School and the Palm Beach Central High School girls varsity volleyball teams, the Lady Wildcats clawed their way to a 3-2 win on the Broncos’ home turf.

Wildcat captain Shaina Abdell appeared to run the first game with ace serves and strategic spikes, stunning the Broncos with a 25-14 victory. The Broncos came alive in game two, gaining momentum with saves and wellchoreographed teamwork that undermined Wildcat confidence through game three.

A thunderous but friendly crowd of student rivals seemed to feed both teams’ determination in game four, as the Wildcats came from behind to win in the closest game yet, tying the match at 2-2. The Wildcats easily wrapped up game five with a scoring surge helped by Bronco errors.

Both coaches anticipated what they got from their

teams. “I told the girls we play the way we practice, in spurts,” RPBHS Coach Sal Ciano said. “We have no consistency. Practice gets going real good, then it falls apart, then it gets going real good again. They got serious the last two games. When they’re serious, we can play.”

PBCHS Coach Graham Elder said he was expecting a tough fight.

“[Royal Palm Beach] has two power hitters; we have three power hitters,” he said.

“I knew it was going to be a battle, and that’s what we got. We had a few too many service errors ultimately at the end of the night. We played a little soft, expecting to close out a game without really having to work for it. They caught us in game four. It shows the girls that they have to push all the way through five games.”

Royal Palm Beach (6-4) will host Park Vista on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. Palm Beach Central (4-2) will host Park Vista on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.

WCFL Prep Chargers Shut Out Raiders 36-0

The Western Communities Football League’s Prep Chargers recorded their fifth consecutive shutout of the season by defeating the Prep Raiders 36-0 last Saturday to improve their record to 5-0.

The Chargers’ defense, which held the Raiders to zero yards of total offense, was led by Sammy Eagen, John Smith, Gavin Hendrix, Tre Jackson, Dylan Skinner, Jahcobi Neath, Justin Kolnick, Andrew Sweat, Jonathan Mogbo, Andrew Szrejter, Bryan Zuver and Reggie Williams.

The Chargers’ offense totalled 195 yards on only 14 offensive plays and scored 25

or more points for the fourth consecutive game. Running back Tre Jackson had 51 yards rushing on two carries, both of which were touchdowns. Running back Cole Martin had 34 yards rushing on three carries and a touchdown. Quarterback Justin Kolnick had 30 yards rushing on two carries and a touchdown. He also completed a pass to Jackson for a two-point conversion. Fullback John Smith had 72 yards rushing on six carries and one touchdown, and scored on three extra-point conversions. Jahcobi Neath kicked his third extra-point conversion of the season.

Despite Loss, Mitey Mites Make Great Plays

To say the Royal Palm Beach Wildcats Pop Warner Mitey Mites silver team played another wet game would be an understatement. After several rain and lightning delays in last Saturday’s 18-0 loss against the Palm Beach Gardens orange team, the boys didn’t manage to pull off a win, but they sure made several great plays. Jacob Connley made a birthday memory by making a great reception. Tyler Bolleter may have been thumped pretty hard after his reception, but he kept hold of the ball and earned a cheer from the

sidelines. Johnny Carmichael did a terrific job of getting up the middle and is credited with several great tackles.

Mitey Mites silver includes Tyler Bolleter, Johnny Carmichael, Brennen Brewster, Dylan Connley, Jacob Connley, Matthew Coon, Harrison Dean, Ethan DiBerardino, A.J. Gray, Casey Fitzpatrick, Jack Higgins, Nick Hoffman, Austin Houck, Nick Kauper, Ethan Kramer, Vincent Lavigna, Johnathon Monteagudo, T.J. Moore, Tyler Retzler, Gio Richardson, Toby Seevers, Joshua Shackelford and Christopher Valle.

WCFL’s Pro Giants Dominate Steelers 27-0

The Western Communities Football League Pro Division Giants kept their undefeated season intact with a defense that recorded its fourth shutout in five games and an offense that picked up touchdowns from four different players in a 27-0 victory over the Steelers last Saturday.

The Giants (5-0) are in the midst of their toughest stretch of the regular season, having defeated the previously unbeaten Colts and now the one-loss Steelers. As they have all season, the Giants continued to spread the wealth, on offense and defense.

Matt Sabatino carried the ball nine times in the first half for a team-leading 95 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown run.

Schnyder Rosier took on the load in the second half with eight of his 10 carries coming in the closing two quarters, as he totaled 39 yards rushing to go along with a 21-yard touchdown catch in the first half. That pass came from quarterback A.J. Pasquale, who got the Giants on the scoreboard with a two-yard touchdown run with 2:25 left in the first quarter, before hooking up with Rosier on a play-action pass

with 4:05 left in the first half.

Josh Gutierrez helped the Giants to a team total of 163 yards rushing with his 10 carries for 30 yards and a touchdown on the opening drive of the second half that pushed the margin to 27-0.

Defensively, the Giants held a talented Steelers team to 76 total yards — all on the ground — and they forced three turnovers.

Nose guard Cody Sparling had four tackles, two first-quarter sacks, and he recovered a fumble. Defensive end Austin Tolley also had four tackles, including three solos, and he caused a

fumble on a kickoff return late in the first half that set up the Giants’ third score. Rosier was the other Giant with four tackles, including two solos.

Malik Lansiquot and Tristan Poston combined on three tackles and a sack in the Steelers’ final possession of the game. Sabatino, Gutierrez and linebacker Trevor Garnish had two tackles each, with Sabatino adding an interception and Garnish a sack.

Kevin Gibbons, Carrington Henderson and Kyle Maschi also added a tackle each.

On Friday, Sept. 11, dancers from the Wildcat Dance Team at Royal Palm Beach High School honored a teammate’s brother who is serving in Iraq. The dancers honored Master Sergeant Matthew Blecher, brother of team captain Alexa Blecher, who has just completed a 15-month tour of duty in Iraq with the United States Army. The Wildcats wore the U.S. Army emblem around their necks with Blecher’s name to honor him and all the men and women serving to protect the country. Pictured above are: (front row, L-R) Deborah Charles-Pierre, Diana Saliado, Jasmine Rosin, Alexa

and Loren Estebanzo; (back row) Nick Michellici, RJ Santiago, Matt Taylor, Danielle Grove, Joy Rosin, Martha Heras, Kaitlyn Sanchez, Kemer Wilson and Lucas Gonzalez.

Hawk Freshman Football Shuts Out Inlet Grove

The Seminole Ridge High School Baby Hawks freshman football team opened the 2009 season last week in spectacular fashion, outscoring the Inlet Grove Hurricanes 40-0.

Leading the offensive attack was the outstanding running of backs Dan Correa, Alberto Hidalgo and Omar Pierre-Louis — each scoring a touchdown — and Mike Pacillo, who scored two touchdowns. Quarterback Antwan Washington threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Rayfield Dixon. Derek Falk was able to convert on four of the extra-point attempts. On defense the Baby Hawks threw a Category 5 storm at the Hurricane of-

fense, which crossed midfield only once the entire game, picking up only three first downs. The defense was led by the strong play of linebacker Colton McKillican. Cornerback Brian Allen made an interception and nearly scored on the 35-yard return. Jake Burns had a sack, and down linemen Kyle Shortridge and Richardson Marsielle stuffed any Inlet Grove attempt to run up the middle.

Overall, the freshman Hawks played a near-perfect game. Seminole Ridge traveled to Palm Beach Lakes on Thursday, but the score was not available at press time. The Baby Hawks will host Dwyer on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 5 p.m.

The Mitey Mites’ offensive line sets up for a play.

Blecher, Briana Coomer

Nick Shibley, Bryan Zuver and Hollywood Sweat.

Wildcat Latoya Harvin spikes as Broncos Kayleigh McCabe and Megan O’Donnell leap to block.

Bronco Kayleigh McCabe vies for a block with Wildcat Shaina Abdell.

Bronco Caroline Flinchum defends against Wildcat Brook D’Avanzo.

A mixed crowd of student rivals goes wild.

Outdated, Clunky, Quirky, Faulty: My Mixer, My Soulmate

As baking season arrives, so does my deep appreciation for one of my kitchen appliances in particular. That is why I have unofficially entitled this piece “Ode to a Mixmaster,” even though it isn’t a poem.

For the uninitiated, Mixmaster is the name the Sunbeam appliance people named their mixer — at least the model I have, which hails from 1973.

Oh, it was a top-of-the-line appliance when Auntie Celia gave it to me for my wedding. Today, not so much.

It’s got some problems. In the first place, it weighs 25 pounds. In the second place, both bowls have been replaced — twice. In the third place, the cord falls off during use.

But those are mere petty annoyances. The larger problem is that it doesn’t mix. The bowls simply refuse to go around. You throw

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

in your eggs, your milk, your flour, your sugar, your spices and you turn it on... but it only makes noise. (And, boy, does it make noise, but that’s nothing new — it always has.) I don’t know if the replacement bowls are the wrong size or the wheel underneath the bowl has worn out or the beaters have gone on strike. I don’t know what it is, but that Mixmaster will do everything but mix.

I don’t care. I love the thing.

The beaters don’t beat, either, but I continue to use it. First I shove the cord in really tight. (This lasts three seconds.) Then I fit the beaters into their little slots in the arm and place the bowl onto its recalcitrant little platform. Then I turn it on.

The racket is deafening so I always think something is being accomplished, but no. Exasperated, I shut the thing off and tilt the arm back, in which case both beaters will fall promptly out of their slots and into my batter. Although it’s not batter yet.

Inevitably, I will replace the beaters, replace the plug, plunk the arm down with a shove and turn it back on. I will then coax the bowl into going around. Last time, it finally dawned on me that it wasn’t being “coaxed” at all and that I was basically pushing the bowl around

with one hand while the other hand alternated between fidgeting with the plug and the beaters. Actually, this system works quite well — unless I want to add another ingredient. Then I have to turn the thing off and start all over again.

But as I said, I love the thing and all its quirks. We’ve been through birthdays, bake sales and bridal showers together. I’ve had my Mixmaster longer than any of my cars. We grew up together.

I suppose if you compare it to the hightech, stainless steel mixers of the 21st century, my Mixmaster looks sort of like a little white Airstream trailer. But I’m not giving it up. Ever. And don’t even ask to borrow it. Ode complete.

‘Glee’ Is A Subversive Prime-Time High School Comedy

The first new show of the TV season, Fox’s Glee is both fun and downright subversive. Centered on a high school glee club in Lima, Ohio, Glee is like High School Musical on drugs from people who really know good music.

Because I spent my life in high schools, I appreciate the actual lunacy and outright viciousness over the most insignificant issues. And the producers turn every stereotype on its ear. The lead character, Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison), is a teacher and former glee club member who decides to recreate the same kind of group he loved when he went to the school. And as expected, he gets the usual “loser” types that populate such shows: a starstruck “showbiz lover,” a gay boy trying to establish his own identity, the overweight black girl, a handicapped kid, etc. And things go nowhere until the school’s quarterback joins the club. That gets the cheerleading teacher involved in attempts to sabotage the group, and there

‘I’ On

CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

is nothing she won’t try.

Does this seem like a lot of plot? That’s basically just the kids. Will has a grasping wife who lies to him about things at the core of their marriage. The school’s guidance counselor, Miss Pillsbury (Jayma Mays), takes her phobia about dirt to extremes, but loves Will and actually gives him good advice. She in turn is being chased by the football coach (Patrick Gallagher) who tells her “frankly, I’m about the best you can do in this town.” I particularly enjoy the principal, played by Iqbal Theba, who is constantly juggling minor crises.

There is probably even more plot in this show than Grey’s Anatomy, although nothing amounts to life or death. That is one of the joys of shows like this. Watching cheerleaders being punished by having to sniff their own armpits or crying because their tanning privileges have been revoked is a real hoot. One of the best parts of the series (now only four episodes old) is the music. Everyone in the cast can sing. The music ranges from folk through Broadway standards through Kanye West. And everyone sings! Some of the numbers are large-scale glee club numbers but involve great choreography. And then someone like Morrison, a Broadway veteran, sits quietly in a classroom and accompanies himself on a guitar to Peter, Paul & Mary’s “Jet Plane.”

A wide spectrum of writers and performers are reportedly allowing the show to use their music because of the obvious promotional benefit. I must admit I began to appreciate rap a lot more when done in classic a capella style.

Plot complications seem not to get solved. Will’s wife pressures him to leave teaching to become an accountant. The physical education teacher, who also sings very well, will have to deal with the guidance counselor’s devotion toward Will. And that’s just the adults. The quarterback is being torn between two girls while fellow members of the football team have trouble dealing with that, and he spends a lot of time at the “Celibacy Club” where the kids seem to be more totally focused on sex and use ways to work around their feelings that only seem to heighten the tension. But just when things start to get ridiculous, the producers find a reason to have people sing, and magic happens. This is not a show for everyone. It is a bit weird and the plots are a bit absurd, but it certainly entertains. And these days, that says a lot for a television show. So check it out Wednesday. If it grabs you, you’ll be a fan. If not, there’s probably a cop show on somewhere else.

Finding Ways Of Living In Peace With Suburban Wildlife

A few years ago I wrote a column about a mother duck who decided to be a squatter under my front window. I decided to let her stay. She laid 13 eggs, had 13 baby ducks, but each day after her daily walk, she came back home missing at least one duckling. Finally one day she came back with none of her babies. I told her she was an unfit mother and evicted her from my property.

A couple of weeks ago, I found out another animal had decided to become a squatter on my property. While fooling around with some of the tools in my garage, I noticed a two-foot thing on the floor. At first I thought I dropped a tool. When I went to pick it up, I very quickly discovered it was not a tool. It was a two-foot black racer snake that had decided (all on its own) to call my garage home. Being a city boy, I don’t know too much

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

about snakes. I just know to keep away from them. I assume all snakes to be dangerous, although I have been told many times by many different folks that black racers are not dangerous to humans. Some folks have tried to tell me that black racers are really our friends and are good to have hanging around my yard. I did see a black racer snake about a month ago in my yard. He dug a hole and disappeared

into it. I didn’t think much of this event until my encounter in the garage. I guess living outdoors wasn’t good enough for this snake. Maybe all of the rain had flooded out its little hole in the ground, and it decided to go to higher ground (my garage).

Once I realized the snake was not leaving the garage on its own, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I grabbed a big wrench and started chasing the snake around the garage. I started yelling and screaming at the snake, telling it to get out (as if it could understand me). Of course it didn’t listen to a word I said (sort of like my wife and kids). I was very surprised no one in the neighborhood called the police after hearing all the noise coming out of my garage.

In the last two weeks, I have seen the snake at least four times. I know it has seen me, because each time I appear, it slivers away to

unknown parts of my garage. I think we have come to an understanding. I leave the snake alone, and it leaves me alone (live and let live).

I have noticed the bug population in my garage has vanished. At least the snake, unlike the duck, is paying rent. It is well fed and dry... and I am debugged.

I have not told my wife Sharon about our new houseguest. I know she will freak out if I tell her we have a snake in the garage. My wife is an animal lover, but I don’t think snakes are at the top of her list. Oh, I have to go — I hear screaming. My wife has found the squatter and wants it removed ASAP. I tried to explain to my wife what a good bug-eater the snake is, but she wasn’t listening (as usual) to anything I was saying. My wife’s screams scared the snake out of the garage. So it’s bye-bye Mr. Snake (my wife always gets her way).

Vinceremos Harvest Fest Fundraiser Returns On Oct. 3

The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center will hold its third annual Harvest Fest fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. Admission is free, and a wide variety of contests and events are sure to guarantee a fun time for all.

For horse owners, a ride-a-thon starts at 11:30 a.m. and runs all day. Riders can bring their horses and pledges to help raise money for the center, which provides equine-assisted therapy for children and adults with various conditions. There will also be group trail rides, some for walk-trot riders and one for walk-trot-canter riders.

Non-riding events include trick-or-treat pony rides, a DJ and carnival games, a Breyer model horse decorating contest, a Breyer model horse costume contest, a “horseless” horse show and a raffle drawing. There will be horse demonstrations throughout the day. A barbecue lunch of ribs or chicken will be available.

There will be a trick horse contest, where owners are invited to show off their horse’s special ability: a sort of “My Horse Has Got Talent” contest.

One of the most amusing and entertaining events is the horse and human costume contest, where riders and their mounts are invited to display their cleverness and creativity.

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

This one is as much fun for the observers as it is for the participants.

Vinceremos Executive Director Ruth Menor is very excited about this year’s Harvest Fest.

“This is a great way for the community to learn more about our organization and to see what we’re all about,” Menor said. “Everyone always has a terrific time. Last year we had a real rainy day, and we still had about 150 people come out. This year I’m hoping we will have twice that many. Everyone always has a great time. And maybe someone will find out about our program who could use our help, or decide to volunteer and help us out.”

The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center is located at 7500 Forest Hill Blvd., just east of Wellington. For more information, call Vinceremos at (561) 792-9900 or visit www. vinceremos.com.

AREA VOLUNTEERS TAKE PART IN BEACH CLEANUP IN LAKE WORTH

Palm Beach County Beautiful. For more info., visit www.keeppbcbeautiful.org.

Wellington Council Salutes Priore For Florida League Of Cities Service

By Mark Lioi

Town-Crier Staff Report

The Village of Wellington recognized Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore last week for his year’s service as president of the Florida League of Cities. Priore served as the league’s president from August 2008 to August 2009.

The Florida League of Cities serves as a collective voice for Florida municipalities, seeking to promote local selfgovernment and serve the needs of Florida’s municipal governments.

tion in the political process.

At the Sept. 15 meeting of the Wellington Village Council, Village Manager Paul Schofield read a proclamation honoring Priore for his work as league president, noting that he had initiated a campaign designed to increase knowledge of civics, civility and ethics, while also promoting public participa-

Entrance Dedication

On Oct. 3

continued from page 1 communities situated along Lake Worth Road and other points to the south.

The second entrance has been in use on a trial basis for more than a week, but Boyd noted its permanent opening at Thursday’s meeting of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.

Board Member Anthony Forgione noted that his son plays in the Western Communities Football League, and “boy, what a difference” the new entrance makes.

“Before the new entrance, it was a disaster,” Forgione told the Town-Crier after the meeting. “Especially when the football season started. There’s a point at some time

during the year when the football season is still going on, soccer is beginning, and then in October, basketball rec begins. And that’s not mentioning any travel teams, baseball and so on and so forth.”

Village officials will be on hand for a dedication ceremony for the new park entrance on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 8 a.m.

The public is invited.

During the committee’s meeting, Forgione also made an appeal to keep the gymnasiums in the park open on Fridays if the village converts to a four-day work week.

Pending final approval next week, Wellington is looking to conduct most business during longer days Monday through Thursday as a cost-cutting measure. Office and facility closures on Fridays are so far expected to include recreational facilities

“The goal of Dr. Priore’s statewide campaign was to make civics resources and materials available to teachers, community leaders, civic groups and the public,” Schofield read. “He encouraged cities to work with citizens to promote public engagement and civility, to improve ethics awareness and compliance among local officials, and to develop cityspecific civics materials to share in local communities.”

The proclamation also noted that among his accomplishments as president, Priore had created a civics education resource page on the league’s web site, a compilation of ethics and civility resources for municipal elected officials and staff, and recognition of the league’s edu-

such as the gymnasiums.

Forgione said he hoped the Wellington Village Council would consider keeping a Village Park gym open on Fridays. “I really think that it’s a very, very busy night,” he said. “It keeps our young men and women out of the malls, out of their parents’ hair, working in the gym in a very healthy environment.”

Board Member Jeff Zipp agreed. “If there’s any possibility that Fridays could be open for the kids, I think it’s great,” he said. “I think it affects other programs as well, such as baseball, basketball, football; everybody’s going to be affected, but if we can keep the kids busy, I think it’s a good thing.”

The Wellington Village Council is scheduled to review and decide on the schedule change at its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

cational effort by the governor and cabinet during a Florida City Government Week presentation at the state capitol in Tallahassee.

Offering thanks to his fellow council members and vil-

Signs RPB Zoners

continued from page 2 cates of occupancy but no tenants.

“This is a developer-driven request,” Erwin said, explaining that the new type of sign differs from the existing permitted sign, which is single-faced and 32 square feet.

O’Brien said the new sign would allow better visibility from the road, but Larson said she did not like the size.

“This is a big sign,” Larson said. “Once we have occupancy, can’t we get rid of such a huge sign?”

O’Brien said the request

Flyovers On 2035 Road Plan

continued from page 1 changes, or as we would call them, flyovers.” Lodwick pointed out that the flyovers are indicated even with the inclusion of a westward Roebuck Road extension in the plan.

“What would concern us particularly would be State Road 7 and another at Jog and Okeechobee,” he said. “I certainly think the folks at River Walk would like to know that if Roebuck Road is eliminated, they are guaranteed a flyover. I don’t think that would

lage staff, Priore said the proclamation had come as a surprise as he had overlooked it on the meeting agenda.

“This is as important to me tonight as becoming president was,” he said. “The

originated from a developer who wanted to advertise vacancies. “This all started with, ‘we want a banner on our building, a big banner,’” he said. “This is what we’ve come up with as far as working with the development community to give them what they want but also retain the urban landscape that residents enjoy.”

O’Brien stressed that the signs are temporary.

Urban said he would recommend requiring a percentage of vacancy, such as 60 percent, to allow the temporary sign. Larson said she would prefer a higher percentage, such as 70 percent.

“I would rather see a significant vacancy in your build-

enhance their property values a bit.”

Like Lodwick, Wellington Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore attended the Sept. 17 MPO meeting where the flyovers were discussed. He said he is not terribly concerned.

“We’re talking 25 years from now,” he told the TownCrier. “It’s part of their overall policy.” Priore said the Wellington Village Council is on record against further widening of Forest Hill Blvd., which the 2035 plan forecasts to expand from six to eight lanes between State Road 7 and Wellington Trace. He said he would be more concerned about the impact of an east-

highest honor you can receive is when you receive it from your peers, and the most highest honor is when you receive it from the people that you work with on a day-today basis.”

ing before we do this,” she said. “I’d feel more comfortable if there were three or four than if there were 40 or 50 of them.”

Durr said he was concerned about giving up any of the level of aesthetics that the village has striven for over the years. “These are probably the ugliest signs we have out there,” he said. “We are giving up more aesthetics that we are trying to preserve.”

Commissioner Tinu Peña made a motion to recommend approval of the ordinance with the condition that the applicants have at least 70 percent vacancy. The motion carried 3-1 with Durr opposed.

west flyover than a northsouth flyover at Forest Hill Blvd. and State Road 7. He said an east-west flyover would hurt businesses on the Wellington Regional Medical Center campus and at the Mall at Wellington Green. The MPO is scheduled to consider adoption of the 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan at a public hearing Oct. 15 in the Palm Beach County Commission chambers, on the sixth floor of the governmental center at 301 North Olive Ave. in West Palm Beach. The organization has established a web site at www.palmbeach2035plan.

Riding events, carnival games and special costume shows are all planned for the Vinceremos Harvest Fest set for Oct. 3 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Joyce Brown and Gregory Hubbard.Wellington artist Norm Gitzen.Marsha Christo with some of her artwork.

Krista Ashford and Kaitlyn Collier of Wellington.

Members of the Palm Beach Community College men’s basketball team were on hand to help.

Kiwanis Club members with members of the Lake Worth High School Key Club.

Vice Mayor Carmine Priore, joined by his wife Marie, accepts the proclamation from his fellow council members.