Town-Crier Newspaper September 26, 2008

BROWN PONDERS COUNCIL VACANCY

UNIVERSITY BREAKS GROUND IN RPB

South University and the Rendina Companies hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday for the coming 100,000-square-foot, three-building University Center development at the corner of State Road 7 and Belvedere Road. The university expects to move its operations there in the fourth quarter of next year. Pictured above are Jay Huffman and Adam Young of W.G. Mills, Heather Askew and John Peterson of South University, Peter Reed of the Rendina Companies, Tim Hensey of W.G. Mills and Brian Mock of Rendina Companies. STORY & PHOTOS, PAGE 7

‘Public Art Feature’ Will Grace Key RPB Corner

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

After several postponements, the Royal Palm Beach Village Council last week approved a “public art feature” to beautify the northwest corner of the intersection of Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards. The feature is intended as an entranceway for a new CVS Pharmacy, which will be part of a planned commercial development at that corner. Conceptual drawings provided to the village indicate a design that echoes the elements of the village logo, with a decorative arrangement of red and white brick pavers, a central plaque noting the village’s incorporation in 1959 and one or more metal sculptures of the three family members and palm trees in the logo, along with trellises and landscaping, including trees.

In June, the council previously approved two special exceptions for the CVS application, one to create a planned commercial development combining the one-acre CVS site with the existing 16.5-acre Village Royale Shopping Center in order for CVS to meet parking require-

ments. The other special exception allowed a drive-through at the pharmacy.

The public art item was postponed from the June 19 meeting to allow the applicant to revise its public art proposal and was postponed again at the council’s Aug. 21 meeting.

At the council’s Sept. 18 meeting, Village Manager David Farber explained the reasons for the delays.

“I don’t need to tell the council that the issue of public art is one of those very difficult issues that one struggles with,” he said. “One person sees it as art; another person doesn’t see it. In any case, knowing that the developer had an interest in trying art and we were having difficulty defining it, we met with the representative, and I think we’ve come to a resolution that I hope is in the interest of what the council would like to see.”

CVS will not create the artwork itself, but a provide a “platform” on which the village would display the artwork, Farber said. “They effectively will do the landscaping behind it, the brick pavers, the hardscape, run electricity to the site and provide

a couple of benches,” Farber said. “They will also provide $50,000 for the village to engage an artist to do the sculpture in time for their opening, which will hopefully be late spring of 2009.”

Farber said he and village staff have been in discussions with a sculptor who did work for PGA Commons and other areas in Palm Beach Gardens who might be hired to undertake the artistic efforts.

Mayor David Lodwick apologized to Neal A. Schofel of Architectural Dynamics, who is representing CVS on the project, for the length of time it had taken to get the art element approved.

“We want to move forward as expeditiously as possible and get your project underway and completed,” Lodwick said. “We don’t want to hold you up. At the same time, we want to make a concerted effort to make the center look better. We’re trying to make the project even better. We appreciate your partnership in this. We may seem tough at times, but we do want to get you through the process. We truly

See PUBLIC ART, page 18

‘Town Center’ Wins Council Blessing

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Village Council unanimously approved the start of design work on a “town center” project including a new municipal complex Tuesday, although some council members expressed reservations about public opinion on the project.

The project would be built on the open land along Forest Hill Blvd. in front of the Wellington Community Center, which is currently used for occasional civic events. A draft site plan for the area shows a two-story municipal building on the north end of the site, at the corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Montauk Drive, and an amphitheater and playground on the opposite side at Country Club Drive, which leads to the community center.

The construction of the municipal complex is budgeted at $15 million that would come out of other areas of the village’s budget, and construction of the amphitheater, dependent on a time-sensitive county grant, is slated to begin in December. The project would be the first step in an ambitious redevelopment campaign in Wellington.

Village Manager Paul Schofield told the council that the village would be able to take advantage of the grant to build the amphitheater and a local family would be making a donation toward construction of the playground on the condition that it be accessible to children of all abilities.

“This will be done in three parts,” Schofield said. “The first part would be entering into an interlocal agreement with Palm Beach County for $822,000 in funds for the amphitheater. The second component would be the barrier-free playground for the $250,000, and that would be available from the Williamson family as a donation. The third

component would be the municipal complex.”

Schofield said the project would undergo several more rounds of review and approval. “Each of these has stop points built into it,” he said. “We are not asking for approval for the village complex, but the architectural renderings. We would come back to you with a plan to move forward the design. You have review points for all of these items in the future.”

Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto asked Schofield to clarify some details of the project so residents would not worry that the village is planning on building a village hall during a time of economic uncertainty, and that they would be responsible for paying for it.

Schofield said the village hall would be constructed without additional taxpayer money by restructuring some of the village’s expenditures such as Building Department operations and Parks & Recreation Department planning. “We do not believe we are raising taxes,” Schofield said. “If we did, we would not make this presentation to you at all.”

Schofield also noted that the village is taking advantage of a grant originally extended to the Cultural Trust of the Palm Beaches for the amphitheater. “There was a million-dollar grant available with the Cultural Trust,” he said. “The Cultural Trust no longer exists. There is a grant from Palm Beach County that covers the design, construction and supervision, but it does not cover annual operating expenses. Annual operating expenses would be about ten percent of the construction costs, which would equate to about $80,000 a year.”

Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore said a village complex in

See COUNCIL, page 18

Two Seeking County’s Top Prosecutor Post

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Attorney Michael McAuliffe is facing Republican Assistant Attorney General Joseph Tringali in the race to be the next State Attorney of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County.

McAuliffe, who easily defeated Assistant State Attorney Paula Russell in the August Democratic primary, has been endorsed by incumbent State Attorney Barry Krischer, who is retiring, while Tringali has been endorsed by former state attorney David Bludworth. The two will face off on the Nov. 4 general election ballot.

Both say they are working hard to become the county’s top prosecutor.

“I’m working hard to get the job,” McAuliffe told the TownCrier Thursday. “I’m a full-time candidate, and I’m trying to earn the position as the county’s next state attorney. The formal feedback I get, first in the primary garnering almost 70 percent of

the vote, would provide a good comment on how we’re campaigning and what our message is.”

Tringali, a former assistant state attorney and published author, said he is pleased with the progress of his campaign, considering he does not have nearly as much money as McAuliffe.

“I think the campaign is going well, considering the fact that I have not raised anywhere near enough money, anywhere nearly as much as our competitor, but I certainly have been well received wherever I’ve spoken, and I think it’s going well,” he said. “I think that people have been very receptive to the message, and the message is that I have far and away more experience than anyone else for the position. I’ve been a lawyer for 38 years now, and 21 of those have been as a prosecuting attorney in state courts of Florida, either at the trial level or at the appellate level.” McAuliffe, a former federal

See ATTORNEY, page 12

County Agrees To Stay The Course On Roebuck Road

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Palm Beach County Commission voted Tuesday to keep extension work for Roebuck Road on the county’s five-

residents of

developments and environmental groups. An extended Roebuck Road would stretch from Jog Road west to the under-construction northward extension of State Road 7, and would skirt the northern border of three communities along Okeechobee Blvd. — Baywinds, Andros Isle and Riverwalk. It is intended to provide another east-west thoroughfare for the mid-county area, and especially to take some pressure off the overloaded Okeechobee Blvd. Before the commission’s vote

to approve a mid-year report on the county road plan, Cynthia Plockelman of the Audubon Society of the Everglades told commissioners her organization opposes the Roebuck Road extension because it would cross a large portion of the West Palm Beach Water Catchment Area.

“I don’t care what you say, it’s going to affect the water catchment area and the water supply to the City of West Palm Beach one way or the other, and I do not think it should be there,” she said.

But Royal Palm Beach Mayor David Lodwick reminded commissioners that the Roebuck Road project was guaranteed as part of permission for construction of the Andros Isle, Baywinds and Riverwalk developments. “It was a condition of that

approval, in fact it was the settlement from a lawsuit that Royal Palm Beach brought to make sure the residents of the western communities got the roadway that was needed,” Lodwick said. “The alignment was approved by the City of West Palm Beach in collaboration with your county staff. The time to build it isn’t now, it was at least ten years ago.”

Royal Palm Beach Engineer Ray Liggins told commissioners that environmental objections are hypocritical. “The opposition to the Roebuck Road plan is not an environmental issue. It’s a not-in-my-back-yard issue,” he said. “If it was an environmental issue, there wouldn’t be 11,000 acres of urban development contiguous to 14 miles around the preservation area.”

Liggins noted that construction of the three developments created about $2.5 billion in market value, generating more than $10 million in annual tax revenue to West Palm Beach to finance redevelopment of its coastal areas.

“That has been done. The tax base is there. The money has been used and the coastal cities and West Palm Beach have been redeveloped, and they’ve done a good job,” Liggins said. “But today it’s time to build the infrastructure to support that development.”

Baywinds resident David Kaiser said residents of his community and Andros and Riverwalk as well were not here when the Roebuck Road agreement was struck.

“We all know that things can change and there are reasons to change agreements,” Kaiser said. “If you build Roebuck Road, for more people than not it will be a road to nowhere. The east end would end at Jog Road. The people would still have to make left or right turns to go somewhere. If you go north you’re going to pass two school zones, so they’re going to slow down. If you go right, south, you’re going to go back to the intersection of Jog and Okeechobee.” Kaiser said the rocky economy, declining county population and rising gas prices will cause a decrease in traffic. “You’re expanding Okeechobee Blvd. as we speak,” he said. “Let’s wait and see what happens when Okeechobee is complete. I’m not saying kill the whole thing. Let’s not spend our taxpayer See ROEBUCK, page 18

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

An artist’s rendering of the “public art feature” planned for the northwest corner of Okeechobee Blvd. and Royal Palm Beach Blvd. in front of the new CVS Pharmacy.

By Don Brown Town-Crier Staff Report

Leaders of Palm Beach County’s 38 municipalities gathered in Royal Palm Beach Wednesday to urge passage of a county charter amendment designed to allow communities to trump county charter amendments that limit home rule among cities, villages and towns.

The Palm Beach County League of Cities, which hosted the event at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center, urged each of the communities to encourage their residents to approve the issue on the Nov. 4 general election ballot.

Under pressure from the league, the Palm Beach County Commission agreed to place the amendment on the ballot. If passed, the amendment will essentially allow municipalities to opt out of a county charter amendment that affects their community if a majority of residents in that municipality vote against it. The measure does not affect unincorporated areas of the county such as The Acreage. Ironically, the tipping point for the issue has its roots in a charter amendment passed several years ago aimed directly at Wellington. The village was considering the annexation of Palm Beach Aggregates, which was planning to develop its property north of Southern Blvd. just west of Wellington. If the annexation had been successful, Wellington would have been positioned to annex territory further west to sugar land owned by Florida Crystals at 20Mile Bend.

affect local municipalities that have their own plans.”

The league was already well on its way to collecting the 60,000 signatures needed to force the charter amendment on the ballot before a reluctant county commission agreed to the vote. Titcomb said there are several issues that don’t fit every municipality in the county. He cited traffic performance standards, well field protection, impact fees and annexation as examples that affect municipalities in different ways. “We probably won’t be able to go back,” he said about previously passed charter issues such as the annexation amendment.

Saying home rule is dear to his heart, Royal Palm Beach Mayor David Lodwick supports the charter amendment and said he will urge his residents to vote in favor of the measure. “I think it’s in the residents’ best interest to vote on matters that affect their lives,” he said. “That’s just common sense.”

Wellington Mayor Darrell Bowen agreed. “Sometimes I think the county oversteps its bounds,” he said. “I think [the amendment] is a good thing for our residents, and I hope they support it.” Bowen admitted that he is not usually “a referendum type of guy,” but added that “in this case I think it’s a good thing to make sure the county doesn’t shove something down our throat we don’t want in Wellington.”

Beth Rawlins, the league’s consultant for the Let Us Vote PAC, said she is optimistic that the amendment will pass. “I can’t imagine voters rejecting it,” she said.

Former county commissioner Tony Masilotti stepped in and stopped the Wellington annexation by convincing Aggregates to withdraw its annexation petition with the village. He pushed the county commission to quickly approve its development as a county project. In retaliation against Wellington, Masilotti then pushed through a charter amendment prohibiting municipalities from annexing property without a vote of bordering property owners and with approval by a supermajority vote of the county commission.

According to a brochure produced in support of the current referendum by a League of Cities political action committee called Let Us Vote, “Voters countywide would no longer be able to change city rules without the approval of that city’s voters. Local communities would have greater say in their local decision-making. This amendment protects residents against changes to their city services or regulatory authority against their wishes.”

The amendment question affects only charter changes that alter municipal power. It does not involve additional local elections. If all county voters approve the charter amendment, a second count would be made in each of the municipalities. If local voters oppose the amendment, the decision will not affect those communities. When the annexation amendment passed, Wellington residents opposed it, but the village was powerless to fight it despite of an unsuccessful lawsuit against the county.

“History has shown that the Wellington annexation issue was retaliatory and some county commissioners had a secret agenda,” League of Cities Executive Director James Titcomb said. “There is fear that a small number of county commissioners with their own agendas can

The group is gearing up to do extensive advertising in support of the measure via radio, television, direct mail and door-todoor canvassing. Thousands of brochures have been printed and distributed to the county’s municipalities and voters. The brochure includes the preamble of the Palm Beach County question that would “require both county and municipal approval of charter amendments affecting municipal power or function.” The question reads, “Shall the Palm Beach County charter be amended to have charter amendments that are approved by a majority of Palm Beach County voters take effect in a municipality only if the amendment is also approved by a majority of voters in that municipality, when the proposed amendment transfers or limits a municipal service, function, power or authority?”

When the county pushed the annexation amendment several years ago, it spent an estimated $300,000 in a hard sell to voters, roughly the same amount of money it takes to get a county commissioner elected. Titcomb said the county is spending little or no money on the proposed amendment beyond sending out a county lawyer to provide an overview of the pros and cons. “They are not overtly working on this issue,” he said. Rawlins said her committee is still raising money “beyond the $50,000 to $70,000 already spent just to get the county to put it on the ballot.” She said the amendment would be limited in the scope of its effect.

“The only time it would kick in is with a charter amendment that would change municipal powers,” Rawlins said. “Municipal voters ought to have a say in it.”

SEPT. 24 — Deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responded Wednesday afternoon to the area of State Road 7 and Pierson Road in Wellington regarding a shooting. According to a PBSO report, when the deputies arrived at 1:50 p.m., they discovered a white Mercury Grand Marquis on the eastern swale of SR 7. The driver and the passenger told deputies they had been shot at by someone driving an older model dark colored Jeep Grand Cherokee, which fled northbound on SR 7. The victim’s vehicle had two bullet holes on the front passenger side, though neither passenger had been shot.

The driver did suffer a laceration after crashing on the swale. The Jeep was later discovered near Rue Road and Albert Road in Greenacres. Its driver, 32year-old Wilfred Sanchez of Greenacres, and passenger, 25year-old Shoshanna

Redevelopment Center Stage At Wellington Chamber Lunch

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington’s redevelopment and economic revitalization strategy took center stage at Wednesday’s Wellington Chamber of Commerce luncheon, as village officials presented details of their plans.

Wellington’s Director of Administrative & Financial Services Francine Ramaglia told chamber members that the plans — which include redevelopment of some of Wellington’s older areas, making changes in policy and capitalizing on existing village assets — have been in the works for quite some time.

“We didn’t just start this summer,” Ramaglia said. “In 2004, we started identifying some transitional neighborhoods, and in 2006, we actually commissioned a study to be done that identified a number of areas in our community that would need to be focused on. This summer, we put together a team that would take it to the next step, and we identified eight concepts for the future.”

Part of the plan is the construction of a new municipal complex, a move the Wellington Village Council approved the previous night (see related story, page 1). “Last night, at the council meeting, we took a huge step forward,” Ramaglia said. “The council gave us the direction to go ahead with the design on our town center, with which

we hope to anchor what we are doing.”

Wellington’s Deputy Director of Operations Jim Barnes said the underlying basis of the plan is sustainability, from an environmental, social and economic standpoint. Concepts in the plans include creation of a medical arts district at State Road 7, flexible zoning districts, mixeduse “center” projects, augmenting the village’s equestrian industry, replacing older housing, and incorporating sustainable development principles in the village’s comprehensive plan.

“We need to try to address the coming needs economically and diversify the uses there so we can survive and sustain,” Barnes said.

Wellington needs to create its own municipal identity, Barnes said, as well as find its geographical center, as it has long existed as a cluster of residential developments. The village’s original developers included residential and commercial components, he said, but they assumed residents would travel east to work. “By design, Wellington provided the community to go east to the jobs,” he said.

Barnes said promoting the equestrian industry and catering to the equestrian community in Wellington is a vital to the plan.

“It is a big part of the community,” he said. “One of the important aspects of this plan is to try to integrate the entire industry

for the upcoming season.

into the Village of Wellington, and also to try to position the village to address the needs of that industry in our village.”

Barnes said that likewise, creation of a medical arts district would capitalize on the existing medical presence in the village.

“We need to try to build around it and improve on it,” he said.

“We have another outlet to try to bring family-sustaining jobs to the village, and create a greater and complete community.”

Ramaglia said village staff

members have examined other municipalities in Palm Beach County to learn what they could from the experiences of other communities. “We went to Boca, Palm Beach Gardens and other communities,” she said.

“We looked all over the county. There were a lot of good models to choose from. We looked at what could be done and see what has been done, and see how that works.”

During a question-and-answer period that followed the

presentation, Ramaglia and Barnes asked Mayor Darell Bowen to speak further on the town center approved by the council the previous evening. Bowen said that the council’s goal is to have a village hall by 2010, which would save taxpayers money and time by bringing all village services together in one place.

“You all can see what the economic impact will be over the years,” Bowen said. “It will be a tremendous impact to the community, and a positive impact for

us. This will generate some real tax dollars. This won’t require more services coming in. It’s a positive for the village.”

Wednesday’s luncheon, which took place at the Binks Forest Golf &

was sponsored by Equestrian Sport Productions. Company representatives Elizabeth Hedley and Michael Stone told chamber members that the horse show promoter is looking forward to its first event

See CHAMBER, page 18

Chamber Luncheon — (Left) Wellington’s Deputy Director of Operations Jim Barnes explains the village’s planned redevelopment efforts. (Right) Michael Stone and Elizabeth Hedley of Equestrian Sport Productions explain the company’s big plans

PHOTOS BY CAROL

Country Club,

OUR OPINION

The Time Is Now To Get Moving On The Roebuck Road Extension

Road rage doesn’t always take place out on the open highway. It can also happen indoors — for instance, in the Palm Beach County Commission chambers. “Road rage” is certainly one way to describe the heated debate over the county’s decision this week to move forward with the extension of Roebuck Road. If built, the extension would take Roebuck all the way west to the State Road 7 extension, connecting north of Okeechobee Blvd. For years, the Roebuck Road extension has been promised to residents of Royal Palm Beach and The Acreage as a way to relieve the overburdened Okeechobee Blvd., the primary east-west thoroughfare for Royal Palm Beach. Still, West Palm Beach city officials, along with several communities and a cadre of environmental activists, insist it would have a negative impact on nearby wetlands. West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel has been fighting tooth-and-nail to stop the plans from moving forward. Fortunately, the county commissioners — bolstered by County Engineer George Webb — voted overwhelmingly in favor of the extension road. Opponents of the extension must accept the fact that the jury is in, and the road will be built. Despite protests by West Palm Beach and the communities of Baywinds, Andros Isle and Riverwalk, they really aren’t in the position to set the terms. The only reason those

Close Schools On Election Day

As a concerned parent of children who attend Palm Beach County schools, I was wondering why, once again, schools in Palm Beach County are open on election day. It is my understanding that the Miami-Dade and Broward school districts are closed on election day. I congratulate them on their foresight to close their schools on what will be a very busy day at public schools used as voting precincts.

I remember hearing some time ago that the school district was considering building in a school holiday for election day. What happened? At my son’s school, I am not allowed to park in the school parking lot during morning drop-off or afternoon pickup. I cannot walk my child to class nor have lunch. If I do wish to park nearby and walk up to get my child, I am not allowed further than the bike rack. I accept these rules and understand that this is for the safety of the children. Yet on election day, the voting public is allowed to park in the school lot and walk into the school unattended from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In August, during the primary, I went to volunteer at my son’s school. A poll worker was placed outside the front door to welcome voters, who were then to proceed to the media center following a line of orange cones. Even though the school was under lockdown, if the office staff was busy and not able to

watch who came in the door, people could stray from the orange path and get down a hallway. I know the teachers and administration have better and more important things to do. They certainly do not need to worry about strangers wandering about the school. In a perfect world, people would come in, vote and leave. Unfortunately, in our society, it’s not that simple. The administrators of schools are accountable for the safety of our children. Our school implemented certain safety measures to protect our children. They did this due to violent incidents in other schools around the country. On election day, the staff has to worry and be extra diligent to make sure that the voting public does not wander aimlessly through our schools. I understand that some communities are limited when it comes to public places to use as precincts, so therefore they use schools. The least the district could do is close the schools for everyone or make it a teacher’s work day. I am seriously thinking twice about sending my children to school on election day. I know the administration will do everything in their power to protect my children, but will it be enough? This is a presidential election; there will be a high voter turnout. Will there be enough supervision to separate the students and the public? I certainly hope so, for the kids’ sake.

Debbie Zimmerman The Acreage

three communities exist is because West Palm Beach agreed to the extension in 1994, which won the city development approval. And now, with the county’s latest vote, opponents of the Roebuck plan have even less ammo. Those residents can play the environmental card all they want; they certainly weren’t waving the green flag when their communities were being developed. Any traffic problems they fear from the extension road would be a vast improvement over what residents of the western communities have dealt with for years. We live in the third most populous county in the state. Development is a fact of life. If we’re worried about the cost — and it will be expensive to build the road while also protecting the sensitive wetlands — now is the best time to move forward. Because of difficulties in the private construction sector, current road construction projects are bidding out at up to 25 percent less than just a year ago.

Road rage often occurs when two drivers are eyeing the same lane. A solution won’t come about until one of them acknowledges the other’s right of way. In this case, the western communities have patiently waited for relief from the congested Okeechobee Blvd. Many residents have lived in the area for decades, far longer than their neighbors to the east. It’s time for West Palm Beach to step back and share the road.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Speed Humps Not Needed In Lox Groves

If the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District gets its way, we’ll be the only town in the USA with almost every major road speed-humped. With no community education concerning the myriad health, safety, welfare, environmental and liability concerns that go hand in hand with speed humps, their campaign of misinformation and “good ol’ boy” politics continues.

It must be noted that in almost all instances of speed hump construction throughout the U.S., the rationalization used to ignore negative impacts has been the hope of saving the lives of children playing and pedestrians crossing from speeding vehicles. Our community cannot claim such noble intent. We don’t have children playing ball or jumping rope on our main lettered roads. Almost all the complaints I’ve heard concerning speeding on district lettered roads are tied to the dust created. It’s clear that the district’s primary motive is to try and escape the need for guardrails and chase away non-resident or commercial cut-through traffic when our roads are paved to eliminate the dust. With less traffic there’s also the chance that the sub-par OGEM roads might last as long as promised before they unravel.

Consider that according to a 2003 study, speed humps cause

atmospheric pollution from the speeding up and slowing down of traffic between the humps. Now consider all those diesel trucks that will continue to traverse the Groves to avoid Royal Palm Beach traffic or the Department of Transportation, even after all the roads are humped. The American Lung Association notes that for the same load and engine conditions, diesel engines spew out 100 times more sooty particles than gasoline engines. New research shows that even shortterm exposure to particulate matter in diesel truck exhaust elevates your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Add the above to a study out of the University of Melbourne that shows that diesel pollutants bind with grass pollen and remain as breathable airborne contaminants for a much longer time than previously suspected — and thank God we don’t have any grass pollen in Loxahatchee! Now if you do have a heart attack or stroke for whatever reason, how will emergency responders get to you and transport you in a timely fashion?

A formula developed by Boulder, Co. scientist Ray Bowman determined that at least 37 people would die because of slower emergency-response time for every one life saved by slower traffic in Austin, Texas. Yet these calculations didn’t consider that emergency vehicles never reach peak speed between humps. On our wellmaintained dirt roads, they of-

OPINION

ten race by at 45 mph in order to save lives. To get a real idea of actual delayed response or transit to the hospital, you must also factor in that they never get the chance to accelerate past 30 mph on a speed-humped road.

Sudden cardiac arrest is the most common critical emergency needing prompt intervention. About 90 percent of those treated within two minutes survive. The LGWCD’s speed humping would place many residents far outside the two-minute lifesaving window. The most interesting thing is that this is being pushed by some retired firefighters whose motto was that we should count on them “when seconds count!”

Of course, here in the Groves, with our lack of population density, only an inconsequential few would die. Who cares about this collateral damage? The majority of our town council does! They care about all the problems that speed humps create. They want to intelligently look into and consider alternative road designs with fewer liabilities. They think it’s important for taxpayers to consider that as a mu-

nicipality we can get all the roads paved through funding options that are unavailable to the district and would create less of a financial burden for landowners. They also realize that for the benefit of the residents, the LGWCD’s 80-year cowboy decision-making history of “get ’er done” and worry about the consequences later, needs to end.

Howard Voren Loxahatchee Groves

Unger Ignores The Facts

About Palin

Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to the letter “Palin Not What She Says” by George Unger published last week.

Mr. George Unger, let’s get the facts correct about Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, shall we? She never said she “sold” the governor’s jet on eBay; she said she put it up for sale on eBay, which she did. Obviously, the record stands that it was sold through a See LETTERS, page 18

SEND IN YOUR LETTERS

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Charlie Lynn Among My Suggestions For The Wellington Council

While most of us are focused on national, state and county political campaigns, let’s have a little distracting fun on a municipal “election” of sorts coming up as 2009 dawns in Wellington.

I’m talking about the “election” of a council member to fill the unexpired term of Councilman Bob Margolis, who is currently running for Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections. Before filing for the office, state law required Mr. Margolis to write an irrevocable letter of resignation from his council seat to the Florida Secretary of State effective Jan. 5, 2009, the day a new election czar is due to be sworn in. That creates a vacancy on the Wellington council that must be decided by the remaining four council members. The candidate must receive three of the four council votes to land the appointment, which will be for the remaining year of Mr. Margolis’ term, due to expire in March 2010.

While the council could choose to re-appoint Mr. Margolis to his own seat, my village hall contacts suggest there does not appear to be the votes for that — nor has Mr. Margolis said he wants the job back. However, my sources tell me council members don’t want a repeat of the fiasco in 2003, when applications were requested to fill the unexpired terms of council members Tom Wenham and Linda Bolton, who both ran for mayor after voters approved a charter amendment to allow for the popular election of a mayor. Mr. Wenham won the office and Ms. Bolton blew town shortly afterward. That election opened up what could best be described as a cattle call. So many applicants showed up that most people didn’t even know many of them.

So who will join council members Dr. Carmine Priore, Lizbeth Benacquisto and Matt Willhite and Mayor Darell Bowen on the village dais?

Here’s a name that will likely surprise everyone. Does the name Charlie Lynn ring a bell? Yes, the former village manager is back in town (he never actually moved) after abandoning Leisureville (The Villages). It just wasn’t his cup of tea. Plus, he missed us. I had lunch with him a few weeks ago and posed the question about whether he might be interested in a council appointment. I took his subsequent laughter as a definite maybe. While considering him, here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself:

• After more than a decade as Wellington’s village manager, who is better qualified to serve on the council?

Point of View...

By Don Brown

• Who knows more about where Wellington’s problems lie and how to fix them?

• Who is better known as the face of Wellington?

• Wouldn’t his insight and knowledge be helpful to the village?

• If he truly is interested in the position, wouldn’t it be a disservice not to call him?

Here are a few more names for you to mull over while having cocktails with your friends. You might think about pouring doubles.

• Tim Shields came in third in the four-way race for the council seat eventually won by Mr. Willhite in a runoff against Howard Coates. While he didn’t make the cut then, he won a lot of friends along the way, including at least a couple on the council. The young father and college professor did win himself a seat on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.

• Mr. Coates, meanwhile, is busy at the moment running against Joe Abruzzo in the State House District 85 election. Conventional wisdom suggests Mr. Coates will likely be available for an appointment come January. While he did lose out to Mr. Willhite in the general election, he was the top vote-getter in the first round of balloting.

• Liz Stockton, a longtime leader of organized Wellington youth baseball, is also a member of the parks and rec board. Ms. Stockton might be considered a logical replacement for Mr. Margolis, also a spokesman for parks and recreation. She also has a good grasp of council decisions and understands the political landscape.

• Alan Johnson, a longtime member of the Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board, has been a reasoned proponent of the protection of Wellington’s neighborhoods. Nearly a decade ago, he was the chief foe of an allegedly secretive council approval of the cell tower located in his neighborhood near the municipal complex. The tower came down.

• Steve Delai, also a member of the PZA Board,

TOWN-CRIER

has been a community activist for years. Some insiders thought he might run in the council election earlier this year. He is a firefighter and some wonder whether he should join fellow firefighter Mr. Willhite on the council at a time some council members are questioning whether the taxes the village pays for fire-rescue services might exceed the services rendered. Mr. Delai is also a strong ally of former mayor Tom Wenham, which could make his appointment politically dead on arrival with some current council members.

• Bobby Ewing, a longtime community leader and businessman, was mentioned three years ago as a possible Palm Beach County Commission candidate. He is a popular community activist, owns an optical business in Royal Palm Beach and has a good reputation throughout the business community.

• Mike Nelson, president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, has long been a Wellington powerbroker. He is the right-hand man of Palm Beach Polo’s Glenn Straub and the husband of former mayor and council member Kathy Foster.

• How about Carmine Priore III? Why not a

I fully understand that our nation is sinking economically in a morass of corporate mismanagement and greed. Certainly near or at the top of the ugly list of fumbling, grasping, brain-locked executives whose decisions are directly involved in the crumbling mortgage-finance market are Richard Syron and Daniel Mudd. Syron, the head of Freddie Mac since 2003, brought home some $17.1 million since taking the reins. Mudd, the top boss at Fannie Mae since 2004, was paid some $12.4 million for his “expert” guidance of the firm. And when the government bailed out these giant companies a short time back, the first thing it did was fire both of them. Good riddance, you say? Not

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

father-son combo on the council? Mr. Priore, an executive with Florida Power & Light, serves on the PZA Board and has extensive knowledge of the ins and outs of Wellington. He had a good teacher with his father, who has served on the council longer than anyone. Of course, the smart money suggests Mr. Priore will wait for his father to retire before seeking a council seat.

• As long as we’re having fun, I’d love to see Ernie Zimmerman, the best code enforcement officer who ever lived, on the council. He knows Wellington well and is a straight shooter as well as a former New York City cop who writes the second-best column in the Town-Crier newspaper.

• There’s always “your pal” Al Paglia. He lost a council seat many years ago to Ms. Benacquisto in a runoff by oh-so-few votes. He has remained a community activist and still covets a seat on the council.

These are just a few of the possible candidates that came to my mind. I’m sure you have many more. Share them with me, and I’ll mention them and say a few words about their qualifications in a future column.

quite. It seems each chief honcho is in line for an exit package — $14.1 million for Syron and up to $9.3 million for Mudd. How about that as a reward for incompetence?

Time was when people were paid for doing a good job — a reward for positive results. Corporate America today expects big bucks for their leaders — good, bad, indifferent or in this case, tragic. What logic tells us that these two failed risk-takers, whose hopes that near-term

profits would never end, should ride off into the sunset with their saddlebags chock full of “free” money?

Let’s face it, the fiasco with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could lead to the biggest government bailout in United States history. It’s bad enough you and I will have to pay for that. Paying to reward bald-faced incompetence is totally inexcusable. At press time, the Federal Housing Finance Agency has blocked the payment of the “golden parachutes” to Syron and Mudd. It agreed with U.S. senators Charles Schumer (New York), Jack Reed (R.I.) and Richard Durbin (Ill.), along many millions of Americans, all citing “failed leadership.”

Joanna Cunningham: Attending Convention An Incredible Experience

By Joanna Cunningham Special To The Town-Crier

As a guest of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, Minn., held Sept. 1-4, I was honored to have been allowed to participate in the nomination process of the Republican candidate for president. The convention began with a scaled-down agenda as hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike were all looming around Florida and the Gulf states.

Each day began with a briefing by RPOF officials at the Airport Marriott Hotel, where party unity was evident and the Florida Women for McCain were out in force. Delegates gathered to hear from Florida Cabinet members Attorney General Bill McCollum and Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson, as well as former presidential candidates (Mike Huckabee) and party leaders (RPOF Chairman Jim Greer).

On Thursday morning, the final day of the convention, the audience was still pumped with enthusiasm from vice presidential candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s speech the night before. She really energized the crowd and brought her own per-

Fall Festival Returns To Wellington

Join the Village of Wellington and the Palms West Chamber of Commerce as Royal Palm Toyota presents the Wellington Fall Festival on Friday, Oct. 31 from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Village Park gymnasium (11700 Pierson Road). All activities require the purchase of coupon booklets or the purchase of an all-access bracelet for $20. Advance bracelets are on sale now for only $15 and are available for purchase at Village Park or the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

The fun begins at 5 p.m. with the Old Gym Haunted Hallways. You’ll scream through 3,000 square feet and 15 minutes of twisting and frightful hallways. The evening continues with a costume contest. Cos-

sonality to the forefront. Later that morning, I attended the tribute to Cindy McCain as part of the Florida Women for McCain group. It is important to note that it is estimated that 54 percent of the voting public are women and may very well decide the election in 2008. This luncheon was hosted by Elisabeth Hasselbeck from The View, and star-studded guests were Jon Voight, Ron Gotti, country singer Clay Walker, Olympians and, for the first time speaking in public, Todd Palin.

Cindy’s tribute highlighted her years of working for impoverished children, those with cleft palates and other disabilities, and often without fanfare or others knowing that she is working behind the scenes for these and numerous other causes. When Cindy spoke, she vowed that if her husband is elected president, to hold her position with grace and honor, and be the very best first lady, and to not disappoint the American people. She also said she would continue with her humanitarian work. I was very impressed with her and admired her for being an advocate for children’s healthcare needs. The Florida women wore red brace-

tumes will be judged on originality, scariest and best look-alike character. Festivities will continue throughout the evening with face painting, hayrides, haymaze, door-to-door trick-ortreat, inflatable rides and more. The Village of Wellington is currently accepting volunteer applications for those who want to frighten event-goers in the best haunted event this side of the western communities. Volunteer service hours will be awarded. Sponsorship opportunities for this event are available. Call Catherine at the Palms West Chamber of Commerce at (561) 790-6200 for details, or visit www.palmswest. com.

The Wellington Fall Festival is a way to spend Halloween with friends and family of all ages. For more information, call (561) 791-4005. Sponsors include Royal Palm Toyota, the Sun-Sentinel, Sister’s Towing, County Line Feed & Supply and Waste Management.

lets that read “Florida Women for McCain” and took up several tables at the event. The evening ended with the acceptance speech by John McCain at the Excel Center. After numerous speakers, Sen. McCain really highlighted the night. Appearing in a sole spotlight onto the stage, he spoke of his experience as a POW, and how his love of country is what helped him to endure his pain and imprisonment. I believe, coming from a military family of my father and two brothers, that military service makes you stronger, more disciplined, as well as honorable and courageous.

McCain stated that his captivity made him appreciative of what you have, and that his love of country saved him. He outlined his plan for the economy, energy and the environment, as well as tax cuts for working families. “Country first,” before party, was an evident theme, and as he promised to walk across the aisle to reform America. The crowd erupted into such a thunderous roar near the end of the speech, that you could not even hear him! Here were his last few sentences of the speech:

“I’m going to fight for my

cause every day as your president. I’m going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank Him: that I’m an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on earth, and with hard work, strong faith and a little courage, great things are always within our reach. Fight with me. Fight with me. Fight for what’s right for our country. Fight for the ideals and character of a free people. Fight for our children’s future. Fight for justice and opportunity for all. Stand up to defend our country from its enemies. Stand up for each other;

NEWS BRIEFS

Mutual Help Grief Group At St. Peter’s

A mutual-help grief group will hold its first meeting on Monday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington.

The intention of the group is to make a difference in the lives of participants. The target audience is those in the church’s congregation and community who are grappling with the realities and complexities of grief. The Grief Care Guide by Dr. Harold Ivan Smith is the resource for the group. Session titles are: “Getting Acquainted,” “Making Special,” “Finding Permission to Grieve,” “Making Room for Stillness,” “Recognizing Choices” and “Expressing Gratitudes.” St. Peter’s United Methodist Church is located at 12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd. If you would

like to participate in this free sixweek program, call Heidi Cote at (561) 383-7992 or Rachel Lever at (561) 793-5712, ext. 21.

Wellington Garden Club To Meet Oct. 3

The Wellington Garden Club will hold its next meeting on Friday, Oct. 3 at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a light buffet lunch provided by the members. The business meeting will start at 12:15 p.m., followed by the speaker at 1 p.m.

This month’s speaker is Boots Bush, a flower designer and master flower show judge. She has been a member of the West Palm Beach Garden Club since 1968 and is past president of the club, as well as past

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America. Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We’re Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.”

The balloon finale was unlike anything I had ever witnessed, and it seemed endless!

Over 200,000 balloons fell along with McCain confetti that I saved as a memento.

As the Palin and McCain families appeared on the stage, the future seems very bright. I am now convinced more than ever that I will certainly return to another convention

president of Azalea Circle. Boots has been a judge for 28 years and is a wonderful design teacher. Guests are welcome; there is no admission fee. For more information, or to RSVP, call Mary Anne at (561) 968-1062.

Wellington Art Society Readies For Fall Fling

The Wellington Art Society recently announced a call to artists for its Fourth Annual Fall Fling, a fine art and fine craft outdoor festival to be held Nov. 22-23 in Wellington. The 2008 Fall Fling will be held at the east field of the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Artists from around the area interested in showcasing their paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, jewelry or other fine crafts are encouraged to

Editor’s note:

al

lier this month. Cunningham was appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist in March 2007 to serve on the Legislative Committee for Intergovernmental Relations. She is a former member of the Wellington Education Committee and is active with the Palms West Republican Club, St. Rita Catholic Church and other area organizations.

apply. The deadline for applications is Friday, Oct. 3. For more information on the event, or to receive an application, contact Event Chair Susan Rose at (561) 795-1691 or sar512@bellsouth. net, or WAS President Adrianne Hetherington at (561) 784-7561 or tilemaker@aol.com.

Founded in 1981, the Wellington Art Society is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, providing both local and regional artists the platform to share their work, learn more about their craft and serve the community through their art.

A non-profit charitable organization, the society’s mission is to educate and encourage originality and productivity among its members and area youth through programs designed to further the advancement of cultural endeavors in the western communities. For more information, visit www.wellington artsociety.org. It’s

in the future.

This article was written by Wellington resident Joanna Cunningham, who attended the Republican Nation-

Convention in Minnesota ear-

Joanna Cunningham Members of Florida Women for McCain at the convention.

Attempted Kidnapping At RPB 7-Eleven

By Jason Budjinski Town-Crier Staff Report

SEPT. 17 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach responded last Wednesday night to the 7-Eleven store on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. regarding an attempted kidnapping. According to a PBSO report, the victim arrived at the store at approximately 9:50 p.m., parking in front of the building. After returning from the store, the victim noticed a van had pulled into the space next to the driver’s side of her vehicle. According to the report, as the victim unlocked her car door, an unknown black male emerged from the side doors of the van and placed his left arm around her, attempting to pull her into the van. The victim said she believed a customer exiting the store startled the suspect, causing him to let go of her. She then entered her vehicle and locked the door. The victim described the suspect as approximately 5’8” and weighing between 180 and 200 lbs. with thick dreadlocks past his shoulders. The deputy took a DNA swab from the victim’s arm and from a large smudge found on her vehicle window. There were no witnesses or video surveillance. No further suspect information is available.

SEPT. 18 — A Royal Palm Beach man was arrested last Thursday for shoplifting at the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road. According to a PBSO report, 26-year-old Maria Fernanda was arrested for stealing miscellaneous cosmetics valued at a total of $61.34. She was apprehended without incident, and the merchandise was recovered. Fernanda was transported to the Palm Beach County Jail.

26-year-old Javier Gallardo of Wellington select two PlayStation video games and conceal them in the back of his shorts. Gallardo then exited the store without paying for the merchandise. He was apprehended and taken to the county jail. The total value of the stolen merchandise was $119.98.

SEPT. 20 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched last Saturday to the parking lot of the Mall at Wellington Green regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 3:45 and 4:35 p.m. someone smashed the front driverside window and stole a Talbots bag containing two blouses valued at approximately $100 each. Four latent prints were recovered from the scene. There were no witnesses.

SEPT. 20 — An employee of the JCPenney store in the Mall at Wellington Green was arrested last Saturday for shoplifting. According to a PBSO report, 18year-old Donald Doon of Royal Palm Beach was caught stealing a stuffed Winnie the Pooh doll in cooperation with a juvenile. Doon was arrested and charged with petit theft.

SEPT. 20 — A Tequesta woman was arrested last Saturday and charged with retail theft after being caught shoplifting at the Hollister Co. store in the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, 19year-old Ashley Young selected eight pieces of clothing valued at $224 and concealed them in her purse while inside the fitting room. She was issued a notice to appear in court.

SEPT. 21 — A resident of Hawthorne Place called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Sunday night in reference to a burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim said he was in the process of moving out of his home when he stepped out for approximately two hours. When he returned, the victim discovered the screen to the front east window had been removed and the window was open. The window and screen had pry marks on them. However, no items were missing from inside.

SEPT. 19 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded last Friday to a home on Oak Shadow Way regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim arrived home from a morning walk at approximately 11:30 a.m. to discover the passenger-side door of her vehicle was ajar. She noticed the silhouette of a man in a white ball cap and thought it was her husband. However, when she entered her house, the victim discovered her husband was inside. Both of them proceeded to the vehicle, finding the door open but no one inside. Nothing was missing from the vehicle, and there was no damage to it. According to the report, two neighbors said they witnessed an unknown Hispanic male kneeling behind neighborhood cars at approximately the same time as the incident. There is no further suspect information available.

SEPT. 20 — An employee of the SuperTarget store on Okeechobee Blvd. called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Saturday regarding a retail theft. According to a PBSO report, the employee witnessed

SEPT. 22 — Two men were arrested on multiple charges Monday at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, 23year-old Tyrell Copper of Royal Palm Beach and 20-year-old Ryan Cauley of West Palm Beach stole a cell phone charger, DVD movie and miscellaneous food items. A search of Copper revealed he was in possession of one gram of marijuana. It was also discovered there was an active warrant for his arrest on a domestic battery charge. While in the asset protection office, Cauley was observed swallowing an unknown type of pill. He admitted to swallowing the pill so it wouldn’t be discovered when he was at the county jail. He was charged with See BLOTTER, page 18

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives:

• Guy Giovia, a.k.a. Guy Richard, is a white male, 5’10” tall and weighing 190 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 04/01/65. He has tattoos on his back and right shoulder, and scars on his chin, right ankle, right hand and thigh. Giovia is wanted for violation of drug offender probation on convictions for possession of cocaine (two counts), tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, battery on a police officer and resisting an officer with violence (two counts). His occupation is unknown. His last known address was Kittbuck Way in Wellington. Giovia is wanted as of 09/25/08. • Jose Ramirez-Dominguez, a.k.a. Alex Figueroa or Jose Papuco, is a white male, 6’1” tall and weighing 185 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo on his right leg. His date of birth is 03/18/80. Ramirez-Dominguez is wanted for violation of probation on a conviction for organized scheme to defraud. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was North Stuart Circle in Greenacres. RamirezDominguez is wanted as of 09/25/08. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc. com.

Guy Giovia

Jose RamirezDominguez

South University Breaks Ground On New Campus In RPB

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

South University and the Rendina Companies hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday for the coming 100,000-square-foot, threebuilding University Center development at the corner of State Road 7 and Belvedere Road.

Rendina purchased the 10acre site, the former Palm Beach Posse Grounds, from Palm Beach County. Last month, South University signed a tenyear lease and became the anchor for the complex, leasing all 40,000 square feet in the first building, with the option of leasing an additional 30,000 square feet in a second building. The university expects to move its operations to the new address in the fourth quarter of next year.

“Our students in West Palm Beach totaled nearly 1,000 last fall,” South University Chancellor John T. South III said. “The additional square footage is needed to accommodate our growing student body, but what I think is most important is that the new space is being designed with a focus on optimizing the student experience. We are creating technology-laden nursing, physical therapy and graphic design labs, and the library is being built with room for additions to the university’s collection. These are the things that make a difference to students, and these are the same things we

are making a priority.”

Rendina CEO Richard Rendina described the three-building development as a fixture for the Royal Palm Beach community.

“We are proud to add South University to this exciting new project,” he said. “The educational traditions established by this fine institution throughout the southeastern United States will be enhanced by its new home in Palm Beach County and will attract tenants to the University Centre.”

University Centre is designed with a Mediterranean influence and will feature state-of-the-art, hurricane-resistant infrastructure. South University’s building will include several large labs, lecture halls, a library and seminar rooms for the 83-mem-

ber faculty to use in teaching the university’s professional nursing, physical therapy assisting, business, information technology, healthcare management, graphic design, legal studies, behavioral sciences and criminal justice programs.

Established in 1899, South University is a private academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for intellectual, social and professional development of a diverse student population. South University offers educational programs at the associate, bachelor, master and doctoral levels with campuses located in Savannah, Ga.; Columbia, S.C.; Montgomery, Ala.; Tampa and West Palm Beach. For more information about South University, visit www.southuniversity.edu.

The Rendina Companies is one of the nation’s leading fullservice real estate development companies, providing national real estate development, leasing, financing, construction and comprehensive property and asset management services to its clients. In the past 20 years, the

firm has developed more than 4.5 million square feet of development projects. With headquarters in Jupiter and La Jolla, Calif., the company maintains extensive real estate holdings and development properties nationwide. Rendina provides for all aspects of development from

site analysis and acquisition through development and leasing, including a wide range of financing options and development programs. For leasing information, call Senior Vice President Peter Reed at (561) 630-5055 or visit www.rendinacompanies.com.

Groundbreaking commences on the RPB site of South University’s new campus.

PHOTOS

John T. South III at the podium.

Richard Rendina and his grandmother Rose.

Jay Hoffman, Alan Young and Tim Hensey of W.G. Mills Inc.

Kevin DiLallo, John Peterson, John T. South III, Heather Askew and Dan Liftman.

Wellington High School Assistant Principal Bill Dupere joined drama teacher Dennis Schaber and Performing Arts Department Head Mary Oser for a tour of the school’s new performing arts theater last Thursday, along with representatives of Weitz Construction. Currently, the theater is about two months ahead of the originally scheduled completion date of March 2009. As of last week, the project is 91 percent complete and could be ready for inspections in November. If all goes well with the inspections, the theater could be operational by early to mid-December. The theater is designed to hold 850 patrons and will have state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment. The building comes with an extended stage and orchestra pit, as well as a high-tech stagecraft construction room. (Clockwise from above left): an outside shot of the theater; a crowd’s-eye-view of the stage; and a view from the stage.

The Palm Beach County Health Department visited the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center on Wednesday, Sept. 24 to host a free flu shot clinic. Flu shots and pneumonia vaccine shots were given to residents. (Above) County Commissioner Jess Santamaria gets his flu shot from Nurse Danielle Blanchard. (Right) Muriel Kogan gets flu shot from Nurse Patricia Taggart.

Lox Groves Town Council Picks Firm To Complete District Study

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council selected a firm last week to conduct a study on the cost-effectiveness of maintaining an independent Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District.

The company, District Offices Management, is headed by John Petty, a longtime consultant and manager for special districts who served seven years ago as an advisor to the Indian Trail Improvement District on incorporation options. The company was chosen over the Matrix Consulting Group and Siemon & Larsen.

The town is seeking the study to determine whether taxpayers might benefit from making the LGWCD, which is the local road maintenance authority, a dependent entity of the town.

The LGWCD, originally created in 1917, is the original government entity in Loxahatchee Groves. It is responsible for maintaining roads and canals within its boundaries. Those boundaries are nearly the same as those of the town, which incorporated in 2006 and began operations last year.

And while members of the district’s elected board of supervisors charge that members of the town council are pursuing a politically motivated agenda to dissolve the district, some council members assert that the district’s continued independence is creating a costly duplication of government services.

While LGWCD proponents cite the town’s charter, which promised the continued existence of the district, council

members point to a long-running dispute between the two entities this summer over agreements regarding the control of gas-tax revenues for road maintenance.

Before the vote at the council’s Sept. 16 meeting, Lipp noted that his was one of two council votes against approving the study in the first place. He said that because the town had invested heavily in drafting a comprehensive plan and had other issues to worry about, he didn’t think the timing was right to pursue the study. “I think we are putting the cart before the horse,” Lipp said. “We need to get the will of the people from the landowners and the voters.”

Mayor David Browning, the other dissenter on the vote to approve the study, concurred and said the council lacked the unity to go forward.

During public comment, E Road resident Howard Voren congratulated Vice Mayor Marge Herzog and councilmen Dave Autrey and Dr. Bill Louda for pursuing the study. “The three of you decided to go through with what needs to be done, and to know that change is required and to run from it is not the way to proceed,” he said. “We need to go ahead and think of the taxpayers and look for ways to think about the future.”

LGWCD Administrator Clete Saunier voiced opposition to the study and noted that two of the three firms under consideration had ties with the town’s manager and planning consultants. “If you want an independent study you need to go with someone who does not have past relationships that would gain should

you consolidate your services with the town,” he said.

LGWCD Supervisor Ron Jarriel said the town should reconsider doing the study, but said he considered Petty’s firm the trustworthiest, as well as making the cheapest offer.

“He does what’s fair,” Jarriel said. “He will look out for the town and the district. At this time, you have no business doing this. Back when you incorporated, you promised us you would do certain things. It’s back to the charter. The charter said you would leave us alone, and we would work as a team. We have been told that as both entities, we can get more money from the governments.”

E Road resident Bill Gurney said he felt the council was right in pursuing the study. “I believe that the council is doing the correct thing in analyzing what the cost savings would be for merging in some fashion the district and the town,” he said. “The district has not shown good faith with the town in being cooperative with the town.”

LGWCD Supervisor John Ryan said the underlying issue between the town and the district is the LGWCD’s program of paving roads when landowners petition to have the work done. “We believe we have a public and open process,” Ryan said. “We believe it’s democratic... Let’s stop talking about saving the taxpayers money. This is about two approaches to how we deal with our road situation. We started out with ‘government lite.’ That is the way we should keep it.”

Herzog said the district had forced the town to spend mon-

ey on legal services during their dispute over the summer. “We were chasing our tails because of the lack of cooperation,” she said. “It has to end.”

Lipp said this is the first step, and what follows could lead to a legislative request for a local bill that could create a dependent district. However, he said he was worried that a 3-2 vote would cause the legislative delegation to wonder if the bill was being supported by a united front.

“We will waste time,” Lipp said. “It will leave a bad taste in

everyone’s mouths. In March, we should have a public referendum. Let’s get the public input on this deal. If we want to do this as a study, let the study be the next step.”

Autrey said he had changed his mind on the district over the past few months. “Once we got into the planning process and I understood the scope of what the town had to do, we had to sort through some legal issues, and one of the things we had to have happen was unanimous votes on transportation matters,”

he said. “There is an inconsistency in that. We have conflict. We have to sort it out. It’s painful. I think it’s silly to pretend everything was going along smoothly. Unfortunately it’s not.”

Louda made a motion to begin contract negotiations with District Offices Management, which was seconded by Autrey and passed 5-0. Town Clerk Matthew Lippman said he would bring the contract for review at the council’s next meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

Acreage Fall Festival Set For Nov. 15

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

On the heels of the success of the Acreage Music & Chili Fest in April, Acreage businessman Robert Trepp is gearing up for a similar community festival at Acreage Community Park on Nov. 15.

Trepp took over the organization of the Indian Trail Improvement District’s annual chili cookoff earlier this year, transforming a four-hour, free-admission event into a 12-hour festival focusing on musical entertainment, sports competitions and family-friendly activities.

Trepp said the event went over so well that he started making plans for the Acreage Fall Festival soon afterward. “Everyone I ran into at Chili Fest said they had a great time, and they wanted more events like that, so we decided we would do something in the fall,” he said.

The festival will be a bit larger than last April’s event, Trepp said. “We will have two stages

for entertainment just like we did at the Chili Fest,” he said.

“WIRK is providing some national acts, but we will have a lot of local entertainment. There will be at least two Nashville acts with record contracts. We will also have local bands.”

Trepp said other attractions will include a classic car show and a custom bike display. It is being produced by Trepp’s company, Tromsi Inc. Admission to the festival will be $10 at the gate, Trepp said, with children ten and under and active-duty military personnel admitted free.

“We’ll have a lot of entertainment for the kids,” he said. “This is a family event. The vast majority of things inside are free once you pay the admission cost. Once you’re in, you’re in. We don’t want people to come in and spend all their money and then go home. We want them to come in and spend the day and still have money when they go home. There is no reason for events to be so expensive.”

One of the highlights of the Acreage Fall Festival will be a baby back rib cookoff. “We’re going to judge them on presentation and what they taste like,” Trepp said. “I want it to be an amateur event. We will be giving out awards and prizes to the rib cooks. I toyed with the idea of ribs prior to Chili Fest.” Trepp said there are still plenty of opportunities for sponsorships and space for additional vendors. Current sponsors include Carolina Trees, Cardinal Electric, the Town-Crier, the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, the Palm Beach Post Buzz 103.1, WIRK, Pepsi, Sneaky Pete’s and the Indian Trail Improvement District. The Acreage Fall Festival will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15 from noon to 9 p.m. at Acreage Community Park on 140th Avenue North and Tangerine Blvd., south of Orange Blvd. in The Acreage. For more information, visit www.acreagefallfest.com or call (561) 420-9509.

ITID Seeking County Upgrades To Roads As Part Of SR 7 Pact

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The extent of necessary modifications to Persimmon and Orange Grove boulevards appears to be the only outstanding issue in the way of Acreage connections to the northward extension of State Road 7.

Indian Trail Improvement

District President Mike Erickson said the district is currently reviewing a county study to determine how much asphalt will be needed to make the roads reliable thoroughfares when the extension is connected.

Erickson said that at first look it appears certain sections of the roads will need more than the single inch of asphalt covering the county initially offered.

“Different sections of the road were built in different ways,” Erickson told the Town-Crier Wednesday. “Basically, certain parts of the roads need to have two to three inches of overlay and other parts of the roads need to have an inch of overlay, so staff got that report yesterday and they’re looking at that now to put it to a map and figure out what we’re really talking about.”

After the state declined to fund a northward extension of SR 7 from its current Okeechobee Blvd. terminus, the county began construction of a two-lane extension to Persimmon Blvd. in The Acreage. The county is committed to continuing the road to 60th Street North in a second phase, but ITID officials have complained that it will simply dump large amounts of traffic on Acreage streets unless construction continues all the way to Northlake Blvd. In response to a county request for a permit to connect the extension to Orange Grove and Persimmon boulevards, ITID sent the county a list of 24 conditions in July, including demands that the county get construction through to Northlake completed within five years.

Erickson said the pavement study will resolve a difference of opinion between the district and the county on what Persimmon and Orange Grove boulevards will need in order to handle increased traffic loads. “It has to do mainly with what the county will do to bring those roads up to thoroughfare standards for us and how they will

fund that,” he said. The ITID supervisors and county officials reached a general consensus on most points during ITID’s monthly business meeting held Sept. 10. County Engineer George Webb attended the meeting. At that meeting, the paving-thickness issue was left unresolved.

“The board directed staff as to how they wanted Orange Grove and Persimmon developed,” Erickson said at the Sept. 10 meeting. “The county engineers came back with a different design concept. These are two completely different ideas. The concerns that ITID staff has had is that we’re not sure what we need to do to make sure the traffic capacity can be handled by those roads.”

Erickson noted that the county has agreed to secure funding for a minimum two-lane extension to Northlake Blvd., first by asking the state. “If that fails, then we have backup in place that will assure funding of that road, which will be the county at that point,” Erickson said at the meeting. “Right now we’re still going forward that the state is going to fund getting it to Northlake.”

Erickson told the Town-Crier that residents of Ibis Golf & Country Club on the west side of the extension’s proposed route are opposed to the connection and if they are successful in blocking state funding, the county has assured ITID that it will fund a connection.

“The board has always taken the position they want a twolane reliever road to Northlake, and we wanted more assurances and better language stating that they would get that done,” he said.

Erickson said the board will review the county’s permit requests to connect the extension to Acreage streets once resolution of all issues has been spelled out in black and white.

“All of that will come forward to the board after all of the language, all of the plans, everything is in place and they’ve spoken to all of the issues that we have, then it will come forward for an official vote,” he said. Other ITID conditions include traffic-calming measures, landscaping, sidewalks and signage requirements.

Town Sends Comp Plan To Tallahassee

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves

Town Council approved transmission last week of the town’s recently drafted comprehensive plan to the Florida Department of Community Affairs for a required state review.

Early this year the town hired the engineering and planning firm Calvin, Giordano & Associates to draft the plan, the foundation of the town’s future development regulations and standards, using the Palm Beach County comprehensive plan as framework and incorporating public input.

Firm representative Shelley Eichner told the council at its Sept. 16 meeting that final adoption would not take place until the state issues its own opinion of the plan, and that public comments on the plan are still coming in and might be incorporated into the final version. “This is the beginning,” she said. “What is in the plan may or may not be the final document. We will have some public comments tonight.”

Eichner also recommended a couple of additional deletions from the plan, one a reference to ownership of the town’s canal system by the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District and another describing Palm Beach County’s responsibility for debris removal and emergency planning until Oct. 1, 2008.

“Those are the only changes that we are recommending at this juncture,” Eichner said. “This is the beginning of the statutory required process. There is more time for additional input and further refinement.” During public comment, LGWCD Administrator Clete Saunier asked that a list of about 30 comments and issues raised by himself and district supervisors be considered for incorporation into the plan.

Lawyer Dennis Koehler appealed to the council to incorporate a “Special Agriculture” or SA future land-use category on behalf of Colleen and John Choquette, who own a chipping and mulching business at F Road and Okeechobee Blvd. He said the town’s comprehensive plan as drafted would essentially put them out of business. The town initiated code-enforcement action against the Choquettes earlier this month because chipping and mulching was never permitted and violates the county’s codes. Koehler, noting that the town’s comprehensive plan contains no agricultural land-use categories at all, said that the SA category, along with town approval, would make the Choquettes’ business permissible.

Councilman Dr. Bill Louda wanted to know if provisions could be made for the Choquettes and other property See COMP PLAN, page 18

Fall Services At Church @ The Grove Church @ the Grove will conduct two blessing of the animals services on Sunday, Oct. 5 in celebration of the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi. Pet owners have two choices: 10 a.m. on the field of Golden Grove Elementary School or at 1 p.m. at 13771 Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves (on the

Church @ the Grove in Loxahatchee will hold a contemporary, casual worship service on Sunday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. at Golden Grove Elementary School (5959 140th Avenue, The Acreage). During the one-hour service, a children’s program will be provided along with a timely message for adults and plenty of refreshments. No previous “church experience” is required or expected, and there are “no strings attached.”

FEATURES

A NIGHT OF FAMILY FUN AND GAMES AT THE OKEEHEELEE

The Friends of the Okeeheelee Nature Center hosted Family Fun Night on Friday, Sept. 19 at the nature center. Events

included arts and crafts, face painting, mini potted plants, leaf/flower bracelets and more. Games included fishing games, black hole bean-bag toss and pin the beak on the owl. Contests featured an ice cream eating contest, three-legged race, hula-hoop contest, spoon/egg relay and marshmallow roasting. The Okeeheelee Nature Center is located at 7715 Forest Hill Blvd. Call (561) 233-1400 for upcoming programs.

Attorney

McAuliffe

Vs. Tringali

continued from page 1 prosecutor who owns his own legal firm, won the primary despite Russell’s contentions that her experience in the State Attorney’s Office made her more qualified. He said he feels his experience as a federal prosecutor resonated with voters in the primary. McAuliffe said he has developed a knowledge of the workings of the State Attorney’s Office largely through friendships he has developed over the last several years.

“I have the current state attorney’s support, endorsement and friendship,” McAuliffe said. “I have taken much time and interest in knowing the office and about the office and planning for my potential role as its leader, as state attorney. I know many

of the assistants, and I think it’s a unique organization in the community that has a very special mission to keep us all safe.”

Tringali worked as an assistant state attorney under Bludworth before moving up to an assistant attorney general position.

“I have prosecuted cases in the circuit court, in the county court. I’ve even appeared in the trial-level court as an assistant attorney general,” Tringali said. “My primary responsibility the past 18 years was at the appellate level. We normally get the cases after the state attorney is finished with them. In that sense, the people in my office are the lawyers for the lawyers.”

Tringali also represents the state in federal court when state appeals run out. Other duties have included civil forfeiture cases where his client was the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. He has also represented the Florida Depart-

ment of Revenue in a bankruptcy case, he said.

McAuliffe said his vision for the office will involve accomplishing more with fewer resources. “My vision for reinvigorating the office and being a member of the team is to emphasize working partnerships for the State Attorney’s Office with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies so we don’t think about it as your case versus my case, but that it’s our responsibility to keep the community safe,” he said.

A close personal friendship with and endorsement by Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw will be instrumental in achieving his vision, McAuliffe said. “Sheriff Bradshaw wants to be my crime-fighting partner, and I want to be his partner,” he said.

McAuliffe said he also wants to reconnect the office with the community by getting assistant state attorneys to participate in

NATURE CENTER

programs similar to the sheriff’s community policing program.

“I think that is a great model,” he said. “I want the community to know more about what the State Attorney’s Office does for them, how it is a critical function in the criminal justice system.”

Tringali said he aims to make the office the best it can possibly be through experienced trial prosecutors who can use their best discretion to prosecute crime in the county.

“Only a wild-eyed dreamer would believe we can eliminate crime,” he said, “but we can certainly put the emphasis where it needs to be, and that is on the prosecution of violent crimes so we can make this county as safe as it possibly can be.”

McAuliffe and Tringali both said they are trying to de-emphasize their party affiliation. “I’m approaching the general election in a very bipartisan manner,” McAuliffe said. “That’s who I

am and what the job entails.”

Tringali essentially echoed the same sentiments. “One of the things to look at is whether it should be a partisan office, because it just seems to me that what the voters are really being asked to do here is choose an attorney, and I’m not sure at all whether a partisan label helps in that choice,” he said. “In the State Attorney’s Office we don’t make the law; we enforce the law.”

Tringali said he is appalled by the nature of modern political campaigns. “I think it is absolutely disgusting what has happened to politics in this country, and we’re seeing this every day now,” he said. “It seems that no one can simply stand for election. You have to run. You have to have an opponent. As soon as your opponent says some-

thing, you have to put your spin on it. Then you say something and he or she puts their spin on it.”

But Tringali noted that current state attorney campaign has not taken on that character. “I will say this about Michael McAuliffe, he has never said anything derogatory about me, and I have never said anything derogatory about him, and I will not,” he said. “He is a very intelligent young man, and he’s a fine lawyer.”

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Okeeheelee Nature Center Director Clive Pinnock with Cheyenne, a red-shouldered hawk.

Parents and children join together for a three-legged race.

Kaitlyn Bolander roasts marshmallows.

Grace Grillo paints a mini flower pot.

Erin Bryant with Alex the great horned owl.

Ben Bryant plays Pin the Beak on the Owl.

Michael McAuliffe Joseph Tringali

OPEN HOUSE AT WELLINGTON LANDINGS MIDDLE

Million-Minute Reading Challenge At Cypress Trails

Cypress Trails Elementary School in Royal Palm Beach is gearing up for a school-wide Million-Minute Reading Challenge. Organized by the PTO and faculty, the entire student body will work toward collectively reading one million minutes by April 2009. The goal of this challenge is to improve literacy and boost reading scores for all students by engaging them to read every day. The challenge will kick off on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. in the school courtyard. Monthly pep rallies will be held to keep the momentum going throughout the challenge. Students will receive T-shirts, buttons, stickers and a reading

log to track their minutes. There will be special performances by teams from neighboring schools to generate excitement about the challenge. Home Depot has generously donated supplies for a mystery gift box, which will be revealed during the rally. Parents and volunteers will help track minutes each month to see how well the school is progressing throughout the challenge. Monthly incentives will be given to students meeting goals. Each month there will be a special theme for literacy events tied to the challenge, such as celebrity readers, “Snuggle With a Good Book” (in which kids get to wear pajamas), a parade of favorite characters and a winter reading luau.

WHS Debate Team Excels

The Wellington High School Debate Team rocked the House (and Senate) at the Palm Beach Catholic Forensic League AllCongress Saturday, Sept. 20. Thirteen of Wellington’s 31 student legislators were called to the front of the Cardinal Newman High School cafeteria to accept accolades for their performances. Senior Andrew Tuccinardi took first place in varsity Senate, while three varsity students — senior Alex Brunner, junior Kaila Kelly and John Cassel — placed second in their respective chambers.

In addition, LeeAnn Jahore (fourth place), Evan Baumel (fifth place) and Will Fetzko (sixth place) were recognized among varsity legislators.

In novice chambers, four firstyear debaters took honors: Sara Fabben (second place), Collin

(sixth place). Four Wellington debaters earned new National Forensic League degrees as a result of their speeches. Kaila Kelly earned her Degree of Excellence in surpassing the 150-point mark. Two debaters — Alex Brunner and Kurt Burnett — each surpassed the 75-point plateau, earning the Degree of Honor; each will receive their Wellington Debate varsity letters at the spring banquet. And Collin Bachi became the first member of the novice class to earn the Degree of Merit, reaching 25 points. The next tournament will take place Saturday, Oct. 11 at Seminole Ridge High School. For more information, visit www. wellingtondebate.com.

Suncoast Alumni Invited To Homecoming Events

All Suncoast Chargers alumni are invited to this year’s homecoming events Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17 and 18.

The theme for this year’s homecoming is “Eras: ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.” The Chargers want to honor the four unique decades of Suncoast history, especially in light of the 2010 move to a new state-of-the-art campus. All alumni interested in participating in Suncoast homecoming events and representing the era in which they graduated are invited to contact Student Government Association Historian Maggie Lynn Powers at (561) 315-1989 or magerdoodle@hotmail.com.

Eighth grader Fabiana Otero gives two thumbs up for the WLMS chapter of the National Junior Honor Society.

PTO Treasurer Terri Priore and PTO President Lisa Nardi sell coupons to raise money.

Golf Club Director Mary Baldwin promotes the students’ activity affiliated with Binks Forest Golf Club.

After-school site coordinator Hilda Wudkiewicz and Carol Klinton of Project Dance in suburban Lake Worth.

Debate Club members Kimberly Borelli and Kiela Esquilin show their trophies from last year’s debate events.

Eighth grader Eddie Caro promotes the PTO.

Bachi (third place), Katerina Mangini (fourth place) and Madeline Schmees

Seminole Ridge Inducts Tri-M Music Honor Society Members

Seminole Ridge High School would like to congratulate the students who were inducted as members of the national Tri-M Music Honor Society on Sept. 18.

Chapter officers are President Mark James, Vice President Jordan Hoke, Secretary Karista Macrostie, Treasurer Cassidy Yerkes and Historian Berlyn Duclair.

Inductees are Chauncer Baughman, Ashley Fontalvo, Leland Hall, Elizabeth Hautamaki, Nicklaus Hoffman, Amelia Kepler, Sara Madiedo, Gabrielle Palevoda, Joshua Reyes, Jared Schorr, Devin Tassi, Christopher Villar, Christine

Whirlow and Nathan Williams.

• Hawk Artworks on Exhibition

— Four SRHS students currently have work on display at Eg2 (Eg squared), a teacherstudent run gallery at 403 Northwood Avenue, not far from CityPlace. Kristen Medvetz, Lindsey Cheek, Nikki Vasco and Nicole Serrano all have artwork on display following the gallery’s opening reception Sept. 19. For directions, gallery hours and other information, visit www.egsquared.org.

• Special Olympians Bring Home Eight Firsts — The SRHS Special Olympics bowling team met Saturday, Sept. 6 at Strike Zone in Lake Worth,

hitting the lanes to compete with other bowlers in the area. Seminole Ridge took first place in eight divisions of the tournament.

A blue-ribbon first place was awarded to Skye Everette, Danielle Hutton, Jay Hutton, Robin Hutton, Michael Miley, Johnathan Taylor, William Watson and Jessica Welsh.

A red-ribbon second place was awarded to Emily Hutton, Jennifer Hutton, Matthew Hutton and Andrew Overstrom.

A yellow-ribbon third place was awarded to Matthew Cherry. Team Manager Mrs. Jeannine Whitley and her players thank

Crestwood Middle School’s Stackhouse A State Finalist

Crestwood Middle School reading coach and language arts teacher Mrs. Kathy Stackhouse received state recognition at the Just Read Conference on July 1 in Orlando. She was selected as Region 5 finalist for the Middle School Reading Coach of the year.

Because Stackhouse was unable to attend the conference, her twin sister Kris Hickman, a reading coach in Tampa, accepted her award and two checks for $250, one of which will be used to fund a special project for Crestwood students.

Mrs. Stackhouse anticipates an exciting literary year at Crestwood. With a new reading leadership team, many new strategies and events are planned. The team’s two goals are to promote the students’ love for reading and to improve comprehension.

WHS Student Photos In EcoPlex

On Thursday, Sept. 18, Navarro Lowrey Inc. held the official grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting for its new 100,000-square-foot office building EcoPlex, located in the Centrepark Office District in West Palm Beach. The building features a wall display of eight nature photographs in its lobby taken by a photography class at Welling-

ton High School. Photography teacher Barbara Brubaker was in attendance, along with two of the students who have photos featured on the lobby wall.

The new four-story building with adjacent garage is the first Class A multi-tenanted “green” office building of its kind in Palm Beach County and among the largest to adopt sus-

tainable building practices in Florida.

The new building will include the West Palm Beach Regional Office of DPR Construction and Babbitt, Johnson, Osborne & LeClainche, P.A.

For more information, contact Richard Abedon at (561) 688-2530, e-mail rabedon@ navarrolowrey.com or visit www.ecoplexfl.com.

their volunteer coaches for many hours of dedicated service. Coach Gary Hutton and Coach Randy Cherry have led the team to success. Because of them, the entire team went to regional competition in Broward County on Sunday, Sept. 21.

• Freshmen Hawks Defeat Broncos — The Seminole Ridge “Baby Hawks” left the friendly confines of CalleryJudge Stadium to take on the Palm Beach Central Broncos. These 2-0 freshmen phenoms tamed the Broncos 36-8. The SRHS team was led by Gary Holmes, who scored four touchdowns and caught a twopoint conversion pass from

quarterback Justin Keip. The remaining score came from Jonath Almonte, who returned to action after sitting out last week’s victory with an injury. The Hawk defense had another strong outing, giving up only one Bronco score on a busted play. Defensive line members Jon Sams, Noel Poblano, Jerry Duchatelier and Matt Coulter kept constant pressure on the Palm Beach Central quarterback.

Alston Pickrell, Jake Trimble and Nick Medina had strong games from their linebacker positions, and defensive back Chris Jackson picked off one of the Bronco passes to snuff out Central’s last-ditch effort.

• Debaters Win at Winter Springs — The Hawk forensics team emerged victorious for the first time this year after competing in the Winter Springs Early Bird Invitational. Devon Arnold and Edward O’Hara made it to finals, coming in at second place in Public Forum on a 2-1 decision. Kayla Molina and Lucas Ortiz broke to octo-finals in Public Forum (top 16 in the tournament), as did Stephanie MacInnes and Peter Burch individually in Lincoln-Douglas Debate.

Polo Park Ups Science Scores With Discovery Education Assessment

Educators at Polo Park Middle School are improving student achievement in science with Discovery Education Assessment. Discovery Education Assessment employs a model of academic monitoring that quickly and accurately tracks student progress toward meeting state standards for reading/language arts, math and science. The services’ research-based benchmarks and reports enable educators to revise instruction, enhance learning and improve test scores.

In the 2007-08 school year, Polo Park educators used Discovery Education Assessment’s science benchmark tests twice to measure eighth graders’ academic progress toward meeting Florida state science standards. Following each benchmark test, Polo Park educators reviewed the test data and adjusted their classroom activities to address areas and concepts that students’ test scores showed needed improvement.

This summer, school administrators were delighted to discover that their eighth grade students had registered a 14point gain on the science portion of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). According to Principal William Latson, Polo Park’s students achieved the highest gains in science scores of all the eighth graders in the coun-

ty for the 2007-08 school year.

“Right now in education, stakeholders are looking for results, and they want them quickly,” Latson said. “As a principal, I do not like to use assessment tools that cause teachers to spend more time interpreting data than making instructional modifications.

Many programs designed to assist teachers are very time consuming and require constant training. Discovery Education Assessment is one program that has provided very clear results and is teacher friendly. The teachers all find the service to be very helpful, easy to use and felt it assisted them greatly in the students’ double-digit gain on our state assessment test.”

The goal of every educator at Polo Park is to help students maximize their full learning potential. Discovery Education Assessment programs measure student progress toward meeting Florida state standards for reading/language arts, math and science. Additional resources and professional development tools help teachers focus instruction during the school year and improve student test scores on high-stakes examinations. By using Discovery Education Assessment, Polo Park leaps to the forefront of national efforts to improve student performance in core subjects through

Harvest Fest 2008

academic monitoring.

“Discovery Education Assessment is a fantastic tool,” Polo Park Science Department Chair Dale Moore said. “It gave us a comprehensive view of each student’s academic progress through immediate feedback that was color coded and easy to read. The way the student data was presented made it easy for us to implement new strategies that benefited each student immediately, and with the probative quizzes that are available, we could measure our new approach on a continual basis.”

“Discovery Education is delighted to partner with Polo Park Middle School and the School District of Palm Beach County to improve academic performance in South Florida,” Discovery Education Vice President of Educational Assessment Hardin Daniel said.

“Discovery Education Assessment empowers teachers with research-based tools to monitor what students are learning and identify those concepts that may need additional attention. We are looking forward to working closely with area educators in the future in our joint mission to improve student achievement.”

For more information on Discovery Education Assessment, visit www.discovery education.com or call (800) 323-9084.

Kathy Stackhouse

Appelbaums Go On Honduras Mission

This coming 4-H year, the Appelbaum family of The Acreage will be studying the 4-H Club’s “Passport to the World.” The country they chose was Honduras.

The Applebaums read books about the country, geography, people and culture, and then had an opportunity to join a mission team from Church in the Gardens to personally visit the country. The family’s mission was to stay in the village of Los Conchas and help build a home for an orphanage. They set out on their journey Aug. 1 and returned Aug. 7.

Kyle Appelbaum, 11, said that he liked Honduras because he got to run around with other kids, trying to catch wild chickens, and found nests with baby chicks lying under the trees. He also received a lesson on how

to catch wild ducks. Kyle got quite a giggle from the ladies of the village when he jumped right in to help make tortillas. Kyle said he enjoyed sitting on the balcony of the home they stayed at because the view of the lake and mountains was breathtaking. He most enjoyed building relationships with the kids in the village even though he couldn’t speak their language.

Nine-year-old Keith Appelbaum said he felt proud that he could help build a home for a family in need, and that it was fun running up the steep hill to get to the work site every day. They arrived at the orphanage just before bedtime so they were able to help rock the babies to sleep. Keith said he was glad to have been a part of a team helping others in need.

Fundraiser For Carson Ruffa Set For Oct. 10

Another fundraiser has been set for the family of 11-year-old Carson Ruffa of Royal Palm Beach, who has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

A fundraiser was held on June 7 at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington. However, since then a new tumor was discovered in the lower left peripheral of Carson’s brain. On Aug. 23, he traveled with his parents to Houston, Texas to receive further treatment at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Carson received radiation treatments and is currently home for a short period before returning to Houston on Oct. 5 for chemotherapy and stem-cell transplantation. The tumor has reduced in size by 40 percent since Carson traveled to Houston.

On Oct. 10, a group of family and friends will hold a variety show/fundraiser at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). A silent auction will begin at 6 p.m., and the show will start at 7 p.m. Table seating is $30 per person and theater seating is $20 per person. Tickets can be purchased by calling Sharon Calvo at (561) 798-1111. Additionally, Anthony’s Famous Subs (109 State Road 7, Royal Palm Beach) will have tickets to purchase on Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 during their car show dates. For more information about Carson Ruffa, visit www.caring bridge.org/visit/carsonruffa.

The Applebaums take a break from working on the playground for the orphanage at Pina Blanca.

Keith, Deanna, Kyle and David Appelbaum with Pastor Jorge at Las Conchas.

Deanna and Keith Appelbaum examine the construction on the project house in Las Conchas.

The view from the pastor’s house in Las Conchas.

The finished playground area at the orphanage.

Carson Ruffa Artwork

Hibel Art Exhibit Will Benefit

St. Rita Church

Renowned Palm Beach County artist Edna Hibel has organized an exhibition and sale of her fine arts, collectibles and gifts to benefit St. Rita Catholic Church. The exhibit will take place at St. Rita (13645 Paddock Drive in Wellington) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27 and 28.

Hibel’s art is often available for viewing by the public in the eastern part of Palm Beach County, but she has decided this year to try to make her work more accessible to people in the central part of the county.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lake Worth will host a Hibel benefit exhibit on Nov. 9, and Royal Palm Beach High School will host an exhibit on Dec. 6.

Hibel is America’s only woman artist to win the Leonardo da Vinci World Award of Art. She has recently been designated as an honoree for the 2008 National Women’s History Month, and she has been named the official artist for the 2009 Florida Governor’s Family Literacy Initiative. Hibel’s art studio is located at 1910 Seventh Avenue North in Lake Worth. For more information, or to view her artwork, visit www.hibel.com.

For more information about the exhibit at St. Rita Catholic Church, call (561) 793-8544. For more information about the church, visit its web site at www. saintrita.com.

Fall Events

Scheduled At PBCC

Palm Beach Community College in Lake Worth will host the Green Expo on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Green Expo is educational and entertaining for the whole family. It will feature exhibitors of products, services and information, along with workshops on a variety of sustainability and green-living topics. The expo will take place at the PBCC Education and Training Center (4200 Congress Avenue). Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call (561) 868-3702. PBCC’s Eissey campus in

Palm Beach Gardens will host its National Photography and Digital Imagery Exhibit Oct. 7 to Dec. 1 in Building BB, Room 113. The exhibit will feature traditional and digital photography as well as digital imagery. More than 30 images were selected from hundreds of entries. The opening reception will take place Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m., when the top three images will be revealed. Competition jurist Dr. Terry Barrett is the author of several books on photography and art criticism, and a professor at Ohio State University. A presentation and gallery walk will take place Wednesday, Oct. 8 beginning at 11 a.m. Dr. Barrett will give a presentation titled “Appreciating Life through Art” in Room BB-111 in Meldon Hall. Immediately following the lecture will be an art walk with open discussion. The gallery is open 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon Fridays. The Eissey campus is located at 3160 PGA Blvd. For more info., call (561) 207-5015 or visit www. pbcc.edu/artgallery pbg.xml.

On Thursday, Oct. 30, the Eissey campus will host 2008 Job Fair and College Transfer Day from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Room SC-127 in the BioScience Technology Complex. Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet employers recruiting for part-time and full-time careers in healthcare, law/criminal justice, hospitality, retail, business, education and other industries. There is also an opportunity to meet with representatives of Florida universities. Bring your resume and dress for success. There is no admission fee, and it is open to the public. For more information, call (561) 2075350 or visit www.pbcc.edu/ career. xml.

The Duncan Theatre at PBCC’s Lake Worth campus will hold a Veterans Day service on Thursday, Nov. 6 to honor all veterans and first responders. Titled “In Service of America, Lest We Forget,” the event will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a video presentation. The program will take place at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. An afternoon question-and-answer session with speakers will take place as well, and a display of artwork honoring those who serve will be available for viewing. For more information, call (561) 967-7222.

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Faba Finishes Army Basic Training

Army Pvt. Robert Faba has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C.

During nine weeks of training, Faba 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, military justice system, first aid, marches and field-training exercises. Faba is the son of Colleen Faba of Wellington. He graduated from Wellington High School in 2004.

WHO’S NEW!

Liana Rose Wright daughter of Jessica Mannix and Steven Wright of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Aug. 13.

Ivannia Denise Bernardez — daughter of Karen Martinez and Pedro Bernardez of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Aug. 22.

Liliana Margarita Petrone — daughter of Sarah and Michael Petrone of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Aug. 24.

Landon Oliver Koch — son of Alissa and Chris Koch of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Aug. 27.

Gabriella Rose Diaz daughter of Ann Marie and Roberto Diaz of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Aug. 30.

Kayleigh Hope Patino daughter Tara Gillette and Steve Patino-Rangel of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Aug. 31.

Grace Ashley Poirier daughter of Melissa and Gregg Poirier of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Sept. 2.

Jeni Ann Marie Clifton daughter of Melinda Ann and Christopher Landon Clifton of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Sept. 3.

Joshua Aiden Chang — son of Kianna Marie and Jonathan Jarrel Chang of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Sept. 6.

De’Anna Lisette Harris daughter of Brandy TigerinaSager and Demetris Harris of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Sept. 9. Kay Wei Braun — son of Jennifer Smith and James Braun of Loxahatchee was born at Palms West Hospital on Sept. 9.

Emma Grace Claros daughter of Sandra Femminella and Pablo Claros of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Sept. 11.

Endia Aa’Leah McRoy daughter of Latorria Hollie and Brandon McRoy Sr. of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Sept. 11. Jesse Allen Poulette — son of Elizabeth and Randall Poulette of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Sept. 13. Joshua Craig Onus — son of Sigridur Debora Onus of Loxahatchee was born at Palms West Hospital on Sept. 17.

Reis Thomas Brewster son of Katlyn and Robert Brewster of Wellington was born at Palms West Hospital on Sept. 17.

Kristian Sanai Blackman — daughter of Artisha and Victor Blackman of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Sept. 18.

Jaessica Anna Marie Michaud — daughter of Ashley Weimer and Joseph Michaud of Loxahatchee was born at Palms West Hospital on Sept. 18.

Treven T’Moni Tipton son of Shandi Marie Salas of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Sept. 20.

Gianfranco Matteo Pancione — son of Kirsten and Chris Pancione of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Sept. 8.

Schofield: ‘State Of The Village’ Better Than Most In Difficult Economy

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

In a “state of the village” report Tuesday to the Wellington Village Council, Village Manager Paul Schofield said that Wellington is better off in the current economy than many other municipalities, although the uncertainty of conditions to come will require caution and planning.

Schofield delivered his report the same night the council gave final approval to its $103 million budget for the 2009 fiscal year and a millage rate of 2.34, unchanged from last year. The millage rate is expected to generate $1.3 million less in revenue than the previous year, and the budget itself is $8 million smaller than the previous year.

Schofield said Wellington is one of the safest communities in the state. “For most areas, our crime rate is falling, but there are some areas where it is going up,” he said. “There is increased code enforcement in those areas and an increased law-enforcement presence.”

The village is keeping a “guarded” economic outlook, Schofield said. “We expect val-

Council Building A Village Hall

continued from page 1 Wellington is way overdue. “We are the fifth largest city in Palm Beach County,” he said. “We are approaching the fourth. We need to begin to establish an identity. I am excited about this. It has been a long-sought-after process. I think this is timely.”

Mayor Darell Bowen said he was sure the village would be saving money in the long run, as its departments, currently housed in different buildings, would be gathered into one facility.

“There are significant savings in doing this,” he said. “This is not only wise from a financial standpoint, but a village of 66,000 people needs to be housed in a place for people to work in and that creates the image that we would like it to be.”

Benacquisto said the proposal is a good one both as a cost savings measure and a piece of the redevelopment plan the village anticipates in coming years.

Chamber Horse Season Preview

continued from page 3 of the season, a five-race steeplechase on Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 29.

“We are trying to develop an exciting and interesting equestrian event to use as a springboard to promote the next upcoming event, which is Holiday of Horses the following weekend, the first weekend of December,” Stone said. “It will be

Letters

continued from page 4 broker, thus saving the taxpayers the expense of using it. Selling it for less and then eliminating the expense of owning it could hardly be described as losing hundreds of thousands of dollars, now could it? Quite an interesting spin.

I didn’t see in your letter the fact that Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Joe Biden both voted for the infamous “bridge to nowhere,” twice ! If Gov. Palin decided against this project because the people decided it was not a good use of taxpayers’ money, then this is the kind of leadership we need. Imagine an elected official listening to the voters! The money, by the way, for that project was transferred to Alaska’s transportation fund (which every state gets) and used for other

Roebuck

County Moves Forward

continued from page 1 dollars on something that maybe we don’t need.”

Loxahatchee Groves Councilman Dennis Lipp spoke in favor of the road.

“It has been a long time coming,” he said. “Roebuck Road is something the western communities have needed for a very long time.”

Other opponents objected to the cost of the road, which has not yet been determined but will require overpasses through some areas and mitigation, that is to say a transfer of protected

ues to continue to fall,” he said. “We believe that by 2012, the cost of providing services will exceed the projected revenues. If we continue that in 2015, we will have exceeded the rate stabilization funds. The question is, do we have to raise taxes? I don’t think we do. We will continue to address our service model and provide services more efficiently. We will look for value-added programs.”

Schofield said that the village is actively addressing ways to increase employment opportunities in the community and keep businesses from closing.

“We are looking for things that will enhance our core values,” he said. “We have a high turnover rate for businesses. We would like to create some new jobs for the village; jobs that provide services.”

Wellington has not been hit as hard by the current wave of foreclosures as many other communities, Schofield noted. “You will hear people estimating it to be at 15 and 30 percent. It’s right at five percent. It’s an impact for us. It’s just less of an impact for

“It is a commitment to our own community,” she said. “It is an asset that belongs to the taxpayers of the village.”

Benacquisto also said the Williamson family, which has committed $250,000 for the playground, has also pledged to raise another $150,000. “The excitement that would be generated around the design process, and the folks in the community that have special needs kids, and to have it there on Forest Hill Blvd. next to our community center would make it special,” she said.

Councilman Matt Willhite said he understood the cost savings potential, but noted that residents have generally been cool to the idea of building a village hall. “I have a concern with the perception in the public,” he said.

Councilman Bob Margolis said that while the village needs a municipal complex, he was not so certain that the $15 million would not be better spent on infrastructure improvements and repairs around the village. “I love the amphitheater and the barrier-free park,” he said. “I am

a Christmas theme. We will have a big Christmas tree. We will also have Christmas decorations. We will also have the business expo for the chamber. We will have a big tree-lighting ceremony on Friday night. People can bring their families and have an evening out.”

Stone said his company would then shift focus to the 2009 Winter Equestrian Festival, running for 12 weeks beginning Jan. 7.

“We are trying to expand the season on both ends to keep more people in Wellington for longer, and when the facilities are there, and the conditions are

projects. Feel free to research that.

Seeing as you seem to oppose the government giving the people back their money, as Gov. Palin did in Alaska with their surplus, I assume you sent back your check from President George W. Bush this summer.

If you would research her position on the issues somewhere other than NBC News and the Huffington Post and the sorts, you would know that she does not support “abstinence only,” banning books or any of the other numerous things she has been accused of by the frightened left. I really hope that all voting people do the research on the candidates and their actual voting records, and not just listen to the media. Although researching Sen. Obama’s record on the issues will be difficult since he

status, for more than 600 acres of land.

County Engineer George Webb said staff is in mitigation discussions with the South Florida Water Management District, which has so far rejected a county offer of land in the Jupiter area. The county has also submitted an application to the Army Corps of Engineers, he said.

“It will be a back-and-forth process probably the next six to nine months,” Webb said. “There will be high, intense scrutiny from everybody involved in this. I think that both entities are very much concerned that anything and everything be looked at, evaluated and documented through this entire process, so this is going to be a lengthy one, but we stand ready

us than other communities,” he said. “The economy is also affecting our financial position. We are experiencing some problems with market volatility. We believe that with continued solid investment, we will recover those.”

Schofield said that while the village is in a good financial position for the foreseeable future, he said he is concerned about possible further tax reform at the state level that could have detrimental effects on the village and other municipalities. “The service cuts that are funded by ad valorem taxes will be disastrous,” he said.

In other business, the council approved transmitting a ten-year water supply plan to the Florida Department of Community Affairs for state review.

The preparation of a water supply plan and its incorporation into the village comprehensive plan is a state requirement. The plan must address the development of traditional and alternative water supplies, bulk sales agreements and conservation/ reuse programs necessary to serve existing and new develop-

having concerns with the municipal complex.”

After further discussion the council unanimously agreed to move forward with the process.

Also Tuesday, Wellington Chamber of Commerce President Mike Nelson made a lengthy presentation in which he lauded the council for their progress on planning redevelopment and economic initiatives for the village.

The village has been working to create a long-range plan that will address the fate of some of Wellington’s aging neighborhoods as well as encourage development that will bring more quality jobs to the area. Components of the plan include redevelopment of commercial and civic areas along Forest Hill Blvd., replacement of older housing areas and more focus on enhancing Wellington’s medical services and equestrian economy.

Nelson described the redevelopment plan as the most recent of three “game-changing” events in Wellington’s history, the previous two being the introduction of an equestrian ele-

there, the community is very welcoming to the horse world,” he said. “We believe the more competition we can have at different levels and different types, the people will stay not just from January to March, which is the way it used to be. We are trying to get them down here in November and keep them down here until April. The more successful it is, the more it suits the commercial needs of Wellington.”

For more information about Wellington Chamber of Commerce events, call (561) 7926525 or visit www.wellington chamber.com.

doesn’t have one on most issues. I’m sure he’s still accepting his paycheck for being a senator the last 20 months that he has been running for president instead of actually doing his job, though!

I also don’t think that Gov. Palin’s family life has much to do with the issues, and it obviously hasn’t hindered her ability to be a great governor. Please feel free to research her approval rating in Alaska.

If Sen. Obama actually had any experience, he and his supporters would be campaigning on that instead of trying to tear down Gov. Palin. It appears to be quite scary for the Democratic Party to be opposing someone that the majority of Americans can actually relate to, instead of just another slick-talking Harvard lawyer.

Michael Goff Royal Palm Beach

to continue to move forward.”

Commissioner Jeff Koons asked Webb about environmental permitting and if any potential mitigation land had been located nearby.

“We’ve had several discussions, and they would like keep it in the basin. Because of the scrutiny, they’re trying to figure out if everything within the basin is exhausted or if there is an opportunity for us to do that. We’re looking at various parcels of land including immediately adjacent to the basin.”

The mitigation land that has been so far rejected by the SFWMD would have expanded the Loxahatchee Slough, Webb said. “They said not at this point will they accept that, and they want us to look at the basin and see if there are more mitigation

ment for at least a 10-year planning period.

“The purpose was for us to show in detail how, when and where we would supply potable water to the village,” Associate Planner Bill Nemser explained.

Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto asked Utilities Director Ed Wasielewski to go into detail about the long range plans for reuse and conservation efforts. Wasielewski said the current wastewater plant expansion allows for the reuse of five million gallons of water a day, and the plan is to use some of that water in the village’s parks.

“It’s great as far as water conservation is concerned,” Wasielewski said. “It will keep us from pumping down using deep well injection. Another part of this is the wetland park, which is allowing us to repeatedly percolate and recharge. We are also looking at golf courses and polo fields.”

In light of recent “water war” disputes in the western communities involving the county and other local governments, Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore and

ment in Wellington around 1979 and the incorporation effort that created the municipality in 1995-96.

“The vision and the future to create a sustainable Wellington is remarkable,” Nelson said, “and this council and the Wellington staff who will make this happen will take its place in history as have those who fought hard to bring Wellington to what it is today.”

Nelson also said the chamber had researched answers to a question posed by Margolis, on why businesses in the village have been closing. “Comparing chamber membership from September 2006 to September 2008, we found that 174 businesses that were chamber members went out of business,” he said.

Nelson noted that significantly, 80 percent of the closed businesses were in the State Road 7 corridor and around the Mall at

Public Art ‘Nice Addition’ To RPB

continued from page 1 want to see your project on that corner.”

Schofel agreed. “We want to do something that will be a nice value add for the city and the shopping center,” he said. “There will be significant improvement to the shopping center as well as the city.”

Conditions on the property require that site improvements for the shopping center includ-

Comp Plan Send To The State

continued from page 10 owners who had been in business in the community for years, without opening the door for others claiming that they should be allowed the same uses.

“How do we handle it without putting this in?” Louda asked. “This could just open the door for bringing in megatons of manure. It comes back to protecting our water supply.”

Town Attorney David Tolces said non-enforcement in previous years by the county created the situation. “Simply because the county decided not to enforce its own zoning codes and land development codes, the town has to face uses that are not legally established and decide what to do with them,” he said.

Tolces also said the town might use a variance process or waiver mechanism to allow certain types of activities, but said

opportunities,” he said.

Koons said the potentially increased mitigation costs for Roebuck Road and an estimated $43 million cost should be examined closely in light of diminishing funding sources.

Webb agreed that the costs might have to be re-evaluated if the county has to purchase more expensive land around the basin, also if it has to do extensive bridging to allow for a flow way. He added that possible state funding would help ease the cost because of the connection to the State Road 7 extension.

Webb said he would not be able to determine the cost of the road until staff is finished with the permitting process, but added that the slow construction industry means that now is a good time to do projects. Recent bids

Councilman Bob Margolis asked how the village was set with options for emergency connections for water supply.

Wasielewski said his staff anticipates emergency connections possibly north of Forest Hill Blvd. and across State Road 7 if the village should not have access to its own water.

“If we have a catastrophic failure at the plant or a hurricane, or any situation where we would lose emergency power, we would go out and open up a couple of valves,” Wasielewski said. “The county could open theirs. We could purchase water from the county at that time.”

Schofield concurred and said

Wellington has a good relationship with the county. “We are long past the days where we did not talk to the county,” he said.

“We have a good working relationship with them in the utilities discussions.”

Benacquisto asked about the possibility of supplying reuse water for firefighting purposes in the Equestrian Preserve Area, where there is no municipal water supply infrastructure.

“Someone will have to bear

Wellington Green, with only 20 percent in the older areas of Wellington.

“Of the ones we lost, 65 percent were retail/restaurants, with 30 percent being real estate-related and the other five percent were miscellaneous businesses,” he said. “The good news for the chamber and Wellington is that for each one we lost, we gained a new member, and since June of this year we have been averaging 10 to 15 new members a month.”

the cost of bringing the water over there, and it won’t be the taxpayers of Wellington,” she said. “You also mentioned retrofitting. Our equestrian areas do not have city water. We need to look at possibly bringing reuse water there to people who currently have to use wells.”

Councilman Matt Willhite said he would like village staff to look at retrofitting irrigation in road medians and common areas, and he also asked whether staff had found any problems in infrastructure or deficiencies while compiling the work plan, and how the village’s system rates compared to those of other communities.

“We are good for another 30 years,” Wasielewski said. “We can provide as good quality water that is offered by the county or any other municipality. We are in very fine shape as far as distribution and treatment.”

Benacquisto made a motion to approve transmission of the water plan, which was seconded by Willhite. It passed unanimously.

Nelson also ran down a list of small businesses that have been in continuous operation for one or two decades in the village’s older shopping plazas, such as Gabriel’s Cafe, the Silver Screen Cinema, Long Paint, Backstreets Bar & Grill, Schaefer Drug, Van Dell Jewelers, Wheels of Wellington, Cushing Pools and Wellington Florist. “Why have they made it? Reason one is a local ownership who knows the customers,” he said. “Reason two is great service. Reason three is a fair price. Some of these businesses have been in place well over 20 years and have gone through a number of economic downturns.”

ing landscape upgrades be completed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the CVS building. Parking rows along Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards will be shifted 4.9 feet to the north and the west to accommodate additional landscaping area at the corner.

On Thursday, Lodwick told the Town-Crier the council had entrusted Farber to manage selection of an artist.

“When it comes to that level, we will work through the scenario of how the specific sculptor will be selected,” Lodwick said. “I’m very comfortable with his recommendation.”

there is no provision in the town’s comprehensive plan to deal with transitional land uses.

E Road resident Howard Voren suggested the town offer a special exception to the Choquettes. “I don’t understand why we cannot keep a certain land use in the Groves and by special exception allow it to exist due to the historical significance,” he said. “They have been here for more than 25 years. I would look into whether we cannot get away with that.”

LGWCD Supervisor Ron Jarriel agreed and said the town should have some way for longestablished agricultural businesses to continue operation.

“You promised to love it or leave it alone,” Jarriel said. “I find it hard to believe you can’t put the SA into the comprehensive plan. As far as these people are concerned, I sat with them during the magistrate hearing. They have 120 days to come up with a game plan. If we don’t have the comprehensive plan in place yet, I think they can get

were 20 to 25 percent below the anticipated cost, he said.

In other business, the commissioners removed from the county road plan a project to widen Seminole Pratt Whitney Road from Seminole Ridge High School to Orange Blvd.

Webb said the removal would not cause the road to fail to meet the adopted level of service and there were there no development projects phased to the development of that section.

Deferring work on that section of Seminole Pratt will save $11 million in the road plan, Webb said, adding that plans for a sidewalk from Seminole Ridge High School to the Grove Marketplace for the safety of student walkers would stay in place.

Commissioner Burt Aaronson made the motion to approve the

Members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce are ready and willing to participate in the village’s economic incentives plan, Nelson said. “We have the best and brightest as the members of the chamber, and we want to serve the village when tough decisions need to be made,” he said. “We have an unbelievable breadth of experience we can bring to the table.”

Blotter continued from page 6 destruction of evidence in addition to shoplifting. SEPT. 23 — An Acreage man was arrested Tuesday night following a traffic stop on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation pulled over a GMC pickup truck driven by 27-year-old Joseph Jurinich for faulty tail lights. A records check revealed Jurinich had an active warrant for failure to appear in court on a misdemeanor charge. Upon searching Jurinich’s vehicle, the deputy found a glass pipe containing marijuana residue, stored inside a green bag. The deputy further discovered the Jurinich’s license had been suspended. He was arrested and taken to the county jail.

an extension. It’s reassuring for them that the council will listen to them. They do pay an arm and a leg in taxes for the business they have. I would hope you would find a place to put them in.”

Vice Mayor Marge Herzog made a motion to transmit the comprehensive plan, which was seconded by Councilman Dave Autrey. The motion passed unanimously 5-0. Tolces assured council members that he and the special magistrate would do whatever they could to resolve the matter and work with the property owner. “We cannot change the codes that are there,” he said. “We will do whatever we can to make sure this matter is resolved one way or another.” In other business, the council gave final approval of its budget and property tax assessment rate for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. The town’s budget is set at $2.04 million with a property tax rate at 1.5 mills, or $1.50 for every $1,000 of assessed value.

mid-year report on the county’s five-year road plan, seconded by Commissioner Mary McCarty. It passed 6-1 with Koons opposed. Webb said the commission would review its annual five-year road plan update in about two months. On Wednesday, Lodwick noted that Koons was on the West Palm Beach City Commission when that body approved the three developments.

“His quotes that ran in the paper were that this is a land grab pure and simple,” Lodwick told the Town-Crier. “The city needed a tax base and they were going to agree to anything. We sued, and I believe Mr. Koons was still on the city commission when they approved the settlement agreement that requires the road.”

Wellington Rotary Club Dedicates Peace Park On Peace Day

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

On Sunday, Sept. 21, the Wellington Rotary Club hosted a dedication ceremony at its new Wellington Rotary Peace Park.

The event featured the planting of its peace pole along with the awarding of various honors to community leaders and students.

Sept. 21 is the United Nations’ International Day of Peace; the local event was part of the international effort to promote peace. The ceremony included the recognition of elementary, middle and high school youngsters for their artwork, poetry and speeches to celebrate world peace. Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Col. Mike Gauger was presented the Rotary Peace Award.

Boy Scout Troop #120, the PBSO Honor Guard and members of American Legion Post #164 presented the colors during the ceremony, while members of the Palm Beach Central High School Interact Club had an active part in the ceremony handing out programs. Interact Club member Ryan Chiarello was recognized for his essay “The Promise of Peace.”

Other highlights included Dion Kirkbride of Wellington High School being presented the Student Mediator Award for Resolution Tactics and students from Elbridge Gale Elementary School unveiling their own peace pole.

Peace Park Chair Dr. Wes Boughner of the Wellington Rotary Club gave the opening remarks.

“The Wellington Rotary Park and peace pole serve all citizens of Wellington above all religions, races or politics to create a cultural understanding in world peace,” Boughner said.

“The peace pole is a universal monument in the quest for peace. The quest to find a location in our community for a Rotary Peace Pole began three and a half years ago. The peace pole project includes this passive park of 18.4 acres of wetland, and the international boardwalk and gazebo today is designed as a serene setting for Wellington citizens and their guests to meditate, pray and just contemplate the meaning of intercultural understanding and the thought of world peace.”

Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen presented the Village of Wellington’s Day of Peace Proclamation. Bowen spoke of his own experience with Rotary and how the club historically focused in its early years on community activities and community charities and doing good for the community. “Today, we dedicate the park to promote peace throughout the world, and it’s a park for our community to use locally,” Bowen said.

Wellington Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore, a fellow Rotarian, echoed Bowen’s comments. Priore said the dedication of the

park and the peace pole project is part of a mission of “love and devotion” for Boughner and the other members of the Wellington Rotary Club. “This has been a mission of love and devotion, both for Wes and the members of the Wellington Rotary Club to bring about this peace pole,” Priore said. “But we were not to be just satisfied with the peace pole. The continuation of the mission was this park.”

Wellington Councilman Bob Margolis noted that peace means different things to different people. He credited Boughner and the other Rotarians for having the passion and love to keep pushing for the peace park.

“As I travel around, and I speak to a number of different Rotary clubs, they ask me how did you guys on the council do this,” Margolis said. “I said it wasn’t the council. It was the Rotary Club that had the idea. The council had no choice but to say yes.”

Wellington Rotary Club President Don Gross said it was a great honor for him to be there that day and to see so many members of Rotary taking part in the festivities.

“I look forward to this park being one for our residents to come and enjoy some peaceful moments, and as a place where we can stop and take a walk on the boardwalk before getting back to our hectic lives,” he said. Boughner then called up

members of the community to recognize the elementary, middle and high school artists, poets and wordsmiths for their talents in drawing or writing about peace and what it means to them.

Elbridge Gale art teacher Dr. Nicole Crane asked three of her students to unveil a peace pole of their own for the peace park.

Wellington Rotarian Debbie Sanacore gave out “Peace” merit badges to members of Boy Scout Troop #120, and Palm Beach Central’s Chiarello read his essay.

Rotarian Mark McLean praised Gauger for his community service. Gauger thanked McLean and spoke of the importance of peace and tolerance in all communities.

“A symbol of peace could be a shining example of peace in any neighborhood,” Gauger said. “It’s an example of love, understanding and compassion, and what should be communication between all people.”

The ceremony concluded with a rendition of “Let There Be Peace On Earth” by the members of Wellington High School’s Impressions chorus and a release of doves, with Boughner releasing a special one in memory of his late wife Joan.

Wellington Rotary Peace Park is located at the corner of Royal Fern Street and Birkdale Drive, near the library and just southeast of Elbridge Gale Elementary School.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Members of the Impressions chorus sing the national anthem.

PBSO Deputy Mark Casapulla plays “Taps.”

Members of Palm Beach Central High School’s Interact Club.

Members of the PBSO Honor Guard.

Students from Elbridge Gale Elementary School unveil their own peace pole.

Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen says a few words.

Dr. Wes Boughner releases a dove.

Rotarian Jay Broder presents Dion Kirkbridge the Student Mediator Award for Resolution Tactics.

Dr. Wes Boughner recalls the Peace Park story.

Royal Palm Beach Youth Softball Kicks Off Its Fall Season

The Royal Palm Beach Youth Softball Association (RPBYSA) conducted opening ceremonies for the fall season on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Vivian Ferrin Park in Royal Palm Beach. As part of the celebration, dignitaries from the Village of Royal Palm Beach and the Indian Trail Improvement District were invited to introduce the teams and kick off the first games. The RPBYSA is home to nine teams and inter-leagued with the Acreage Athletic League (home to six teams) to kick off the same season start date. Both teams will also play Lake Lytal during the season that ends Nov. 22.

The RPBYSA is a volunteer nonprofit association created in

May 2001 to provide young women in the community a venue to learn and play competitive softball. League ages range from six to 17 years of age. Organized sports foster healthy lifestyles, strong character and help to develop skills that may lead to future opportunities. Vivian Ferrin Park is located at 11911 Okeechobee Blvd., adjacent to Royal Palm Beach Elementary School. Royal Palm Beach Softball Association welcomes sponsorships from the local business community. For information about Royal Palm Beach Youth Softball, call Treasurer Sarah Chung at (786) 200-3615 or visit www.eteamz.com/rpbysa.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Rita Picking holds stands by a 1931 milk truck.

truck.

Museum Manager Dennis Klotz with a 1930 coupe that is unrestored.

1930 Model AA 1931 truck with a Fruehauf trailer.A 1930 coupe with a rumble seat.

Coaches and players gather on the field.League Vice President and Black Ice manager Brian Alex meets with Mayor David Lodwick on the mound.

My Dad’s Still Got An Enviable Sense Of Childlike Wonder

I just talked to my Dad on the phone and I’ve decided that what everyone likes about him most is: he’s clueless. I don’t mean that in a bad way. What I mean is that, at age 76, he still has the childlike wonder all of us say we’re going to hang onto but don’t. Case in point: he was about 40 when he first sampled an artichoke. He was at a business luncheon with clients and everyone was ordering an artichoke, so he ordered one. Now, up until that time, Dad’s vegetable repertoire had included quite a few things, but those things were generally from Mom’s garden, cooked by Mom and served to him on a plate — by Mom. They were Mom-tested, Mom-approved. But here he was in Texas, in the age before cell phones, with no handy Momly opinion to trust. I give the guy credit for going for it. And when he confessed to his fellow

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

diners that this would be his first artichoke, they tried to be helpful. “Cut out the center — we call it the ‘heart’ — and set that aside, Emmett,” one of them said. So he did. “Now pull out each ‘leaf’ and dip it into this sauce and eat it,” they said. So he did. He ate all the ‘leaves’ and enjoyed them. He proclaimed his artichoke experience a success, and when the

waitress came back, he handed her his plate.

“No, no, no!” the other diners hollered. “Now you eat the heart! The heart is the best part of the artichoke. Don’t throw it away!” So my dad ate the heart and declared them correct... and everyone all laughed, and a good time was had by all.

Another time, he spent his entire summer vacation painting the house. That is to say, he spent ten days scraping the old paint off the house with a piece of sandpaper wrapped around a block of wood and two days actually painting the house. He started in the back, so the neighbors wouldn’t be offended by an ugly house, and, by the time he got to the front, his arm was pretty sore. He complained about it when one of the other dads came by to “supervise.”

“Wow! I didn’t even know you were painting the house,” he said. “It’s going to look really good.

But I can see why your arm hurts. Would you like to use my power sander?” Dad almost fell off the ladder. “You mean they make those?” His innocence was the talk of the town for months. Now it’s the election. My parents have always been on opposite sides of the fence, but Dad doesn’t seem to know this, even after all these years.

“Your mother and I are voting for Barack Obama,” he proudly announced over the phone.

“I don’t think so, Dad.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean I talked to Mom yesterday, and I think she’s voting McCain.”

“What are you talking about? I don’t believe it.

Maa-aarge!!”

Then the phone went dead.

I hate to be the bearer of bad clues.

Party Chat Reveals The Contrast Between Women And Men

All women and most men, certainly the wiser married ones, will agree that women are the smarter sex. As one woman friend said, “the only thing holding us back is our fondness for you men.” And I am appropriately grateful. Most of us understand that men and women think differently. Years ago, when men dominated the media, there were many jokes about the foolishness of women rushing out to buy at sales, even when they didn’t need the items they bought. Now we have female comedians who get as many laughs pointing out that men spend easily as much money on their toys. Such is equality!

Of course, equality (and let us not argue about all the political, economic and social aspects of that as a hypothesis) does not imply sameness. One element of the feminist movement has worked very assiduously to argue that we are essentially the same, save for a bit of plumbing.

‘I’

On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

tween genders. Like most men, I imagine women’s friendships are eternal. They are friends because they are friends. There were friends, they are friends, they will always be friends. Why ask?

One of the women there, however, had a fascinating response. She is unmarried and all of her friends at work are married. As a result, they are busy on weekends and she is lonely.

work and then moving on to really important subjects like sports.

Nonsense! Women and men look at life differently. My wife is constantly disappointed when I fail to notice that she changed something in the house. She wonders why I don’t notice that she moved a plant from the patio to the dining room table but always seem to remember when we’ve left the garage door open and run to close it. I try to explain that I look for the real anomalies and don’t notice the less important ones. If she’s in a good mood, she lets me get away with it.

At

I was reminded of the differences between the sexes at a party this week. We visited one of my wife’s buddies for a birthday party. My wife asked a few of the women there how they knew the hostess. That, of course, was the first difference be-

“I went to an online dating service and instead of looking for men, I looked for women,” she said. “I kept my search very limited and only answered ads where women were both interesting and said they were just looking for friends.”

That was where she had met our hostess as well as another woman at the party. “We met for lunch,” the friend wisecracked. “It was the best first date I ever had.”

The men were startled. None of us had ever thought of using a dating service to just find friends. Friends usually are guys you meet at work or, especially here in Florida, hanging out by a pool. You get to know each other by discussing

From an anthropological point of view, the differing styles make sense. Women go out shopping directly for friends. If they want a new outfit, they troll their favorite stores. No need for much fuss. It might even be traceable back to primeval times when men went out hunting while women gathered berries and wild crops. The men might roam widely; the women went to the places where they knew things grew. If you want a friend, you go shopping for one.

Men, like the hunters of yore, wander around until they come upon something they like. When I go shopping for clothes by myself, something likely to happen once or twice a decade unless my wife drags me to a store, I just wander around a mall. I’ll spend as much time looking at gadgets and books as at clothing. I do the same for friends. Hang out, chat a bit, see what develops. Women seem to have more friends than men. They seem to do it better. Surprising? Not at all.

Your Local Cemetery, There’s A Story Behind Every Name

When I lived in Brooklyn, I had a friend with an unusual hobby. Every weekend, rain or shine, he would meet a group of folks and head to a cemetery in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) and read the grave markers. He would always invite me to tag along, but every week I would think of an excuse for why I couldn’t go. After a while he just stopped asking. My friend knows where every famous dead person in the tri-state area is buried. He was so good at doing what he did, he was recognized as one of the leading experts on gravesites in the country. Every now and then, I catch him on TV talking about his special skill. I once asked him if he could show me where one of my boyhood idols was buried. I wanted him to take me to see Gil Hodges. I didn’t have to ask twice. Gil is buried in a cemetery in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, not too far from where Ebbets Field used to be. Gil was my favorite player on the Brooklyn Dodgers. The visit to his grave

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

was an honor. As we arrived at the grave, we found it loaded with fresh flowers. My friend started to tell me all about Gil and his grave (fresh flowers delivered every day, etc.), and about some of his famous neighbors buried close by. I was almost starting to see why my friend spends so much time in graveyards. I must admit it was a very interesting visit. I tell this little story about my friend because the other day while I was driving down State Road 7, I started to think about the new Veterans Ad-

ministration cemetery west of Boynton Beach. I must have driven past it well over a hundred times since it opened.

This time as I was driving by, I decided to pull in just to see what it looked like. At first I was taken aback by the beauty of the place. I couldn’t get over how nice it was. After all, it was only a cemetery, not the Mounts Botanical Garden on Military Trail. But every blade of grass was exactly where it belonged. There wasn’t a weed to be seen. It appeared the grass had been to a military barber and had just gotten a crew cut (no code violations at this site). I even saw a deer near the cemetery.

Then it hit me all at once. There were the graves of my real heroes, in the thousands. Most of the folks who rest there are World War II veterans. I know this because I got out of my car and started to read the grave markers of these heroes.

As I read the stones, I tried to picture and understand what each person did and went through

during the war. It was a very moving experience for me. I am not ashamed to tell you I spent over three hours reading the names. I felt very safe and secure with my newfound friends. I can now relate to my buddy in Brooklyn; I now understand why he visits graveyards.

Someone who works at the VA cemetery told me that because there are so many interments taking place there, if you died today it would take at least ten days before they would be able to bury you. One of the reasons for the long wait is because there are a lot of reburials at this cemetery. Family members are having their dead moved closer to home. I have decided I want to be buried in the VA cemetery on SR 7 when it is my time to go. This is one of the few places I know of where people are dying to get in (it’s an old joke, I know). If you have some spare time, you too may want to visit the final resting place of so many heroes. I can assure you that you will not be sorry.

TOWN-CRIER SPORTS & RECREATION

Royal Palm Holds Back Seminole Ridge In 17-12 Nail-biter

By Paul Gaba Town-Crier Staff Report

In a contest of big plays, the Royal Palm Beach High School football team saved the biggest for the end, with just 83 seconds remaining in last Friday’s game against rival Seminole Ridge High School at Palms West Stadium.

It was then that the Wildcats’ Damien Stevenson made his second interception of the game, picking off Seminole Ridge quarterback Tyler Wilhelm’s pass to clinch a 17-12 victory over the Hawks. And for first-year RPBHS head coach Darren Studstill, it was his firstever win.

Royal Palm Beach came into the game as favorites, and the capacity partisan crowd went from elation to heartburn to relief. The Wildcats opened up a double-digit lead that held through halftime, but had to come back from a second-half deficit to earn the victory, thanks to a quick strike from quarterback Marvin Payne to wideout Eric Peterson.

The 80-yard strike took place on the Wildcats’ first play from scrimmage after the Hawks had taken their first — and only — lead of the game, and proved to be the game’s final score. It was Peterson’s only reception of the game.

Seminole Ridge did not go down without a fight, though. Trailing with 4:38 left, Wilhelm marched the Hawks from their own 24 yard line to the Royal Palm Beach 32 before Stevenson’s interception ended the drive with 1:23 remaining, effectively ending the game.

“The last turnover was critical, but we were trying to make a play under

pressure and came up short,” Seminole Ridge head coach Matt Dickmann said.

The battle started out as a battle for field position, with both defenses dominating the action and Seminole Ridge pinned deep in its own territory. Royal Palm Beach finally broke a scoreless deadlock late in the first quarter when defensive end Jordan Lide blocked a Matt Johnson punt attempt deep in the Seminole Ridge end zone. The ball bounced out of the end zone, resulting in a safety and a 2-0 Wildcats lead.

“The blocked punt was an assignment error and could have been prevented,” Dickmann said.

It was the first of several special teams victories by Royal Palm Beach.

Along with the punt block, the Wildcats recovered an onsides kick to open the game and blocked both an extra point and a field goal.

Royal Palm Beach opened up the lead with 1:52 remaining in the first half when Wildcats running back Javonti Greene galloped 49 yards for a score.

Royal Palm Beach (1-1) converted on a two-point attempt to make it 10-0.

Seminole Ridge nearly pulled fire out of the sky before the half ended, when Wilhelm connected with Jeacky Charles for a long pass reception.

Charles caught the pass on the west sideline, and had a clear shot to the end zone but stepped out of bounds deep in Royal Palm Beach territory. The Hawks (2-1) were unable to capitalize on the opportunity, and a field goal attempt was blocked as time ran out in the first half.

“Not coming away with a field goal at that point of the game was critical,” Dickmann said.

The second half proved to be more fruitful for the Hawks, as Wilhelm hit receiver Javian Wrisper for a pair of scoring strikes. The 25- and 28-yard touchdown passes gave Seminole Ridge a 12-10 lead, and showed a departure from the Hawks’ reliance on a ground attack to control the clock.

Wilhelm ended up six of 25 for 133 yards through the air, including the two Wrisper touchdowns. In part this was due to the Royal Palm Beach rush defense stifling the Hawks’ ground game, which managed 18 yards on 24 attempts.

“At halftime we decided to throw the ball and take advantage of the fact that they had eight men in the box on defense,” Dickmann said. “Plus, we were down 10 points against a quick defense.”

And as Payne’s 80-yard connection with Peterson proved, a quick offense as well.

Along with Royal Palm Beach’s special teams prowess, both teams’ defenses were busy forcing turnovers. The Wildcats lost four of its nine — yes, nine — fumbles. Seminole Ridge fumbled the ball four times, and while Royal Palm Beach was unable to capitalize on those miscues, the Wildcats’ defense picked off Wilhelm three times.

“I thought our defense did a great job and gave up only two big plays,” Dickmann said. “That is going to happen in a game like this. I was happy with the defensive effort.”

Seminole Ridge travels to Palm Beach Lakes High School on Friday, while Royal Palm Beach hosts Wellington High School in the annual Palms West Classic game.

Local Riders Gearing Up For Annual Vinceremos Harvest Fest

The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center will hold its second annual Harvest Fest on Saturday, Oct. 4, including a trail ride, costume contest, model horse show and a bunch of other fun things. The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center on Forest Hill Blvd. across from Okeeheelee Park. Admission is free for this fundraiser, and the community is invited to participate or just watch.

There’ll be a DJ, great food (lunch is $10), equine demonstrations, face painting, games, crafts and pony rides. Riders are invited to raise money with pledges and then participate in the Trick-or-Treat Trail Ride. There’s also a Brier Model Horse Show, where kids can either decorate their favorite models and bring them along, or buy a model and decorate it right there — then enter it in the “show!”

A barrel jackpot class is scheduled to run at 4:30 p.m., followed by a horse-and-rider costume contest. Categories include the scariest, funniest, most original and best Halloween theme. Prizes include tickets to Lion Country Safari and gift certificates to local stores and restaurants. A Palm Beach Mounted Posse “fun show” will end the day, with half-price classes and a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.

All of the money raised goes for scholarships to help defray the costs of therapy, Vinceremos administrative assistant Hannah Lopez said. “Each time a client gets up on a horse for a therapy session, it costs us about $100, between

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

the overhead and insurance,” she said. “That’s a lot of money, and many medical insurance companies don’t cover it. We don’t ever charge people that much. Our charges range from free to $40 — that’s the most we ever charge per session. It’s based on the client’s financial situation. Fundraisers like the Harvest Fest help us make up the difference.”

Melissa Johnson of Loxahatchee said last year’s fest was “a very fun day.” The 17-yearold said she enjoyed decorating pumpkins, going on the trail ride and seeing all the great costumes.

Melissa heard about Vinceremos last year and began volunteering there last summer. “I help with everything,” she said. “I clean stalls, bathe horses, help feed, walk along with the kids when they ride. And I get to ride for free, too! Everyone’s very friendly there, nice and helpful. Super horses, and a great atmosphere. I‘ll definitely be there on Saturday.”

Gemma Steele of Lake Worth will also be there, helping out any way she can. She originally be-

came involved with Vinceremos because of her grandson Zachary. He suffered a massive stroke at birth and had no speech or motor skills. A friend recommended hippotherapy, and Gemma contacted Vinceremos.

“They said they’d be glad to work with Zachary, but first he had to be able to hold himself in an upright position,” Gemma recalled. “We persevered, and when he was three years old, he was finally ready to start riding.”

Zachary had weekly sessions, and within a short time he started walking. “Don’t get me wrong,” Gemma said. “It wasn’t like a miracle — he was still very unsteady and had a lot of balancing issues. But Zachary wasn’t able to walk at all before he started riding. It was a huge turning point for him. It really made a big difference. He’s much more connected to things now. And the riding helped in so many different ways, like speech. All week he talks about going to ride the horses again. Just this year, he was mainstreamed into a regular kindergarten class. I believe that a lot of his progress is due to the work at Vinceremos. They did all sorts of exercises with him for strength and balance. We don’t set limits on what Zachary can achieve. We are truly blessed.”

Gemma said the Harvest Fest is a great place to see what Vinceremos can help people accomplish. “My gosh, if the whole world could just go there, they’d see what people can do despite of any deficits they may have,” she said. Gemma said she loves the uninhibited way everyone has a good time without worrying too

much about what can or can’t be done. She describes it as a feel-good moment where the whole community can just relax and have fun together, and have a new appreciation of what’s possible.

“Last year, the DJ had all the kids get up and start dancing together in their costumes. It was something to see,” Gemma said. “Here were all these kids with a multitude of different challenges, and all they were doing was having a great time. Participating in an event like this really gives you a new perspective.” For more information on the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, call (561) 792-9900 or visit www.vinceremos.com.

Volunteer Jennifer Collins with Air at last year’s Trick-or-Treat Trail Ride.

SRHS quarterback Tyler Wilhelm is brought down by RPB’s Daryl Smith, Jordan Lide and Steven Brinson. Hawk Le’Antwon Roker tackles Wildcat Javonti Greene.

SRHS quarterback Tyler Wilhelm hands the ball off to William Jones.SRHS Head Coach Matt Dickmann.

RPB quarterback Marvin Payne avoids the rush.

Seminole Ridge fans show support for their team. PHOTOS BY PAUL GABA/TOWN-CRIER

Members of RPB’s Pop Warner League were at the game for a halftime presentation.

RPB wide receiver Chris Dunkley tries to get past Hawk Jeff Moise.

Lady Wave U-16 Suffers First Defeat But Rebounds With Win

The Wellington Wave U-16 girls soccer team recently traveled to South Kendall to face Kendall SC only to be trounced by the Kendall squad 5-0 in an off day for the Lady Wave in which they never really found their usual rhythm. The field conditions were among the worst the team has ever played on, with six-inch-high patches of weeds and crabgrass strewn throughout the field. Pitted turf with muck blanketed the field. Other setbacks seemed to add to the Wave’s inability to get in sync. The girls had early opportunities in the first half to make a game of it, but could not capitalize on their chances with accurate shots. The few they had were either high or wide of the net. In the second half of play, the Wave managed only one shot on goal by midfielder Jillian Collins. The Kendall keeper dove for the save to deny the score. The Wave keeper had no trouble staying busy as she had little time to rest.

The day after their game against South Kendall, the Wave

traveled to Weston to battle the Weston Fury. The Lady Wave had less than a day to recover from their wounds, but rebounded nicely with a 3-0 shutout against the Fury. Weston nearly broke the ice with an early shot seven minutes into the match with a rocket from the left, soaring to the right corner on the net. Wave keeper Brianna Nardi went airborn diving to deny the goal. Five minutes later, the Lady Wave scored on a mishandled ball by the Weston keeper, and Wave forward Crystal Martinez took the shot as Jillian Collins escorted the ball into the net to take a 1-0 lead at the end of the first half.

The second half provided plenty of action. Anytime Weston pressured, the Wave’s defense stood strong by either clearing the ball or denying shots on goal. In the 25th minute, Wave midfielder Katie Hanlon struck the ball off a corner kick that was initially tipped by the Fury keeper. Hanlon booted the ball off the deflection to the back of the net, making

the score 2-0. The Wave continued pressuring the Weston defense with multiple shots, many deflected by the Fury keeper. The Lady Wave would strike one more time, in the 35th minute, when midfielder Lauren

Williams Leads Winning Team In Hollis Memorial Tournament

The Links at Madison Green in Royal Palm Beach sponsored the Fifth Annual Andy Hollis Memorial Golf Tournament on

Saturday, Sept. 13. Andy Hollis, who was a devoted golfer, died at age 21 in a tragic auto accident in 2004. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the First Tee program, which provides young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop life-enhancing values such as confidence, perseverance and judgment through golf and character education.

Fifteen-year-old Michael Williams joined golfers James Gaston and Rush Young to win the tournament with a final combined score of 19 under par. Williams is a sophomore at Cardinal Newman High School, where he plays on the junior varsity team. While Williams is proud of his accomplishment, he is more thrilled to help keep the legacy of Andy Hollis alive while helping the First Tee.

to earn their first

Mike Adams Named Teaching Professional At Wanderers Club

World-renowned golf instruc-

tor Mike Adams, whose pupils have included touring pros, presidents and award-winning actors, has joined the Wanderers Club at Wellington as its first teaching professional.

“Having an outstanding instructor on staff is part of the overall vision of the Wanderers Club,” General Manager John Wash said as the club prepares to enter its second season. “Mike fulfills that vision; he teaches players at all levels, from beginners to tournament golfers. We’re thrilled to have him as a member of the team at the Wanderers Club.”

Golf magazine has ranked Adams among the Top 100 instructors, and Golf Digest has him ranked among the Top 50 instructors. His “laws of golf” philosophy is tailored to each individual.

“I’m excited to join the Wanderers Club,” Adams said, “and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to serve the member-

ship by helping to improve their understanding of the game of golf.”

Adams, who has written 11 books about golf, has been the personal teacher of tour players and celebrities including Briny Baird, Brett Wetterich, Dudley Hart, Mark Brooks, Michelle McGann, Rosie Jones, Betsy King and Mike Sposa. Former students include Jack Nicholson, Michael Douglas, Jim Palmer, Keanu Reeves, Willie Nelson, Kenny G. and Tom Landry as well as President George W. Bush and former presidents Bill Clinton, Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush.

Director of Golf Justin Thompson is looking forward to having Adams join the Wanderers Club team. “Mike is a great complement to the returning golf professionals, and our members will reap the benefits,” Thompson said. “Having Mike here ensures the Wanderers Club’s commitment to becoming a premier teaching facility in South Florida.” Adams plans to spend November through April at the Wanderers Club, then return to his summer post at Hamilton Farms Golf Club in Gladstone, New Jersey, which is also the home of the United States Equestrian Team. For more information about the Wanderers Club, call (561) 795-3510.

Mike Adams

Matias took a ball up the left side with open field in front of her, and drove a shot to the left side of the net, making the score 30. With little time left, Weston pressured in an attempt to deny the shutout, but the Wave held

shutout of the season.

play from Brittany Hobby, Andrea Cedeno-Toban, Maria Collins, Jillian Collins, Christina Sarubbi and Lauren Matias helped lock in

the victory. The Wave missed midfielder Maggie Matella with an ankle injury from the Kendall match. “It was a total team effort, they really pulled together,” Coach Shannon Sanguinetti said.

Wave midfielder Maria Collins (right) attempts to control the ball in mid field to send it up field.

Midfielder Jillian Collins beats Weston defenders to take a direct shot on a goal that was saved by the Fury keeper.

Michael Williams, Rush Young and James Gaston. PHOTO COURTESY TIM CAHILL

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, Sept. 27

• In celebration of National Public Lands Day, the Loxahatchee chapter of the Florida Trail Association will meet at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27 at the south entrance to the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area. Come explore and develop a hiking trail in the western part of the management area. Call Paul at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

• The South Florida Fairgrounds will host the Fall Shopping Extravaganza on Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Americraft Expo Center. The free event will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include garage sale items, antiques, crafts, wholesale items, toys, clothing, furniture, books, videos and more all in air-conditioned comfort. Vendors are welcome. Parking is free. For more info., call (561) 793-0333 or visit www. southfloridafair.com.

• Renowned Palm Beach County artist Edna Hibel has organized an exhibition and sale of her fine arts, collectibles and gifts to benefit St. Rita Catholic Church in Wellington. The exhibition will take place at St. Rita (13645 Paddock Drive) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27 and 28. For more info., call (561) 793-8544.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Drop-In Story Time” for ages two and up on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. No pre-registration is required. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• Sesame Street Live’s “When Elmo Grows Up” will continue the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28 in the Dreyfoos Concert Hall. For tickets, call (561) 832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org.

Sunday, Sept. 28

• Celebratory worship services at St. Michael Lutheran Church will take place Sunday, Sept. 28 at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. The 25th anniversary service will feature Rev. Edward Benoway, bishop of the Florida Bahamas Synod. For more info., call (561) 793-4999 or visit www.stmichaelelc.com.

Monday, Sept. 29

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold Baby Story Time on Monday, Sept. 29 at 9:30 a.m. for ages eight months and younger and at 11:15 a.m. for ages nine to 12 months. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold an English Exchange for adults Monday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. Join Literacy AmeriCorps member Paula Alexander in this interactive program where you can practice speaking English while talking about everyday situations and current events. Basic English skills are needed to participate. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Meet the Author: Stuart Woods” on Monday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. Meet the best-selling author, chat, ask questions and get the scoop on Hot Mahogany , his just-released title in the Stone Barrington series. A book signing will follow. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6070.

Wednesday, Oct. 1

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present its Whole Wide World Book Discussion Series on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. Sara Harris will lead a discussion of Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. Sign up and check out the book. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

Thursday, Oct. 2

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Read for the Record: Corduroy” on Thursday, Oct. 2 at 3:30 p.m. for ages four and up. Take part in a shared reading experience with other children across the U.S. as library staff reads stories about “Corduroy,” that lovable teddy bear. Make a craft and get a certificate. Also on Oct. 2, the library will present a Teen Writing Workshop for ages 12 through 17 at 6:30 p.m. If you like to write stories, poetry, plays or fan-fiction, bring a sample of your work to share with a fellow writers. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register for either event.

• The Wellington Women’s Club will meet on Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Binks Forest Golf Club. In addition to a buffet dinner, guest speaker Deputy Michael Leatherman of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office will discuss safety, crime prevention and how to make Wellington a more se-

cure place to live. Guest fees are $30. To make a reservation, call Allyson Samiljan at (561) 798-6741. Friday, Oct. 3

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Science Club: Shrunken Heads” on Friday, Oct. 3 at 3:30 p.m. for ages seven and up. Come if you dare and prepare spooky heads so they will be ready for Halloween. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Saturday, Oct. 4

• Come for a little exercise in John Prince Park with the Florida Trail Association on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 a.m. Take a one-hour walk and enjoy breakfast afterward at TooJays in Lake Worth. Call Paul at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

• Grassy Waters Preserve (8264 Northlake Blvd.) will host a “Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Garden Party” on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Join volunteers and take care of the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods demonstration garden. This free event for ages 10 and up will take place at the north campus in the Everglades Pavilion. For more info., call (561) 804-4980 or visit www.grassy waterspreserve.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Drop-in Story Time” on Saturdays, Oct. 4, 18 and 25 at 11 a.m. for ages two and up. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Sunday, Oct. 5

• Visit a wide variety of natural Florida in Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Jupiter with the Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association on Sunday, Oct. 5. Meet at 8 a.m. at the entrance parking lot. Call Mary at (561) 3917942 for more info.

• Grassy Waters Preserve (8264 Northlake Blvd.) will host Wetlands Discovery Canoeing on Sunday, Oct. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for ages ten and up. The cost is $15 for adults and $5 for children. For more info., call (561) 804-4985.

• Comedian Lewis Black will perform at the Kravis Center (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. in the Dreyfoos Concert Hall. For more info., call (561) 832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org.

Monday, Oct. 6

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Baby Story Time” on Mondays, Oct. 6, 20 and 27 at 9:30 a.m. for under eight months and 11:15 a.m. for nine through 12 months. Your baby will love the rhymes, finger plays, songs, books and toys. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• Enjoy a program titled “The ABCs of Developing a Hiking Trail” with the Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association on Monday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.). Call Sherry at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “English Exchange” on Mondays, Oct. 6, 20 and 27 at 1 p.m. for adults. Join Literacy AmeriCorps member Paula Alexander in this interactive program where you can practice speaking English while talking about everyday situations and current events. Basic English speaking skills required. Call (561) 649-5473 for more info.

Tuesday, Oct. 7

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Trick My Book Truck” on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Help the Teen Advisory Group decorate a book cart for this year’s Trick My Book Truck contest. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Thursday, Oct. 9

• The annual Fright Nights will open on Thursday, Oct. 9 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. A haunted maze of ghoulish ghosts and supernatural phenomena with disturbingly dark monsters, the event is spread over four weekends, featuring a cast of more than 80 actors. A wristband ticket costs $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. The fee covers gate admission and one admission to each attraction plus unlimited rides. General admission tickets cost $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. For more info., call (561) 793-0333 or visit www.southfloridafair. com/frightnights08. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 7936090. E-mail: news@gotown crier.com.

By Mark Lioi Town-Crier Staff Report

Only seven months after getting started, Ruth Amore has expanded her home-based Candy Bouquet business franchise to a full-fledged retail store in West Palm Beach.

Candy Bouquet specializes in providing arrangements and centerpieces created with candies, chocolates and other treats. Billed as “a delicious alternative to flowers,” these creations last longer and certainly taste better than the customary floral arrangements, and Candy Bouquet can provide themed creations to match practically any holiday, personal expression, milestone or celebration.

A candy bouquet is arranged in a vase or mug that reflects the theme of the event or the interests of the recipient, and the selection is diverse, including vases shaped like cowboy boots, golf bags and soccer balls. Although Candy Bouquet offers hundreds of basic bouquet styles appropriate for any age, each handmade bouquet can also be customized with a choice of components, including sugarfree versions. Prices start at about $25. After more than half a year of displaying candy bouquet offerings on her web site, Amore said her new store serves to showcase her creations for customers in person.

“The main reason I opened the store is because so many people called and wanted to see the bouquets,” she said.

Amore said she chose the 1,150-square-foot storefront in the Emporium Shoppes on Okeechobee Blvd., just west of Military Trail, because it offered a reasonable rent in a plaza that enjoys a lot of foot traffic. Her closest neighbor is a popular Tuesday Morning discount store, and the plaza also features a large produce market, an Italian deli and a Honeybaked Ham outlet. But the new store, opened only last week, also offers Amore the space to expand her business beyond a one-woman operation assembling candy bouquets at home.

“I’m offering a lot more now — I’m not limited in what I can stock,” she said. “When I was working out of my house I was

limited in what I could store and keep on hand.”

Now with two part-time employees to help run the shop, Amore is also devoting some of her floor space to good oldfashioned candy sales. Noting that there were no candy retailers in the area apart from the offerings at larger shopping malls and some specialty chocolatiers, Amore said she incorporated the candy sales into plans for her store. “I had the brown paper up on the windows before I opened and people would come by and say, ‘please open up, we need a candy store around here,’” she said.

Along one wall of the shop are bins containing 40 varieties of bulk candies including Gummi Bears, licorice twists, Jordan almonds, 11 kinds of ganache truffles and nine sugar-free sweets. “I didn’t expect to be doing bulk candies but I got a lot of requests for them,” Amore said.

Amore is also offering a selection of fresh-made chocolates from Palm Beach Confectioners, including almond clusters, tortoises and milkchocolate-covered Oreo cookies, and a range of “retro” candies sure to generate smiles, including charm bracelets, wax lips, Pop Rocks, Smarties, Bit-O-Honey, candy lipstick and those definitely no-longer-PC chewing gum cigarettes.

The Arkansas-based Candy Bouquet International, established in 1989, claims more than 700 franchisees so far. Amore was trained in bouquetmaking techniques for a week at the company’s Little Rock headquarters before she opened her franchise last February, and the week before opening her store she went back to Little Rock for the annual franchisee convention.

“Everybody couldn’t believe I was there, with a store to open the next week,” she said. “Everybody thought I was crazy.”

At the convention, Amore was given the company’s Above and Beyond Award for 2008 as a tribute to her enthusiasm and spirit. And even with Hurricane Ike complicating her return travel plans, “we came back Sunday and opened

up on Monday, right on schedule,” she said.

Hurricane season notwithstanding, September was likely a good month to open the store, as the business generated by holiday sales is just around the corner. “We’re looking forward to Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Amore said.

The ins and outs of running a business are nothing new to Amore, who previously operated a plumbing and heating business near Philadelphia. A mother of three adult daughters, she settled in West Palm Beach six years ago to be closer to her grandchildren, but said she chose to open a Candy Bouquet franchise as a way of making money and staying creative, while remaining her own boss.

And while the low-overhead, home-based business allowed her to try her hands at a new enterprise and polish her skills without reaching too far, Amore said that by opening the store she can now do business the way she likes — in person, instead of over the phone or via the Internet.

“I like meeting people; I like talking to people face to face,” she said. “I’ve met so many people just since I’ve opened.”

Upbeat about her prospects, Amore said she is undaunted by the recent travails of the American economy. “I think with candy, even though the economics are bad right now, it’s a stress reliever,” she said. “People are always going to want to buy candy, no matter what.”

Amore said she is offering a 20 percent discount on bulk candy prices through October and has reserved booth space at the upcoming West Palm Beach Home & Garden Show at the South Florida Fairgrounds Oct. 17-19. Candy Bouquet is located in the Emporium Shoppes plaza at 4611 Okeechobee Blvd., Suite 110 in West Palm Beach and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call the store at (561) 683-7048 or visit its web site at www.5810. candysurprise.com.

Sweet Surprises — (Above) Candy Bouquet owner Ruth Amore shows off a “Dazzling Daisies” bouquet arrangement. (Below) Employee Gayle Martin adds components to a custom creation.

PHOTOS BY MARK LIOI/TOWN-CRIER

EVENT AT COLDWATER CREEK IN WELLINGTON BENEFITS KOMEN FOR THE CURE

The Coldwater Creek store in the Mall at Wellington Green joined the company’s nationwide event “Try It On for the Cure” on Sunday, Sept. 21, donating $1 for every customer trying on clothing. Local breast cancer survivors modeled women’s apparel while friends of survivors handed out information and encouraged participation. In addition to a table of fruits and desserts (including brownies donated by Chick-fil-A), drawings were held for several items, including pearl earrings donated by Helzberg Diamonds, a $30 gift card from Smokey Bones, a $50 gift card from Mario & Company Hair Salon, and $50 worth of KMS Hair Products from Hair Wiz. Coldwater Creek is a national sponsor for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. PHOTOS BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Chili’s To Benefit St. Jude

Each September, as part of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Chili’s Grill & Bar kicks off a nationwide fundraiser for longtime charitable partner St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Western communities residents will have several opportunities to support this worthy cause, as the Chili’s located at 2525 South State Road 7 joins forces with Chili’s restaurants across the country in an effort to raise $50 million in ten years for St. Jude. Throughout the “Create-aPepper to Fight Childhood Cancer” campaign, customers at participating locations 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 “Createa-Pepper” T-shirt, visit www. createapepper.com. In addition, the Wellington Chili’s will donate 100 percent of its profits from all lunch and dinner sales on Monday, Sept. 29 to St. Jude.

The Wellington Chili’s restaurant also is sponsoring a “Day for St. Jude” on Sept. 28 in conjunction with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office at the Wellington Community Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This community event is open to all residents, and proceeds from the event will be donated to St. Jude. On this day there

will be St. Jude keys and St. Jude T-shirts out for donation. Donate $5 for a key and Lowe’s will cut it. The PBSO will have children’s ID photos, helicopters, the mounted unit and more.

Leading up to the event, donations can be made to Chili’s Wellington at any time. To learn more about participation or donations, call the Wellington Chili’s restaurant at (561) 790-0062.

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. For more information, visit the hospital’s web site at www. stjude.org.

WRMC Now Offers MammoPad For More Comfortable Mammograms

What sounds like torture is

actually what many women experience during their annual mammogram — and all too often the experience prevents them from returning for annual screenings.

Annual mammograms, recommended by the American Cancer Society for women over 40, are an essential tool in early detection of and reduced mortality from breast cancer.

But for many women, mammograms are an uncomfortable and sometimes even painful experience. Many experts believe that this is the reason that 40 percent of women don’t

return for their mammogram year after year.

Women now have an option.

Wellington Regional Medical Center recently began providing a technology that not only makes mammograms more comfortable for women, but may also help technologists and radiologists achieve better readings.

MammoPad is a soft, foam cushion that is placed on the surface of the image detector, providing women with a warmer, softer and more comfortable mammogram.

Clinical data shows that MammoPad reduces pain by 50 percent in three out of four

women. MammoPad does not interfere with the mammogram image and, in fact, because patients are more relaxed during their mammograms, many technologists report being able to get a more complete mammogram image. Reducing discomfort could even encourage women to comply with annual mammogram guidelines. Women of Wellington and the surrounding areas are fortunate that a softer mammogram is available locally. For more information, call Wellington Regional Medical Center at (561) 798-8500 or visit the hospital’s web site at www.wellingtonregional.com.

June Beeber and Rita Fintzy take a break from shopping.

Elaine Harrington puts a pink carnation wrist corsage on

survivor Penny Cohen while Maureen Katz looks on.

Breast cancer survivor models Sharon Ciavolella, Tina Jacobs, Betsy Bovarnick, Janice Rosenberg, Sheila Lutin and Penny Cohen.

Joan Kaplow of Lake Worth buys gifts from Mary Cutrelli as assistant store manager Elaine Harrington looks on.

Survivor Tina Jacobs, Elaine Harrington and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Executive Director Anita Holmes.

Attorney Anthony Barbuto Joins Ann Porath’s Wellington Law Office

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Attorney Anthony M. Barbuto has joined longtime Wellington attorney Ann Porath in Wellington to add a new dimension to the legal services available from the office.

Barbuto, 30, comes from an insurance defense firm in Fort Lauderdale where he focused on personal injury, construction accidents and security negligence cases. While Porath will continue to focus on wills and estate management, he said his background will broaden the scope of cases the Wellington firm can handle.

Barbuto also has a background in family law practice including wills, trusts and probate, Porath’s specialty for the past 25 years.

Family law cases include divorce, child custody, visitation, property distribution, domestic violence and guardianship. Barbuto said he tries to resolve disputes out of court.

“When there is a conflict, and we can’t resolve it in hearings, we have to go to court,” Barbuto said.

As a family law attorney, he said he considers his responsibility to include always being available to clients.

“They’re calling me up on weekends,” he said. “I give my cell number to my clients in the event of emergencies. In family law, there are a lot of emergencies where they need to speak to their attorneys on the weekends. If the ex-husband did something, took the kids and didn’t return the kids, any kind of emergency, as a family attorney I make myself available around the clock to the client.”

Barbuto said he loves practicing family law, although it can be frustrating and heartwrenching at times. He said he has personally been through most of the issues he addresses in family law.

“I am a child of divorce,” Barbuto said. “I had a kid here in my office the other day — a four-year-old little boy. I was that little boy at one time. The children are young, but they know what’s going on. My heart goes out to those kids and

I understand. I can relate, and I tell my clients, ‘I know what you’re going through and I know what the kid’s going through.’”

Barbuto said he gets some satisfaction from brokering compromises between parents in dispute.

“Everything that I’m doing, my parents did,” he said. “It wasn’t easy, and my parents never agreed. When I get a client and they can agree, it’s a very fortunate thing — it’s a blessing, an ex-wife and exhusband agreeing on something. It’s easier for the children. Children are the ones who get hurt, and one of my goals is to try to protect the children.”

Barbuto also brings a strong background in personal injury and civil litigation to Porath’s office, broadening the expertise of the office.

“Ann has been doing wills and trusts and family law and probate for 25 years,” he said.

“I’m bringing in a new specialty. I’m involved with family law and wills and trusts with Ann, but my area of practice is personal injury and civil litigation, all different kinds of civil litigation.”

Barbuto noted that he is licensed to practice law in Florida, California and New Jersey. About 90 percent of his practice has been in Florida. Because his working life began in his family’s roofing business in New Jersey, Barbuto has also been a licensed roofing contractor in Florida since 2001, which he said gives him insight into cases involving the construction industry.

Barbuto said he has been the in-house counsel for a national commercial roofing company as well as an insurance defense counsel.

“One of the things I did as an insurance defense lawyer was focus on construction defect,” he said. “There’s all kinds of construction defect cases, and I represented roofing companies. With my construction background and roofing background, I like to represent roofing companies in all kinds of roofing litigation matters.”

Typically, Barbuto said, he

would defend the roofing company against a suit by a homeowner whose roof leaked and caused interior damage.

“My job is to see if the roofing company was at fault — if the roofing company caused the leak,” he said. “Many times the roof was already damaged and had a pre-existing leak, and that was the cause. I’ve handled a lot of those cases.”

Barbuto said he was in court every day for the insurance defense firm in Fort Lauderdale, but said his court appearance schedule has lessened somewhat in Wellington.

“Here, where we have a smaller practice, I’m in court a couple of times a week,” he said.

A Wellington resident for almost a month now, Barbuto said he saw a partnership with Porath as a good opportunity for them both.

“I love Wellington,” Barbuto said about his new home. “I came here for the first time maybe two years ago. I drove up and remember thinking it was a great community and a great place to live. I met Ann and came up and visited her practice, and it seemed to be the right direction for my career. I want my own firm where I’m helping more of a smaller community, where I’m more of a general counsel.”

Barbuto said part of his job as a partner will be to help run the firm as a business, which has involved a lot of initial extra hours.

“Since I just made this transition, there’s a lot of preliminary things I have to get out of the way, such as updating this office,” he said.

Barbuto said he likes the contrast of Wellington to Fort Lauderdale.

“Wellington doesn’t seem to me to be so superficial. It seems to have more of a community feel and a place to raise a family,” he said. “The people are friendlier. Everyone seems to know everyone else. It’s a nice thing for me.”

The Law Offices of Porath and Barbuto are located in the Wellington Plaza at 12773 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 209. For more information, call (561) 798-2907.

Partner In Law — Attorney Anthony M. Barbuto inside the Law Offices of Porath and Barbuto in the Wellington Plaza.

PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

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