Town-Crier Newspaper September 28, 2007

MISCHE SPEAKS AT CHAMBER EVENT, PAGE 3A

WELLINGTON FINALIZES ITS BUDGET, PAGE 7A

AsCourse Opening Draws Near OpeningDrawsNear

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

A Binks Forest Golf Club representative thanked the Wellington Villager Council on Tuesday for an extension of the deadline to reopen the long-shuttered course.

Binks’ new owner Aquila Property Management was bound by a revised developer’s agreement to have the revamped course completed by this Sunday, Sept. 30, or face penalties. But the company petitioned the village to extend the deadline to Dec. 1, chiefly citing this summer’s severe drought and unprecedented watering restrictions for the delay.

The village granted Aquila an extension to Nov. 11 to get the course certifiably playable, although the staff report noted that Aquila need not necessarily have the course open to the public by that time.

Aquila’s Managing Director Terry Strongin displayed photos of the course and told the council its first event would be a Nov. 17 benefit tournament for the Boys & Girls Club, with a grand opening to the public a week later. Strongin said he and his partners are pleased with the progress of work on the course, despite the drought and water restrictions.

“I would just like to say that we’ve done everything we can possibly do to get this thing open,” Strongin said. “We will be opening 42 days late. You can see the course is looking pretty good. I have been out and played on it myself. As you can see from the pictures, it is coming along very nicely. In order to get the course open quickly, we spent a lot of extra money

on fertilizer, and extra sprigs and special treatment for the soil and greens. We want to move things along as quickly as possible.”

Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto described a recent tour of the course as a real treat, and it was wonderful to see the community and council’s trust, belief and support yielding results.

“The residents are thrilled,” Benacquisto said. “They take the opportunity to tell us how great it looks. You have been receptive with the residents as far as their concerns. The clubhouse is going to be fantastic, and I wish you the greatest success.”

Councilwoman Laurie Cohen also thanked Strongin and his team for their efforts. “I want to thank you for everything you have done to make this an asset for the village,” she said. “You have done everything you promised to do. The residents of Binks and the village will be the beneficiaries. I know there were some rough spots with the drought and signage issues. We have worked together, and we will move beyond that.”

Binks Forest resident Bart Novack wished Aquila great success, but asked the council whether the course’s former owner Peninsula Property Holdings would succeed in getting a reduction of fines it owes for code violations regarding the course. “It’s been up in the air,” he said. “I don’t think they should be reduced at all.”

Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz said the matter would be decided by a special master in an October hearing, but he didn’t think the fines would be reduced.

“There is a special master hearing coming up in October,” See COUNCIL, page 42A

(Above) Members of Royal Palm Beach High School’s 2007 Homecoming Court gathered in the school’s courtyard Tuesday morning. Homecoming activities continued through the week. Pictured are (front row, L-R) Melissa DeBaby, Anise Nieta, Mariel Ramirez, Latifah Jones, Rikka Zavala, Shawana Carter, Courtney Brooks and Jade Greene; (back row) Joseph Dye, Marcello Baptiste, Marvin Payne, Jordan Brinson, Javonti Greene, Philip Davis, Ernest Ferguson and James Adler.

(Right) Homecoming Queen Melissa DeBaby and Homecoming King Philip Davis were crowned during Thursday’s football halftime ceremony. On the gridiron, the Wildcats topped visiting West Boca 22-14.

MORE HOMECOMING PHOTOS, PAGE 7

Royal Palm Remains RoyalPalmRemains W War

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

Royal Palm Beach and more than 400 other municipalities in the state are awaiting the next act as a proposed property tax reform measure hangs in legal limbo.

As part of a property tax reform package, the Florida Legislature voted last June to offer residents the chance to approve an amendment that would allow

homesteaded homeowners to claim a “super exemption” of 75 percent of the first $200,000 of their property’s assessed value. In return they would forfeit the present Save Our Homes tax cap that limits property tax increases to three percent per year.

Leon County Circuit Court

Judge Charles Francis thought the amendment’s language didn’t spell that out so clearly and ruled Monday that the “mis-

leading and confusing” amendment be struck from the Jan. 29 ballot.

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum filed notice of appeal to the ruling Wednesday. While a higher court could overturn Francis’ ruling, legislators might just as well rewrite the amendment language in special session and vote to put it back on the ballot.

Royal Palm Beach Village Manager David Farber, who

along with Mayor David Lodwick has been an outspoken opponent of the proposed amendment, told the Town-Crier Thursday he expects the latter will happen.

“In my mind, a whole lot isn’t changing,” Farber said.

“Whether the constitutional amendment makes it on the ballot in its current form or some other version of it, from what I’ve read, the speaker of the house is committed to further

reduce what he perceives to be the burden on some taxpayers.”

Supporters of the super exemption say it will help first-time homebuyers, while critics say it would severely damage municipalities’ revenue streams and their abilities to provide some services to their residents.

“The current version will have a disproportionate impact on Royal Palm Beach,” Farber said. “I would like think that

Mische: We Must Enhance Wellington’s ‘Equestrian Culture’

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Stadium Jumping CEO Gene Mische gave members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce some insight Wednesday into his efforts to create an equestrian culture in Wellington and what his company’s events mean to the local economy.

Stadium Jumping produces the National Horse Show and the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, drawing thousands of world-class horses and riders to compete in the village every year.

Speaking at the chamber’s monthly member luncheon, Mische recalled coming to Florida for the first time in 1962 and liking it so much he never left. At the suggestion of a friend, he organized his first horse show in Wellington in 1979, in front of the old polo stadium on South Shore Blvd., involving 300 horses. Stadium Jumping had a hand in designing its current facility at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in the late 1980s, and Mische recalled asking designer Robert Jolicoeur to accommodate 1,000 horses, because his shows by that time involved 500.

“That was what we had in mind,” Mische recalled. “As we went on down the road, a thousand horses became 2,000 horses. The 2,000 horses became 3,000 horses, 3,000 horses became 4,000… And last year, we showed over 5,000 horses.”

The continued growth and success of Stadium Jumping’s shows, Mische said, prompted

the company to seek a site for a larger facility. That project was approved by the Wellington Village Council this month.

“Now that we have grown to 5,000 horses, the present facility is over-packed and overused,” Mische said. “It becomes unsafe. We had to do something that would work and accommodate the number of horses, and to do that, we wanted to stay in Wellington. We knew the present facility would not work. Instead of getting bigger, it shrank. We went from 140 acres we were using to 70 acres, which just didn’t work for that number of horses.”

Mische thanked the Wellington Preserve Corporation for donating 179 of its 640 acres in southern Wellington for Stadium Jumping’s new facility, which is again being designed by Jolicoeur.

Mische spoke enthusiastically about his efforts to make Wellington a stop on the international show jumping and dressage circuits by adhering to international standards. He said show jumping as a sport in Europe is second only to soccer, with events attracting 50,000 spectators. Show jumping competitors have a much higher-profile public image in Europe than here, he said.

“You would have to compare it to football and baseball players,” Mische said. “They walk down the street, and people know who they are and talk about them. They recognize them. It’s a very popular sport in Europe, but it’s a totally different sport than it is here. In

Europe, a big horse show is 300 horses.”

Mische said that in order to raise shows in Wellington to international status, he had to adhere to the rules of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), equestrian competition’s worldwide governing body.

“To bring the international governing body of the sport to the United States we decided we had to make the sport grow, and to make the sport grow, we had to go to the big time and get the riders over here,” Mische said.

“What happens in Europe is that the riders are used to having their expenses paid. We have to have conditions that are world-class. We can’t be fudging things. I just wish you could see some of the shows that are put on in Europe. The events are amazing. We have to create show jumping here to those standards. That is what our goal is, and what we are working toward.”

Among Stadium Jumping’s achievements is establishing a Nations Cup event in the United

States, Mische said. “That’s where countries compete against other countries, and they have four members on a team. What we have here in Wellington is the only Nations Cup in the United States. When we brought the Nations Cup here, it was the first time it was held outdoors in the United States. Prior to that it was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Another achievement of ours was to bring the National Horse Show to Wellington. The See MISCHE, page 42A

Equestrian Icon — Stadium Jumping’s Gene Mische was the featured speaker at Wednesday’s Wellington Chamber of Commerce luncheon. PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Our Opinion Judge’s Amendment Ruling Is An Opportunity To Improve

It didn’t take long for the State of Florida to file an appeal of Monday’s circuit court ruling to remove the proposed property tax reform amendment from the Jan. 29 ballot. Leon County Circuit Judge Charles Francis called the amendment “misleading and confusing.” That should give state legislators something to consider when they meet next week for a special session. While the intended purpose of the session is to trim the state’s budget, the governor and the legislature would do well to rework and improve their hastily crafted plan for a “super homestead exemption.” Maybe this time they won’t ignore such a wide segment of property tax payers.

The amendment — which would give homeowners a 75-percent exemption on the first $200,000 in value of their home and 15 percent of the next $300,000 — has drawn sharp criticism for its lack of a long-term solution.

Opponents argue that while it offers a lower property tax rate for the first several years, eventually taxes would rise. This does not bode well for anyone planning to keep a home for more than the next decade. And though some of the this burden could be eased by allowing homestead portability, that isn’t part of the current proposal.

One of the major problems legislators face is how to phase out existing tax caps

Wellington Water Enforcement Harsh

Back in May, I was one of the many homeowners who received a citation for watering my lawn on the wrong day, according to the Village of Wellington. However, just a few days earlier we had planted a long line of arbicola plants along the north side of our fenced-in backyard.

We immediately sent in all receipts and evidence that we had just got these new plantings and there was an exception in the

for current residents provided under the original Save Our Homes amendment. What the legislature should do is add portability as another way for people to keep their Save Our Homes cap and be able to move without their taxes skyrocketing. If homeowners would rather opt for the “super exemption,” they should be able to do that as well. Still, this doesn’t deal with the inequities faced by anyone with non-homesteaded property.

When legislators addressed the property tax issue in June, they completely ignored the widening disparity between taxes paid by homesteaded residents and those paid by commercial property owners and seasonal residents who don’t qualify for the exemption (and, not coincidentally, cannot vote). While it makes sense that people who live here year-round should get more of a break, asking seasonal residents to pay five to ten times as much on property taxes is flat-out wrong.

Tallahassee’s quick-fix mentality needs to end. Florida needs a permanent solution to its property tax crisis, not another Band-Aid. The only way forward is to draft a comprehensive property tax plan that considers all property owners. That can certainly be achieved in time for the Jan. 29 vote. And if it does not, then so be it. There’s another election nine months later.

Letters To The Editor

water restrictions that allowed us to water these first few crucial days. We never heard a reply so we assumed the issue was resolved.

Then on Saturday, Sept. 22, I received a subpoena to come to trial on Oct. 19 at 11 a.m.

First I was under the understanding that all these infractions had been dismissed after there was such an uproar at the time. It’s so frustrating to initially get cited. The gentleman who wrote the citation at 8:15 a.m., instead of ringing my doorbell

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and giving me a chance to show him the new plants then, he tapes the citation on my garage door. Then I called the number on the citation for three days before I could speak to a person and confirmed how to appeal. I immediately followed the correct procedure to dispute this citation with supporting evidence and now I have to lose a day of work to drive over to West Palm Beach to go to trial over this.

This seems like an issue that should be exposed. We as lawabiding, taxpaying citizens should not have to endure such frustration and inconveniences because the village does not care enough to make sure the folks writing the citations know the rules and maybe take a moment to speak to the homeowner instead of fining, ducking and running away.

Ron Lemons Wellington

Council Right On Stadium Jumping

Approval of a special district should only be granted with complete transparency of ownership and guaranteed perpetuity of use of the horse show grounds for generations to come!

Ken Adams Wellington

Kudos For Wechsler Column On Guns

Public Corruption Threatens Lifestyle

It must be clear to the public, at this point, that all things related to the public corruption of our elected officials directly relate back toward enrichment, both of the officials who were corrupted, and those who benefited by the official action. As the corruption activities of [former Palm Beach County commissioners] Tony Masilotti and Warren Newell unfolded, their mutual connection with Palm Beach Aggregates cannot be denied.

BARRY S. MANNING Publisher JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor RON BUKLEY Managing Editor

JASON BUDJINSKI Community Editor MARK LIOI News Editor

WRITERS/ Denise Fleischman • Paul Gaba • Lisa Keeney Steve Pike • Carol Porter • Leonard Wechsler

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ADVERTISING/ Evie Edwards • Wanda Glockson STAFF/ Betty Buglio • Shanta Daibee • Geri O’Neil

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The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising.

A Sept. 20 article in the Palm Beach Post quoted opponents charging the Wellington Village Council of “accepting a bribe,” “violating its constitution” and “being unaccountable for their actions.” As chairman of the committee that wrote Wellington’s original charter, I have a different view. We provided that the developers or ultimate users, not the taxpayers, pay the costs associated with land development.

With speakers referring to potential litigation, it would have been irresponsible of the council to expose Wellington taxpayers to expensive legal fees contrary to the intent of Section 1 of our charter.

The unseemly battle between Wellington’s equestrian titans has cost many of their most ardent supporters dearly. It is a battle not of Wellington’s making, but now our council members have an obligation to ensure the show grounds are preserved in perpetuity. There is great public purpose in guaranteeing businesses, landowners, equestrians, the taxpayers of Wellington and its government that this time, the horse shows are here to stay!

Leonard Wechsler’s column last week was right on (“Time To Mount An Assault Against Assault Weapon Users”). Repeatedly, our senses rebel at the increasing number of highway shooting incidents. One can only wonder why these street bandits don’t face federal weapons charges. Something that looks like an assault rifle can really be many things. It can squirt water, propel BBs and pellets, shoot paint balls and, oh yes, bullets. One thing it cannot do is fire bullets like a machine gun. You cannot hold the trigger back and get a steady stream of gunfire. This would then be an “automatic weapon” and should you be found with one, you will be put in a federal prison for an unhappy length of time. Since World War II, military weapons (carbine, M-2) have had a lever to select from single shot or automatic fire. Don’t get caught with one!

In general, the media and the anti-gun lobby have been captivated by the term “assault rifle.” They have been deceived by Rambo-like movies showing the (mock) weapon firing like a machine gun — pure fiction. The proper term for a rifle or carbine that fires once with each separate pull of the trigger is an “auto loader,” identically similar in action to your grandfather’s shotgun and not a very attention-getting term.

Wechsler’s idea of stiffer penalties for weapons-related crime is great. So much so that the state is currently running commercials with the testimonials of convicts who did use a weapon in committing their crime.

C.S. Walls, U.S. Army (Ret) Loxahatchee

Those activities further included other players, including but not limited to individuals such as [Dan] Shalloway, [Enrique] Tomeu, [Hugo] Unruh and drag in other political bodies influenced by the same players. Need I mention, as an example, bodies such as the South Florida Water Management District, the Indian Trail Improvement District, the Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington and perhaps others. Why have these other players or individuals associated with them in promoting or cooperating in the scandal not been mentioned, questioned or most importantly... charged?

Is there some mistake that another “uncharged” county commissioner was called when it was felt some “threat” was delivered between the Aggregates and a great sugar family? Is there some mistake that yet another “uncharged” county commissioner has benefited greatly in contributions toward his private follies, or in family members seeking employment privately and contributions seeking employment publicly even in another state?

While West Palm Beach and Boynton Beach battle “pay to play,” for me it is clear that some individuals, with multiple corporate or limited liability or partnership shields, were readily playing in the pay-to-play scheme in much larger localities than two municipalities. It seems this scheme was wholeheartedly accepted by multiple levels of government, as well as preyed upon by private players eager for the play that will

See LETTERS, page 5A

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Halloween In Royal Palm Beach: Trick Or Treat... And Vote!

Assuming the Royal Palm Beach Village Council finalizes its decision next week, the Halloween refrain “trick or treat” could be replaced by “vote for me.” That’s right. The Great Candidate might kick the Great Pumpkin to the curb.

Here’s the scoop for those who might have spent the summer out of town: the council has already tentatively approved an ordinance that would move the village’s annual election to Jan. 29 — six weeks earlier than the traditional March election date. A second affirmative vote would make the new election day official.

The whole idea of changing the election began in Tallahassee when lawmak-

ers moved up the primary election because a bunch of other states were doing the same thing. It is reminiscent of the childhood game “button, button, who’s got the button.”

The Royal Palm Beach decision centers on election economy. Since the state primary election will be on Jan. 29, the village gets a free election if it moves the municipal vote to the same ballot.

Royal Palm Beach’s stepsister Wellington (officials in both villages don’t like each other much) stuck to the traditional March election, figuring it would rather spend the election bucks than make the voters any more confused than they usually are. RPB is rushing the issue because the supervisor of elections needs the

Languages Disappearing Rapidly

Did you know there are over 7,000 languages spoken in the world today? Did you know that nearly half of them are in danger of extinction? Did you know that one of them disappears about every two weeks?

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

There are five disparate regions where languages are in greatest danger. They are northern Australia, central South America, eastern Siberia, the Upper Pacific coastal zone in North America, and Oklahoma and the southwestern United States. These fascinating discoveries were uncovered by a trio of fascinating people: Swarthmore professor K. David Harrison, Gregory D.S. Anderson at the Living Tongues Institute in Salem, Oregon, and Chris Rainier, a filmmaker with the National Geographic Society. Bravo, gentlemen, this is markedly tedious but amazing work.

The overriding importance of English now threatens 54 indigenous languages in the northwest area, which includes British Columbia and the states of Washington and Oregon. For example, there is only one person alive who knows Siletz-Dee-ni, once spoken on a reservation in Oregon. Forty obscure languages are in Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico, mainly on Indian reservations. Each is now threatened.

Overall, a major problem is that 83 languages with “global influence” are spoken and written by 80 percent of the world’s population. Most of the remaining tongues stare at extinction at a rate that exceeds that of birds, mammals, fish and plants.

Want to know more? Go online to www.languagehotspots.org.

JOIN IN A TOWN-CRIER POLL!

How Should Palm Beach County Commission Members Be Elected?

A. They should be remain partisan and divided by district.

B. They should remain partisan but change to countywide election.

C. They should become nonpartisan but remain divided by district.

D. They should be nonpartisan and change to countywide election.

Cast your vote by visiting www.goTownCrier.com and scrolling down to the poll question at the bottom left of the web page. It’s as easy as that!

Previous Question: Do You Agree With President Bush’s Current Iraq Policy? A. Yes! There is progress being made and we should not quit now: 24 percent; B. Yes. But I would like to see more progress there: 14 percent; C. No. But I will give him the benefit of the doubt: 4 percent; D. No! It’s time to bring our troops home: 58 percent.

names of candidates for the ballot by Nov. 16.

The early election means that the qualifying period will open at noon Oct. 26 and close two weeks later, at noon on Nov. 9. That gives would-be candidates just a little over a month to make up their minds to run. However, they’ll have over twice as long to campaign.

Some political observers believe the upcoming Royal Palm Beach election, with three council seats and the mayor’s office up for grabs, is too critical to the village to tinker with. Others believe that moving the election to coincide with the state primaries could boost voting in a normally lackluster community of voters. That could be dangerous for the incumbents who normally rely on their base in a typical low-turnout election. One seat left vacant by the resignation of Barbara Isenberg means there will be at least one new face on the council.

Since Halloween falls during the qualifying period, the way candidates campaign could change. Here are some ideas for them to consider. Normally I get big bucks for political advice, but these I offer free of charge:

• The treat bags are a natural. Just print the candidate’s name on the bag and give it to the trick-or-treater. Make sure the bags are printed on both sides so whoever answers the door can see the name. Don’t forget the state-mandated fine print: “This tasty Halloween treat is a Paid

Letters

continued from page 4A benefit them, and passed along toward their elected counterparts. I call it the “good ol’ boys’ club,” and the players appear over and over again. It must further be clear for the public that sometimes enrichment for public officials can be simply the benefit of campaign contributions, and good will purchased with allocating of taxpayer dollars. Why should developers gain so much in the building of a road that County Engineer [George Webb] said was not necessary for several years, yet the same engineer was willing to expend additional county dollars beyond the good-will dollars of a county commissioner? Why should developers gain so much in the building of water/sewer lines throughout the rural and exurban communities to the west? Why should rock mining operations gain so much influence, and why should a power company also be involved in such influence? These things all tie together.

As those who have been so greatly enriched escape scrutiny, what is more apparent is how the populace of our county and even our state has greatly suffered. Excessive traffic, water shortages, an all important lake at record lows with high pollution killing it, water supplies foundering, the environment at risk, high taxation, high insurance costs, a real estate market that has sunk beyond levels reached a decade ago, and truly a lack of repre-

By Don Brown

Political Advertisement. Paid for by Candidate X.”

• Give the kids campaign cards to hand out while going door to door.

• Candidates should instruct their children to say something like, “trick or treat. My parents are voting for (add your candidate’s name here).”

• Candidates could go from door to door dressed in costumes such as Spider-Man or Uncle Sam or Wonder Woman. They could probably at least get their names out before the door gets slammed.

• It will be too early for campaign signs, otherwise I might suggest that defacing them might be better for pranksters than letting air out of tires.

• Campaigning can be costly, so be sure to give your own kids and their friends envelopes for contributions. Don’t forget to tell the kids that the political contribution limit is $500. You’ve got the idea. Come up with a few of your own and get into the Halloween campaign spirit. It’s never too early to start politicking.

sentation at all levels, no matter the party. These are the thoughts that greet us and somber us every day... and smack us with the sheer greed of some of the players. What was destined for protection and preservation has been compromised. What was ordained in a somewhat static comprehensive land use plan, and a state growth management plan, has been woefully compromised. In a willful and wanton manner, our taxpayer dollars have been greatly expended, promised and compromised, in manners that the voting public has never even been given an opportunity to approve. Corruption has played a great role in the compromises I mention. If ever there was a time for a public awakening, it is now. I am tired, and this is my last call.

Patricia Curry The Acreage

For The Record

Last week’s Town-Crier article “RPB Awards Bid For LaMancha Improvements” incorrectly reported the position of drainage improvements and a bike path on LaMancha Avenue in Royal Palm Beach. Plans call for a drainpipe to be laid under the driveways of the homes on the west side of LaMancha Avenue, with a 10-foot bike path on the east side. The Town-Crier regrets any confusion this might have caused.

Driver Arrested After Nearly Colliding With Deputy In Wellington

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

SEPT. 26 — A Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputy from the Wellington substation was nearly hit by a car Wednesday while driving his marked patrol car on South Shore Blvd. According to a PBSO report, the deputy observed a car driven by 33-year-old Christopher Hargrove narrowly miss his patrol cruiser at approximately 6:48 p.m. The deputy noted that Hargrove went on to cross lanes and nearly strike another car.

CRIME NEWS CRIME NEWS

The deputy stopped Hargrove, who refused to take a sobriety test, according to the report. Hargrove was transported to the Palm Beach County Jail. •

SEPT. 20 — A traffic stop on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. last Thursday resulted in the arrest of an Acreage man on a charge of drug possession with intent to sell. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 10:50 p.m. a deputy from the Royal

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

• Alisha Mojica is a white female, 5’3” tall and weighing 215 lbs. with black hair and brown eyes. Her date of birth is 06/23/85. Mojica is wanted on the felony charge of grand theft and failure to appear in court on the misdemeanor charges of no/improper/expired driver’s license and obstruction by disguise. Her occupation is unknown. Her last known address was Abby Drive in Greenacres. Mojica is wanted as of 09/27/07.

• Crystal Morris is a black female, 5’6” tall and weighing 135 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Her date of birth is 09/26/86. She has a tattoo on her right calf. Morris is wanted for failure to appear in court on the charge of grand theft. Her occupation is unknown. Her last known addresses were White Pine Drive in Wellington and Mil-Race Court in Greenacres. Morris is wanted as of 09/27/07. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crime stopperspbc.com.

THE INFORMATION FOR THIS BOX IS PROVIDED BY CRIME STOPPERS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, WHICH IS WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS CONTENT.

Palm Beach substation clocked a car driven by 24-year-old Othneil Ellis traveling approximately 40 miles per hour in a 30mph zone through the intersection of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. and Sparrow Drive. A computer check revealed that Ellis’ driver’s license was expired. The deputy noticed that Ellis appeared nervous when questioned, according to the report. Ellis then admitted to possessing marijuana. He was given a notice to appear in court and released.

SEPT. 22 — A man was ar-

rested on State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach last Saturday on charges of driving under the influence and resisting arrest without violence. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the RPB substation found 21-yearold Joshua Monday of The Acreage passed out behind the wheel of his truck at approximately 10:28 p.m. When contacted by the deputy, Monday attempted to climb in the back of the truck. The deputy told Monday to climb out and stand still, according to the report. When the deputy attempted to get Monday out of the truck’s bed he refused to comply. The deputy noted observing a strong odor of alcohol on Monday’s breath and also noticed Monday’s eyes were glassy and bloodshot, according to the report. Monday failed to pass a series of field sobriety tests and was transported to the county jail.

SEPT. 23 — A man was arrested in Wellington last Sunday on a charge of possession of cocaine. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation responded to Westhampton Circle at approximately 12:01 a.m. regarding a suspicious vehicle call. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the suspect, 28-year-old William Varney of Wellington. According to the report, Varney told the deputy he was looking for a lost ring. A search of Varney revealed he was in possession of cocaine. He was transported to the county jail.

SEPT. 24 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Welling-

ton was dispatched to the Brampton Cove neighborhood on Monday in response to a vehicle burglary in progress. According to a PBSO report, once upon the scene at approximately 7:20 a.m., the deputy discovered that the suspect, 34-yearold Alex Lozada of Belle Glade, had been detained and handcuffed by the victim, who witnessed Lozada attempt to gain entry into his brown Chevy Venture minivan. The deputy received sworn statements from three other witnesses, who said they observed Lozada entering people’s driveways and looking into their vehicles. Lozada was arrested for burglary of a vehicle, loitering and prowling. He was transported to the county jail.

SEPT. 25 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to the SuperTarget store on Tuesday in reference to a shoplifting call. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 4:30 p.m. the deputy made contact with a store security officer who said she had observed 48-year-old Deborah Poole of Lake Worth attempt to conceal a watch worth $42.59. According to the report, Poole worked as a merchandiser for a store vendor. The deputy noted that when confronted by store security officers, Poole became disruptive and attempted to flee through the front door. The officers subdued Poole and brought her back to the office where they contacted the PBSO, according to the report.

Crystal Morris

Alisha Mojica

Garbage Collection Firm Republic Taking Over In Royal Palm Beach

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

No longer going green, next week the Village of Royal Palm Beach is going blue. Waste hauler Republic Services officially begins the solid waste and recycling collection services for the village this Monday.

Republic Services, which recently signed a five-year contract with the village, is in the process of delivering its blue garbage containers to customers in the village, while previous contractor Waste Management collects its green containers.

Republic’s local affiliate Republic Services of Palm Beach is providing services to the village. Company General Manager Dave Unversaw told the

Town-Crier Republic had delivered 3,000 garbage containers as of Thursday, with another 6,000 to go by Oct. 1.

Unversaw said customers will keep their current recycling bins.

Other than the color of the garbage containers, he said, the majority of Royal Palm Beach residents will not see a change in service days for garbage, bulk trash and vegetation collection services.

“The same services will be provided,” Unversaw said.

“Only a couple of customers will be affected by the recycling change. For the most part I believe almost all the customers will have the same garbage days, the same bulk collection days and the same vegetation days.”

While most residents won’t

see any service day changes, the time of day when collection occurs will likely be different, according to Unversaw, who said residents should have their trash at the curb by 6 a.m. on their day of service.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Republic Services reported revenues of $3 billion in 2006. The company, which employs more than 13,000 people, has 135 collection companies in 21 states. It also owns or operates 93 transfer stations, 59 solid waste landfills and 33 recycling facilities, providing services for commercial, industrial and residential customers.

Commercial collection customers should contact Republic Services directly with questions regarding their containerized service at (561) 478-9590.

Wellington To Explore Senior Housing Plan

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Village Council gave the go-ahead Tuesday for a study to explore the possibility of developing affordable housing units for village seniors.

After a survey of village seniors last year found that a lack of affordable housing was their foremost concern, the council commissioned village staff to devise a plan for the village to answer the housing needs of seniors.

On Tuesday, Community Liaison Officer John Bonde presented the plan, which outlines a series of phases that would ultimately result in establishing a community land trust to implement and manage senior housing. The village is eyeing its 14.5-acre Village Walk civic site as a possible location.

The council approved execution of the first phase of the plan, which involves spending up to $25,000 on an analysis of the market as well as the suitability of the Village Walk site. The analysis will include details on what features seniors desire in housing, cost, price and demand factors, and existing senior housing options in the region.

Bonde told the council most seniors in Wellington wish to remain there because they have roots in the community, and friends and family, but have few options for smaller, more affordable homes.

“They would like to see opportunities to downsize and stay in the community where their loved ones and friends are,” Bonde said, “and they are able to do so affordably.”

Bonde said an expanded report would be available later this year.

Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto said she looked forward to the study and was hopeful that a developer would defray the village’s initial outlay.

Blotter

continued from page 6A Poole was escorted from the premises and given a notice to appear in court on shoplifting charges.

SEPT. 26 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach arrested a Lantana man Wednesday on a charge of unarmed burglary at the Kmart store on Southern Blvd. Accord-

“One of the things I brought up yesterday was we need to have the cost recovery of the $25,000,” she said. “Ultimately, hopefully a developer will come forward to help with the recovery of the money.”

Councilwoman Laurie Cohen said she was pleased to see positive direction on the issue, but wished to point out that the village is not going to be building an independent living or nursing facility. She noted that the Devonshire project near the Mall at Wellington Green, which has faced delays, would answer that demand.

“I want to see what the study reveals,” Cohen said. “I also want to make it clear that if we were ultimately to build this type of facility or have this type of facility, that this is not an independent living facility or a nursing care facility. Hopefully, with Devonshire coming in, that will fill that need. Cities like Delray Beach are way ahead of the curve when it comes to this type of public land use. I will look forward to hearing more about this in the coming months.”

Bonde cautioned that he wanted to avoid the word affordable because of its negative connotations. “I want to lose the word affordable because it connotes large concrete structures in urban areas,” he said. “That is not what we learned from other cities, and not what we want to do in the village.”

Senior advocate Tony Fransetta told the council he felt they were on course after many months of debate and discussion, but echoed Bonde’s concerns that the senior housing be done properly to fit the community. Large buildings would definitely not be a good fit, he said.

“We need to do it right,” Fransetta said. “The people who are benefiting from this are seniors living in Wellington. We want to make sure this is done right for all the right reasons. I want to

ing to a PBSO report, the deputy saw 49-year-old Steven Ernst remove wooden pallets from within a closed gate and put them on the bed of his truck at approximately 1:08 a.m. Ernst then left the scene and was later stopped by the deputy. Upon being contacted by the deputy, Ernst said he found the pallets and was taking them home to sell. The deputy checked with a

Golf Tournament To Benefit WHS Boys Soccer Teams

The Wellington High School Soccer Boosters will host a golf tournament fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Links at Madison Green in Royal Palm Beach. The 1 p.m. shotgun start event will feature a four-player scramble format, followed by a buffet dinner and awards presentations. Great raffle prizes are also available, thanks to the generous donations of area businesses. The cost per golfer is just $100. Foursomes are encouraged, but individual players are also welcomed to play. Proceeds from the tournament will provide the boys soccer program with much-needed funds for additional training, uniforms and tournament travel. To register for the tournament, or to make a monetary or prize donation, call Michael Bach at (561) 379-3589 or Jo-Ann DiLallo at (561) 791-7742.

Pasta Dinner At St. Michael

St. Michael Lutheran Church in Wellington will hold a pasta dinner on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. The church welcomes its friends and neighbors to this special event hosted by the men of the congregation. There will be good food, warm fellowship, a raffle and fun times. Guests are invited to learn about the future of St. Michael and its “Believe in the Future” campaign. The cost is $10 for adults and a donation for children. St. Michael Lutheran Church is located at 1925 Birkdale Drive. Call (561) 793-4999 for more information.

Mutual-Help Grief Group To Start This Wednesday

thank council again, and also the mayor for doing this.”

The Wellington Seniors Club’s Howard Trager, who chaired the task force that did the initial survey of seniors, thanked the council on behalf of the members of the club and all the senior residents of the community.

“Thank you for taking the first step,” Trager said. “When you first assigned us the duty in 2006, I didn’t know whether we would reach this point. On behalf of the seniors, I thank you. It’s a wonderful first step. It’s a tiny one, but it always starts with a first step.”

Benacquisto made a motion to approve, seconded by Cohen. The motion passed unanimously.

Also Tuesday, the council gave final approval to the village’s 2007-08 budget of $73 million with a property tax millage rate of 2.34.

Village Manager Charlie Lynn cautioned the council that while the village would be creating a “leisure services passport” program to provide a revenue stream, the budget reflects the fact that the method of funding would be determined over the next few months.

“I want to make a couple of caveats,” Lynn said. “The budget assumes a certain amount of revenues from the parks and recreation fees. We received the input about the passports and read the e-mails from residents. You are not adopting the passport this evening. Council’s direction was to bring back a variation on the passport program. I have talked to people in Publix like you have. We will concentrate on their objections and bring this back in October. We do have a luxury of time to implement this in January.”

Lynn reminded the council that they would have to craft a funding mechanism for that

See BUDGET, page 8A

store manager, who said Ernst did not have permission to take the 19 pallets, each valued at $20. According to the report, a driver’s license check indicated Ernst had an arrest warrant for failing to appear in court on a traffic summons. Ernst was arrested on the strength of the warrant and charges of burglary to a structure and grand theft, and taken to the county jail.

On Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m., St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington will hold its first meeting of the Mutual-Help Grief Group. It is the church’s hope that the group will offer grief support that makes a difference in the lives of participants. The Grief Care Guide by Dr. Harold Ivan Smith will serve as the group’s resource. Session titles are “Getting Acquainted,” “Making Special,” “Finding Permission to Grieve,” “Making Room for Stillness,” “Recognizing Choices” and “Expressing Gratitude.” St. Peter’s United Methodist Church is located at 12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd. For more information, call Heidi Cote at (561) 383-7992 or Rachel Lever at (561) 7935712, ext. 21.

National Hospice Month — On Tuesday night, the Wellington Village Council proclaimed November 2007 as National Hospice Month in honor of Hospice of Palm Beach County’s 30th anniversary. Shown above, council members present Hospice’s Kim Daughtry with a proclamation.

Leisure Services Recognized — The Florida Recreation & Park Association recognized the Village of Wellington’s Leisure Services Department this year with a 2007 Agency Excellence Award. On Tuesday, Leisure Services Director Jim Barnes told the Wellington Village Council the department had been honored by a jury of its peers, and thanked his fellow staff members and volunteers for their part in earning the award. Pictured here, Barnes and Assistant Director Ivy Rosenberg Kennedy present council members with a plaque.

Budget Final Approval

continued from page 7A portion of the parks and recreation budget or the village would be on the hook for about $700,000. Lynn also spoke about a reverse rollback in the next fiscal year that may very well cause the millage rate to rise. He also noted that the recent Leon County ruling questioning the Jan. 29 “super exemption” amendment has no impact on the millage rate.

“The court’s ruling has no impact in this budget,” Lynn said. “We are sticking with the balanced budget, and we recommend your approval.”

During public comment, former state senator and Wellington resident Don Childers asked the council to keep an eye on what they are doing and how affects residents struggling to make ends meet.

“I encourage you that you consider the number of people that are in Wellington,” Childers said. “They have been here for a long time. The retirees are in a bind. The working people are in a bind. Look at this very closely, and keep an eye on where the budget is going in the following year.”

Resident Alan Medoff chided the council for the amount of money paid to Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for emergency and law enforcement services. He noted this year’s PBSO contract is $6.5 million, an increase of $1.5 million over three years, while

Wellington resident and former state senator Don Childers addresses the village council at Tuesday’s meeting.

the fire-rescue bill this year will be $20.6 million.

“To compare to Jupiter, where the elected officials have bothered to negotiate a contract, they are paying $12.9 million based on a cost per fire station,” Medoff said. “Jupiter has five fire stations. Wellington has four fire stations. Jupiter’s cost for this year is $2.58 million per fire station. Wellington’s cost is $5.15 million per fire station. It’s almost double the cost of what Jupiter is getting. As far as I am concerned, this council’s complete and total lack of action borders on absolute criminal.”

In response, Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore said that fire-rescue services are paid for through a separate municipal services taxing unit or MSTU.

“What he is saying is correct,” Priore said. “We as the council

do not affect the budget which is presented by Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue. You get that as a separate entity. When we incorporated, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue was kept as a separate entity. That is why their assessments are higher. It has not gone unnoticed to many people what they assess and what the residents pay at 2.34 [mills] is higher than what you pay as a member of a city. We don’t have direct control over it. Jupiter gave their service to Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue many years ago, and they were provided for a compensation for and a reduction in the millage rate.”

Cohen made a motion to approve the millage rate and accompanying budget, seconded by Benacquisto. It passed unanimously.

PHOTO BY CAROL

PBC Coordinator Praises Loxahatchee Groves CERT Volunteers

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The theme of this month’s Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association meeting was disaster management, with a presentation from Palm Beach County’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) coordinator Jennifer Beckman.

CERTs are organized groups of local volunteers, trained in skills such as fire suppression, first aid, triage, and search and rescue. Because they serve their own neighborhoods, they can be of great assistance to emergency crews who are overwhelmed, out of reach or unfamiliar with the area. Palm Beach County CERT volunteers must undergo 24 hours of training in order to be certified.

Beckman, with the county’s Division of Emergency Management, told LGLA members at their Sept. 20 meeting that the volunteer teams are a community’s first help in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. She congratulated Loxahatchee Groves for its recent formation of a CERT and urged its members to keep in mind the value of flexibility in their emergency planning.

“The best-case scenario in an emergency is that you have to remain flexible,” Beckman said. “You need to create the plan, but the plans need to be flexible.”

Beckman explained that part of the beauty of the CERT concept is that it provides a way for people to become familiar with each other and understand

the various roles they can play. “We all have to work together,” she said. “We might have different roles and responsibilities at certain times. If you know someone, you have developed some level of rapport.”

Beckman lauded the outreach effort by Loxahatchee Groves residents Ken and Pat Johnson to form the local team and organize a training event. “I understand that you had 23 people go through the last class, which was exciting,” she said. “That’s a big class, especially for the north part of the county.”

Beckman said she is very enthusiastic about extending CERT training to teenagers in a specially tailored program. “Teen CERT is a big initiative right now,” Beckman said. “Michigan is doing the initial training. They are traveling through the country training emergency management personnel to train teens. We are working with Jupiter High School, and we have met with some of them to see if they are interested in being the pilot program in the county.”

With shooting incidents becoming more common in schools, Beckman said, teens should have the skills to help their peers deal with such emergencies. “It’s a safety issue,” she said. “It’s an awareness issue. The kids will feel a sense of safety. They have an ownership in the preparedness themselves.”

Beckman also noted that despite some very heavy hurricanes in recent years, people should remember that disasters can occur at any time, not just

during the hurricane season. She encouraged residents to contact Ken or Pat Johnson at (561) 793-0188 if they wish to become CERT members or to email her at jbeckman@psd. co.palm-beach.fl.us.

Following Beckman’s presentation, ham radio enthusiast and Loxahatchee Groves resident Richard Handwerg invited residents to his amateur radio class, which meets every Monday evening at his home on 19th Street.

Handwerg said ham radios are extremely useful when a disaster disrupts electrical and phone services, especially in a community like Loxahatchee Groves where residents are spread thin. Handwerg said virtually anyone can become an FCC-licensed ham radio operator, which re-

quires a 35-question, multiplechoice exam. “Cell phone batteries go down and the Internet will go down,” Handwerg said. “All these things we use will fail,

except we have ham radio.” For more information on the radio classes, call Handwerg at (561) 791-9254 or e-mail him at rjhandwerg@comcast.com.

Palms West Hospital CEO Resigns

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Ron Lavater has resigned as CEO of Palms West Hospital, according to a statement issued by the hospital Sept. 26. Lavater announced his intention to resign on Sept. 10, according to the statement. He has been the hospital’s CEO for 21 months.

“Mr. Lavater will pursue other opportunities within [the hospital’s parent company] HCA and came to this decision after careful consideration and in the best interest of Palms West Hospital,” the statement read. “He

will work with the leadership of HCA’s East Florida Division on a timely and smooth transition that will position the hospital for greater success in the future.”

Lavater’s departure caps an often rocky tenure marked by a well-publicized dispute with members of the hospital’s medical staff. Hospital officials, however, did not tie Lavater’s resignation to the previous difficulties.

“He is looking for other opportunities at this point in time,” Wellington Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore, a member of the Palms West Hospital Board of Trustees, told the Town-Crier

“It’s really an administrative issue and not something I would be involved with as a trustee. He is going into a different venue. It’s typical and not unusual within a corporate structure.”

Chief Financial Officer Robert Preato will serve as interim CEO while the hospital searches for a permanent replacement for Lavater.

“I was aware of the fact that he was resigning,” Priore said. “We received a notice he would resign a few weeks ago. We’ve begun a search for a new CEO. Robert Preato, our CFO, will assume the role as temporary CEO.”

Jennifer Beckman of the Emergency Operations Center.

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

RPB’s Temple Beth Zion Unveils Upcoming Concert Season

Temple Beth Zion in Royal Palm Beach will present two high-powered performers this season as part of its concert offerings.

Renowned humorist and musical entertainer Avi Hoffman will present “The Best of Avi” at the synagogue on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. In addition to his renowned stage performances, Hoffman’s talents include singing in the music and recording industry as well as many directorial stints in theater productions around the country. This is Hoffman’s first per-

Pridgeon To Speak At AOS Conference

Dr. Alec Pridgeon of Wellington, who is best known in orchid circles as the past editor of the American Orchid Society Bulletin and founding editor of the scientific orchid journal Lindleyana, will give the keynote address at the American Orchid Society’s (AOS) biannual conference in October. The AOS Symposium, an event that will attract enthusiasts nationwide, will be held Oct. 19-21 at American Orchid Society Visitors Center & Botanical Gardens in Delray Beach and Embassy Suites in Boca Raton.

In his decades studying orchids, Pridgeon has seen many changes in the orchid world: the mass marketing of orchids through the “big-box” stores; name changes as the result of DNA research; loss of habitats from deforestation, mainly in the

formance in the western communities, and the temple is pleased to add the strength of this well known entertainer to local cultural events.

Welcome in the New Year with Al Matos and his Pops 5. Al Matos will bring his talented group of musicians to the synagogue on Sunday, Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. Dr. Matos is an accomplished keyboardist, arranger, composer and conductor. He has performed classical accordion concerts in New York’s Town Hall and Carnegie Hall. Dr. Matos has published over 50

tropics, home to the world’s greatest biodiversity; shifting of orchid commerce to the Internet; and effects from legislation from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered and Threatened Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Pridgeon’s fascination with the orchid began after he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Michigan. After graduation, tired of Ann Arbor’s snow and ice, Pridgeon started a master’s degree in philosophy at Louisiana State University. Realizing that there were few jobs in philosophy at the time, Pridgeon started over with a master’s degree in botany at LSU, until he took a course in higher plant taxonomy and was exposed to the diversity of the orchid family.

Pridgeon is a fellow of the Linnean Society of London, Fellow of the American Orchid Society and Courtesy Curator

music books plus many arrangements and original compositions, including the “Roy Harris Accordion Concerto” and the well known concert piece “Granada.”

Tickets for both concerts are $25 each. Major credit cards are accepted. Refreshments will be served at both events at no additional cost. Temple Beth Zion, led by Rabbi Bertram Kieffer, is located at 129 Sparrow Drive. For more information, directions or to purchase tickets, contact the synagogue office at (561) 798-8888.

of the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Special events and the schedule of guest speakers is open to the public. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. To register, or for more information, visit www.aosfall 2007.com or call (561) 4042052.

Palm Beach PopStar Deadline Oct. 15

In searching for first-ever Palm Beach PopStar, the offices of the Palm Beach Pops have been flooded with submissions, as well as requests to accept late entries. To accommodate all potential PopStar participants, the deadline for entries has been extended until Monday, Oct. 15 at 5 p.m.

Talented singers ages 18 and up are invited to compete in the Palm Beach PopStar competition, with the winner appearing

live in concert with the Palm Beach Pops and winning a cash prize of $500.

“People are really excited about the contest and the opportunity to perform live with the Pops,” Palm Beach Pops General Manager Jill Kaplan said. “Because we’ve received so many requests for late entries due to not already having a performance videotaped, we’ve decided to extend the deadline… giving more people the chance to make their dream of being a singer come true.”

Singers may audition for Palm Beach PopStar by e-mailing an MP3 (less than 10 MB) to audition@palmbeachpops.org or by sending or dropping off a video audition (CD, DVD or VHS) to Palm Beach PopStar, 500 Australian Avenue South, Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All entrants must be 18 years or older, must sing unaccompanied and reside within the WPBF Channel 25 viewing area (Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River or Okeechobee counties). For complete contest rules and entry forms, visit www. palmbeachpops.org and click on the Palm Beach PopStar event logo.

The Palm Beach PopStar winner will be rehearse and perform live with the Palm Beach Pops orchestra at the “Contemporary Composers” concert in November.

Performance dates for this show are Nov. 8 and 9 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach and Nov. 10, 12 and 13 at the Florida Atlantic University Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium in Boca Raton.

For more information, call (561) 832-7677 or visit www. palmbeachpops.org.

Al Matos

Avi Hoffman

Residents, Environmentalists Voice Concerns Over Power Plant

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

Acreage Landowners’ Association members and environmentalists Tuesday challenged assertions by Florida Power & Light that the utility’s planned power plant at 20-Mile Bend would be clean and safe.

FPL spokesperson Pat Davis gave a presentation on the new plant, dubbed the West County Energy Center, saying it had undergone 22 months of review by different government agencies and would be state of the art.

“We will have 3,300 megawatts of very clean energy from natural gas turbines coming on line in 2009 and 2010,” she said. “That will serve 400,000 homes and businesses. The efficiency level of the turbines has been moved up from an F rating to the highest level, G, and less fuel used means less emissions.”

Davis said the plant would use water from the Floridan Aquifer as coolant, a measure approved by the South Florida Water Management District and other agencies through 2014.

Davis noted that Palm Beach County is a net importer of energy, using far more than it produces. However, she said, FPL efficiency measures had significantly reduced the anticipated number of new plants in its service area for the next quarter-century.

“We will need 11 fewer plants than once predicted,” she said. “FPL was rated number one in efficiency by the U.S. Department of Energy. We serve only three percent of the U.S. population but we’re responsible for 13 percent of energy savings.”

Davis said FPL must balance present demand for energy with its commitment to provide as much renewable energy as possible. “Our Sunshine Project in Sarasota is the largest solar array in

Florida and can generate 250 kilowatts of energy,” she said. “But right now, solar energy is not reliable enough, even here in Florida, to provide for everyone’s needs. It’s also very expensive.”

Indian Trail Improvement District Vice President Mike Erickson asked for more information on the use of water from the Floridan Aquifer as well as the utility’s use of deep-injection wells to dispose of its wastewater. Davis replied that the utility got approval to pump 32 million gallons of “brackish water” between 2009 and 2014 into a well dug 3,300 feet underground. “Everything done is carefully monitored,” she said.

Noting that the plant will also draw some coolant water from the L-10 Canal, Acreage resident Alex Larson expressed concerns about water quality.

“That becomes the C-51 Canal that runs close to some of our homes,” she said. “Also, FPL will store 6,500 tons of diesel fuel there. It will have a natural gas pipeline running by a rock quarry where blasting is going on.”

Acreage resident and environmentalist Nicole Tolleson asked why FPL is not focusing primarily on renewable resources such as solar power. “When you build these plants you are hurting the planet,” she said. “Why not build more solar power plants?”

Lake Worth environmental activist Panagioti Tsolkas said the plant’s water disposal method was untested, and that the plant would pollute the atmosphere with greenhouse gases. “We’ve never done a deep-injection well for a power plant in Florida before,” he said. “We can’t afford to put 10 million tons of carbon dioxide in the air. We need to promote conservation.”

Tsolkas said a federal judge in July stopped rock mining in Miami-Dade County because it had damaged the Biscayne Aquifer.

FPL environmental specialist Jacquelyn Lorne replied that wastewater from the plant would be sampled for testing by a variety of agencies, all of which will carefully monitor the project.

Also Tuesday, ALA President Robert Trepp asked for nominations for seats on the ALA Board of Directors. Trepp also announced that he would step down as president because he felt his other activities would not allow him enough time to serve appropriately as the association’s president.

ALA members Ron Wagner, Cheryl Wagner, Maria Dzoba, Carlos Enriquez, Maria Enriquez, Richard Williamson, Winston Crosbie, Kesia Chang and Gary Dunkley were nominated. Since there were only nine candidates for nine positions, all were automatically elected. The board will choose the officers of the association at its next meeting.

SFWMD Drops Tax Rate For 2008

Following a recent public hearing, the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District reduced its property tax millage rate and adopted a $1.3 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2008. In compliance with state tax reform directives, the approved budget reflects a 10-percent reduction in the millage rate below current year levels for most taxpayers within the 16-county region.

“In light of property tax reforms, district programs and projects were carefully evaluated to improve efficiencies and to focus on the agency’s core mission of providing water quality, flood control, water supply and natural systems protection,” SFWMD Governing Board Chairman Eric Buermann said.

The approved $1.3 billion budget includes nearly $800 million for restoring the Everglades. Key restoration activi-

ties include Northern Everglades initiatives to improve the health of the Kissimmee, Lake Okeechobee, Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie watersheds, as well as the design and construction of numerous water storage and water quality improvement projects in the southern reach of the interconnected ecosystem. Other major budget expenditures include $50 million for infrastructure refurbishments and upgrades to the regional water management system, and $53 million in assistance to help construct and implement local alternative water supply projects.

The district is funded by a combination of ad valorem property taxes and by other sources such as federal and state revenues, permit fees and the Everglades Agricultural Area privilege tax. For more info., visit www.sfwmd.gov.

Patricia Davis

PBSO Captain To Lox Landowners: Please Report Nursery Thefts

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The community’s top law enforcement official urged Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association members last week to lend a hand in stopping a recent rash of nursery burglaries, by quickly reporting any such incidents.

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Chris Calloway, commander of the PBSO’s District 3, made the appeal during a presentation of August crime statistics to LGLA members Sept. 20.

Calloway said that beyond two stolen vehicles, no residential burglaries, no vehicular burglar-

ies, two incidents of larceny and 20 traffic stops in Loxahatchee Groves, several thefts from nurseries had been reported.

But Calloway believes not all of the nursery thefts made it onto the list. “We know that we’ve had some thefts at the nurseries but some of them are not reported to us,” he said. “We are getting them secondhand and third-hand. It’s paramount that if you are victimized, you should call us. We’ve heard from other residents, and they have been victimized.”

Calloway said he and his officers suspect the nursery burglaries are being committed by one group, probably people who live in the area, because getting

around at night is difficult without intimate knowledge of the community’s layout.

“To be honest with you, if I were looking to hit a place I would be more concerned if it were pitch-black,” Calloway said. “If anyone goes to the Loxahatchee and Acreage area, they have some really good intelligence. I don’t think you have people coming from Palm Beach County and saying, ‘let’s hit a dark nursery.’ These are people who reside here and know where to hit.”

Calloway said his two crime prevention deputies would be glad to visit nurseries and give their owners pointers on crime prevention. He also encouraged

nursery owners and residents to collect visual and written records of their equipment and property, which would be helpful not only in the event of a natural disaster, but also in case of theft. Such records would help verify ownership for insurance or recovery purposes, he said, especially in the case of older equipment without serial numbers.

Asked about reports of daylaborers being beaten and robbed in Loxahatchee Groves, Calloway noted that the incidents often involve illegal immigrants and stressed the importance of identifying the culprits, not determining the immigration status of the victims.

“We are here to assist the daylaborers,” Calloway said. “We are not here to turn them over to immigration authorities. We want to find out who’s doing this, and we want to stop them as quickly as possible. We want to stop them before they are injured or killed.”

Calloway said he and his deputies are attempting to get leads in the investigation from the workers. “There is no suspect information other than white males driving a small pickup truck,” he said. “We’re following up on that information. My deputy has given the nursery owners his personal cell phone number in the event one of the

ITID’s Trailways Committee Working To Remove Roadblocks

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

The Indian Trail Improvement District’s Trailways Committee focused Monday on resolving a variety of issues that have held up the creation of interconnected equestrian trails in the area.

Committee members agreed that member Brenda Riol would coordinate the writing of a formal policy for district trails with ITID Operations Director Terry Narrow.

Vice Chair Celeste Hathhorn made a motion that the policy include the placing of signs, basic maintenance and mowing schedules, and trash pickup.

Committee Member Helmut

Schmitt seconded the motion, which was supported unanimously.

Committee Member Chris Kooienga distributed illustrations of revised signs to designate district trails. “The first ones done were all wrong,” she said. “No one bothered to proof them and they marked off an ‘equestrial trail.’ These are done right. We’ve got 60 of them coming, and we’ll start marking off our trails.”

Hathhorn, who is also president of the Acreage Horseman’s Association, said her association and other volunteers would be cleaning up trails along the M-O Canal and 61st Street North on Sunday, Sept. 30 and would

take down misspelled signs. Residents interested in participating in the cleanup should meet at ITID headquarters at Avocado Blvd. and 61st Street North at 8:30 a.m. Horse trailers can be parked at ITID headquarters for the event.

Narrow told the committee that plans to allow horse trailer parking on the west side of 140th Avenue North, right next to Acreage Community Park, had hit a snag. “The people on the east side of the street actually own a 60-foot easement there, and we would be using their land to park the trailers,” he said.

ITID Vice President Mike Erickson suggested moving the

parking to a grassy area at the southern end of the park’s expansion area. “Part of the park has been designated for horses,” he noted. “Not only that, we are supposed to be able to connect with trails in the neighboring natural area.”

Narrow said final decisions on trails in the natural area are on hold until trails in Acreage Community Park are finished. Erickson suggested the district complete its trail within the park, including fencing and trailer parking, open that part of the park to horses, and then request that the natural area open up its trail.

Narrow agreed. “If directed,” he said, “I could probably do

that reasonably quickly.”

Narrow said a suggested westward trail along 94th Street North and into the Corbett Wildlife Management Area poses some problems, especially with gates into the preserve. “I can put together a good gate based on our approved design really quickly at 94th Street North and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road,” Narrow said. “Our real problem comes further west at 190th Avenue where we have a small bridge that creates an obstacle. And further west, we may not actually have easements out there.”

Erickson said Corbett representatives told him the district

ROYAL PALM BEACH HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES HOMECOMING

Members of Royal Palm Beach High School’s 2007 Wildcat Homecoming Court gathered in the school’s courtyard Tuesday morning for group and couple photographs. Homecoming activities continued through the week with a carnival on Tuesday, the powder puff football game on Wednesday, a varsity football game against the West Boca Bulls on Thursday featuring the crowning of the homecoming king and queen, and a dance on Friday.

Aaron Reyes gives Amanda “Peanut” Alard a face painting at Royal Palm Beach High School’s carnival on Tuesday.

PHOTOS BY CAROL

Tia Bookal paints the face of her friend Taquanda Jenkins.

RPBHS students at Tuesday’s carnival.

Members of the 2007 Wildcat Homecoming Court line up for a group photo.

Peiper Tillman sells jewelry.

RPBHS students sell nachos at the carnival.

RPBHS students offer something for hungry pizza-lovers.

A group of Wildcats make and sell some cotton candy underneath one of the tents.

Bridal Shower Offers A Fine Occasion To Disgrace Myself

There they sat — my daughter Jen and her fiancé Greg, uncomfortably seated on two straight-backed chairs in the front of the conference room with 40 happy, expectant faces peering at them. Her fellow employees at Hallmark had thrown the pair a bridal shower and were eagerly watching them open gift after gift.

“What a great group of people!” I thought. “What generous souls!”

What made me open my big fat mouth?

Oh, things started out nicely enough. There was punch and fruit and delicious cupcakes, each sporting a little pennant embellished with J or G. I had brought some truffles to share. Some people had brought flowers. Her “team” had decorated the conference room, and Greg was at his debonair best. It should’ve been a pleasant, special day for her.

But it wasn’t long before the scene turned ugly.

The minute things turned to (shudder) conversation, my internal warning bells started to go off. But did I listen? No.

At first, I was on my best behavior. I let Jen tell how they met (at kickball practice) and let Greg tell how he proposed (on bended knee). I let Jen’s coworkers explain how they’d got everything together for the shower and then sat by quietly while the presents were opened. I let the Happy Couple ooh and ahh over every item and took copious notes for the sake of thank-you note writing. Then (gasp!) there was a gap in the conversation that went just long enough for me to think I had to fill it.

Why do I do this? It’s not my party. It’s not my job to host anything. Why do I interpret any calm, peaceful silence to be an “uncomfortable” silence? Maybe

people were simply absorbing the scene. Maybe they were chewing, maybe swallowing. Maybe they were sitting there thinking that Jen’s mother was one classy broad.

They were wrong.

Without editors to stop me, I launched wholeheartedly into what I considered to be a most entertaining story about Jen’s laundry. When I began it, Jen looked over at me and almost imperceptibly shook her head. (She had already heard the story in the car.) As I continued, she raised her eyebrows and, as I approached the punch line, she leapt up out of her chair and ran across the room in an effort to clap a hand over my mouth before it was too late.

But it was too late.

Now all her coworkers know that I have trouble distinguishing an article of modern underwear from a sheet of fab-

ric softener. My point was that both are so small! Jen’s point was “shut up!”

The worst part was, everybody else responded in a really classy way. They didn’t laugh. They didn’t even giggle. Mostly, they were thankful they weren’t Jen. And Greg now knows what he’s in for with his mother-inlaw. I doubt if I’ll be privy to many “family secrets” where he and Jen are concerned. And I’m definitely out of the will.

‘Pay To Play’ Is Suitable For Sports Leagues, Not Politicians

I am touched by a twinge of cynicism as I watch our distinguished politicians maneuvering around the public demand to cut taxes. The governor made an impressive, impassioned speech on the need to spend less so Florida residents are not turned out of their homes, and the local politicians defend to the last penny every last project that any voter, particularly those with money to spend in support of politicians, might want.

From building a Lyons Road extension through farmland in the southern part of the county to keeping small-scale social events going, politicians at all levels are exceptionally good at finding excuses for keeping up spending levels. When an elected official tells us he or she spends our money as if it were his own, most of us now believe they spend it on what they like, not what we need. We have already learned that at least two

of our now former county commissioners used our money as if it were their own to enrich themselves, and several others have been cited for wasteful spending under curious circumstances.

I admit to a bit of bias in the whole situation. Since my wife and I live in a gated community that has its own pools, tennis courts and other recreational facilities, we directly pay for our own physical activities. My daughter does the same, although a more than half-time job and a full-time course load at college prevent her from spending a lot of time at that. But I pay taxes so other people who do not have their own private facilities have places to exercise and their children have places for organized sports. Through most of the history of this country, things like recreation were not considered the government’s business. A lot of things we pay for were thought

of as being part of the private realm. Government welfare programs were really only institutionalized in the 1950s. Yes, the federal government had a host of programs during the Great Depression, but they were specifically put in place to help people through a difficult time.

Private charities were around to help the “deserving poor” and they often stuck their noses into people’s private affairs to push them toward being self-sufficient. Once the government got involved, the country quickly moved to the idea of entitlements, the idea that people were entitled to have money under any circumstances, even if they were able to work.

As an administrator in a New York City high school, I had to provide a letter that certified that students were attending school so parents could get welfare

On My Mind...

By Leonard Wechsler

money. Administrators were frustrated that parents whose children seldom or never came to school received money and that many of the “needy” parents also had jobs. The government workers handling the situation ignored the issue. Eventually, when the Clinton administration demanded real checks against records, almost half the recipients disappeared. What has that to do with our current

See WECHSLER, page 27A

Israel Course Offered At Wellington Jewish Center

Israel — the land that has captured the imagination of generations. Many have explored the politics and geography of Israel, but few have explored the soul of the land. This November, the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute is set to unveil an intriguing new course at more than 250 affiliates across the globe, including the Wellington Jewish Center. JLI courses are presented in Wellington under the auspices of Chabad of Wellington’s Rabbi Mendy Muskal. Unlike other courses that are concerned primarily with the modern State of Israel or its ancient history, “The Land and the Spirit” focuses on the mystery of the deep bond so many people feel for the land of Israel.

“Many people love their homes and their countries, but once they relocate, that love begins to fade,” Muskal said. “Yet no matter where they have lived, Jews have continued to dream about the land of Israel. ‘The Land and the Spirit’ looks to answer why that dream has persisted across borders and generations.”

“The Land and the Spirit” provides students with an explanation for the central role the Holy Land plays in the Jews’ mission throughout history. The course explains what it means for a land to be holy, and the implications this has for the people living within that land. “The Land and the Spirit” also explores the relationship that Jews in the Diaspora maintain with Israel despite their place of residence.

“Whatever their political bent, people all across the globe have an opinion about Israel, whether positive or negative,” Muskal continued. “Whether people feel hope or despair, pride or concern, people care about Israel. By probing the spiritual connection Jews have with the Holy

Land, we hope our students will come away with appreciation for why Israel matters so much to them.”

This exciting new course will be offered at the Wellington Jewish Center for six Wednesdays, starting Oct. 31. The course costs $99 per person and $180 per couple, which includes a beautiful student textbook. “We are so sure that people will enjoy it,” Muskal said, “that we invite anyone interested to attend the first lesson free, with no obligation.”

What can students gain by attending “The Land and the Spirit?” A chance to explore the spirit of a land that has pulsed with energy and mystery since the dawn of time. A chance to understand a land that has captured our imagination throughout history, a land that breathes with the glory of the past and the dreams of the future. And a chance to examine what Israel was meant to be and what Israel means today.

To book a visit to an upcoming class or for more info., call Rabbi Muskal at (561) 333-4663. The Wellington Jewish Center is located at 12785 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in the Wellington Plaza.

The Jewish Learning Institute is the adult education arm of Chabad-Lubavitch. JLI’s classes and programs, now offered in over 300 locations in over 250 cities nationwide, as well as international locations, have been attended by nearly 75,000 people since JLI’s creation in 1998. Many others participate virtually through online message boards and other Internet-based channels.

Every course offered by the JLI is synchronized so that lessons are offered concurrently in all locations. This unique feature sets JLI apart from other similar programs and has helped create a true global learning community. Visit www. myjli.com for more information.

KING’S ACADEMY TAKES PART IN NATIONAL PRAYER VIGIL

The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach took part in the annual prayer vigil “See You at the Pole” on Wednesday, Sept. 26. The theme for this year’s event was “Gather - Unite - PrayCome Together.” More than 200 high school students gathered in the academy’s sports and fine arts center during regular Wednesday chapel service to pray. Spiritual prefects, along with 35 students, led the audience in worship before the students divided into small prayer groups. A national movement, “See You at the Pole” has been held throughout the United States since 1990. The King’s Academy is a private, Christian college-prep school located at 8401 Belvedere Road. Pictured left and below, students and teachers gather to pray.

Young Record-Holder Caps High School Career As Salutatorian

Five years after making the Guinness Book of World Records in 2002 as the “Youngest Person to Have Traveled to All Seven Continents,” Mario Casuga II of Royal Palm Beach secured another title for himself as salutatorian of the Class of 2007 at Lake Worth High School.

“I’m overwhelmed with joy,” Casuga said. “Graduating as salutatorian is as humbling and fulfilling as being a Guinness world record-holder.”

Casuga added he plans to use these achievements to secure another milestone in his life as a neurosurgeon.

Casuga said he credits God and his parents Mario Sr., a freelance writer who received his master’s degree in public administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, and Rebecca, a registered nurse who has traveled to more than 60 countries.

“My hat’s off to my dad,” Casuga said. “He finished his post-bachelor’s degree with highest honors, a feat that will truly

inspire me to exert my very best in hurdling medical school.”

In addition to being salutatorian, Casuga received numerous high school awards including an academic excellence certificate signed by President George W. Bush, as well as a Florida Bright Futures scholarship, which entitles him to 100 percent tuition and books. Casuga is a member of the Philippine-American Society and the National Honor Society, and received a LWHS Medical Honor Society certificate.

What’s Casuga’s academic excellence formula? “I just stayed focused, believed in myself and set an unwavering resolve to succeed,” he said.

When asked what he cherished the most in his journeys, Casuga named at least two scenic spots per continent.

“Brazil’s Christ on the Mount and Argentina’s Ushuaia [tip of the world] took first billings in South America,” Casuga said.

Canada’s CN Tower and New York’s Statue of Liberty were his choices in North America. The emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island and the colossal icebergs at Deception Island got his nod in Antarctica. “The centuriesold Egyptian pyramids and the River Nile are as historic as they are breathtaking,” he said of these African marvels.

France’s Eiffel Tower and England’s Buckingham Palace took center stage in travels through Europe, while Australia’s Sydney Opera House and New Zealand’s Auckland Maori tanga (culture hub) had Casuga’s camera smoking as he waded through the continent of Oceania. “The Great Wall of China and Bangkok’s colossal Buddhist temples are a stroke of genius,” he said upon leaving Asia.

Both grueling and exhilarating, Casuga’s world tours paid off when he was interviewed by two Florida TV stations (FOX 12 and ABC 5) and featured

in several newspapers including the Tampa Tribune, St. Petersburg Times and the Philippine Inquirer. Casuga’s article on Antarctica was picked up by the Palm Beach Post in 2005. “Seeing close to 70 countries in seven continents is truly a dream come true,” Casuga said.

Casuga’s travels netted him a hobby of collecting signatures and photos with celebrities around the globe. To date, he has shaken hands with VIPs such as King Nana Kwame Sarpong of Ghana’s Agogo tribe; presidents George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter; First Lady Rosalynn Carter; astronaut Buzz Aldrin, second man on the moon; Oscar winner Denzel Washington; music icon Kenny Rogers; Miss Universe 1981 and former Venezuelan official Irene Saez; General Paul Tibetts of Hiroshima fame; and Muhammad Ali.

“The wheels of life are churning at a fast clip,” Casuga said. “So, my goal in the near future is to trek through all the

new Seven Wonders of the World.”

To date, Casuga has been to four of the seven wonders.

Casuga also participates in community service. As lead usher at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church, he assisted Bishop Gerald Barbarito, head of the Palm Beach Diocese, in several confirmation masses. Casuga received a trophy from his martial arts school for group demonstrations.

The person Casuga admires the most, he said, is County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, a Filipino-American businessman who has given more than $100,000 of his own money to charity.

“In the grand scheme of things we won’t be judged by our mansions, sports cars, nor bulging Swiss accounts,” Casuga said. “We achieve our true measure as human beings only when we reach out to our neighbors who are in need.”

Mario Casuga II and his parents in Antarctica.

Mario Casuga II of Royal Palm Beach with his Guinness Book of World Records certificate and a copy of the book in which he appeared.

RONALD MCDONALD VISITS THE LIBRARY TO PROMOTE READING

In honor of Reading Month at the Wellington Library, Ronald McDonald stopped by Sept. 23 to remind youngsters the importance of books. In addition to juggling and performing magic tricks, Ronald offered coupons for free food at McDonald’s, as well as a drawing to win prizes. For more information about library programs, call (561) 790-6070.

Eliana Santiago of RPB waves the magic wand and to performs a trick.

Londe Mondelus helps Ronald McDonald with a magic cookie.

James McCoy spins the ball on two fingers.

PHOTOS BY DENISE

Ronald McDonald talks about the thousands of books available at the library.

PBC MOUNTED POSSE

BEGINS ITS MONTHLY PLEASURE SHOWS

The Palm Beach County Mounted Posse held the first of its monthly pleasure shows Sunday, Sept. 23 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The all-day event included two rings featuring walking, trotting, cantering, jumping, western riding and English riding for all age groups. The Mounted Posse hosts pleasure shows at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center the fourth Sunday of each month at 8 a.m. For more info., visit www.pbcposse.com.

PHOTOS BY DENISE

Melanie Peterson on Blazing Hot Fantasy.

Lyric Hersh, aboard her Arabian horse Creed, won several English riding events. Great Gatsby and Allie Giuliano racked up the awards.

Nichole Brennan with horse Cheyenne, dad Bill and a handful of awards.

Trainer Joan Krogmann with Emily Lutz, aboard Legacy.

Jodi Keller lounges on her horse Jazmin.

Rooney’s To Host Golf Benefit Oct. 18

The Rooney’s Golf Foundation will host its sixth annual golf tournament benefiting the Autism Project, the Children’s Place at Home Safe, Elite Greyhound Adoptions, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University and the Children’s Golf Foundation. The tournament will be held at Haig Course at PGA National on Thursday, Oct. 18.

A Haig/Squire Participating Foursome costs $600 and is tax deductible. Anyone who is interested should e-mail Michelle Damone at mdamone70@aol. com. Individual players can sign up for $150 on the Haig/Squire or $200 on the Champion Course.

At the tournament’s pre-party on Wednesday, Oct. 17, a blind auction will be held offering the chance to win tickets for two

Wechsler Government Spending

continued from page 18A cutbacks? Do we need to examine whether all our spending is being done carefully? Are there ways that volunteers can fill in so non-participants are not taxed for things they have no interest in?

Demanding user fees, as Wellington is doing, is one way to let non-participants off the tax hook. I have no trouble paying school taxes even though I no longer attend and neither do my children. But if I pay for my own

for the 2008 Superbowl donated by the Rooney family. Other items are also being sought for a raffle, which will continue to Oct. 18 at the afterparty at Rooney’s Public House on the corner of Okeechobee Blvd. and Jog Road in West Palm Beach. Any business owner willing to raffle an item or a service should e-mail appbcdamone@ aol.com or call Michelle Damone at (561) 315-2973. Businesses will be given a gift letter for their records. The Rooney’s Golf Foundation is nonprofit organization.

Upcoming Programs At Grassy Waters

On Saturday, Sept. 29, Grassy Waters Preserve invites the public to join a naturalist for a boardwalk tour and discover what’s happening in the marsh. Learn what Grassy Waters is all about while getting up close and

recreation, I can resent paying for that of others. In The Acreage, taxpayers are not asked to support recreational programs. Yes, they do pay for a parks system where organized sports are played, but they can use those parks themselves if they choose. A nonprofit organization charges fees for participants and a lot of active volunteers provide services. Not only do taxpayers get a break, but a lot of parents and others get involved with their own families and those of neighbors. It is a wonderful way to build a community while not imposing the

personal with the plants and animals on the boardwalk. This activity is free for all ages and will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The location will be the south side of the preserve at Charles W. Bingham Wilderness Pavilion.

A canoeing and hiking activity will be offered Sunday, Sept. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants can canoe on peaceful Gator Lake and enjoy the beauty of the marsh, then hop out for a short walk through the upland trails. This activity is for ages 10 and over. The fee is $15 for adults and $5 for children. The location will be the north side in the Everglades Pavilion. Reservations for both of these activities are required 24 hours in advance by calling (561) 804-4985.

Grassy Waters Preserve is located at 8264 Northlake Blvd., just east of Ibis, in West Palm Beach.

needs of some on everybody else. Our politicians need to look more closely at what activities are not so necessary and which ones could be supported by those who use them. They should also look very carefully at coming needs and decide what we actually need. Why should citizens pay for roads that will benefit developers more than residents? West Palm Beach has been accused of having a “pay to play” mentality. Unfortunately, that spirit in the guise of “yell to get tax expenditures” suffuses every level of government.

SF Fair Scholarship Golf Classic Slated For Oct. 6

One of the community’s original charity golf tournaments is returning to Breakers West Country Club and, after a quarter of a century, will undergo a bit of a makeover.

The 26th annual South Florida Fair Scholarship Golf Classic, presented by the Barrett Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6. This year the South Florida Fair is hosting an inaugural Classy Ladies “Tee Time” and luncheon. Activities include makeup tips, wine tasting, chair massage, sushi demonstrations, floral arranging and more. Limited space is available. Proceeds will fund local college scholarships. The tournament has

raised over $300,000 in college grants since its inception in 1982.

Breakers West Country Club is one of the area’s top golf tracts. The par-72 Reese Jones Course has hosted some of the game’s top performers including one of the original PGA Grand Slam events featuring Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Lee Trevino and Seve Ballesteros. Local golfers will find the recently redesigned course a treat and a challenge.

To reserve a foursome or spot in the Classy Ladies “Tee Time” or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, call Lorie Stinson at (561) 790-5245 or e-mail lorie@southfloridafair. com.

South Florida Fair Scholarship Golf Committee members Snag Holmes, Sharon Merchant, Todd Runnells, Lorie Stinson and John Severson.

Wellington High School Bowlers Strive To Reach Their Goals

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

In basketball they’re known as “gym rats” — those players who can’t get enough, the first ones on the court and still shooting when the lights go out.

Jeffrey Goodfriend and Casey Merola are gym rats of a different kind.

The two call Greenacres Bowl on Lake Worth Road their second home. Let’s call them alley cats — or maybe alley Wolverines since each is a member of the Wellington High School bowling team.

“I’m in here all the time,” said Merola, a senior and four-year member of the WHS girls bowling team.

Likewise for Goodfriend, a home-schooled junior who is a three-year member of the Wolverines’ boys team. Both teams qualified for the high school state bowling tournament last year, and appear to be poised for a repeat visit.

“That’s my goal,” said Goodfriend, whose average this season is 210. “I want to get this team to state.”

Goodfriend talks a lot about goals. Goals are what keep him motivated and keep him dedicated to a sport he first took up

BOWLING BOWLING

at age 10. After a few years away, Goodfriend returned to the game at 14 and hasn’t stopped since. He won the U.S. Bowling Congress Florida State Youth Tournament last summer in Orlando by averaging 248 on the final day of the two-day competition.

“I went up there knowing I had a shot to do well,” Goodfriend said. “The first day I averaged a little over 200. I woke up the next morning and had one of those feelings like I was going to win. I was locked in.

Some of the second-day scores were already posted when I started, so I knew I had to average 230 [over three games] to have a chance.”

Merola won the girls division of the tournament with an average of 205, ten pins higher than her average at WHS this season. “I started bowling when I was little but then I took a break,” Merola said. “I started up again when we moved down here from New Jersey, so I’ve basically been bowling for four years.”

Over the past year and a half, Merola said, she has raised her average from 100 to that 195

mark. She attained a career-high 258 last summer.

“I’m taking some lessons now, but when I first started wanting to get better, I came out and just practiced and practiced,” Merola said. “I watched all the good people. I watched Jeff and wanted to be like him. I like bowling against people who are better than me because it helps me strive to get better.”

Merola gets a lot of opportunities to observe Goodfriend and others, not only during practice sessions but Saturday nights at Greenacres Bowl, where both are members of the “Not Ready For Prime Time League.”

“I’ve always liked competition,” said Goodfriend, who rolled a 300 game when he was 15 years old. “I’m always striving for a new goal. When I see bowlers who are a lot better than me, I want to be where they are.”

And that means a lot of practice — something neither Goodfriend nor Merola shy away from.

“I always go for quality in practice,” said Goodfriend, who like Merola is a left-hander. “I bowl four or five games and stay focused. Some guys bowl ten games and don’t think about anything. That’s a

waste of bowling. After every shot I see what I’m doing wrong and try to correct it on the next shot. I don’t bowl just to roll the ball.”

Goodfriend also lifts weights three times a week. In the past year he added more than 20 lbs. to his five-foot11 inch frame, bringing his weight to 155 lbs.

“I can tell it’s made a difference,” Goodfriend said. “You really have to be in shape to be

any good and to go to the next level.”

Merola’s work ethic matches Goodfriend’s, but her swing could be described as “a bit unorthodox.” That is, she swings the ball almost entirely across her back before sending it down the lane. “It looks painful but it’s not,” she said with a grin. “People have tried to change me, but I won’t let them.”

Spoken like a true gym rat — make that alley cat

WELLINGTON VOLLEYBALL GIRLS FALL TO PALM BEACH GARDENS VOLLEYBALL

The Wellington High School girls varsity volleyball team fell in three straight games in their home gym Tuesday night to Palm Beach Gardens 25-21, 25-22 and 25-15. The girls varsity and junior varsity teams played at King’s Academy on Thursday but scores were not available at presstime.

Amanda Carmel hits the ball between Gardens defenders.

Wellington’s Angela Clark sends the ball over the net.

Wolverine Bethany Neal sets the ball for a teammate.

Wellington team captain Lindsey Schmidt dives for the ball.

Wellington’s Laura Bostwick digs deep to return a serve.

Kayla Foster and Angela Clark leap to block the ball.Juana Elortondo tries to win a point for Wellington.

At The Lanes — Wolverines bowlers Jeffrey Goodfriend and Casey Merola at Greenacres Bowl.

Seminole Ridge Gets Some Time Off Before Traveling To Jupiter

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report FOOTBALL FOOTBALL

Seminole Ridge and Palm Beach Central high schools each have this week off before returning to action Oct. 5. The Hawks (2-2), who lost 14-12 to Palm Beach Lakes on Sept. 20, play at Jupiter on Oct. 5 while the Broncos (1-3), who lost 35-23 to Lake Worth, travel to Park Vista.

The Hawks took a 10-7 third quarter lead against the Rams on Allen Lopez’s 35-yard touchdown run, but Palm Beach Lakes running back Matt Elam scored shortly afterward to give the Rams the victory. Lopez rushed 12 times for 96 yards to lead Seminole Ridge, which has lost its past two games.

Hawks quarterback Josh Jackson finished with a season-high 134 passing yards on nine of 17.

For the second consecutive game, Palm Beach Central (1-3) wasted an outstanding performance by senior running back David Ahola. Against Lake Worth on Sept. 20, Ahola rushed for a school record 230 yards on 20 carries and scored on a 91-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

After a slow start in his first two games, Ahola has rushed for 309 yards on 39 carries in his past two games.

With senior lineman Phil Marfisi back in school after suffering a neck injury in Wellington High School’s 35-7 loss to Royal Palm Beach on Sept. 20 (see related story, page 15), the Wolverines were in good spirits early this week as they prepared for Thursday night’s District 8 home game against Jupiter. Marfisi, who was taken off the field by Trauma Hawk helicopter, was diagnosed with a herniated disk in his neck and some

ligament damage to his spine. He began rehab on Monday, the same day his teammates returned to the practice field.

“It was definitely uplifting for them knowing that Phil was out,” Wellington coach Chris Romano said. “We had a real good practice. I think there is the sense that he’s all right. I liked the spirit of the guys. They were spirited and upbeat.”

Romano is hoping that somewhere along the line, perhaps against Jupiter, that spirit will translate into success on the field. Despite the scores, the Wolverines have been competitive early in their games, particularly against Santaluces and Royal Palm Beach.

“We just haven’t put four quarters together,” Romano said.

The Wolverines (0-4) played a Jupiter team that also struggled in its last game. The Warriors lost 24-0 to state powerhouse Pahokee on Sept. 20 as the Blue Devils’ defense allowed Jupiter only 152 yards on total offense.

Wellington, meanwhile, is looking for an offensive spar of its own. The Wolverines have scored only 21 points this season and produced just 546 yards total offense. But Romano isn’t pointing fingers at his offense. “The pressure is on all of us,” Romano said. “We’ve got to come up a game plan and we’ve got to execute it. It’s a total team effort.”

Wildcats fullback Ernest Ferguson ran for 113 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries to lead Royal Palm Beach against Wellington. The Wildcats (2-1), who have outscored their opponents 6313 in their past two games, hosted West Boca on Thursday night.

Bassmasters Fish Okeetantee

The Royal Palm Beach Bassmasters held its monthly tournament Sunday, Sept. 16 out of Okeetantee on Lake Okeechobee.

First place was awarded to the team of Ron Demers (boater) with two fish weighing 2 lbs., 4 oz. and partner Tone Young (non-boater) with three fish weighing 9 lbs. for a total team weight of 11 lbs., 4 oz.

Second place went to Mike Gershberg (boater) with two fish weighing 3 lbs., 2 oz. and partner Jeff Martin (non-boater/ guest) with three fish weighing 7 lbs., 4 oz. for a total team weight of 10 lbs., 6 oz.

In third place was Mike O’Connor (boater) with two fish weighing 3 lbs., 4 oz. and a draw partner weight of one fish weighing 1 lb., 7 oz. for a total team weight of 4 lbs., 11 oz.

The big fish of the tournament, weighing 6 lbs., 6 oz., was caught by Tone Young.

Royal Palm Beach Bassmasters meetings are held on the second Thursday of

each month at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center; tournaments are held the following Sunday. Dues are $25 a year and tournament entry fees are $25 per person. Anyone interested in joining the club as a boater or non-boater should call Irene at (561)793-7081 for more information.

Ron Demers

Tone Young

Jeff Martin

Wildcats Shut Out Jupiter Mustangs

It was a battle of the undefeated in the Mitey-Mites Division in Royal Palm Beach. The Wildcats Pop Warner MiteyMites (seven to nine years old, 45 to 90 pounds) remained unbeaten in a 21-0 victory over the Jupiter Mustangs at Royal Palm Beach High School last Saturday. The Wildcats put on a show of domination on both sides of the ball. David Rodberg opened up the first drive with a 41-yard burst to the 12 yard line. Tight end Spencer Longley scored shortly thereafter on an eightyard end around, Dalton Trimble knocked in the two-point kick. The defense held Jupiter scoreless with great play from

Evan Garcia, Brock Chase, Ryder Roscigno, Ricky Durr, CJ Sothen, Kaden Knott, Harley Coffman, Matt Smith, Austin Brown, Will McCollough, Daniel Joyner and Michael Shakes. Linebackers Logan Wakefield and Dalton Trimble led the defense with 10 tackles each. Later, quarterback Will McCullough connected with tight end Michael Shakes for a 32-yard touchdown. In the fourth quarter Dalton Trimble had a punt return for a touchdown. Solid effort was made by Kobe Rodriguez, Drew Matias, Noah Walker, Sean Houck, Damon Schmidt and Brandon Cordero. The 4-0 Wildcats play the Mustangs again at 1 p.m. Saturday Sept. 29 at Jupiter.

Markey Completes First Triathlon

Daphne Markey of Royal Palm Beach completed her first full triathlon at Walt Disney World last Sunday and finished in four hours and 46 minutes. She was among the top finishers in the swimming portion out of several waves of starters.

The race consisted of a onemile swim in Bay Lake across from the Magic Kingdom, immediately followed by a 36-mile bike ride through Disney property, as well as along World Drive, Osceola Parkway and back to the Fort Wilderness Campground. It was capped off by a 6.2-mile run through the campground.

More than 1,600 people from

DiLallo Named To Ray Guy Award Watch

University of Colorado sophomore punter Matt DiLallo of Wellington was named to the 2007 Ray Guy Award Watch List last week.

The award is presented every year to the nation’s top punter. DiLallo is one of 41 players and one of just five underclassmen on the list.

DiLallo was the Buffs’ starting punter as a freshman in 2006 after redshirting the previous year while under the tutelage of then-senior punter John Torp, a Ray Guy Award runner-up in 2005.

all over the world competed in the triathlon. Markey ran as part of the Team in Training, whose donation proceeds raised more than $1 million in one day for the prevention of leukemia and lymphoma, and services for cancer patients. Read more about the group at www.teamin training.org.

Organized TNT groups from all over the country were on hand, with many people covering various points on the routes with supportive signs, noise makers and just cheering on the competitors. People of all ages, abilities and sizes participated in the event.

List

ology major, DiLallo was also a second-team Academic All-Big 12 selection in 2006.

dook, Cody Conley and Javier Carrasquilla. A tough Steelers offense was prevented from breaking any big plays due to the outstanding efforts of cornerbacks Brendan Fonts and Matthew Careccia and safety Ben Sundook. The Steelers received outstanding efforts from Sawyer Losey, Bryce Marcus, Tyler Freeman, Mikey Garofalo and Derek McDonald.

WCFL Pro Chiefs

Top The Jaguars

The TNT members celebrated their success with a dinner and dance party Sunday night at the Rock ’n’ Roll Beach Club at Pleasure Island. It started with a pasta party last Saturday night. Participants stayed in cabins at Fort Wilderness.

WCFL Prep Chargers Defeat Steelers 14-8

DiLallo earned unanimous first-team Freshman AllAmerica honors in 2006, as he had 47 punts for an average of 43.74 with 14 inside the 20. DiLallo had eight punts over 50 yards and two over 60; he owned a net average of 38.5 and a 44.9 mark on punts made from inside CU’s own 25.

During spring ball in 2007, CU coaches presented DiLallo with the Bill McCartney Award as the most improved special teams player. The Sporting News selected him as the second-team All-Big 12 punter in its preseason magazine. Through three games in 2007, DiLallo has punted the ball 17 times for a 41.2 average with six inside the 20.

DiLallo did not record a single touchback and his season long punt of 73 yards, against Colorado State in Denver, set a CU record for the longest punt by a freshman. An integrated physi-

The Ray Guy Award winner is selected by a national committee made up of sports writers, college football coaches, sports information directors, past Ray Guy award winners and members of the Greater Augusta Sports Council.

The Western Communities Football League Prep Chargers improved to 2-1 by defeating Prep Steelers 14-8 in a recent game well played by both teams. The Chargers’ offensive line, led by veteran Ryan Charles, had its second consecutive outstanding game. Charles made key blocks on both Charger touchdowns and also rumbled for a two-point conversion. Charger Connor Power ran 20 hard yards for one score and Keenan Duggan plunged one yard for the other.

The Chargers’ hard-hitting defense received excellent play behind linebackers Zach Sun-

The Western Communities Football League Pro Chiefs defeated the Boynton Beach Jaguars 30-6 last Saturday. Ryan Higbee scored two touchdowns, one rushing and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Hunter Raulerson scored one touchdown rushing and had an unstoppable power running game. Dwayne Crawford scored one touchdown rushing. Offense led the way with great blocking and strong running by Raulerson, James Baker, Dwayne Crawford, Bradley Hearne and Jared Baker. Higbee kept the Jaguars’ offense off the field with long sustained drives. After the Jaguars returned the opening kickoff, the defense was able to shut down the Jaguars and did not allow a score the rest of the game. The defense was led by Higbee with key sacks and a recovered fumble for a touchdown.

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

Matt DiLallo

A recognition ceremony was held Tuesday, Sept. 25 honoring the August employees of the month at Palms West Hospital in Loxahatchee Groves. The nominees were Florine Samson-Alexis of the post-anesthesia care unit, Robin Espinosa of the cardiopulmonary unit, Lakiesha Walters of the endoscopy unit, and Hyacinth Gowdie and Lorna Wellington of the medical/surgery department. The winner was Sally Lall Dass of the imaging department. (Above) Lall Dass with Director of Imaging Joan Sinnett and Human Resource Coordinator Jane Lewis. (Below) Nominees Walters and Samson-Alexis with Lewis.

Mounts Fall Family Festival Oct. 14

The Mounts Botanical Garden and the Junior League of the Palm Beaches will present the 11th Annual Fall Family Festival on Sunday, Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the garden (559 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach).

The festival will offer a day of family fun that includes a pumpkin-painting booth, bounce house, rock climbing wall, petting zoo, pony rides, kiddy train rides, face-painting, haystack hunts, lady bug education and release, arts and crafts, prizes, musical entertainment, refreshments, and much more.

Master gardeners and the Sunrise/Con-

rad Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society, the Rose Society and the Herb Society will offer various activities and crafts featuring planting skills. The Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Management will give away native plant seedlings. Fun and interesting animal exhibits will include Greyhound Pets of America, the Palm Beach County Rabbiteers and a petting zoo.

There is a $3 entrance donation; Mounts Botanical Garden members and children under age 10 are admitted free. For more information, call (561) 2331757 or visit www.mounts.org.

4-H Achievement Night — The annual 4-H Achievement Recognition event was held on Sept. 21. Awards were given for the outstanding project and record books, outstanding county and club books, outstanding scrapbook, community service, scholarships, and other awards. Members who completed at least one project book this year were recognized with a pin bearing their project area name. All 4-H members and leaders, as well as new Palm Beach County 4-H clubs, were honored. The new 2008 County Council officers were installed during a torch-passing ceremony. After the ceremony, 2007 County Council President Andrew Cheng gave his outgoing president’s speech. For more info., visit www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/coopext/4H/index.htm or call (561) 233-1731. Shown above are the 2008 officers Chaplin Caleb Cheng, Parliamentarian/Sergeant at Arms appointee Anthony Pipitone, Reporter/Historian appointee Victoria Shockley, Treasurer Meghan Hanley, Secretary Amy Nungesser, Vice President Caitlin Hanley and President Jordan Morrow.

Saturday, Sept. 29

• National Public Lands Day will be held Saturday, Sept. 29 from 7:30 a.m. to noon at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (10216 Lee Road, off State Road 7, two miles south of Boynton Beach Blvd.). For more info., call David Underwood at (561) 7356030 or visit www.loxahatchee. fws.gov.

take place Friday, Oct. 5 at BallenIsles Country Club East Course in Palm Beach Gardens with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Fees are $250 per person or $1,000 per foursome. Sponsorships are available. Call (561) 683-2700 for more info.

• The Second Chance Garage Sale will take place Saturday, Sept. 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Florida Expo Center. Booths will be set up both in the west building and in the spacious adjoining east building. Booth space is available. Parking will be free. The South Florida Fairgrounds markets and advertises the show; vendors keep 100 percent of the proceeds. The fairgrounds are located at 9067 Southern Blvd. For more information about the Second Chance Garage Sale, call (561) 793-0333 or visit www.southflorida fair.com.

• The Loxahatchee Baptist Mission Church will hold a barbecue on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the church, which is located at 13969 Orange Blvd. at the corner of Orange and 140th Ave. North. There will be games for kids and adults, a fresh market and live music from a Christian band. Horses and golf carts are welcome. The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for kids, with all proceeds going to mission projects. For more info., call (561) 790-2968 or visit www. lbmission.com.

• The Players Club restaurant and bar (1340 South Shore Blvd., Wellington) will present an Evening with Larry Brendler, a cigar and martini rock ’n’ roll party with music from the ’50s through the ’90s on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. For more info., call (561) 795-0800.

Monday, Oct. 1

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will present a program on outdoor Florida on Monday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. at the Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.). Call Paul at (561) 963-9906 for more info. Tuesday, Oct. 2

• Did you ever want to know what the Talmud is? Study Introductory-Level Talmud parlor style in a relaxed atmosphere at the Wellington Jewish Center every Tuesday at 8 p.m. Call Rabbi Mendy Muskal at (561) 333-4664 or e-mail rabbim@bellsouth.net for more info.

Thursday, Oct. 4

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will hold a Power Networking session on Thursday, Oct. 4, 8 a.m. at the Greenacres Community Center (503 Swain Blvd., Greenacres). The cost is $5 for members and $30 for non-members; pre-registration is required. Call (561) 790-6200 for more info.

• Wild 95.5 will present Samantha Jade at the Clematis by Night Fall Festival on Thursday, Oct. 4. from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach. Admission is free. The festival includes two stages of entertainment, kids games and activities, food and refreshments. For more info., call (561) 8221515 or visit www.clematisby night.net.

Friday, Oct. 5

• The Alzheimer’s Community Care Golf Classic will

• The October meeting of the Wellington Garden Club will take place Friday, Oct. 5 at the Wellington Community Center, 12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd. The meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a light lunch supplied by the members, followed by a business meeting with speaker William Reeve, president of Botanical Visions, and his presentation “Right Plant, Right Place.” Guests are welcome. For more info., call Deborah Russell at (561) 793-7360 or Linda Leemon at (561) 7539999, ext. 215.

• The fall edition of the Palm Beach County Home Show will take place Friday through Sunday, Oct. 5-7 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). The show will feature more than 100,000 square feet of displays, including interior decorating, furnishing, kitchen and bathroom design, pools and spas, landscaping and outdoor living. Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children age four to 12. For more info., visit www.pbchome show.com or call (800) 3216164.

• Fright Nights returns to the South Florida Fairgrounds from Friday, Oct. 5 through Wednesday, Oct. 31 starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, concluding on Halloween night. Tickets cost $10 general admission in advance ($15 at the gate) and $20 for unlimited access ($25 at the gate). For more info., call (561) 793-0333 or visit www. southfloridafair.com.

Saturday, Oct. 6

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will offer a one-hour walk in John Prince Park on Saturday, Oct. 6. Enter the park off Congress; turn right at the stop sign and left into the first parking lot. The walk begins at 7:30 a.m. Call Paul at (561) 963-9906 for more information.

• St. Peter’s United Methodist Church (12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) will hold its second Community Harvest Fest on Saturday, Oct. 6. The event will feature a rummage sale, BBQ dinner, bake sale, entertainment and craft booths. For more info., call Al Bennett at (561) 753-6784.

Sunday, Oct. 7

• The American Cancer Society will host Western Communities Making Strides Against Breast Cancer inside the Mall at Wellington Green on Sunday, Oct. 7. Registration will begin at 7 a.m., and the walk will start at 8:30 a.m. The walk will take place on both levels of the mall. For more information, visit www.cancer.org/strides online or call Julie Tannehill at the American Cancer Society at (561) 366-0013.

• The Acreage Xtreme Competition Cheerleading Squad will host a community yard sale on Sunday, Oct. 7 at 8 a.m. at Acreage Community Park on 140th Ave. North. The cost for vendors of resale items is $10 per booth. For people who want to sell new items or advertise a business, the cost is $20 per booth. For more info., call Karen at (561) 602-6540.

• Beach Cuts (6266 Congress Ave., West Palm Beach) will hold a cut-a-thon on Sunday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds will benefit Hearts and Hope. Call (561) 642-9693 for more info.

Thursday, Oct. 11

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present the popular comedian Sinbad on Thursday, Oct. 11. For tickets, call (561) 8327469 or visit www.kravis.org. Saturday, Oct. 13

• The inaugural Richard S. McFarland Memorial Golf Tournament will take place Saturday, Oct. 13 on the Haig Course at PGA National Golf Course in Palm Beach Gardens. Proceeds will benefit the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Communication Arts Department. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. An awards banquet will follow the tournament. Registration fees are $150 for individuals or $500 for a foursome. Tickets for the awards banquet only are $50. For more info., call (561) 622-3630 or email debimcfarland@aol.com.

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will conduct trail maintenance and a survey on part of the Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 8:30 a.m. Call Paul at (561) 963-9906 for more information.

• The Cuillo Centre for the Performing Arts (201 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach) will present Music and the Art of Life on Saturday, Oct. 13 in the lobby and main stage. Proceeds will benefit artist Gipsy Alcala. The evening will include a fine art exhibit from 6 to 8 p.m. featuring Alcala’s work, followed by a concert on the main stage with John Carey and his blues band. Tickets are $20. For more info., call (561) 835-9226 or visit the Cuillo Centre’s web site at www.cuillocentre.com.

• The Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) will hold its Annual Friendship Ball on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Donations for this fundraising event are $85 per person. The evening will feature live musical entertainment provided by Sweet Justice Band and DJ entertainment. For tickets, call Alvin Nembhard at (561) 333-8891, Millie Hampton at (561) 7901751 or Lawrence Logan at (561) 791-0162.

• The Royal Palm Beach Acoustic Musicians Guild will hold an Acoustic Musicians Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Way). Admission is $7. Coffee and cookies will be served. For more info., call (561) 7905149.

Monday, Oct. 15

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will hold a special luncheon and seminar on Monday, Oct. 15 at Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Learn secrets to world-class customer service from John DiJulius. Lunch begins at 11:45 a.m., followed by the seminar from 1 to 5 p.m. The fee is $50 for members or $75 for non-members and must be pre-paid to hold a reservation. Call (561) 790-6200 to RSVP.

Pierce Hammock Holds Walk-A-Thon, Curriculum Night

Students, parents, teachers, corporate sponsors and administrators all came out to cheer walkers during Pierce Hammock Elementary School’s walk-a-thon on Wednesday, Sept. 12.

Primary students walked around the basketball court and intermediate students walked around the field. Everyone had plenty of water to drink, oranges to eat and sno-cones to slurp. Students enjoyed listening to the music provided by Mark Thomas Entertainment.

The fall fundraiser promoted exercising and eating healthy. Pierce Hammock collected over $15,000 for the school.

The school thanks corporate sponsors Home Away From Home, the Cool Team, Physicians Weight Loss Centers, Taylor Chiropractic Center, Saxon Air Services, G & R Tropical Design, Thorough Wash Professional Auto Detailing, Hot Wyre Electric, Universal Land Title, Palm Beach Radiology, Zimmer Air Services, Faster’s Paint & Body Shop, Crystal

Coast Moving & Storage, All-n-Stitches, Publix, Winn-Dixie and Mark Thomas Entertainment.

Pierce Hammock especially thanks the PTO for organizing the event and all the volunteers who dedicated their time to make the event successful. PTO officers are Stacey Posner, president; Tammy Schauers and Jacqui Hage, co-vice presidents; Sharon Ward, treasurer; and Katie Green, secretary.

In other news, curriculum evenings were great successes. Primary parents met with teachers on Sept. 4 and intermediate parents met with teachers on Sept. 11. Parents were informed about their child’s daily schedules, expectations for each grade level and the school’s curriculum.

Safety Patrols held their first fundraiser ice cream social 30 minutes before the evening started and raised $600. The school congratulates Mrs. Kim Evans and all the patrols for their hard work, and offers thanks to the scoopers.

Western Pines Honors Students Of The Month

Western Pines Middle School Principal Dr. Matthew Shoemaker along with faculty and staff congratulate the following students of the month for September:

From the sixth grade is Jacqueline Campos, an articulate student with an excellent work ethic. Jaqui is enthusiastic about learning and has a great attitude, excellent manners and maturity. She is a mature young lady and a pleasure to have in the classroom.

The seventh-grade student is Jared Skinner. Jared is an excellent role model for all students. He always has a positive attitude and can be counted on to volunteer often in classroom situations. His teachers all appreciate this fine, young man.

The eighth-grade student is Katiana Castilla. Katiana is an exceptional student who goes above and beyond what is asked of her. She is always willing to help fellow students and the teachers in each class. Katiana’s teachers are proud of the impact she makes on a daily basis.

Fifth-graders Heath Riaski, Richard Bong and Anthony Gugliotta.

Fifth-graders Sara Blair and Juhi Singh at the walk-a-thon.

PTO President Stacey Posner walking with her son Hunter.

Principal Dr. Matthew Shoemaker with the students of the month.

PBCHS Engineering Academy Attends Robotics Competition

On Sept. 8, the Palm Beach Central High School Robotics “Team Haze” competed in the pre-season scrimmage “Mission Mayhem.” This competition is an annual event held at the Stranahan High School in Davie. Sixteen teams from around Florida competed using the same robots and game strategy used last March in the Florida Regionals, organized by US First (usfirst.org). Although the team did not win the competition, they were awarded the sportsmanship award for assisting other teams with parts and cables needed during the competition. They truly exhibited the theme of “gracious professionalism” promoted by the US First organization. The team is preparing to enter the 2008 season competition and is seeking sponsorships. Anyone interested in sponsoring the team should call engineering technology teacher Mr. Douglas Knauff at (561) 433-7986.

Academy Advisory Board Palm Beach Central would like to thank the following business partners for their commitment to academy programs: Dave O’Keefe, Your Computer Guy; Ronald Tomchin, RPB Advisors Inc.; Andrew Burr, Champagne & Roses; John Shore, Emerald Dunes Golf Club; Gary Dillard, Pratt & Whitney; June Upchurch; Carmine Priore III, FPL; Mike Sexton, Sexton Engineering; and Palm Beach County Engineer George Webb. The next advisory board meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the culinary classroom. Area businesses are encouraged to get involved. Contact academy coordinator Anita Foster at (561) 3041057 for more information.

Project Graduation — In 1979, the Oxford Hills area in Maine experienced seven alcohol- and other drug-related teen deaths during the commencement season. As a result of this tragic experi-

Process For Service Academy Nominations

U.S. Rep. Ron Klein (D-District 22) recently announced a process by which students who reside within the 22nd Congressional District may apply for a congressional nomination to the various U.S. service academies.

Each year, members of congress may nominate applicants who meet the eligibility requirements established by law to one of the five academies. A candidate may seek a nomination by applying through a member of the U.S. House of Representatives who represents the congressional district in which the candidate resides; by applying with both U.S. senators from his or her state; or by applying directly to the Vice President of the United States.

Each applicant for a nomination must be a United States citizen, be at least 17 years old but not have passed his or her

23rd birthday; be unmarried, not pregnant and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents; reside in the boundaries of Florida’s 22nd Congressional District; and meet the medical, physical and academic requirements of the academy.

All applications must be received by Congressman Klein’s office by close of business Oct. 26; no exceptions. In order to be considered for an appointment to a United States Service Academy, each applicant must have obtained a nomination from an authorized nominating source.

For more information or to request an application and receive appointment criteria, contact academy liaison Laurie Watkins at (954) 522-4579.

For more information, visit www. house.gov/klein.

ence, the schools and communities in the Oxford Hills area offered their students an alternative to the “traditional” graduation night of drinking and driving temptations that often end in tragedy. They called the party “Project Graduation.” By 1986, Project Graduation activities were held in 50 states.

Palm Beach Central High School has sponsored Project Graduation parties for the past four years, celebrating safely the evening of graduation alcohol and drug free. Project Graduation parties often

include DJs, dancing, prizes, games, entertainers, food and contests just to name a few highlights. And it’s all free! This is a parent-led party and parent volunteers are needed if this tradition is to continue. Fundraising and planning goes on all school year. Parents of juniors and seniors are invited to get involved in this huge event. Meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the media center. For more information, call Ms. Kaylynn Knapp at (561) 304-1001.

Elbridge Gale Concludes Book Drive

Elbridge Gale Elementary School recently ended its Fall Book Drive to collect gently used children’s books. The books were used to build the independent reading collections in the classroom libraries of teachers new to the school. Additionally, many of the books were donated to Elbridge Gale’s “sister school,” Grove Park Elementary in Palm Beach Gardens.

“We are so pleased that we could help the students and teachers of Grove Park,” Elbridge Gale reading coach Jennifer Jones said. “Through the generosity of our Elbridge Gale families and the community of Wellington, we were able to donate over 2,000 children’s books to this needy school. The administration, staff and students of Elbridge Gale are happy that we could share our love of reading with all of these grateful students and teachers.”

Grove Park Elementary School Principal Leslie Bolte expressed her appreciation for the donation to her school.

“We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kind donation of so many books,” Bolte said. “Our students will be so happy to come in and see such fantastic choices in their

The Elbridge Gale book drive collected enough used children’s books to build reading collections at the school and donate more than 2,000 books to sister school Grove Park Elementary.

reading baskets. It is beyond generous of you to think of the children who are less fortunate than you are. We will remember you every time we pick up one of these beautiful books.”

King’s Academy Students Help At Quantum House

Last Saturday, 20 members of the Key Club from the King’s Academy volunteered at Quantum House, a facility for families who have traveled from out of town to be near their children who are hospitalized for long periods of time.

Students cleaned rooms, did some gardening, organized the pantry, cooked lunch and dinner for the families, and even re-upholstered benches. Students worked very hard and accomplished a huge list of tasks.

Several families expressed gratitude for their services. One of the mothers staying at Quantum House mentioned that she had been a former Key Club

member and expressed how touched she was that she was now being helped by the King’s Academy Key Club. Students said they had a wonderful day serving others and look forward to serving there again. The King’s Academy is located at 8401 Belvedere Road. For more information, call (561) 686-4244.

(Clockwise from right): TKA Key Club students; Lauren Carusso and Mena Patel make lunch for the families; Jonathan Lockmiller and Katie Johnson re-upholster a bench.

Wellington Debate Benefit On Oct. 3

On Wednesday, Oct. 3, the Wellington Debate and Forensic Team invites everyone to attend its California Pizza Kitchen Benefit Night in the Mall at Wellington Green from 4 to 8 p.m. The restaurant will assist Wellington Debate by donating a portion of the proceeds from sales.

To help out, all supporters need to do is go order a meal, tell the server, “I support Wellington Debate” and present either a Benefit Night coupon or this news article. There is no extra cost and participants help one of the nation’s top debate programs send students to national competitions.

For more information, contact Wellington Debate Coach Paul Gaba at (561) 795-4911 or gaba@wellingtondebate.com.

Wellington Calling For Student Art

The Village of Wellington and the Wellington Art Society are again asking student artists attending Wellington schools or living in Wellington to submit their work.

The next exhibition will run from October through January. Artwork must be delivered to the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) on Oct. 15 between 4 and 6 p.m.

Information and entry forms are available from the Wellington Art Society at (561) 7951691, art teachers at Wellington schools and on the village’s web site at www.ci.wellington.fl.us.

Stevens.

St. Rita Youth Ministry Leader Releases A CD

Though he leads the youth ministry at St. Rita Catholic Church and has a fulltime job, Wellington resident Matt Farr has found time to write and compose an entire CD of original music.

Farr and longtime childhood friend Craig Stevens, formerly of Wellington and now residing in Fort Lauderdale, collaborated under the name Vanilla Monk to release the CD Parallels. The 30something musicians have performed throughout South Florida over the past five years and celebrated the CD’s release with a performance at Dada Restaurant in Delray Beach on Sept. 21.

Farr and Stevens have performed live around South Florida and at Sunfest in years past, but decided at the end of last year to focus strictly on recording their own original music. A year in the mak-

ing, Parallels is a blend of artistry and talent culminating in electronic and acoustic sounds. Farr and Stevens produced the entire CD themselves, drawing on their chemistry and congruous styles of writing and musical ideas. Blending electronic, soul and pop, this recording is for those listeners looking for deep textures, melodic vocals, and “down-tempo” grooves.

Studio sessions with dynamic vocalist Audrey Assad and the world-class drumming of Matt Crowning bring the album’s music to life. The mixture of acoustic and electric guitars was added by local guitarists Rich Friedman and Victor Russo.

Vanilla Monk is managed by Jacqueline Walls of A La Carte Marketing Inc. Call (561) 649-6674 for more info.

Wildcat Dancers Ready For New Year — Royal Palm Beach High School announces the 2007-08 Dance Team under the direction of Michele Blecher. Seventy-five dancers, both male and female, auditioned in April and 29 were selected for the team, which holds many dance titles in jazz, lyrical and character. This year, the team has been asked to perform at Universal Studios, Disney World and the Orange Bowl. The team’s Broadway-style show has been booked for various events throughout the United States. For more info., call Blecher at (561) 792-8694.

Yom Kippur Food Drive — Eileen Feiertag and Rabbi Bertram Kieffer of Temple Beth Zion recently presented Pastor Michael Rose and Sandra McIntyre of the Royal Palm Covenant Church with food from Temple Beth Zion’s Yom Kippur Food Drive for the food pantry at the Royal Palm Covenant Church.

Vanilla Monk — Matt Farr of Wellington and Craig

Wellington Garden Club Plans To Raffle Handmade Quilt

The Wellington Garden Club’s 2007 fundraiser will feature a raffle for a handmade quilt titled “Blossoms and Birdies and Bugs… Oh My!”

It will be raffled off at the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs (FFGC) District X fall meeting, loosely themed around The Wizard of Oz, hosted by the Wellington Garden Club on Oct. 19. The private event will take place at the Atlantis Country Club in Atlantis. Approximately 150 attendees are expected from District X garden clubs throughout Palm Beach, Glades, Hendry, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties, including the newly installed FFGC state officers.

The fundraising idea was born about a year ago by Stormi Bivin, first vice president of the garden club. More than 20 members contributed creatively designed blocks of various colors and textures — all garden-themed. Approximately 600 hours have gone into the project, embellished with beadwork, embroidery, buttons, hand paintings and more. The quilt is about 66 by 80 inches and is designed to be more of a wall hang-

Matthew Alexander Dudley — son of Samantha and Robert Dudley of Loxahatchee was born at Palms West Hospital on Sept. 14.

Maryana Gabriella Garcia daughter of Maryleybys and Damian Garcia of Greenacres was born at Palms West Hospital on Sept. 14.

Harry Maxime Brutus — son of Suze and Jocelyn Brutus of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Sept. 14.

Kendall Leigh Daniels — daughter of Courtney Tudor and Jerod Gilbert

ing than a bed covering. A selection committee made up of WGC members Susan Logie, Adrianne Hetherington, Beverly Lichtenstein and Lori Renn chose the lattice and finishing fabrics that brought the project together. Wanda Lopez, owner of My Quilt Shoppe in West Palm Beach, contributed space at her store for the women to work on their project. Linda Adamcik of Loxahatchee quilted and finished the piece once it was all put together.

The Wellington Garden Club is a notfor-profit organization. The club hopes to raise $4,000 with the raffle. Proceeds will support Habitat for Humanity, Wekiva Youth Camp, Palm Beach Community College horticulture scholarships and the HOPE Project, which provides free mammography and breast health education for Palm Beach County women who qualify. The HOPE Project will receive 10 percent of all raffle proceeds. Tickets may be purchased for $5 each or five for $20. The winner need not be present. For tickets, call Bivin at (561) 352-0129 or e-mail sbivin@aol.com by Oct. 15.

Daniels of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Sept. 15.

Maxwell Joseph August — son of Susan and Jeffrey John August of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Sept. 15.

Julio Andres Bolanos — son of Veronica and Luis Bolanos of Wellington was born at Palms West Hospital on Sept. 17.

Jack Thomas Cunningham — son of Emily and Thomas Cunningham of Wellington was born at Palms West Hospital on Sept. 18.

(Above L-R) Wellington Garden Club members Susan Logie, Bev Lichtenstein, Stormi Bivin, Lori Renn and Adrianne Hetherington with My Quilt Shoppe employee Shawn Asiala and owner Wanda Lopez. (Below) “The Quilting Queen” Linda Adamcik with Bivin.

Council Stadium Jumping Final Approval

continued from page 1A Kurtz said. “The position is that they would not be reduced at all, but it will be up to the special master.”

Also Tuesday, the council gave a second and final approval for development order and master plan amendments paving the way for a major new equestrian show grounds in Wellington. Horse show promoter Stadium Jumping is planning new facilities on 179 acres in southern Wellington donated by the owners of the 640-acre Wellington Preserve property, designated as Section 34 on survey maps.

After the council opened the floor to public comments, Homeland resident Victor Connor criticized Stadium Jumping’s current landlord for holding up a permit for necessary stabling in the coming season, threatening upcoming shows.

Developer Mark Bellissimo’s Wellington Equestrian Partners recently bought

Stadium Jumping’s current facilities at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club from Palm Beach Polo CEO Glenn Straub.

“Wellington Equestrian Partners stating that the lack of a special-use permit does not stop the National Horse Show is absurd,” Connor said. “It states you can have a horse show, but you can’t have any horses. Wellington Equestrian Partners also listed six conditions that they required for tent stabling. I don’t know what the value of those six conditions is, but it looks like extortion. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that Wellington Equestrian Partners could be a more contentious landlord than the previous one. We all know what the National Horse Show does for Wellington.”

The council approved the amendments by a 3-1 vote, with Vice Mayor Bob Margolis absent and Cohen opposed.

Before the vote, Cohen said that as in the council’s first review last week, she could not support the resolutions. Cohen expressed concern about the legali-

Taxes

RPB Concerns

continued from page 1A communities like Royal Palm Beach, which have reduced their tax rate 13 years in a row, are not the type of communities they want to impact.”

Farber said the legal delays offer the opportunity for the legislature to soften the blow to more fiscally conservative municipalities. “Should this version be unacceptable,” he said, “we might have the opportunity to at least express our point of view to the powers that be that maybe there is a way they can moderate the adverse impact on those cities that I believe they think do a good job.”

Lodwick told fellow council members at their Sept. 18 meeting that they had a duty to inform the public of the facts, and not just attack proponents of the super exemption.

LGLA

Dealing With ATV Users

continued from page 14A workers finds out they have been victimized so they can call him. As far as federal and local authorities, our main concern right now is to give them a sense of comfort with us so we can gather the information and hopefully stop it before it gets worse.”

Calloway also updated residents on the PBSO’s efforts to crack down on illegal use of all-terrain vehicles. He said his district had received two ATVs from the county’s parks department, which would soon be used to patrol Loxahatchee Groves, The Acreage and Jupiter Farms. Calloway cautioned ATV users to pull over if hailed by deputies.

“If they run, it’s a felony,” Calloway said. “It goes from a simple citation and a towing of the ATV to a felony crime.”

ty of approving the development without Development of Regional Impact or comprehensive plan amendment measures, and wasn’t sure the state government wouldn’t intervene on that basis.

“I can’t support it,” Cohen said. “I don’t think the residents are served well by rushing this through. I am hopeful that Stadium Jumping can work out its lease with Wellington Equestrian Partners. I still think the comprehensive plan process would have been a better process. I object to the village using eminent domain. I object to the removal of the language about the DRI, and don’t think the letter presented was satisfactory. I do hope the indemnification clause passed constitutional muster. I think we will need it.”

In the agreement, Stadium Jumping agreed to pay any legal fees incurred by Wellington as a result of the approval.

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

“It is incumbent on us, maybe me in particular as the figurehead, to get out to speak to just as many of our associations and groups of residents as we can before January,” he said. “We need to be reaching out to tell the story. We’re not going to tell you they are dead wrong. We’re going to inform you of the facts on both sides so you can make an informed decision as to here’s the dollars that it will impact to your community; here’s the dollars that it will entail.”

Farber told the Town-Crier village leaders will continue to be proactive while the issue plays out in the courts.

“We’re not changing our strategies in any fashion,” Farber said. “We’ll remain diligent and be prepared to respond should the need arise. But the good news is our community is relatively small, so I think by mid-November we’ll be in a position to let our citizens know how it’s going to affect our government.”

Trails

Roadblocks

continued from page 14A would have to build another gate at 190th Avenue if they wanted to go beyond there, but current guidelines allow ITID only two access points into the preserve. “The rules say we can have two and one all the way west would be three,” he said. “A change in rules, which they probably wouldn’t oppose, takes at least two years.”

Hathhorn suggested that the district immediately work on the easternmost section where there are few problems, and then work through any problems further west as they can.

A stretch along 83rd Street North between Grapeview and Apache boulevards is already in perfect shape to become another equestrian trail and just needs signage, committee members said. Narrow said that he would check it out carefully for a formal decision next month.

Mische Chamber

Luncheon

continued from page 3A

National Horse Show is one of the oldest horse shows in the United States, and this year it will be the 124th annual horse show. In fact, the first Madison Square Garden was built for the National Horse Show.”

Among Stadium Jumping’s current goals, aided by the move to a larger facility, is to foster the presence of more year-round equestrians so the sport provides economic benefits that are felt beyond the winter season, Mische said.

“Ninety percent of the horses are owned by people who live outside of Wellington,” Mische said. “We hope that changes so we can have some more year-round residents. We think by moving it, it will. Wellington Preserve was good enough to donate the land, which is twice the size of Grand Prix Village. There could be more farms in Wellington and more horses in Wellington and more year-round activity. It will be a big plus to the economy.”

Mische also offered revised figures on the economic value of the equestrian industry to Palm Beach County, saying the industry’s direct and indirect impact totaled $1.362 billion this year, an increase of more than 160 percent since 2001. The industry also supports 10,934 jobs, up from 5,590 in 2001, he said.

Mische also thanked Wellington’s village council and staff for working closely with his company to make the new facility a reality.

“Since the middle of June, our consultant met with staff for two and a half hours every Tuesday afternoon,” he said. “We also had many meetings with the council. I want to say thank you to them and staff for doing what they did to make sure the Winter Equestrian Festival and the National Horse Show stay here.”

Wednesday’s luncheon, at the Players Club, was sponsored by Pre-Paid Legal

Services. Company representatives John Kilinski and Annmarie Mason spoke about their business and how it serves people who cannot afford to pay high rates for legal services.

Kilinski said the 34-year-old company was founded by a schoolteacher who had been injured in a traffic accident. Although he could pay his medical and automobile-related bills, he was bankrupted by the legal costs when the woman who hit him sued him.

In a way, Pre-Paid Legal Services is to legal bills what medical insurance is to major medical bills, Kilinski said. Eighty percent of the legal coverage a person needs is covered by Pre-Paid Legal’s battery of attorneys and services.

“Instead of having to go out and spend a few hundred dollars a month for an attorney,” Kilinski said, “we give you peace of mind dealing with the legal issues you face and getting you the prospective attorney you need to speak to. If you are buying property in Florida and you need to speak to a real estate attorney, you will deal with someone who specializes in real estate. If you need information about child custody laws, you will deal with someone who has expertise in child custody or family law.”

Among the company’s services is restoration work for identity theft victims, Kilinski said.

“Most banks have protection on cards or accounts,” he said, “but are you going to call your bank when you deal with certain things like the Social Security Bureau or the Department of Motor Vehicles or medical records or your personal character? Probably not. We are the only company that has complete restoration services.”

For more information about Pre-Paid Legal, contact Kilinski at (561) 252-0397 or Mason at (561) 329-5788, or visit www.prepaidlegal.com.

The chamber’s next monthly member luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 24 at the Players Club. For more information, call (561) 792-6525 or visit www.wellingtonchamber.com.

Chamber Luncheon — Wellington Chamber of Commerce President Darell Bowen, Pre-Paid Legal’s John Kilinski, Stadium Jumping’s Gene Mische and Pre-Paid Legal’s Annemarie Mason.

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Aquila Property Company’s Managing Director Terry Strongin addresses the Wellington Village Council Tuesday.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month — The Wellington Village Council honored members of the breast cancer support group Your Bosom Buddies II Tuesday as they officially recognized October 2007 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Oct. 20 as National Mammography Day. Several council members told group members they would try to attend the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk Oct. 7 at the Mall at Wellington Green.

And The Winner Is . . .

. . . The Residents Of Wellington.

In a bold example of visionary leadership, the Wellington Village Council on Sept. 18 voted to approve Stadium Jumping’s request to continue the tradition of the Winter Equestrian Festival and National Horse Show for many years to come here in Wellington.

The Village Council’s decision, by a 4-1 margin, allows Stadium Jumping to move its showgrounds to a new, much improved venue at Wellington Preserve, about two miles from its current location near the Wellington Equestrian Club. Such a move will also allow SJI to expand its operations to capture prestigious international equestrian events.

“Our new Wellington home will enable us to become the finest equestrian showgrounds in the United States and one of the finest in the world,” said SJI Board Chairman Gene Mische, often referred to as the “father” of stadium jumping in Wellington. Mische has nurtured the equestrian sport in Wellington for over 30 years, making it into the largest sporting event in Palm Beach County and adding $66 million to the local economy annually. The next time you see a Village Council member shopping at a local store, be sure and say, “Thank you for keeping our community treasure in Wellington.”

The move could actually spark even more equestrian growth by adding yet another showgrounds facility into the community, thus increasing the number of shows. “Wellington is already considered a premier equestrian venue. Now we have the opportunity to ensure our place for decades to come,” Mische said.

Stadium Jumping, which has been working on planning the new showgrounds for several months, plans to complete phase one construction in time to host equestrian events for the 2009 season.

We want to thank all those residents who came out to support Mr. Mische and Stadium Jumping. We couldn’t provide our shows without you.

PALMS WEST

A TOWN-CRIER Publication

Schmidt’ Schmidt’s: Of s:Of s:Offering Both feringBoth Auto Body AutoBody W Work ork And Car AndCar Repairs

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Car care has never been so easy. Although the sign says “Schmidt’s Auto Body & Glass,” owner Gordon Kelly proudly notes that his business in Royal Palm Beach is a one-stop automotive repair shop. Beyond bodywork, Schmidt’s can perform a wide array of other services such as an engine tuneup or wheel alignment, done by top technicians.

“From start to finish, we do just about everything except interiors,” said Kelly, 42, who took over the ten-bay shop in July. “We handle all aspects of mechanical work. One technician works with the other so that you don’t have to drive your car all over town to get things done.”

Kelly has been in the auto repair business since 1988 and owns three other repair shops in Jupiter, one of them also part of the Schmidt’s chain. In that time, he has learned that comprehensive auto care is best both for the client and his business. “I don’t think there’s a better place you can go to get a quality job done at a fair price,” he said.

The shop employs eight mechanics and body workers, including a master mechanic and two I-Car Platinum certified collision and auto body repair technicians. Kelly himself also maintains ICar Platinum certification, a collision repair industry standard.

The shop is certified to do all types of

insurance work. It does work on private automobiles and fleet vehicles.

Kelly said his shop is geared to perform repairs with minimal waiting time. “Our turnaround time is number one,” he said. “With the system that I have, how we go about repairing a vehicle is second to none. You bring a car in here for bodywork, and we will have it done in two or three days.”

A job normally requiring three weeks can be completed in about a week, Kelly said. “We just did a $13,000 repair where we replaced the whole rear section of a car,” he said. “Where the insurance company would allow us six weeks to do the repair, we had it done in two and a half weeks. My way of thinking is, never do tomorrow what you can get done today. We don’t put things off.”

Walking into Schmidt’s quiet front office can be misleading. Customers are taken care of in a placid atmosphere by office manager Jose Garcia, and a television runs softly in a clean and pleasant waiting room. The back bays, however, are abuzz with activity as mechanics and bodyworkers take care of engine, suspension and body repairs.

The entire site is 10,500 square feet with 500 square feet of office space.

Need to rent a car while yours is being repaired? No problem. “We have Hertz car rental right here on site,” Kelly said. “If you need a car while your car is being repaired, we have it right here.”

A full-time Hertz representative and six to ten rental cars are available at any giv-

en time. “I have that at all my stores,” Kelly said. “For me, it’s all part of the service. You bring your car in here, pick up a rental, bring it back here and pick up your car. While you’re here you say, ‘oh, can I get an oil change?’ or ‘oh, can I get an alignment?’ We can do it.”

Often customers will come in for body work and get routine maintenance done as well. “If they’re here to get their bumper fixed, we can also check their fluids,” Kelly said. “I capitalize on making it convenient for people.”

The body shop uses top-of-the-line paints for a perfect restoration job. DuPont paints are used for the primer and the clear protective surface coat. The synthetic base coat is from the European firm Standox.

“The coverage of Standox is second to none. It is the best paint out there,” Kelly said. “The top and bottom is DuPont, and the middle is Standox.”

The coverage of Standox is also superior, he said. “Where I would [other-

See SCHMIDT’S, page 4B

PHOTO BY RON

Comprehensive Auto Service — Gordon Kelly of Schmidt’s Auto Body & Glass with his son Khoal, 2, and wife Teddi.

Storm Haven: General Home Repair Service You Can Rely On

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

Every homeowner has many little tasks waiting to be done, but not all have the time or ability to actually do them. That is where Carl Youngblood of Storm Haven comes in. The Wellington resident is in business to take care of these jobs.

“I do a whole lot of small jobs for people,” Youngblood said. “A lot of my work is cleaning up other people’s mistakes. I just got a call because someone here in town had a beautiful wood floor put down. However, they forgot to rehang the doors, even the ones for the bathroom. So I went in and did the job.”

Youngblood is essentially a handyman. “I am licensed by Wellington, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County, but I am a generalist,” he said. “I never do jobs that licensed specialists handle. I avoid those and suggest that the appropriate person be called. If there is any doubt at all, I call Wellington’s government to check.”

For example, Youngblood said, he will change washers in order to fix minor toilet problems, but would suggest his customer contact a plumber if the toilet needs to be replaced.

A recent job provides another example. “A family had very fancy molding put into their home, and the company doing the job got paid and left without screwing on the plates for the electric sockets,” he said. “I would never do actual electrical work, but this is a simple chore

that the family was not able to do.”

Youngblood said he gets almost all his business from referrals. “I’m very proud of that,” he said. “People keep coming to me because they heard about me from family members and friends. I have some people I visit regularly, particularly some elderly folks who really need help. But I am just as likely to be asked to clean out some gutters or, as I did a week or so ago, climb on top of a 35-foot barn to put up a weathervane.”

Youngblood moved to Florida from his native North Carolina in 1989 and much of his previous career experience was in management. “My wife and I had children later in life, and we moved to Wellington because of the schools and because of the small-town feeling we felt whenever we were here,” he said. “I decided I wanted to be a full-time father and began to look for ways to spend more time with my kids.”

Youngblood found his calling when an elderly acquaintance asked him to come down to Boca Raton to change light bulbs. “The man and his wife had been living in the dark because they could not climb ladders anymore and did not know who to call,” he recalled. “As I left, he told me that he wished he had someone on call like me who he knew wouldn’t overcharge him and could do a variety of chores.”

Youngblood realized he had talents that could allow him more time with his children

while still earning a living. “I’ve always been very handy,” he said. “People used to come to me for help. Now I help out for a living.”

Youngblood is also a licensed property claims adjustor. “When people have damage after a storm or a fire or anything that causes damage, I can negotiate with an insurance company and do a lot of the repairs myself,” he said.

Youngblood said he always provides references. “People should always ask for them, and then actually call the people to make sure that the work is done right,” he said. “I get my business from referrals so I make certain my clients are satisfied. It pays off in the long run.”

A positive reputation is built in part by not overcharging clients. “I get customers who get an estimate of $200 for a job and then see the worker spend 10 to 15 minutes on it, then they leave,” Youngblood said. “I don’t do things like that. First of all, before I leave I check to make sure people are happy. I don’t take any money then, but I bill them later. If there’s a problem, my customers make sure I take care of it. I have been stiffed a couple of times, but not very often.”

A visit to a client may include a variety of tasks, Youngblood said.

“I do a lot of different jobs all at the same time,” he said. “I tell people to give me a list. So I might come into a home and fix a bookshelf that is in bad shape, then hang some pictures, and

finally help clean out a garage. Just have your list ready.” Youngblood very much enjoys his work with elderly clients. “I have a good rapport with them,” he said. “They like to know who comes into their homes, and after they get to know me, they trust me. I do a lot of jobs where I change light bulbs on high ceilings. Most people don’t like to climb up very high and don’t have the really long ladders you need.”

But the best time of day for him is when he is with his children, a son in kindergarten and daughter in the first grade.

“I do this kind of work so I can be with them,” he said. “I want to make sure they grow up right, and I run my work so they can be proud of their father.”

For more information about Storm Haven, call Youngblood at (561) 801-5664 or visit www.stormhaveninc.com.

PHOTO BY LEONARD WECHSLER/TOWN-CRIER

Your Handyman — Storm Haven’s Carl Youngblood said he won’t leave until the customer is satisfied.

Farm Credit Offers A Variety Of Loans For Ag Businesses

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

The image of South Florida to many people across the nation is one of surf and sand mixed with the glitz and glamour of Palm Beach and South Beach. That’s the South Florida the travel industry executives want people to see. But the “other” South Florida is much more down-to-earth — literally. Palm Beach County is the largest agriculture-based county east of the Mississippi River.

The agricultural credit association Farm Credit of South Florida has played an integral part in the growth and success of agriculture in Palm Beach County and South Florida for more than 30 years. Headquartered in Royal Palm Beach, Farm

Credit of South Florida is part of the nationwide Farm Credit System network of memberowned lending institutions. Farm Credit of South Florida has more than 800 members, ranging from family farmers to the giant sugar producers.

The co-op reported assets of $539 million and earnings of $4.5 million in the second quarter of 2007, compared to $535 million in assets and earnings of $3.7 million in the second quarter of 2006.

The Farm Credit System got its start in 1916 with the passage of the Federal Farm Loan Act, which established an agricultural credit system to provide farmers access to loans at fair rates.

“We’re very solid and very conservative,” said Lyn Cacella-

DuBois, marketing director for Farm Credit of South Florida. “Our mission is to serve agriculture. When you think back to 1916, who wanted to loan money to farmers? There was a lot of risk.”

That’s still a legitimate question, but the Farm Credit System is up to the task through cooperatives such as Farm Credit of South Florida, which serves eight counties in southeastern Florida.

Besides loans at competitive rates to finance agricultural activities, Cacella-DuBois said, Farm Credit of South Florida provides its members home loans, lifestyle loans, loans to part-time farmers, as well loans on rural and recreational properties, crop insurance and other financial services.

Cacella-DuBois said that unlike commercial banks, which primarily raise funds through federally insured deposits, the Farm Credit System raises money in the world’s capital markets and loans it to rural Americans. Just as important, she said, Farm Credit of South Florida is more than just another lending institution.

“Part of our effort is to share the agriculture story,” CacellaDuBois said. “We’re involved with trade organizations and associations. And we’re always happy to share our story with youth groups. We want to inspire and instill in young people that they should give back, so we try to educate them as to what’s important.”

Getting the agriculture mes-

sage to young people is particularly important these days because many are leaving the family farms or pursuing other lines of work, Cacella-DuBois said.

“The average age of a farmer is around 52,” Cacella-DuBois said. “When they retire, who is going to take their place? Not their kids. They’ve seen their parents work like that all their lives and they’re not willing to do that.”

To keep young people in the family business and to serve younger farmers, CacellaDuBois said the association has identified a large number of minority farmers within its area, which stretches from Key West to Lake Okeechobee.

“These are the people who will shape the future success of business in South Florida,” Cacella-DuBois said. “Failure to recognize the growing influence and shifting demographics in

Schmidt’s One-Stop Auto Shop

continued from page 1B wise] need four or five coats, I need only three or four coats of Standox.”

Color matching is fully computerized for an indistinguishable repair. Even an oxidized finish can be matched perfectly through computer analysis, he said.

“I use DuPont primer and sealer and clear because it’s cost-effective,” Kelly said. “For the money, DuPont is easily the

South Florida will prove costly to companies that neglect to reach out and form relationships with individuals and businesses in these groups.”

Likewise, Cacella-DuBois said, Farm Credit of South Florida unites interests that on the surface seem disparate.

“A lot of the groups are coming together, especially when they have hard times like hurricanes,” she said. “You used to see the dairymen, the cattlemen, the nurserymen have their separate organizations. They would all approach things on how something would benefit them. Now they’re all starting to come together.”

With Farm Credit of South Florida leading the way.

Farm Credit of South Florida is located at 11903 Southern Blvd., Suite 200. For more info., call (800) 432-4156 or visit www.farmcreditsfl.com.

best clear you can buy. In 20 years the DuPont will still be shiny, clear and beautiful.”

All work done at the shop carries a lifetime guarantee, including the paint, Kelly said. For one-stop auto repair in the western communities, Schmidt’s has it all.

Schmidt’s Auto Body & Glass is located at 109 Business Park Way, off State Road 7 between Belvedere Road and Okeechobee Blvd., and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. For info., call (561) 333-3368 or visit www. yourschmidtsautobody.com.

You have a choice!

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We make it easy to switch. We’ll help close your old accounts, open your new accounts and set up your direct deposits and automatic payments.

With our hometown style of banking, you’ll get friendly service, helpful solutions and local decision-making – from local people who care about doing what’s right.

So go ahead and make the switch. You’ll be glad you did.

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561.966.2888

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12280 South Shore Boulevard Wellington

Agricultural Lending — Farm Credit of South Florida’s office on Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach.

RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY FOR DEPARTMENT 56 STORE

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Department 56 in the Mall at Wellington Green last Thursday. Formerly All the Hoopla, the store held a grand reopening to recognize its name change. Department 56 offers giftware, collectibles and holiday decorating items from a catalog of nearly 3,000 different products. For more information, call (561) 792-4973 or visit www.dept56.com. Pictured here is store manager Kari Myroniuk with Wellington Chamber of Commerce ambassadors and board members.

Win Money At The Post Office

Now through Oct. 31, as part of the United States Postal Service’s “Do It Yourself and WIN” sweepstakes promotion, customers can learn how to save time — and win prizes — by using the Automated Postal Center (APC) kiosk. In the western communities, there is an APC offered at the Royal Palm Beach post office (10299 Southern Blvd.). In addition to winning $10,000, daily cash prizes are available as well. The Automated Postal Center is the

first self-service kiosk that lets customers mail packages without taking them to the retail counter. The APC provides quicker service during busy periods by performing the majority of transactions customers typically conduct at post office retail counters.

Using credit and debit cards, the APC enables customers to weigh and mail letters and parcels and purchase stamps. For more information, visit www. apcsweeps.com.

Business Coach Offers Advice For Finding The Right Employee

Analyzed research conducted by the Entrepreneur’s Source indicates that a large percentage of start-up businesses and small businesses find it challenging to hire talented employees and retain them.

“Many firms fail to grasp the value of human capital,” said Don Gross, a Wellington business coach with the Entrepreneur’s Source. “Money goes down the drain when the wrong person is chosen, and many businesses struggle with inability to retain talent. Unfortunately, the lack of employee continuity and poor training affects all aspects of the business, thereby affecting a company’s longevity.”

Many businesses spin their wheels trying to find employees perfectly suited for their jobs, Gross said. However, the right combination of skills and personality can be hard to find. Therefore, when the process fails they spend several months and 30 percent of the salary trying to replace the bad hire.

The Heldrich Work Trends Study, published by Rutgers University, reflects this data. According to the study, 57 percent of companies with 100 or more employees have had difficulty hiring workers with the required skills. In effect, a significant amount of productivity is lost due to vacant positions. Each year, about one-third of the workforce changes jobs — largely to take advantage of better opportunities. The average cost of hiring a new employee is about 30 percent of the worker’s annual earnings. A large percentage of firms find they are not prepared to deal with this “revolving door” situation.

There are many reasons why an employee chooses to leave a job. Research firm Sibson & Company cited that the top reasons include:

• No one listened to their needs

• They were not offered the chance to learn new skills

• They were given too little time away from work

• There was no form of written appreciation during their tenure

• The workplace was unsafe

• There was a complete lack of challenges on the job

Domineering personality, ineffective leadership and poor communication are some of the major barriers that occur between a company’s management and staff, Gross said. Some employees may never reach their true potential because management doesn’t understand how to address the challenges of different personalities, and when leaders don’t know how to connect with people, the flow of work stops and hard feelings set-in. Without effective leadership skills everyone suffers and productivity plummets. However, with the right guidance, written and interpersonal skills, and formal training, start-up businesses and small businesses can overcome these obstacles, Gross added. The Entrepreneur’s Source is a leading coaching and advisory firm that specializes in helping business owners remove the blinders, see their company more objectively and make fact-based decisions to increase performance.

“The mismanagement of human capital is the main reason that ‘good’ companies never become great,” Gross said. “Leadership plus networking and teamwork equals the solution for making the best of your company’s human capital.”

For more information on business coaching or the Entrepreneur’s Source in the Wellington area, call Gross at (561) 723-8461 or esource144@bellsouth.net.

Palms West Chamber To Host Maroone SalsaFest On Nov. 3

Presented by the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, the Maroone Chevrolet SalsaFest will take place Saturday, Nov. 3 from noon to 10 p.m. at Greenacres Community Park, located near Jog Road and 10th Avenue.

The one-day family event will celebrate the diverse heritage of Hispanic populations from many backgrounds connecting all people through music, food, entertainment and friendship. Sway, dance or tap to traditional Latin sounds of salsa, cumbia and traditional folkloric sounds. Devour the inimitable cuisine of rice and beans, ropa vieja, tortilla, tamales and tingling hot sauce. SalsaFest activities will include:

• The Sizzling Salsa Celebrity Cookoff

• An all-day dominoes tournament with cash prizes

• “So You Think You Can Salsa?” dance competition and demonstrations

• Chihuahua races

• Interactive games, crafts and hip-hop dancing.

• Obstacle courses, rides and more

Attendees will also be able to sample culinary delights of genuine Latin food. Entertainment includes headliner Frankie Negron, Ritmo! Azucar, High Voltage and Mariachi México International.

Negron is celebrated for including a distinctive pop sound

to his electrifying salsa groove. His previous productions have sold millions of copies worldwide for WEA Latina, the record company that first signed him. Now SGZ Entertainment and Sony International have formed a partnership that promises to launch Negron to new heights in both the Spanish-language and English-language markets.

Ritmo! Azucar is an educational theatrical entertainment show for kids and adults featuring a fabulous cast of dancers, musicians and more. The show features a collection of Latin tropical costumes, unique stage props and decorations, and a magnificent orchestra performing popular music and rhythm from numerous Latin countries, as well as the tropical sounds that were created in the United States (Latin rock, Latin jazz, mambo, boogaloo, salsa and the Miami sound).

As seen on The Ellen Degeneres Show, at Universal Studios, Disney’s Pirates & Princess Party and ABC’s Monday Night Football, High Voltage is always a crowd favorite. Come learn a few moves and meet them up close and personal.

Mariachi México International features members from throughout Latin America, including Mexico, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua and Colombia. They have performed with Celia Cruz, Juan Gabriel, Thalía and Emmanuel, to name a few. In addition to the food and entertainment, there will be a children’s play area. Community organizations will display exhibits and information. The Salsa Pavillion will host all kinds of dancing and interactive demonstrations, well as cultural and local performing groups. Admission to the Maroone Chevrolet SalsaFest is $8 for adults and free for children under 10. For more information, visit www.palmswest.com or call (561)790-6200.

BDB Earns International Accreditation

The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County recently earned high honors for its professionalism, commitment and technical expertise in economic development and has been awarded accreditation by the International Economic Development Council.

The Business Development Board is only the third such organization in Florida and the 23th nationally to be recognized as an accredited economic development organization.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be part of an elite group of economic development organizations not only in Florida, but throughout the nation,” Business Development Board President and CEO Kelly Smallridge said. “This recognition affirms that we have the highest level of infrastructure, staff and programs

in place to be ranked among the best.”

To gain the International Economic Development Council honor, the AEDO program consists of two steps: documentation review and an onsite visit. Each phase is designed to evaluate information about the organization, its structure, funding, programs and staff.

“Earning the AEDO accreditation tells the community and prospects that the BDB has attained a measure of excellence assuring that their trust is wellplaced and their business is in good hands,” International Economic Development Council President and CEO Jeff Finkle said.

To maintain its AEDO seal, the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County will go through the rigorous process

every three years.

The Business Development Board is the official public/private economic development organization for Palm Beach County and Enterprise Florida. Founded in 1982 as a not-forprofit corporation, its primary purpose is to attract and retain new industry, business investment and high-quality jobs through corporate relocations, expansions and international trade. For more information, visit www.bdb.org.

The International Economic Development Council is the largest membership association serving economic and community development professionals in the world with more than 4,000 members nationwide and abroad.

Visit www. iedconline.org for more information.

Frankie Negron

WELLINGTON CHAMBER HOSTS RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONIES

Hungry Howie’s — Owned and operated by Marlene and Jerry Milord, Hungry Howie’s is located at 10880 W. Forest Hill Blvd, near the Fresh Market in Wellington Green Square. With eight flavored-crust pizzas and a wide selection of toppings, they have a pizza to please almost anyone. In addition to the mouth-watering Original Flavored Crust Pizza, there are plenty of other menu items such as Howie Bread, Howie Wings, calzone-style subs, 3-Cheeser Bread, Crisp & Cool Salads and more. Dine in, take out or have it delivered. To place an order, call (561) 214-2373. Pictured with Hungry Howie’s staffers are Wellington Chamber of Commerce ambassadors and board members.

Security Self Storage — Known as the “Ritz of self storage,” Security Self Storage is now open in Wellington. This brand new facility boasts commercialto residential-size units, climate- and non-climate-controlled units and RV parking. Located at 1341 State Road 7, a quarter-mile north of Wellington Regional Medical Center, Security Self Storage offers state-of-the-art security featuring 24-hour video recording, cameras throughout, individual door alarms, concrete and steel construction, as well as controlled computerized entry with private pass codes. Security Self Storage also offers free storage consultation, a referral program, commercial deliveries, access seven days a week, extended access hours, boxes, packing, shipping and moving supplies. For more information, call Denise Carpenter at (561) 784-2626. Pictured above with Security Self Storage staff members are Wellington Chamber of Commerce ambassadors and board members, as well as Mayor Tom Wenham and his wife Regis.

North Pole Exhibit At The Mall At Wellington Green

Taubman Centers recently announced a promotion that brings the North Pole — as featured in Warner Bros. Pictures’ upcoming holiday comedy Fred Claus — to 17 Taubman shopping centers nationwide, including the Mall at Wellington Green.

Starting Nov. 2, Taubman shoppers will have a chance to experience the Fred Claus Interactive Snow Globe Exhibit, which includes a 20-foot walkthrough snow globe where a cold winter blast and falling snow will welcome visitors to the North Pole.

Inside the globe, guests can interact with life-sized sculptures of characters from the film and enjoy music from the movie soundtrack. The exhibit also includes three-dimensional scenes from Fred Claus showcased in three six-foot snow globes with buttons to launch interactive elements, a walk-through 28-foot holiday tree where visitors can be transported into Santa’s workshop, a “green screen” photo experience that gives visitors a chance to have their photo taken in the North Pole with Fred Claus characters, and the traditional visit and photo with Santa Claus.

Taubman introduced the Snow Globe Experience in 2005 at 11 of its malls with exhibits for the international blockbuster The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Last year, dancing penguins from the Academy Award-winning animated feature Happy Feet were the stars of the Snow Globes at 17 Taubman shopping centers.

Admission is free to the exhibit is free. For more information about Taubman Centers, visit the corporate web site at www.taubman.com. For more information about the Mall at Wellington Green, visit www.shopwellington green.com.

Above & Beyond Offers Eco-Friendly Paneling

Above & Beyond Custom Designs, an authorized dealer of ORG home solutions, is expanding its offering with ORG EcoElements environmentally friendly products that include Standard panels that are 100-percent recycled material and Plus panels that are also 100-percent recycled material but with no added urea formaldehyde. ORG panels are the basic products used to build organization systems for closets, the kitchen, home office, pantry, laundry room and the garage.

Both the Standard and Plus panels are certified by Scientific Certification Systems, a leading environmental certifying agency in North America. In addition, both ORG panels have achieved Environmentally Preferred Product certification.

Also included in the EcoElements line are a number of ORG accessories that are powder-coated — a low-impact manufacturing process that is better for the environment than typical alternatives.

Homeowners throughout the country are increasingly interested in making their homes more earth friendly whether it’s the products they use to clean their homes or the energy-efficient furnaces and appliances they purchase to reduce environmental impact. Now with ORG EcoElements, there are home organization products that will also help protect the environment by reducing impact and simplifying life with organizational solutions that enhance homeowners’ peace of mind.

“We’re excited about this green product line of components for our home organization solutions,” ORG Vice President of Business Development Diane Turnwall said about the introduction of EcoElements. “We adopted a sustainability approach to developing new products. We’re com-

mitted to it and our intent is to create more eco-friendly products.”

ORG storage and organizational products are custom-designed, installed by an authorized ORG dealer, locally by Above & Beyond Custom Designs, and easy to schedule. Homeowners can call Above & Beyond Custom Designs to arrange for a complimentary design consultation.

“Our customers care about what goes into their homes and they want assurance that the products they purchase are safe, healthy and environmentally responsible,” Above & Beyond Custom Designs’ Joe Costa said about the growing interest among consumers for earth-friendly products. “The good news is that many ORG components have always had green benefits. With EcoElements, we’re featuring those existing ORG products and introducing new ones as a response to the growing wave of environmental consciousness.”

Since 1987, ORG has provided quality solutions for any home organization challenge. ORG products maximize storage and save space in a homeowner’s closet, kitchen, garage, pantry, laundry or home office. The benefits are unique and far-reaching. ORG products help customers simplify their lives and give them more time to enjoy life’s pleasures. ORG home organizational products are marketed through a nationwide network of authorized dealers who provide design services, organization advice and professional installation.

Above & Beyond Custom Designs is located at 8060 Belvedere Road, Suite 8, in West Palm Beach. For more information about ORG EcoElements, call Above & Beyond at (561) 3838898 or visit the ORG web site at www.orghomesolutions.com. The Above & Beyond Custom Designs web site is available at www.aboveand beyondfl.com.

Realtor Benefits From Marketing Program

May Manhoff, a real estate professional with Coldwell Banker Real Estate in Wellington, has taken real estate marketing to a new level with a new, eye-catching personal brochure. By utilizing a full-color personal brochure, Manhoff joins the ranks of a growing number of top real estate professionals across the nation. There is an emerging trend among the top agents in the real estate industry to increase the quality of their personal marketing materials — to market themselves as well as the homes they sell or the company they work for.

Manhoff contracted with Hobbs/ Herder Advertising, an Orange County, Calif.-based advertising agency specializing in marketing materials for real estate agents, to create her customized brochure. The result is a sophisticated, full-color marketing piece. Manhoff has already begun distributing her brochure throughout the area by mailing it to local homeowners, displaying copies at her open houses, handing it to colleagues at professional functions and using it as a substitute for her business card.

According to Manhoff, the results and benefits are immediately apparent. “People are very receptive when I hand them a brochure,” she said. “I believe choosing a real estate agent is an important and personal decision. My brochure provides them with an idea of what I’m like as an individual. It gives people information from which to make a knowledgeable decision.”

For more information about the marketing program, or for a copy of Manhoff’s personal marketing brochure, call (561) 603-7989, visit her web site at www.maymanhoff.com or stop by the Coldwell Banker office at 12300 South Shore Blvd., Suite 100, in Wellington.

PALMS WEST CHAMBER MIXER KICKS OFF MAROONE SALSAFEST

The Palms West Chamber of Commerce hosted a business after-hours mixer at Maroone Chevrolet in Greenacres on Wednesday, Sept. 19 to celebrate the upcoming SalsaFest. In addition to various businesses represented, musician Gianpaul sang and played guitar, Marc Antony sang mariachi songs and SalsaFest headliner Frankie Negron made a special appearance. For more information about SalsaFest, call the chamber at (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palmswest.com.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

George Rodriguez Jr. and Andrea Garcia of Mya Cigars.

Xiomara Azcano and Jackeline Franco of Physicians Weight Loss Centers with Frankie Negron (center).

Marc Antony sings mariachi.

Musician Gianpaul keeps the crowd entertained.

National City’s Tensy Caine, Frankie Negron, Maroone Chevrolet General Manager Joe Amra, Insurance for You’s Silvia Garcia and Palms West Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jaene Miranda.

Maroone Chevrolet General Manager Joe Amra is presented a certificate of appreciation by the Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s Debi Leed and Catherine Engel.

My Wife Is Getting Fed Up With My Late-Night Obsession

The other day my wife Sharon accused me of having an affair. No, it’s not what you’re thinking. She accused me of spending more time with and paying more attention to my computer than I do with her. She went on to say she thinks I am in love with my computer.

I do spend time on my computer, but believe it or not I never visit web sites. The only thing I am guilty of is reading the stupid jokes that my e-mail buddies send me... and playing FreeCell.

As far as computers go I am still living in the Dark Ages. The computer I use is the one I bought for my kids many years ago when they were in college. I still use dial-up service. Why, you ask? Because it only costs me $9.95 a year. OK, I admit I am a little cheap. But it isn’t against the law to be cheap.

Of course if someone does send me an e-mail that has video, it can take a very long time to download. And sometimes after waiting all of that time I get audio but no video. But I accept that because most of the videos I get turn out to be a waste of time to look at.

I do like the game FreeCell. My wife is correct: I

Wondering And Wandering

With Ernie Zimmerman

find myself playing this video card game for hours. My plan is to play every game FreeCell has to offer at least once — all 100,000 of them. I am playing the games in numerical order. So far I have played over 25,000 games, and I am winning 78 percent of them. I hope to get that up to 80 percent by the end of the month. I find my wife’s complaints groundless. I usually don’t use my computer until after she falls asleep. So in my mind, I am not taking any time away from her. Of course she doesn’t agree.

I have tried my best to get her interested in using the computer, but she has no desire to go anywhere near

it. I told her that once she tries using the computer she will like it, but so far that has fallen on deaf ears. My sons and daughters-in-law have also tried to get her interested, but so far no luck.

My oldest grandson Max has tried to show my wife a few things on the computer, but she again shows no interest. Max also enjoys playing FreeCell. So far he is winning more games than I am. He is really good at it. They say every FreeCell game can be won, but I don’t believe it. Some of the games are really hard, and no matter how many times I play the hard ones, I come up a loser.

I think my wife will really have an honest complaint about my time spent on the computer the day I decide to upgrade. I hear all of this talk about what I’m missing by not surfing more of the Internet. I also get a lot of rude comments when folks learn I am still using dial-up service and my computer is about 15 years old. I am also hearing some comments behind my back about me being cheap. Once again I am being told to enter the 21st century. At this point the door is ajar, but has not swung open yet.

Watch Out For Pesky Grasshoppers And Other Chewing Pests

Few things can mar the appearance of a beautiful plant more quickly than chewing insect pests. When leaves, flowers or developing fruit are chewed off or eaten completely by these pests, it takes a while for the plant to recover. With small plants, it might be weeks or even months before you have a beautiful specimen again.

There are many types of chewing pests year round in the landscape, but this time of year plants are putting out a lot of growth because of all the moisture and warm temperatures, which attracts more chewing pests.

If you have to rank them by size, the biggest of the chewing pests would probably be the grasshopper. The lubber grasshopper can be more than two inches in length, and just one can do serious damage if it’s really hungry. Fortunately they tend to move about freely

in the neighborhood, so you won’t see large numbers at any one time.

Make an effort though to control those you do see. Most pesticides don’t do a good job on large adult grasshoppers, so the easiest thing is to catch them, then step on them or crush them.

Another large chewing insect that’s more secretive is the katydid, which has a flattened body usually green in color and bright red eyes. These can be more than two inches long, too, and often hide among the foliage during the daytime and do most of their feeding at night, so you’re not as likely to see them actually committing the crime.

Beetles of all types are also quite common. Some are very host-specific and only eat certain plants or parts of plants. Others tend to be indiscriminate and eat pretty much anything. Beetles tend to do their heaviest feeding from dusk through

the evening hours. This way they are less likely to be eaten by predators like birds, lizards and other daytime creatures. Beetles usually also have very well developed wings and are strong flyers, so just because you don’t have them this week doesn’t mean they can’t fly in and be a problem next week.

Caterpillars can also be a major threat to plants, and many types only show up at certain times of the year and attack only certain host plants. A good example is the oleander caterpillar, which doesn’t eat plants other than oleander. Some types of caterpillars are only around for two or three weeks, while others may have a cycle of up to two months depending on the type. Most as adults are butterflies or moths, and some people hate to destroy all of them because they want to continue the adult population.

Plants attacked by caterpillars are rarely

Gardening With Gene By Gene

Joyner

killed because plants regrow damaged leaves, flowers, or produce more fruit at a later time. Products for controlling caterpillars are available at garden centers, and if you don’t like to use these products yourself, pest-control services can spray your landscape for caterpillars, beetles or other chewing pests. If you have questions about specific chewing pest problems, call the Palm Beach County Extension Service for free advice at (561) 233-1750.

$18-$25/HR — Teachers/Tutors P/T. All subjects PreK to Adult. Certification/Experience required. Palm Beach County Areas Fax 561-828-8128 or E-mail

Tutorking@WPB3331980.COM

HELP WANTED/BOOKKEEPER EXPE-

RIENCED; Familiar with QUICKBOOKS - Full-Time position. Pay commensurate with experience. Fax resume to A. Silver - 561-432-2825

CLEANERS RESIDENTIAL FT — Car required, Pd. Training. North and West Palm Beach Cty. Up to $10/hr Start. 561-756-2282

PINCH PENNY - POOL STORE — Forest Hill & South Shore in Wellington Perm Position - FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

- No nights - M/B avail some weekends.

18 yrs. - Will train - Apply in person. OVER 62?? — Minimum $1,000 after 2 closings. Fund your own reverse mortgage and get paid to teach others. MadelynPage@BellSouth.Net 561-4222910

TRAVEL AGENTS WANTED — No experience required. Will Train. $50K per year & up potential PT. Go ON amazing luxury vacations! WWW.DISCOVERTRAVELANDWEALTH.COM or 888-822-9728 Ext. 156FR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR — For small local children’s hands on Charitable Organization, 20 hours a week. Work from home- must be proficient in Microsoft Excel. Attend fundraising events, meet with healthcare professionals, telephone and mail correspondence. Please fax resume 561-383-7207 or e-mail michela@littlesmiles.org for immediate consideration.

TUTORING CLUB — is expanding needs P.T. upper level Mathematics instructor. Please call 561-784-4434

INSURANCE CSR — needed for Wellington office. 440 Lic. or experience preferred. Fax resume with qualifications to 561-214-6165

PEST CONTROL TECH NEEDED — salary plus commission, paid holidays/ benefits/FT. Experience preferred/will train 561-791-0263 or apply in person at 11360 Fortune Circle. E-13, Wellington, FL.

DOUBLE NICHE IN ROYAL PALM ME-

MORIAL GARDENS MAUSOLEUM — Includes 2 openings & closings. Current price $2,800 asking $1,995 OBO. 772219-8153

TOOLS FOR SALE — Wetsaw dualspeed QEP Model 60010, new blades, Bolen 15.5 HP 38" cut riding lawn mower tractor, bench saw-pro-tech, Sears 10" cut model 4106, 4800 RPM, ¼ router Craftsman 1 HP “Sears” 561-790-0053

LOWEST PRICES! — Nobody beats our Price! Free Est. Complete A/C units from $1,150. Repair Specialists. Lic./ ins. 561-795-1130 toll free 888-981-9815

RANDY POULETTE AIR CONDITION-

ING, LLC — 561-790-3275 Personalized service for all your Air Conditioning needs. Residential/Commercial. 24 Hr. Emergency Service Available. We Service All Makes and Models. Service contracts available.

JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. - Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996.

The only non-profit petting zoo in the area. - featuring parrots, mini horses, ponies, pony rides, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and Llamas and more and farm club. 561-792-2666

HOUSE CLEANING AVAILABLE — Over 13 yrs. experience. Great references. Very Dependable. Karen. 561-632-2271 NEED HELP CLEANING? — We clean your house, your office, etc. Call us for reliable, responsible and immediate service. Eddie. 876-2120

CLUTTER FREE CLOSETS — For all your organizing needs. Custom closets. NOW OFFERING THE AMAZING BOOKSHELF BI-FOLD CLOSET DOOR. Robert Powell/Owner. FREE ESTIMATES. 561-422-7999 Lic. & Ins.

D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-333-9433 or Cell 561252-1186 Lic’d- Well. & Palm Beach

COMPUTER REPAIR - We come to you! After hours and weekends services available. Spyware/Adware/Virus Removal, Networking, Wireless, Backup Data, Upgrades. Call Anytime. 561-7135276

CONCRETE RESURFACING — Pools, decks, patios, & interior floors, spray deck, kook deck, stone design, Paver Repair & Resealing. 561-790-4588

ROCKANDRECORD.COM - A professional DJ and Videography Service. Disc Jockey • Music • Entertainment • Professional MC's • Weddings • Bar/Bat Mitzvah • Sweet 16/Birthday Parties • Anniversaries • Private & Corporate Events • Holiday Parties 561-422-4336

HOME STANDBY GENERATORS — Complete packages including fueled system - Best Prices & reliable new Generator systems installed from 15 to 200KW “More Practical and much quieter” Maintenance & Service for all types of generators. Factory Authorized Dealer. 561707-0575 Palm Beach. Tropical Power Systems, Inc.

CAN FIX IT — build it, move it, plant it, and more. Call Bruce, 793-2494. TFN BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC. — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall, kitchens/cabinets/countertops, remodeling, wood flooring. Bonded/Insured U#19699. 561-791-9900

THE HANDYMAN CAN! — Craftsman with years of experience. Repairs, water damage, painting, wall/ceiling, texturing, moldings, flooring, organizers, plumbing, tile. Remodeling bath/kitchens. Big Savings on outdoor kitchen & bar using your grill or just hang a fan. Make your repair HONEY DO LIST. I show up & want your return business. References. Hourly/job. Call Greg 561531-3141

TNT LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE 561-644-8683 — Lic. & Ins. Landscape design, low maintenance gardens, professional plant installation, mulching, monthly property maintenance, sprinklers maintenance & repair, expert hedge & tree trimming. Yard cleanup too!

HOMESCHOOLING? - Include music

education! Piano lessons give your child the basics of music and a sense of accomplishment. Call Miss Sharon 7902906.

ARMENTO PAINTING & SONS, INC. ––

Painting, Interior, Exterior. Pressure cleaning. Custom painting, faux art. Lic. No. U14736. 798-8978. BD

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. ––– Interior/Exterior, artistic faux finishing, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair, & roof painting/cleaning. Free est. Call 798-4964. Lic.#U18473

LARRY’S PAINTING & WALLPAPER — Licensed • Bonded • Insured. Interior/ Exterior painting. 561-309-2845. Wallpaper - Luanne 561-801-2018

Painting • Residential • Commercial • Historical Restoration • Faux Finishing • Stucco Repair • Roof Painting • and Pressure Cleaning • Sand Blasting • Mold Removal. FLEISCHER’S PAINTING • 561833-6661.

LET US AD A LITTLE COLOR TO YOUR LIFE — Residential/Commercial. Licensed • Bonded • Insured. Owner/Operator. Ask for Paul 561-309-8290.

COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/ Exterior, residential painting, over 20 years exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free estimates - Insured. 561-383-8666.

Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident.

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING — interior, exterior, custom colors, faux artwork, all work guaranteed. Lic. Bonded & Insured. 561-616-2255

BOB NICHOLS PAINTING — Serving the Palm Beaches for 19 years. Quality interior & exterior finishes. 561-248-6070. Lic. #16555

561-601-4707 THE DOG NANNY — Wellington and individualized pampering for Wellington & Western Communities. Dogs at their Home & Office surrounding. Dog walks, Doggie Moi Play Sessions & sleepovers. American Red Cross Pet CPR/FIRST Aid Certified.

have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified

dential Contractor CRC 1327426 561248-8528 *TOP RATED* by www.AngieList.com Atlantic Shore Home Improvement. Call Anthony Palermo 561-756-0428 MCA CUSTOM WOODWORKING, INC. — “Make your home standout from the rest” Call us for all your home improvement needs. Kitchen & bathroom remodeling, custom wall units, design your home office, cabinetry, tile & drywall repair. Lic. #U-19564. Bonded & Ins. 561723-5836

LITL AUDIO/VIDEO SERVICE — specializing in Home Theatre Installation Satellite Services and communications. “I will Beat Retailer’s cost & Installation fees”! Call George for immediate service at 954-263-4189 561-784-4858 Office. Res./Comm. Lic. & Ins.

COMPLETE IRRIGATION — PVC/PIPE supplies.Citrus ,Vegetables, Power units. Water Wheels, design services, Fairways Polo fields, Pumps/Engines mowing of all types. 1-863-675-6333.