Town-Crier Newspaper September 3, 2010

DOG AGILITY BENEFIT FUN RUN

Wellington Council Increases Water Service, Drainage Fees

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Village Council adopted several resolutions Tuesday that will raise water rates and drainage fees, but leave trash collection rates unchanged.

As decided in June, the council approved a 7.5-percent increase to its water service fee for 2010-11 to offset inflation and a population increase. Another 7.5-percent increase is scheduled for 2011-12.

Residents can expect to pay $2.60 more per month for water and wastewater service, Financial Management & Budget Director Mireya McIlveen said.

The council also approved a $25-per-unit increase in the Acme Improvement District’s assessment for drainage services, raising the annual cost from $175 per unit to $200 per unit.

“It is principally to cover the cost of the operation of Section 24,” Village Manager Paul Schofield said. “While it serves as a park, its principal function is as a water quality improvement area.”

Schofield said residents would see an increase of about $2.50 a month.

Curbside waste pickup rates remained at $160 per year, while container waste pickup remained at $125 per year, McIlveen said.

The village is entering its third year of a seven-year contract for its solid waste service, which is why the rate has not changed.

The rate can only be increased according to the consumer price index, McIlveen said. “So as long as the economy stays the way it is, that’s not going to change,” she said.

Longtime Wellington resident Ernie Zimmerman said that the rate increases would hurt alreadystruggling residents.

“We presently have about 1,800 foreclosed houses in Wellington,” he said. “[Sixteen hundred] people are six months or more behind on their mortgage payments. Most of the homeowners are tightening their belts. They’re not spending more money. They’re trying to save money.”

Additionally, Zimmerman noted that the village’s large senior population lives mostly on fixed incomes.

“I’m asking if you can just tighten your belts a little more and hold the rates back,” he said. “There are a lot of senior citizens here who are on fixed incomes, and any tax increase is going to hurt.”

Zimmerman said homeowners would already see higher taxes with the village’s millage rate increase and asked the council to

reconsider any tax increase.

“My evaluation went down $14,000,” he said. “But my taxes went up $240 for village taxes. Please reconsider any tax increases in the village this year. And tighten your belt like most homeowners are doing.”

Vice Mayor Matt Willhite said that while he understands that people are struggling, he feels residents want to maintain their quality of life in the village.

“As much as I empathize with the fact that there are people hurting in this country, and especially in our village,” he said, “I have to think that with the amount that we’re increasing… with the fact that we haven’t raised rates in 15 years… I think people still want to feel the quality of life and the benefits that this village offers.”

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig noted that the Acme assessment increase had to do with surface water, for which the village is required to provide as a service.

Councilman Howard Coates said he was not in favor of increasing the millage rate, but he recognized that the Acme assessment increase is necessary.

“The good news is that Section 24 is to be completed this year,” he said. “But the bad news is that See FEES, page 18

RPB Rewriting Traffic Camera Rules To Conform With Law

By Ron Bukley

Town-Crier Staff Report

With a new state law in place authorizing the use of traffic light cameras, the Village of Royal Palm Beach may have its own ordinance to start enforcing camera traffic light violations later this month.

Village Manager Ray Liggins told the Town-Crier on Wednesday that his staff is rewriting the contract with its traffic camera provider to be consistent with the new state ordinance. “I hope to have the rewritten contract on the council agenda in September,” Liggins said. When that contract is approved,

the way will be clear for enforcement to begin, he added.

The Florida Legislature recently authorized the use of red light camera traffic enforcement to allow a municipality to issue traffic citations for failure to stop at a red light.

Royal Palm Beach installed traffic cameras several months ago, but glitches in the local ordinance, along with a general disfavor from residents, precluded the village from enforcing citations, although it has been running the cameras on a test basis.

One issue arose over enforcement of right turns and whether drivers are required to come to a

full stop or pull close enough to the intersection to see whether there is oncoming traffic.

“We are not going to enforce right-hand turns,” Liggins said, pointing out that a deputy observing a driver making a right turn he deems dangerous still has authority to issue a violation.

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

The statute also provides for an appeals process and the penalties for infractions.

Wellington Sticks With Cheatham To Run Tennis Center

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

An appeal by prospective tennis center provider A1A Tennis was rejected Tuesday by the Wellington Village Council, meaning current tennis professional Tommy Cheatham and his company Tommy Cheatham Inc. will remain in charge of the Wellington Tennis Center if a new contract is finalized.

The council voted unanimously to reject the appeal and uphold the decision of its selection committee to enter into negotiations with Cheatham. If a contract cannot be agreed upon, the council could then try to negotiate with A1A.

The facility has been operated by Cheatham and his company since its opening in 1999. The village spends about $180,000 a year in personnel, maintenance and utility costs.

In May, the council decided to seek bids for the programming and maintenance of the center. When bidding closed July 14, the village had proposals from Cheatham Inc., A1A Tennis LLC and Perry Sinett Inc. On July 28, a selection committee reviewed the proposals and scored each one.

The committee, made up of Grounds & Facilities Manager Bruce Wagner, Parks & Recreation Interim Director Bruce Delaney and Financial Management & Budget Director Mireya

McIlveen, ranked Cheatham first among the three providers. Cheatham proposed a $145,000 annual contract with a $16,000 estimated utility cost, but noted that the village would not have to pay a $34,435 salary, bringing the estimate to $126,565. The proposal would save the village $56,012 off its current costs.

The proposal also states that Cheatham would pay a portion of the tennis center’s gross revenue to the village on a tiered basis annually.

A1A proposed to provide both the maintenance and management of the facility, which would not require subsidies from the village. Wellington would be responsible for repairing fences and light fixtures, maintaining the irrigation system and paying for all electrical, water, sewer, trash collection, telephone, Internet and cable costs.

A1A protested the committee’s decision on the grounds that Cheatham requested an additional $110,000 for maintenance, which went against the village’s goal to reduce or eliminate costs to the taxpayers, and that A1A planned to expand the program while Cheatham did not. Additionally, A1A claimed that the selection committee underevaluated the company’s experience with similar programs. However, Assistant Village Manager

Clean Findings Could Spell The End For The Acreage Focus Group

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

With recent findings that state and county agencies have not discovered significant problems with water and soil in The Acreage, a community group looking into the “cancer cluster” issue may soon disband.

Several members of the 18member Acreage Community Focus Group have resigned recently, with some citing the testing results as proof that there is no cancer problem in The Acreage.

Indian Trail Improvement District President Michelle Damone organized the focus group earlier this year as a private citizen because ITID does not have jurisdiction over such issues.

Damone said she was com-

pelled to do something after highly publicized public meetings got out of hand, recalling a meeting on a rainy evening at Seminole Ridge High School where all the people could not fit in the auditorium, and those who got in seemed to be on the verge of panic. “I’ll never forget the woman screaming and waving the umbrella,” Damone said. “That was the image of The Acreage.”

All the testing has been completed and everything has come back that there is no widespread contamination, Damone said, adding that a certain portion of the community will never accept the results no matter how much testing is done.

“The sentiments of anger, fear

FOCUS GROUP, page 18

See TENNIS, page 18

More than 100 people and their dogs participated in a dog agility fun run Saturday, Aug. 28 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The event raised more than $6,000 for Friends of Abused Children and was organized by Wellington High School student Kevin Powers and the Tailwaggers Learning Center. Shown above is Powers, his brother Ryan and mother Karen with dogs Charter, Ripley and Ace. SEE STORY & PHOTOS, PAGE 12

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

The Palms West Chamber of Commerce held its third annual Wild West Poker Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 28 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. Shown here are the chamber’s Debi Leed (left) and Jessica Clasby (right) with 50/50 winner Yvonne Cabrera. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9

County Grants Lion Country OK For 254 Homes Near Park

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Lion Country Safari received final approval Monday from the Palm Beach County Commission for a land-use change that will allow the development of 254 homes on vacant property south of the drive-through animal park.

The change allows about four times as many homes to be built as previously allowed, from one residential unit per 10 acres to one residential unit per 2.5 acres on the 637-acre property. It also calls for a tier change from “rural” to “exurban” because one unit per 2.5 acres is not allowed in the rural tier. The amendment also created an overlay to direct residential development on the site and puts protections in place to make sure the animal park remains open space.

After the commission transmitted the initial request in March, the Department of Community Affairs in Tallahassee issued several objections, including a failure to demonstrate need, concern for traffic impact and development controls for the overlay.

The DCA recommended that all 254 units be clustered on the vacant portion of the site. County staff revised the text to require 60 percent open space with the homes on 40 percent of the property, with the larger lots adjacent to neighboring residential areas. The DCA also advised that the existing commercial store at Lion Country be maintained for a variety of uses, as well as an overall master plan to assure a cohesive project.

The amendment allows the park to count toward open space, according to the staff report. However, a deed restriction requires that the park must remain open space if it closes. The amendment also requires the preservation of existing vegetation. County staff recommended approval of the land-use change and the other associated changes.

Kieran Kilday of Urban Design Kilday Studios, representing Lion Country Safari, said the park has been in existence since 1968.

“We were the only land use out there,” Kilday said. “We’re not the new boy in town.”

Although Lion Country stood largely by itself for several years, the surrounding property was subdivided eventually, and the park has become almost surrounded by

residential development, Kilday said.

“The commercial/recreational use of Lion Country was well established before the first resident built the first house anywhere in the ensuing two, three, four miles,” Kilday said. “One of the things we did do was build a road to access us from Southern Blvd. called Lion Country Safari Road. We built the road, we paved the road. When land was subdivided around us, those property owners began to use that road.”

Lion Country Safari owns a complete square mile with entitlement to development as commercial recreation, which allows for significantly more intensive use, Kilday said.

The property itself has significant buffers, he continued, including a 300-foot buffer to the west and a 400-foot buffer to the south. It is bordered on two sides by the exurban tier, including one unit per 1.25 acres in The Acreage to the north. Kilday pointed out that the one unit per 2.5 acres requested by Lion Country is not as intensive as the use in The Acreage.

The objections filed by the DCA have been addressed, Kilday said. To address those concerns, Kilday said Lion Country came up with the clustering concept, kept the buffers and agreed to a deed restriction to give up all development rights on the remaining 60 percent of the land.

Kilday said the only remaining issue is traffic. “The roadway that we built is more than adequate to handle the traffic and the traffic of the new units,” he said.

During public comment Acreage resident Patricia Curry said one of the considerations for a land-use change is supposed to be need.

“There is no need for this,” Curry said, adding that the original recommendation of the DCA was not to expand the exurban tier.

“While you may have some capitulation from the DCA, the property is not needed. It shouldn’t be allowed to have a tier change. We don’t need the additional homes. We don’t need the additional traffic, and you should deny it.”

Dr. Sandra Richmond said she moved to Fox Trail to the south of Lion Country 33 years ago. “I have been delighted to live there,” Richmond said. “I have been de-

See LION COUNTRY, page 18

Wellington Zoners OK Added Restaurant Space At Chancellor

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a development order amendment granting additional restaurant space in the Shoppes at Chancellor on South Shore Blvd.

The 8.31-acre site originally was approved for a hotel, gas station and convenience store in 1999, Associate Planner Olga Prieto told the board. In 2001, the Wellington Village Council approved a resolution that changed the hotel to commercial office buildings.

In 2003, the council approved additional general uses, but limited the allowable restaurant space to a maximum of 4,000 square feet. The site currently has a gas station and convenience store, an office building and a commercial building with two restaurants operating. Prieto said the request was compatible with the comprehensive plan. She also noted that village staff recommended approval with the condition that it did not change any other conditions of the previous resolutions passed by the council. Additionally, a shared parking agreement would need to be recorded.

PZA Board Member Elizabeth Mariaca asked whether there would be a maximum limit to the allowable restaurant space.

Prieto said it would be limited by the size of the general commercial building, which is 10,335 square feet of available space.

“So in other words, potentially the entire facility could be leased out to restaurants?” Mariaca asked.

Property owner Steve Shapiro said there already are two restaurants that compose over 4,000 square feet of space, but stressed that he does not plan to fill the space with restaurants. “I don’t believe this is ever going to be all restaurants,” he said.

Regarding parking, Shapiro said that he didn’t believe park-

ing would be a problem. “There really has never been a parking problem there; there probably will never be a parking problem there,” he said. “It’s too small an area. It shares parking with the office building behind it, which has significant amounts of surplus parking.”

Mariaca also questioned whether there would be a need for additional restaurant-related infrastructure, such as grease traps.

Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz said the health department would take care of those services and it need not be included in a zoning decision.

PZA Board Vice Chairman Craig Bachove said he didn’t have a problem with the expansion but wondered what prompted the original limitation. Prieto said it was included in the 2003 resolution passed by the council as an additional limitation. Bachove also asked about the shared parking agreement, and Kurtz noted that the village recently received the agreement and that he would be reviewing it shortly.

PZA Board Chairman Carmine Priore III said he thought the board should include a requirement that the expanded restaurant space be limited to the size of the existing structure. “He could add on to the area or add on to the building,” Priore said.

However, Director of Growth Management Bob Basehart said any expansion of the building would have to come back before the board.

“I don’t want to mislead anyone in the future that they could potentially have the right to expand to whatever size they’d like without understanding that there’s a potential limitation,” Priore said. “It’s OK to leave it silent. I’m OK with that. I just want to make sure it’s covered.”

The board voted unanimously to pass the resolution allowing additional restaurant space up to the limitation of the building. The resolution now heads to the council for approval.

A Thought For Labor Day Weekend: Respect Is A Two-Way Street

It didn’t take long for the recent incident involving disgruntled JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater and a noncompliant passenger to make national headlines. And if anything trumped Slater’s over-the-top antics, it was the immediate but inevitable media response. He has been compared to everyone from Howard Beale, the refreshingly honest protagonist in the 1976 movie Network, to Johnny Paycheck (“Take This Job and Shove It”) and even former pro wrestler “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, whose popularity was due in large part to fans relating to his blue-collar persona. However, whether you find Slater’s actions justifiable or just plain vile, the situation underscores a bigger truth regarding the treatment of service industry employees. And with Labor Day being observed this Monday, it’s an appropriate time to ponder the issue.

While there’s nothing profound about the notion of being respectful toward the people who serve us food, bag our groceries or deliver our mail, the unfortunate reality is that many people still need to be reminded of this simple idea. What should be common courtesy — and common sense — too often eludes those with little patience and even less empathy. If you know someone like this (and most of us do), try reminding them to show a little courtesy to someone who’s only trying earn an honest living. After all, that’s part of the American ideal; hard work is something we value as much as anything else.

We wish everyone a fun and relaxing Labor Day weekend. For those fortunate enough to have Monday off from work, we encourage them to reflect on that fact and to be

Speed Limit Changes

Pure Folly

Many years ago we were visited by the proposition by a Wellington Village Council member that all of our speed limits should be lowered. But thankfully, that stupidity was ignored and forgotten. Sadly, it has just revisited us. I was on the Public Safety Committee many years ago when we were asked to look into a traffic circle being proposed by our council on Pierson Road. I immediately requested both police and fire-rescue experts to attend the meeting (much to the surprise of the council person who was on the committee). After much discussion, both police and fire-rescue advised against it, as did the committee. But as we all know, the turn-about was installed. Then there were the Lake Worth Road discussions, whereupon the council again, without knowledge or acumen (facts), decided on a 40-mph speed limit. Oh, you want to know why — “because horses and cars don’t mix,” we were told. Never mind that it is a limited-access roadway. Never mind that to be involved with a horse, one would have to jump a 20-foot swale, and then jump higher (in your vehicle) to avoid falling into the canal. Obviously, the council knew better. Perhaps a car can leap about 35 to 40 feet into the air without Evil Knievel driving. So the errant

horse is protected from the scientifically impossible.

That brings us up to today. We have a virtual cornucopia of new speed limits for our roadways from our council, which spent thousands on research instead of just going to the police like I did years ago. Might I add that our police are professionals, that they are here 24/7, and that they have records of all accidents and speeding circumstances (and we already pay them).

So instead they hire an agency to survey our roadways, and although their report was absent from the last council meeting, as were representatives of the company, in their greater wisdom, voila, a wand is waved and our new speed limits are a fact. Had there been excessive speeding or accidents, I might have concurred, but this is not the case. So it’s really “much ado about nothing,” but that nothing may well cause speeding violations (speeds too low make speeders out of drivers), and may cause more traffic.

Please, remember this if you get a summons: it is not the deputy’s fault, and if you end up in slower traffic, think of your council, minus our mayor, who did not support this.

As a person who did traffic surveys as one of my responsibilities as a police officer, I can state unequivocally that 90 percent of this was/is nonsense, unnecessary, costly and ultimately may serve us poorly!

George Unger Wellington

respectful of anyone they may encounter who’s on the job. And if you do have to work on Labor Day and are upset about it, there are plenty of out-of-work individuals who would be more than happy to do so. For them, Labor Day has an entirely different purpose, which is why we believe the day should have more meaning than merely serving as the conclusion to the summer season.

Traditionally, however, Labor Day has been about workers’ rights in relation to their employers, not patrons. While today’s celebrations center around barbecue grills and family outings, it was a far different landscape a century ago, when parades were organized to show solidarity and support for labor organizations. Although that’s not something we see much of anymore, the issues are still the same for working-class Americans, many of whom are employed by large corporations and belong to some type of workers’ union.

Which brings us back to the original point: service industry employees and their relationship with their customers. While “the customer is always right” may be the unwritten rule, they’re still only customers, not the boss. And as Mr. Slater so dramatically reminded us, not everyone is willing to tolerate abusive customers. So however you choose to spend this Labor Day weekend, whether you’re only making a quick run to the store for some barbecue supplies, plan to patronize a dining establishment or head to one of the retail sales, we hope you enjoy yourself — and make the day enjoyable for those working as well.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A Fan Of Jess Santamaria

Regarding last week’s letter

“Not A Fan Of Santamaria,” well, I am. I can understand the writer being upset about his taxes going up $300. I have been an Acreage resident for 16 years and own two properties. My taxes have also gone up; I’m upset, too. The county commissioners had various other options to save money and jobs, like switching to a four-day work week or a three-percent pay cut for employees making more than $50,000 per year (as suggested by Santamaria), to name just two. Instead, they opted to raise the millage rate and did say that some of us would see an increase while others a decrease. The commissioners, for the most part, and [County Administrator Robert] Weisman in particular, are doing a good job under the circumstances. While my fellow Acreage resident has every right to be upset (we all are), unleashing negative statements and innuendoes about our commissioner is quite another matter. I smell a rat, and sincerely hope [Santamaria’s] opponents are not behind this.

As the Nov. 2 election approaches, Commissioner Santamaria can expect more attacks like these, and my advice to him is to continue to speak candidly in the hope of educating the electorate.

I met Commissioner Santamaria many times. Not only is he a man of impeccable integrity, but his record/achievements speak for themselves. We are lucky to have him. With that in mind, I call upon

all western communities residents to act dignified, turn out in record numbers on Nov. 2 to vote and return Commissioner Santamaria back to office to serve another term.

PS: You have to be good to get the endorsement of both The Town-Crier and The Palm Beach Post! Kerl Whitter The Acreage

Don’t Believe The Lies About Santamaria

Every year, as elections approach, there are some candidates and their supporters who have no problem lying blatantly, often approaching libel and slander. For example, Rob Hoffman, in his letter to the editor last week, stated:

1) “Since Santamaria took office, all he has done is raise our taxes 15 percent last year…”

The truth: The year before Santamaria was elected, property taxes increased $110 million. Since Santamaria was elected (November 2006), property taxes decreased by at least $85 million.

2) “This arrogant man does absolutely nothing to improve The Acreage. Not one road has been widened and zero improvements.”

The truth: Just one phone call to the Palm Beach County Engineering Department (355-4466) would confirm that this statement is 100-percent false. Along with this letter, I’ve attached a summary of improvements to The Acreage totaling $44,223,283, includ-

ing $29 million for Acreage roads. 3) “Jess is a do-nothing commissioner…”

The truth: To respond to this statement would take at least 10 pages. No one has done more than Jess Santamaria for Palm Beach County. So let’s save that answer for another day. Ruth Keen Wellington

Beware:

Book Burning Is Just The Beginning

During the night of May 10, 1933 — 100 days after Adolf Hitler legally became chancellor of Germany — more than 20,000 books were burned in Berlin’s Opera House Square adjacent to the Humboldt University. And in some other 30 university towns throughout Germany, the same ritual was repeated. Purification of the German culture was the justification given. Now, more than 77 years later,

Pastor Terry Jones, an evangelical pastor in Gainesville, has called for a “bonfire of Korans” on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Pastor Jones has stated he does not intend to cause violence. Perhaps he and his followers should heed the warning of Heinrich Heine, the German poet who had warned a century before the Holocaust that “where books are burned, in the end, people will be burned.” Barry Cohen Wellington

For The Record In last week’s article “Groves Council Sets Workshop For Southern Projects,” Joseph Verdone was incorrectly identified as an attorney. He is a certified land planner and government consultant with the law firm Carlton Fields, PA. The TownCrier regrets whatever confusion this may have caused.

SEND IN YOUR LETTERS

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

Major League Baseball Will Miss Bobby Cox When He Retires

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

Manager Bobby Cox of the Atlanta Braves will retire at the close of this season as one of Major League Baseball’s most successful managers. And his record of leading the Braves to 14 straight division titles is one that may never be broken. Yet when baseball fans and pundits get into it about the Cox legacy, his record 156 ejections (and counting) are sure to monopolize the discussion. Cox is unique among baseball

Sluggett

continued from page 1

cial square footage allowance of about 6.7 million square feet. Bentz said that when the county did its study, it cut the needs approximately in half for the Acreage/Loxahatchee area.

“This area is very comparable to many other municipalities in Palm Beach County but has a very small amount of the commercial service for it within these areas,” he said.

Bentz said the owner has continued to develop the site under rural design guidelines. He said they have been able to answer DCA’s concerns about traffic, using the argument that the center would actually reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled by people in the area. The intent of the Sluggett development is to make The Acreage a more sustainable community, Bentz said. Based on the assumption of the 33,000 current population, the Sluggett property would capture a large portion of the home-based shopping trips, he said. Vehicle miles would be 30,000 miles a day less, leading to fuel savings of about 1,300 gallons a day. “The DCA liked the concept,” Bentz said. “We provided them with this analysis in writing.” Bentz said a substantial buffer on the west side has been included in the plan. There also is a requirement for a 10-acre park as well as water retention on the north end. As a result, only a

managers since no ex-player, or current Braves stalwart, ever, ever has a bad word to say about him. Universally, they love the chunky little man with the gimpy legs regardless of situation, circumstance or history with him. Even the umpires who have tossed him during his close to 4,500 managerial efforts have good things to say. For example,

umpire Bob Davidson, who shares the record for ejecting Cox (six) is quite clear. “If I was a ball player, I would want to play for Bobby Cox,” he said. As of this writing Cox has won some 2,470 games. His winning percentage is .556 during the years some 83 umpires have thrown him out of action… surprisingly about half of them

did it only one time. Cox is, however, the only manager ejected from two World Series games. Only three men have managed, or won, more games than Cox. No manager has been to the post season more times. Bobby Cox’s first managerial career with Atlanta ended in 1981 (having begun in 1978) as he moved on to Toronto (where he coached from 1982 to 1985). Returning to Atlanta, Cox erected a baseball dynasty with his 14 post-season sojourns. The highlight, of course, was the World Series championship in 1995. Major League Baseball will be a more subdued sport when Bobby Cox retires. And if you are a fan, like me, you’ll miss him.

small portion of the property on the south end would actually be developed. The 280,000 square feet requested would only cover about 10 percent of the property. He added that the development will create 700 jobs for the community.

Neighbors to the west in Fox Trail will be separated by two buffers, Bentz said. “They are a long way away, we don’t believe they will see anything relevant to this particular site,” he said, noting that the project had received letters of support from the Acreage Landowners’ Association and the Indian Trail Improvement District.

Acreage resident Patricia Curry spoke against the amendments, pointing out that county staff recommended denial based on inconsistency and traffic.

“Mr. Bentz is an excellent salesperson, but down the road [there] is a Winn-Dixie closing because of insufficient business, and most of the stores in that plaza are also empty,” Curry said, referring to the Grove Marketplace on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in The Acreage. “If you go down Southern Blvd., just a couple of miles to the east, Albertsons pulled out and that plaza is essentially empty.”

But longtime area resident Keith Girten favored the project.

“I’ve seen the growth that we’ve had out there, in particular on the State Road 7 corridor there,” Girten said. “I’m in support of this project because I believe the western communities are underserved by the business community, and I feel that having more businesses will help the lives of the people out there and actually

save them money in fuel and travel costs.”

Brian Fisher, a Wellington resident since 1989, supported the development, calling the opposition a small, vociferous group.

“The community is more than this group,” he said. Joanne Davis, representing 1,000 Friends of Florida, said her organization supports additional commercial in that area, but they have concerns about the Sluggett development. “I don’t think by approving this amendment today you’re going to get what you think you’re going to get,” Davis said.

“I don’t think it’s going to fit in with the community.”

Commissioner Jess Santamaria said he was concerned that the applicant came to his office about three years ago to submit a plan basically the same as the one sub-

mitted for approval now, and he said he would not support the density.

“The applicant followed my advice to build 165,000 square feet, which I supported because I felt it was more compatible,” Santamaria said. “I feel a little bit concerned that after the applicant got his foot in the door, he came back with a larger plan, which I did not support. I cannot justify going back to the larger plan.” Vice Chair Karen Marcus agreed that while she supported the 165,000 square feet, she could not support the request for additional square footage.

Commissioner Steven Abrams made a motion to delete the requirements, which was seconded by Commissioner Priscilla Taylor and passed 4-2 with Marcus and Santamaria opposed.

Therapy Dogs International Honors Area Volunteer Therapy Dog

By Denise Fleischman Town-Crier Staff Report

Royal Palm Beach resident

Sally Balch is a busy woman. She’s a wife, mother, has pets and has a job. But she also found the time to train her 12-year-old Labrador retriever Maggie to be a pet therapy dog. As a pet therapy dog, Maggie has made more than 150 visits to the Royal Manor Nursing Home in Royal Palm Beach. In fact, Maggie recently received the official title of “Therapy Dog International Active Outstanding Volunteer,” for which she received a pin and certificate.

“I thought it would be fun to train a pet therapy dog and found out what was required,” Balch said.

Maggie got her start by passing the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen 10-item test. The testing requirements are as follows: accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting by a stranger, appearance and grooming, walking on a loose lead, walking through a crowd, sitting down on command and staying in place, coming when called, reacting to another dog, reactions to distractions and supervised separation. Four additional tests required by Therapy Dogs International include being able to keep calm around medical equipment such as wheelchairs and crutches, the dog’s confidence around people with infirmities such as loud coughs or shuffling feet, the willingness of a dog to be petted by

strangers and to pass up a plate of food on the ground when the handler gives the “leave it” command. These are not easy tasks, and not all dogs receive passing grades. Maggie was tested and evaluated for pet therapy work by a certified Therapy Dog International evaluator in 2002.

“I wanted to visit somewhere in Royal Palm Beach, so I contacted the Royal Manor and they said yes to having Maggie and me visit the residents,” Balch said. “We have been visiting there about five years.”

Several residents have been at Royal Manor for the entire five years and have enjoyed petting Maggie and talking to Balch. It is a welcome treat for the residents to get to pet a dog, and it

brings back fond memories of dogs from their past. Balch and Maggie have enjoyed meeting and talking to the residents over the years.

Maggie is approaching 13 and is starting to slow down a bit.

Balch said Maggie may retire this year but will miss the friends she has made.

Balch has thought about training another dog she feels will be people-friendly enough to make a good pet therapy dog.

“The new dog who takes over Maggie’s pet therapy duties will have big paws to fill,” Balch said.

For more information about pet therapy dogs, visit the Therapy Dogs International web site at www.tdi-dog.org.

OUR KIDS WORLD FAMILY FUN FEST VISITS THE SOUTH FLORIDA FAIRGROUNDS

Our Kids World Family Fun Fest took place Aug. 28-29 at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

unique two-day event offered

and

One of the many princesses at the event chats with a youngster.

Chase Trent and Nicholas Gatta enjoy cupcakes. Kids ride BMX bikes outside the Expo Center.

Sally Balch with Maggie at their Royal Palm Beach home.

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER AND STU ULRICH/TOWN-CRIER

Marie Bedner, Haley Sarro and Robin Newbeck of Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market at their booth.

Ronald McDonald teaches a trick to one of the kids.

Olivia Hubert and Daisy Estevez check out one of the booths.

Thieves Steal Air Conditioning Units In The Acreage

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

AUG. 25 — Several homes in The Acreage were recently robbed of their air-conditioning units, according to complainants who called the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last week. According to separate PBSO reports, several units had been removed from unoccupied homes. According to the first PBSO report, deputies were summoned to a home on 71st Lane North. Sometime between Sunday, Aug. 22 and last Wednesday, someone stole the victim’s air conditioning unit from the east side of her home, and the copper coil was also removed. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. In a second PBSO report, a deputy was dispatched to a home on 73rd Court North last Monday in response to a theft. According to that report, the complainant noted that sometime in the last two months, someone stole two air-conditioning units from the rear of the main house and one from the east side of the guest house. The complainant said he was last at the residence two months ago, but was unsure of exactly when. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 26 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to a home in the Willows II community last Thursday morning regarding a vehicle theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim came home around 11 p.m. last Wednesday and parked her red 2006 Harley-Davidson Road King motorcycle next to her garage door, in front of another vehicle. At approximately 7 a.m. the following morning, she discovered it was missing. According to the report, the victim had the keys to the motorcycle. She reported that she did not hear anything during the night, and her dogs did not bark at anything. The motorcycle is red in color with a quarter-sized dent on the right front fender. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 27 — A resident of Wellington Lakes called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Friday afternoon to report a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim left her home at approximately 11:15 a.m., and when she returned at 1:45 p.m., she discovered that her Macbook Pro laptop computer was missing from the nightstand in the master bedroom. The victim then found the rear sliding door open. According to the report, the victim said that the only other item moved was a new bottle of Lysol hand soap, which was moved from one kitchen counter to the other. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 27 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to a home in Grand Isles last Friday afternoon regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 1:30 and 2:15 p.m., someone entered the victim’s home through the open rear sliding glass door and stole $1,000 in

cash that had been sitting on the kitchen table. According to the report, the victim arrived home to discover that his Sony Playstation and DVD burner were sitting outside on the back patio. The victim believes that the suspect(s) left the items on the back patio and took the money. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 28 — A resident of Greenway Village called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Saturday morning to report an attempted vehicle theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5 p.m. last Wednesday and 9 a.m. last Saturday, someone attempted to steal the victim’s newly purchased white 2006 Ford F-150 pickup truck. According to the report, the suspect(s) inserted a flat-headed instrument into the keyholes of both the left and right doors, breaking the locks and gaining entry to the truck. Once inside, the suspect(s) punched the ignition on the steering column and then attempted to start the truck with the same flat-headed instrument, but could not. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 28 — A resident of Sugar Pond Manor called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Saturday night to report a suspicious incident. According to a PBSO report, around 8:20 p.m., the victim heard a knock at the door and opened it to find a small roll of tissue paper on fire. The fire was stomped out, and the victim reported that she has no idea who might have been responsible for the incident. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to a hair salon in Crossroads plaza last Saturday regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, when an employee opened the store last Friday morning, she discovered that $150 was missing from a deposit bag, which is kept in a locker in the back of the store. Additionally, an unknown amount of coins was missing from the store’s cash register. According to the report, the locker is kept unlocked, and any store employee has access to it. The employee reported that the store is not equipped with surveillance cameras or a burglar alarm. She also noted that there was no sign of forced entry, and several employees have a key to the store. DNA evidence could not be taken from the locker because the store employees had continued to work in the area. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 29 — An Acreage man was arrested last Sunday evening for improperly discharging a firearm after a bullet from the firearm struck a neighboring home. According to a PBSO report, a resident of 33rd Road North called the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation to report shots fired in the area. The deputy met with the complainant, who said that at approximately 6:54 p.m., he and his

See BLOTTER, page 18

stolen property and giving false information to a pawnbroker. His occupation is cook. His last known addresses were Old Country Road in Wellington and Barber Avenue in Lake Worth. Cusell is wanted as of 09/02/10. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc.com.

Onix Afanador

Sergio Cusell

Royal Palm Zoners Deny Bealls’ Request To Add Blue To Sign

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission last week recommended against a color change for the Bealls monument signs at the Village Shoppes on 441 shopping plaza.

At the commission’s Aug. 25 meeting, Jim Cavanaugh of Ferrin Signs requested that the plaza signs be changed to Bealls’ registered colors, although village staff had denied the requested permit.

“People are coming into this Bealls department store, and they’re thinking it’s Bealls Outlet,” Cavanaugh said. “Bealls Outlet and Bealls are the same parent company, although they run two totally different businesses. Bealls Outlet is more of a discount store, and Bealls would like to display the image they are more like a JC Penney or Kohl’s. The clientele is totally different. Often they have clients come in to purchase things, and they leave unhappy because

they thought they were going to Bealls Outlet.”

The shopping plaza’s signs feature red lettering on a white background, which is similar to the colors used by Bealls Outlet, Cavanaugh explained.

“We thought a blue background would be helpful for people looking for Bealls,” he said.

Cavanaugh further cited the hardships faced by the store since the SR 7/Southern Blvd. overpass was installed in 2007. “Since that overpass came in, they have lost $2 million,” he said.

Cavanaugh, who was hired by the owner of the shopping plaza, said his client had to reduce the rent in order to keep Bealls open there.

“Bealls did extend their lease to 2015, but they cannot continue to operate at a loss,” he said. “Specifically based upon the overpass as a hardship, they think that being able to display their color on this monument sign is going to at least have people safely find their

place of business and also help increase sales.”

Cavanaugh showed pictures of other signs put up in the village, including those adjacent to the north at Toys ‘R’ Us, PetSmart and TJ Maxx. He pointed out that the Toys ‘R’ Us sign uses several different colors.

“People are going to know where a Toys ‘R’ Us is, and people are going to be driving with kids in the car,” Cavanaugh said. “They can find it easily with those colors, they can get in the righthand lane, and they can get over safely where they need to go.”

He added that the Bealls proposal only adds one additional color. “We’re keeping the lettering the same with the white. We’re just asking for the blue for the differentiation,” Cavanaugh said.

He further pointed out that other businesses in the vicinity had been allowed to retain their logos with their company colors intact. For example, gas stations have been allowed to retain a green col-

or on their signs to indicate they offer diesel fuel.

Cavanaugh said increasing traffic at Bealls would increase overall business at Village Shoppes on 441. He added that there is a provision in the village code for national companies to display their colors, and that Bealls is allowed to use its trademark blue color on its wall signs.

Chairman Darrell Lange was concerned about the precedent the commission would set if it granted the waivers from the code.

Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin said variances for monument sign colors have been allowed in the past, although village staff was recommending denial of the Bealls request because it did not meet the criteria.

“It was part of the developer’s application that they all be red, and I think you guys went along with it because it’s such a large sign,” Erwin said. “It’s one of those 12by-20, so it’s 240 square feet.”

Commissioner Jackie Larson

said that the developer had agreed to a sign criteria package specifically for that site. “That’s why you don’t see it in the code,” Larson said. “It is under the development order for this site only.”

Regarding the nearby multi-colored signs, Larson said, “A different board than us approved the Toys ‘R’ Us sign. I don’t think this board would have approved that.”

Larson continued that all customers have to do is look at the sign on the front of the building and see that it is not a Bealls Outlet store. “It’s stated quite clearly that it is a Bealls,” Larson said. “If they can’t read the front of the building, they can’t read the sign.”

However, Larson agreed that the overpass is a hardship.

“I’ve seen many shopping centers go the way of the dodo bird because of an overpass like that,” she said, adding that the current owners of the shopping center have done a great deal to improve it, but she felt that granting this exception would clear the way for

others. “If we were to do this, what’s to keep the others from coming in and wanting their own special color, and then we have a mess on that sign.” Larson asked Cavanaugh how many states Bealls has stores in, and he answered that they are predominately in Florida. “So you’re not a national company?” Larson asked.

Cavanaugh responded that he is representing a regional client with a nationally registered trademark. Lange and Larson reiterated that the village requires verification that a company is a national company, rather than a nationally registered trademark, to get special sign considerations. “They have to have proof that they are a national company, not just a nationally registered trademark,” Larson said. “To deviate for you would be a very bad example, both village-wise and in this one development area. I can’t support this.”

Larson made a motion to deny the request, which passed 4-0.

County OKs Mining Moratorium, Plans Stakeholder Meetings

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Palm Beach County Com-

mission approved a one-year moratorium on rock mining in the Everglades Agricultural Area at a zoning meeting Thursday, Aug. 28. The decision will allow county staff to develop an ordinance to control such mining operations. The commissioners also directed staff to organize a series of meetings to hear the concerns of stakeholders and to determine whether studies are needed to determine future mining feasibility. The moratorium would affect only future mining applications and not operations currently underway, such as the activity at Palm Beach Aggregates west of Loxahatchee.

Vice Chair Karen Marcus made a motion to adopt the moratorium, which carried unanimously, 6-0.

During discussion that followed, Planning, Zoning & Building Director Barbara Alterman explained that the moratorium gives county staffers time to rewrite the mining ordinances. She added that meetings are already

being planned with stakeholders to develop appropriate code changes.

County officials recommended creating a mining zoning district that maintains mining as a conditional use. The recommended criteria would require a demonstration of need, an analysis of shortand long-term impacts on ecosystem restoration and natural features of the area, as well as timing and phasing thresholds for each approval.

Alterman said that Palm Beach County might look at what other areas are doing to address their mining issues.

The hearings will include multiple stakeholder meetings bringing together environmental organizations, mining interests, planners, neighborhood representatives including the Glades, county agencies, the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

“Our intent is to make this as open and transparent as possible,” Alterman said.

Deputy Director of Environmental Resources Management

Rob Robbins said technical studies are available that show trends in mining over the past 40 years.

The U.S Geological Survey and the U.S. Department of the Interior have done evaluations of topography, soil and hydrological movement of water in the Everglades Agricultural Area. Beginning in 2000, the SFWMD started tracking how water moves in the EAA. In 2007, Palm Beach County convened a working group that identified the regulatory players in mining.

The Department of Transportation, the biggest consumer of aggregate, also has been involved, Robbins said. Most of the actual mining studies are done by the consultants, he said, adding that the DEP is currently studying the interaction between blasting and water quality.

“At the conclusion of this review of all of the ongoing technical reports that have been out there, the question is how much more study is necessary?” Robbins said, pointing out the DEP has indicated that more study might not be necessary. He highlighted part of a letter from the DEP stat-

ing, “After discussions here, we could not think of anything additional that has not already been done or that we would expect to need that would be more directly related to the applicant’s details for a proposed project/permit.”

A subsequent memo from County Administrator Bob Weisman to the county commission indicated he felt the county taking on the time and expense of additional study, estimated at $6 million, would not be particularly enlightening.

When the DEP receives a mining application, the first thing it does by law is provide a copy of the application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and the SFWMD. When the DEP begins its review process, it examines surface water and groundwater quality standards, as well as drinking water sources in the area of the application.

Commissioner Steven Abrams asked what the purpose is for the moratorium if the county already has the rules that are going to be brought forward. “It would appear

to me that the purpose of the moratorium is to understand the views of all the parties concerned, and then after establishing that to determine what the best course of action is,” Abrams said.

Alterman said the moratorium is also to implement code amendments that will be written and to give staff time to write guidelines.

During public comment, Richard Grosso of the Everglades Law Center said county staff’s idea of creating a mining zoning code in lieu of comprehensive plan amendments is the next logical step. “I think the details and what the criteria are for having your land placed in that are things that are open for discussion,” he said.

Commissioner Jess Santamaria said he feels a comprehensive study should be done, as was expressed at a meeting three years ago.

“The issue that keeps coming back over and over again is the cumulative effect of all of this rock mining coming by us and being approved,” Santamaria said. “We have approved every single one for the last three years. There is a difference of opinion, and that is

why we have a moratorium. I feel not enough is being done to determine the real impact of these ongoing approvals of rock mining.”

Alterman said the purpose of the stakeholder meetings will be to establish criteria for mining approvals that had not been there.

“We believe that is giving the board discretion to review it,” she said, pointing out that there are 20,000 acres of mines approved in the county although only two mines are active. Several applications approved by the county are being held up by the DEP on wetland jurisdiction issues, she noted.

“If all those get approved, do we have enough aggregate?” she asked. “Should we be approving more mines? That was our idea of bringing back this criteria to say, ‘What is the need? Demonstrate the need for additional aggregate before you approve another mine.’”

Santamaria said the estimated $6 million to conduct a study is not much considering the possible ramifications of additional

See MINING, page 18

Southern Blvd. Projects The Focus Of August’s LGLA Meeting

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association was briefed at its Aug. 26 meeting by representatives of three projects along Southern Blvd.

Silvia Merino Bettre of the consulting firm Corzo, Castella, Carballo, Thompson and Salman gave a presentation on the Florida Department of Transportation’s widening of Southern Blvd. from County Road 880 to Forest Hill Blvd.

The LGLA presentation was similar to the project development and environment (PDE) study report offered by FDOT at a May meeting on the project held in Wellington.

Bettre said the study is designed to evaluate the impact of a planned transportation project. “It allows FDOT to evaluate social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts of a planned transportation improvement project,” she explained.

The roadway is a four-lane divided roadway from CR 880 to Binks Forest Drive, and it continues as a four-lane divided roadway until the last segment from

Palms West Parkway to Forest Hill Blvd., where it becomes a six-lane divided urban stretch.

Bettre explained that FDOT is trying to develop alternatives that provide for additional capacity on the roadway, which includes upgrading the corridor to meet state requirements. As a part of the study, FDOT has held a series of public meetings to get feedback from residents and business owners.

“It’s important that we involve local government,” she said. “As a part of the continuing study, once we have the alternatives developed, we start looking at the environment, and we look at the social, cultural, natural, physical and other impacts.”

It will take a while before a final project is developed. “The results of this study are compiled into the study’s environmental documents, which will be available for review at the end of the study prior to the public hearing,” Bettre said.

More meetings are planned for the spring and fall of 2011.

“We are starting to develop our alternatives, and once we do that, we will be developing our envi-

ronmental alternatives, which we will present at the alternatives public workshop,” she said. “We will get your input, and we will go back and look at it. There will be a public hearing. The PDE study will conclude in the summer of 2012. However, design and construction phases are not funded at this time.”

For more information, Bettre urged people to visit www.sr80 study.com.

Mike O’Dell of O’Dell Land Development, consultant for Loxahatchee Equestrian Partners and Solar Sportsystems, offered an update on his project proposed for the northeast corner of Southern Blvd. and B Road. At that corner, several parcels have been joined together to create a 90-acre development.

“The property right now is being used for agricultural purposes,” O’Dell said. “Both our owners are land planners and real estate consultants who participated in the town’s visioning process. We listened to what you had to say during the visioning process, and that’s how we arrived at our plan. We had a chance to formulate a land-use plan for this property.”

The developers are seeking an amendment from low-density residential to commercial, institutional and public uses with about 140,000 square feet of retail and office space, 15,000 square feet of 120 age-restricted dwelling units and a 15,000-square-foot daycare center.

O’Dell explained that staff at the Department of Community Af-

fairs in Tallahassee wants maximum numbers for the property to evaluate the proposal.

“We have no choice when we present a comprehensive land-use amendment,” O’Dell said. “The DCA wants to know what the maximums allowable are on the property. I know the town council is not interested in hearing about the maximums, but the DCA wants to know about it. They want to know what the maximum allowable floor area ratios are, and they also want to know the traffic.”

O’Dell said that when the project is complete, it could generate about $57,000 in tax revenue.

Joe Lelonek of Land Design South, representing Atlantic Land Investments, offered a presentation on plans for the 97-acre Simon property on the west side of B Road.

Lelonek stressed that the proposal is in its planning stages. It could include neighborhood commercial, with some office components and an RV park.

“This is one of the major intersections of Loxahatchee Groves,” Lelonek said. “You can really cre-

ate something that’s a natural for Loxahatchee Groves.”

Given the amount of public interest in the two B Road projects, the Town of Loxahatchee Groves has scheduled a public workshop to discuss them. The workshop will be from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25 in the sanctuary at Palms West Presbyterian Church.

Lelonek encouraged LGLA members to get in touch with him to talk about what his project entails and invited them to learn more at the Sept. 25 workshop.

Before the meeting, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Lt. David Coombs, commanding officer of District 15, said a stronger police presence might be needed in the area because some migrant workers recently have been victims of crime.

“There have been reports of some robberies among migrant workers,” Coombs said. “I have a local pastor working with me. You may see a little more of a police presence in the community. We are trying to prevent this from happening. I am concerned about their safety.”

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Mike O’Dell of O’Dell Land Development.

Crestwood Eighth-Graders Deliver Backpacks To Pleasant City Students

Last Friday, five students from Crestwood Middle School in Royal Palm Beach delivered backpacks and school supplies to students at Pleasant City Elementary School in West Palm Beach. The backpacks were purchased with money from a July 28 fundraiser held by Crestwood students Alex Ng and Devin Wallace. Money also came from posters donated by Ng’s uncle, which were auctioned off. The other three Crestwood students — Andre Ferriera, Christi Porter and Kaylee Santiago — gathered donations from family and friends.

The five Crestwood students handed out the supplies to children in Pleasant City’s aftercare program. While handing out supplies, the eighth-graders encouraged the

children to do well in school and behave for their parents with promises of their holiday visit with toys.

The five participate in advanced classes, sports and music but will be looking for odd jobs to earn money to buy toys to bring to these children during the holidays.

Ng started this community service for Pleasant City five years ago by himself. Then Ferriera joined, followed by Porter and Santiago the next year, and finally Wallace. “It means more when kids care about kids,” Ng said.

“They see us as role models.”

“I have fun visiting them,” Ferriera said.

“I’ve always wanted to do this, but didn’t know how to start,” Wallace added.

Wellington Art Society Meeting

On Sept. 8

The Wellington Art Society will host the first regular meeting of its 2010-11 season on Wednesday, Sept. 8 at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

The meeting will showcase the society’s many artists and include an unveiling of the new calendar filled with events, lectures and artist demonstrations.

This evening is a chance for artists and art lovers to hear about the new offerings the Wellington Art Society has planned for the coming year. Fabulous artwork is on display in the society’s new permanent exhibit space at the Wellington Community Center. These original works are available for sale and are rotated quarterly as part of the Village of Wellington’s Art in Public Places program.

The Wellington Art Society meeting will be held in the community center’s card room. Light refreshments will be served beginning at 6:30 p.m. The general meeting begins at 7 p.m. when the year’s calendar will be revealed, which includes calls to artists, workshops, exciting demonstrations by well-known artists and opportunities to create an even better art community.

The Wellington Art Society is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts. For more information, call President Suzanne Redmond at (561) 791-2194 or visit the organization’s web site at www.wellingtonartsociety.org.

Basketball Clinics To Be Held At RPBHS

The Royal Palm Beach High School Wildcat boys basketball team will host two clinics this fall. The first will be held Thursday, Sept. 9, and the second will be Saturday, Oct. 23. Times will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m., but the gym will be open from 8:30 to noon to accommodate working parents. In an effort to increase participation, the price of the clinics this year will be $10 per child. Program organizers would like to increase the number of RPB kids playing basketball, and these clinics are a great way for kids to learn the fundamentals of the game and have a great time. Those who have been to a clinic or camp previously are encouraged to bring a friend and get him or her involved as well.

To reserve a spot, or for more information about the basketball clinics, contact Coach Drew Quinn at quinna@palmbeach. k12.fl.us or (561) 398-8341.

Western Executives

Charity Dinner

Western Executives will hold its monthly charity dinner Saturday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. at the White Horse Tavern (3401 Equestrian Club Road, Wellington). This month’s event will benefit Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue in Loxahatchee.

Musician/visual artist Rick Se-

guso will provide entertainment; several pieces of his artwork will be on display as well. The event will also feature prizes such as a pearl necklace. The cost is $40 in advance (by Sept. 8) or $50 at the door. For more information about the event, call Troy or Ingrid Webster at (561) 793-5509 or visit www. westernexecutives.net. To contact the White Horse Tavern, call (561) 333-1150 or visit www.white horsetavernflorida.com.

WHS Open House Sept. 14

Wellington High School will hold its back-to-school night open house on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. The pep band, dance team and cheerleaders will perform at 6:30 p.m. in the courtyard, and an orientation will begin promptly at 7 p.m. in the Period 1 class. It is imperative that parents arrive on time to receive all the important information that will be presented. The open house program is as follows: 6:30 to 7 p.m., courtyard student performances; 7 to 7:30 p.m., welcome in Period 1 followed by Period 1; 7:35 to 7:45 p.m., Period 2; 7:50 to 8 p.m., Period 3; 8:05 to 8:15 p.m., Period 4; 8:20 to 8:30 p.m., Period 5; 8:35 to 8:45 p.m., Period 6; and 8:50 to 9 p.m., Period 7. Teachers will briefly explain the course content, requirements and student expectations. Parents may ask questions at the end of each teacher’s presentation. However, time will not permit for individu-

al conferences. If a one-to-one meeting is needed with the teacher, a conference can be arranged through the guidance office at (561) 795-4915. Parent meetings are held in the media center on Thursday afternoons starting at 3 p.m. On Sept. 13, students will bring home a copy of

(Back row, L-R) Devin Wallace, Alex Ng, Kaylee Santiago, Andre Ferriera and Christi Porter with (front) Pleasant City students.

PALMS WEST CHAMBER HOSTS WILD WEST POKER TOURNAMENT AT BINKS

Dinorah Shoben and Eric Gordon with Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda.Jessica Clasby, Linda Lo Bianco and Debi Leed greet guests.Alicia Foster and Yvonne Cabrera at the Riverside Bank table.

The Palms West Chamber of Commerce held its third annual Wild West Poker Tournament on Saturday,

Golf Club. Chamber members and friends dressed in Western attire and played Texas hold ’em.

David and Brooke Unversaw and Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Martha Webster.

The Al Packer Ford West table.

The Florida Public Utilities table.

Sara Mets and John Pearson.

Stephen Colby, dealer Travis Rogers, and Brett and Vera Gray at the Waste Management table.

Dynamite Poker dealers warm up: Tony Sanchez, Mike Shupe, Guy Proto, Jason Schwalbe and Christina Singleton.

Wellington Teen, Tailwaggers Support Friends Of Abused Children

More than 100 people and their dogs participated in a dog agility fun run Saturday, Aug. 28 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The event raised more than $6,000 for Friends of Abused Children and was organized by Wellington High School student Kevin Powers and the Tailwaggers Learning Center.

Competing dogs were guided through an obstacle course by their owners using vocal commands and hand signals. In addition, there was a prize raffle, a 50/ 50 raffle and a silent auction.

During the event, a $3,000 check was presented to Friends of Abused Children board members Laurie Briggs and Lisa McDermott from the Ironhorse Charitable Foundation. The check was in memory of two foundation mem-

bers who had passed away this year, Jerry Gruberg and Bill Jenner.

Powers, who persuaded his family and friends to join him, gathered donations from more than 30 local businesses to be raffled off. The volunteers sold raffle tickets, set up the dog agility course and helped out in other ways.

“We are so grateful to Kevin Powers, his family, the Tailwaggers, the Ironhorse Charitable Foundation, our sponsors and everyone who came out to support this event,” Briggs said. “Because of the kindness of so many people, we can continue helping children who are adjudicated to state care.”

Friends of Abused Children Inc. is a 25-year-old nonprofit organi-

zation, which provides funds to relatives and non-relatives who are caring for children with a dependency case.

Donations received help these children receive one-on-one tutoring, send them to summer camp, allow them to participate in enrichment programs, receive emergency medical and dental services, help college costs, and provide clothing and school uniforms.

Sponsors of the event included the Ironhorse Charitable Foundation, the South Florida Fair, CL Communications, Tailwaggers Learning Center, NTI Global, LSPhotoSmith.com, Schaumberg Industries, Agility Equipment, Bravo Sports, Dr. Michelle Jobert, the Powers family, Circle S Agility, Wicker Guesthouse, Blue Rib-

bon Agility, MyFunkyKeyWest. com, Publix, Heroes Veterinary Clinic, NY Prime Steak House, National Multiple Listings, Paws & Tails, DogBedWorks, Agility Works, Way To Weave, Animal Medical Clinic at Wellington, Hands 4 Paws, Pet Supplies Plus, Plan-It Promotions, Paw Prints On Your Heart, Say Yes Dog Training, Bay Pets, J&J Dog Supplies, Complete Physique, Max 200 Performance Dog Equipment, Panera Bread, Park Avenue Grill and Chili’s.

On Thursday, Nov. 11, Friends of Abused Children will host the second annual “Fondue with Friends” at the Melting Pot in Palm Beach Gardens.

For additional information, call (561) 659-5005 or visit www. friendspbc.org.

Friends of Abused Children President Laurie Briggs with some of the raffle prizes.

Maggie, a labradoodle owned by Lori Patterson, practices her jumps.

Hope, a West Highland Terrier, with owner Leslie Granville-Smith.

Event organizer Kevin Powers (back row, third from left) with his friends who volunteered.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

CAFCI Showcases Young Performers At 15th Annual Talent Show

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) hosted its annual youth talent show, Stars of the Future, to benefit their scholarship fund for college-bound students.

Twenty young contestants from elementary to high school competed Saturday, Aug. 28 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The children were excited to showcase their talents through various forms of the arts — singing, dancing, poetry and playing instruments.

In order to participate in the talent show, students had to go through an audition process held two weeks before.

Most contestants were from the local communities, but some were from out of the area. Contestant Selena Masters, a high school junior and opera singer, came from Lehigh Acres, near Fort Myers, to sing a compelling “Somewhere

Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz and “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess Masters’ uncle and CAFCI member Lloyd Grant encouraged her to participate in the talent show. “He wanted her to perform last year, but she could not do it,” Masters’ mother Glenda said. “But this year we drove all the way from Fort Myers for her to participate.”

According to CAFCI President Genieve White, the talent show began 15 years ago as a way to reach out to the youth in the community. Through the years, the event has had many contestants go on to further their talents into careers and other successes.

“Christopher Grant started with us,” White said. “He used to perform at the talent show, and he went on to become a successful dancer. He was even going to perform with Michael Jackson on the ‘This Is It’ tour.”

“Big

CAFCI member Nova Brown said that although there are many contestants who are confident, the talent show also helps in boosting some of the children’s confidence.

“This is a way for children to have an outlet for their talents while making them feel good about themselves,” Brown said.

The contestants receive a certificate for three community service hours for their participation, as well as a trophy that reads, “The sky is the limit.”

CAFCI was founded 21 years ago by a group of residents who wanted to better their community through community involvement. Today there are 150 members who pay an annual fee of $60 per person and $100 per couple. “We host many events for the community, like Martin Luther King Day,”

CAFCI’s Amanayea Abraham said. “We also just hosted our annual business expo, and we also host with collaborative effort the

Cultural Diversity Day. But the talent show is one of the ways to help us raise money for the scholarship fund. We also have our annual Friendship Ball on Sept. 18, which also helps us raise money.”

CAFCI is dedicated to bringing the community together through various events that benefit the community economically, culturally, educationally and socially.

Talent Show Chair Nadine White-Boyd is the daughter of the CAFCI President Genieve White. She became involved in the organization to connect with her cultural heritage. “I’m Jamaican,” White-Boyd said. “But we do have members who are [from] other cultures besides the Caribbean.”

For more information about CAFCI, visit the organization’s web site at www.cafcipbc.org or call Genieve White at (561) 7935956.

Clarity sings “Tomorrow” from the musical Annie

Kayla

Contestant Selena Masters with parents Clenton and Glenda.

Daijour Hohing sings

Girls Don’t Cry” by Fergie.

Soleil Rowe performs “Hero” by Mariah Carey.

Lil Miss Florida TH sings “Circus” by Britney Spears.

Contestants receive trophies and certificates of community service.Talent Show Chair Nadine White-Boyd welcomes guests.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Elizabeth Torres plays “As the Deer” by Martin Nystrom.

Tashara Roper was the first performer of the night.

Seminole Ridge To Host First Of Several Blood Drives On Sept. 8

Seminole Ridge High School will hold the first of its blood drives for this school year on Wednesday, Sept. 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the gym lobby.

Sponsored by the National Honor Society and organized by student coordinators Kevin Babb and Cassidy Heitman, the drives are open to students 17 and older who provide signed parent consent forms, available in Room 5102.

NHS holds five lifesaving community blood drives each year, and in previous years has set countywide records for donations. Club sponsor Shawna Ahmad said she expects the school to do just as well, if not better, this year. “We have a goal of 200 units to be met, and I really think we can meet it,” she said.

Ahmad offers advice for students who wish to take part in the

drive. “Make sure you have a good, nutritious breakfast, drink plenty of fluids, and take plenty of iron,” she said.

• NHS Begins Tutoring Sessions — Beginning in September, the SRHS National Honor Society will offer free tutoring to any Seminole Ridge student, focusing on the areas of English, math, science, history and Spanish. Students needing help must bring their textbook, lecture notes, and any other materials that NHS members may need to assist them. The weekly tutoring sessions will be held Tuesday afternoons from 3 to 4 p.m. in the media center.

• TV Production in State Running — The Seminole Ridge TV production program may have four state-winning videos. The Florida Association for Media in Education (FAME) has announced that SRHS videos have

NEW HORIZONS HOSTS AN OPEN HOUSE EVENT

New Horizons Elementary School recently hosted an open house for parents and students. Parents and students enjoyed visiting their new classes, familiarizing themselves with the school, socializing with new classmates, and meeting this year’s teachers. The PTA treated everyone to snow cones and gave away New Horizons water bottles to students. Pictured here are PTA parents

Guidicy

placed in four categories at the state level of the Jim Harbin Student Media Festival. They are as follows: in Documentary, Anthony Medrano and Nicole Waldron, for Mr. Landstrom ; in Drama, Daniel Carrazana, Brandon Mansfield, Zuzanna Zatorska and Amanda Zinski for The Jog; in Music Video, Anthony Heising, Nick LaIuppa and Zack Valdes for From the Bottom; and Public Service Announcement, Grant Grillo and Hailey Mears for Florida KidCare is Affordable The Hawks’ videos won first place at both the district and regional levels. The final state results will be announced Nov. 3 at the state FAME convention in Orlando.

• Hawk Teacher Reads for College Board — SRHS social studies teacher and department chair Kara Macsuga was among the

Palm Beach County teachers selected to participate in the annual reading and scoring of the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) examinations this past June in Fort Collins, Colo., for the subject of AP world history.

Each year the AP program gives more than 1.5 million high school students an opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses and examinations. Based on their exam performance, successful students can receive credit and/or advanced placement when they enter college.

More than 10,000 AP readers from universities and high schools evaluated more than 2.9 million examinations this year from more than 30 AP courses. Representing the finest academic institutions in the world, these educators come from the United States, Canada and abroad.

TBZ Students Get Ready For High Holidays

As students and teachers at the Ben & Mildred Lieber Religious School at Temple Beth Zion were preparing for a High Holiday workshop, clouds threatened early in the morning, so teachers scurried to plan an inside “lake” for the students to practice the custom of tashlich, the ancient Jewish custom of tossing your sins into a body of water.

Fortunately the clouds passed, and beautiful weather allowed students to participate outdoors in the workshop as they ushered in their new school year. The round-robin workshop consisted of four sessions: “TGI-RH (Thank God it’s Rosh Hashanah),” “Countdown Elul,” “New Year, New You!” and “Tzedakah Doesn’t Mean Charity.”

“This year, Rosh Hashanah starts at sundown on Wednesday, Sept. 8, just two days after Labor Day, so we didn’t have a lot of classroom time available,” Rabbi Bert Kieffer said. “We wanted to make sure that the students had an opportunity to learn about customs of the holidays in a fun, interactive way. I am very grateful to Stephen Eisenwasser, who dressed up in the Blue Box Bob costume; Samantha Simon, the Israel Advocacy & Education Field Executive of Jewish National Fund; and Ariel Abramson, who will be one of our shofar blowers

at TBZ this year, for helping our teachers make this event so enjoyable for our students.”

Marcus Antonelli of Wellington said his favorite part of the workshop was the play with Blue Box Bob. “But I know it was really Stephen inside the box,” he said, “because he had his Bar Mitzvah here last year, so I know him.”

Matthew DeBoer of Royal Palm Beach couldn’t wait to tell his dad, “I got to blow the shofar, and I blew it really loud!”

Ashley Gassner of West Palm Beach said her favorite activity was “writing our sins on a cracker and crunching them up and tossing them into the water.”

Samantha Simon was delighted to participate as well. “The more students know about Israel and the work of JNF, the better,” she said, noting that she had an additional reason to enjoy teaching this workshop. “I taught here at Temple Beth Zion two years ago, and it was great to see my former students and see how much they have grown.”

Temple Beth Zion is an innovative Conservative synagogue located at 129 Sparrow Drive in Royal Palm Beach, just north of Veterans Park.

For more information about the religious school, contact Liz at (561) 798-8888 or visit www. templebethzion.net.

Reading For The College Board — Seminole Ridge teacher Kara Macsuga (center) with Roxann Weber, Santaluces High School; Merry Wiesner-Hanks, chief reader for AP World History; Barbara Johnson, West Boca High School; and Lori Matyskiel, Park Vista High School.

Rabbi Bert Kieffer, Blue Box Bob and Samantha Simon of the Jewish National Fund educate and entertain.

Teacher Roy Bernstein teaches Hallie Bodner, Valerie Solomon, Josh Solomon, Richie Wyman, Ashley Gassner, Rebecca Kokot, Susie Shuster and David Shenkman how to blow a shofar.

Melody

and Victor Toman, and fifth-grade student helpers Angelo Guidicy and Katie Tolman.

Austin Thompson Graduates Basic Air Force Training

Air Force Airman Austin T. Thompson recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Thompson completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate’s degree in applied science.

Thompson earned distinction as an honor graduate. He is the son of Karl and Darlene Thompson of The Acreage, and a 2009 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School.

Reavy Graduates Army Training In Fire Support

Army Pvt. Brendon M. Reavy has graduated from the Fire Support Specialist Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla.

The field artillery specialists serve in intelligence activities including target processing in field artillery, cannon battalions, division artillery, artillery and maneuver brigade, and headquarters and fire support elements.

Austin T. Thompson

The course is designed to train students to establish, maintain and operate radio and wire communications and speech security equipment, including encoding and decoding messages. They also must prepare and maintain daily staff journals, fire support situation maps, charts and other fire support and target processing procedures, records and documents.

In addition, students assist in initiating requests for field artillery, mortar, naval gunfire and aerial delivered munitions, and emplace, maintain and assist in the operation of laser-range finders,

Inaugural ‘Green M&Ms Party’ A Success

More than 40 supporters of two local, eco-friendly nonprofit organizations — the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation and the Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden — attended the recent music-filled “Third Thursday Fun-Raiser” at Crane’s BeachHouse Hotel & Tiki Bar in Delray Beach. The inaugural Green M&Ms Party included tasty edibles and tropical drinks, a musical performance by the dynamic DYMiN, an exciting raffle of plants and environmental products, and a whole lot of munchable green M&Ms.

Of course, the two Ms in the green M&Ms stand for the Marshall Foundation, which champions the restoration and preservation of the greater Everglades ecosystem, and the Mounts Botanical Garden, Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest public garden, located at 531 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach, directly across

target designation and night-observation devices.

Reavy is the son of Scott and Patricia Reavy of The Acreage. He is a 2009 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School.

Hammond Makes Binghamton U. Dean’s List

Lindsay Hammond of western Lake Worth was named to the dean’s list for her outstanding academic achievement for the spring semester at the Decker School of

from the airport.

Among the attendees were Josette Kaufman, executive director of the Marshall Foundation; Michael Zimmerman, chairman of the board of the Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden, and his family; Cathy Balestriere, the general manager of Crane’s BeachHouse Hotel & Tiki Bar and chair of the Destination Delray Beach Task Force; and Allen Sistrunk, garden director at Mounts Botanical Garden.

Funds raised at the inaugural Green M&Ms Party at Crane’s BeachHouse Hotel will support educational programs at both the Marshall Foundation and Mounts Botanical Garden.

For more information about the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation, visit www.artmarshall.org. For more information about Mounts Botanical Garden, visit www. mounts.org.

Nursing at Binghamton University, State University of New York. The criteria for the dean’s honors list is a minimum grade point average of 3.5.

Binghamton University is one of the four university centers of the State University of New York.

Known for the excellence of its students, faculty, staff and programs, Binghamton enrolls close to 15,000 students in programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

For more information, visit the Binghamton University web site at www.binghamton.edu.

Shanee Brown Completes Navy Training

Navy Seaman Recruit Shanee N. Brown, daughter of Jacqueline Irvng of West Palm Beach and Earle Brown, of North Lauderdale, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Brown completed a variety of training, which included classroom study and practical instruc-

tion on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations.” This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. Battle Stations is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment.

Josette Kaufman and Michael Zimmerman at the inaugural Green M&Ms Party.

PHOTO BY CORBY KAYE’S STUDIO PALM BEACH

Seminar For Seniors Held In Royal Palm

Comprehensive Hand and Physical Therapy Marketing Director Lorraine Sousa recently arranged a fall prevention seminar at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center.

Physical therapist Theresa Kelly spoke to seniors about how to prevent falls, offering a series of tips. They include:

• Begin an exercise program,

• Have your healthcare provider review your medicines,

• Have your vision checked, and

• Make your home safer.

Kelly explained how these four steps will help prevent falls from occurring. Podiatrist Dr. Shelley Plumb spoke about how wearing the wrong shoes can cause corns and calluses. She recommended regular foot checkups, which also will help prevent falls. A questionand-answer session followed. Comprehensive Hand and Physical Therapy is located at 11947 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 204-2213 or visit www. comprehensivehandandpt.com.

Theresa Kelly, Dr. Shelley Plumb and Lorraine Sousa.

Florida League Honors Wellington’s

The Florida League of Cities has honored Wellington Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore as the state’s municipal leader of the year, saying “his leadership, tireless dedication and hard work have improved the lives of people providing the very best to the citizens of Florida.”

The annual award recognizes an elected official who has done outstanding work and made a lasting contribution to his or her community.

“Dr. Priore has, through his service, dedicated himself to excellence in municipal government,” Florida League of Cities President and Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper said as she presented the award to Priore at the league’s annual conference last week in Hollywood, Fla. “He has provided the very best to the citizens of his community and this state.”

Priore was elected to Wellington’s first governing body — the Acme Improvement District Board of Supervisors — in 1992. He served as board president from 1994-1996. Priore worked tire-

lessly throughout Wellington’s incorporation’s process. Upon incorporation, he was elected to the inaugural Wellington Village Council and served as mayor from 1998-2000.

One of Priore’s proudest moments was sitting in the house chambers the day Wellington’s charter was passed by the Florida Legislature. He has established policy and innovative programs and projects that ensure the highest quality of life for the residents of Wellington. Because of Priore’s concentrated involvement, Wellington has grown to become the fifth-largest municipality in Palm Beach County.

“‘Those to whom much is given, much is expected,’ and I take those words to heart,” said Priore, who added that he was genuinely surprised and humbled by the honor. “I believe that representing the public is a tremendous responsibility and should not be taken lightly. The job requires a lot of hard work and good decision making.”

Priore’s involvement with the

Bickman Graduates Basic Combat Training

Army National Guard Pvt. Thomas D. Bickham has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, Bickham studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayo-

net training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, the military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field-training exercises. Bickham is the son of Linda Moffett of Royal Palm Beach and a 1991 graduate of John I. Leonard High School.

Perez-Medina Finishes Coast Guard Training

Coast Guard Seaman Luis M. Perez-Medina, a 2008 graduate of Park Vista High School, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N.J.

During the eight-week training program, Perez-Medina completed a vigorous training curriculum consisting of academics and practical instruction on water safety and survival, military customs and courtesies, seamanship skills, first aid, fire fighting and marksmanship. Emphasis is placed on phys-

ical fitness, health and wellness. Perez-Medina and other recruits also received instruction on the Coast Guard’s core values — honor, respect and devotion to duty — and how to apply them in their military performance and personal conduct. Perez-Medina will join 36,000 other men and women who comprise Coast Guard’s force. Men and women train together from the first day in the Coast Guard just as they do aboard ships and shore units throughout the world.

Florida League of Cities began when he was a member of the league’s Intergovernmental Policy Committee. He continues to be a fervent advocate for the league’s Institute for Elected Municipal Officials. Priore has risen to become president of both the Florida League of Cities and the Palm Beach County League of Cities. He is currently a member of the Advocacy Committee, Federal Action Strike Team, Florida Municipal Insurance Trust and the league’s board of directors. Priore has served on numerous community boards and local nonprofits. Priore, who has a passion for civic education, made the topic his top priority during his presidency of the league. He lobbied lawmakers for legislation establishing civic education in schools. Effective July 1, civic education in Florida’s middle schools is now law; and Priore is pleased to have been among the key voices advocating for its passage.

This annual award is named the “E. Harris Drew Award,” in memory of Florida Supreme Court Jus-

1950s. The Florida League of Cities was founded in 1922 and established to meet and serve the needs of municipal officials throughout the state.

Grenz Receives Faculty Promotion At Palm Beach Atlantic

Palm Beach Atlantic University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Joseph Kloba recently announced the promotion of Dr. Jonathan Grenz of Wellington to associate professor of ministry leadership studies.

Grenz earned his bachelor’s degree from Taylor University College and Seminary, his master of divinity degree from Sioux Falls Seminary and his doctorate from Biola University. Grenz has more than 20 years of ministry experience. He has served as associate pastor in youth ministry and Christian education, lead pastor and director of a parachurch ministry. He has taught at Palm Beach Atlantic since 2007.

Palm Beach Atlantic University is a private, independent university offering undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees, with campuses in West Palm Beach, Orlando and Wellington. The university is dedicated to the integration of Christian principles to prepare students for learning, leadership and service.

Dr. Jonathan Grenz

The Wellington campus is located in the Wellington Reserve at 1047 State Road 7, one mile south of Southern Blvd. and just north of the Mall at Wellington Green. It offers adult degree program classes. For additional information about Palm Beach Atlantic University, visit the school’s web site at www.pba.edu.

tice E. Harris Drew, who authored the league’s motto — “Local Self Government, Keystone of American Democracy” — when he was active in the Florida League of Municipalities in the 1940s and early

Dr. Carmine Priore

Dr. Shelley Plumb speaks to the RPB seniors.

At County’s Urging, State OKs Guardrails

For SR 80

Guardrails will be installed along a dangerous stretch of State Road 80 west of 20-Mile Bend, thanks to a joint lobbying effort by District 6 County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, county staff, Glades community leaders and members of a citizens traffic safety group. Four fatal, car-in-canal accidents and several other serious crashes have occurred on the rural highway between State Road 15 and County Road 880 since early 2009. But the road’s design didn’t meet state criteria for guardrails. County officials sought a variance, and a state traffic study was ordered. The review concluded that guardrails would be effective in preventing vehicles from leaving the roadway and entering adjacent

Focus Group Wrap-Up Meeting?

continued from page 1 and chaos have caused a certain elevation of non-trusting issues,” she said. “I personally think the blogs have been a detriment to the focus group, and we’ve had a lot of resignations.”

At the last focus group meeting, members heard reports on the condition of the soil, which had no anomalies, and Damone suggested that they give the meetings a break. “What membership is left I think needs to meet one last time and wrap this up,” she said. “The Department of Environmental Protection has wrapped up their investigation. They have a letter on their web site dated Aug. 10 stating that The Acreage is a safe neighborhood.”

Tennis Appeal

Denied

continued from page 1

Francine Ramaglia and Village Manager Paul Schofield denied the appeal. A1A then escalated the appeal to plead its case before the council Tuesday.

In his appeal to the council, A1A President Dennis Grainger pointed out that the bid process began because the council was looking to generate new income for the community and relieve the tax burden.

“Less than one-half of one percent of village residents utilize the tennis center,” he said. “So the other 99.5 percent of the taxpayers of the village pay for an amenity that they never use. If you’re truly representing the entire tax base of Wellington, how can you not go with a company that doesn’t require that they be subsidized with village tax dollars?”

Fees Council Accepts Stimulus Money

continued from page 1 we now have to start paying for the maintenance.” Mayor Darell Bowen said the rate increases were necessary to prevent cuts in other areas.

“I think that none of us take lightly having to raise any of these rates,” he said. “But I don’t think anyone here would like to see us have to cut back in our canal maintenance. We also have some swale maintenance and other issues that have to be taken care of, and it’s either pay now or pay later.” Raising the rates will allow the village to save money down the road, Bowen said.

“I want to see us be fiscally responsible as we go,” he said. “I

Blotter

continued from page 6 daughter were in their yard when they heard approximately 12 gunshots coming from east of their property. The complainant also heard something hit his house and saw dust coming from the wall. After investigating, the complainant found a bullet hole in the side of his home, approximately one foot under a window. According to the report, the complainant did not see who fired the shot, only that it came from the east across the canal. Across the canal, the deputy found an empty wooded lot. According to the report, homeowners north of the lot said that they had observed three people outside the home east of the wooded lot target shooting. The deputy arrived at the home and made contact with the homeowner, who said she did not know anything about the shots being fired, but noted that

canals, according to James A. Wolfe, district secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation.

FDOT engineers are proceeding with developing a project to install guardrails at appropriate locations along SR 80 at an estimated cost of $4 million.

“We wish to construct this guardrail as soon as possible and have a target to open construction bids by July 2011,” Wolfe stated in an e-mail to Santamaria on Aug. 27. “We appreciate the assistance Palm Beach County has provided throughout our review.”

Santamaria was glad that the guardrails will make the heavily traveled road safer.

“The safety of residents has always been my number one priority,” Santamaria said. “Bringing the agencies to the table to solve this serious problem needed to be done. Everyone is now glad that FDOT acted decisively to implement a plan to install the muchneeded barriers.”

The letter, from Mary Jean Yon, director of waste management for the DEP, to Dr. Lisa Conti, director of environmental health for the Florida Department of Health, states that the DEP is finished with its research unless it is called on further.

Damone said all that remains is for the Centers for Disease Control to confirm its findings.

“If the CDC agrees with the Department of Environmental Protection’s assessment, this is pretty much over with,” she said. “I’m not sure if a handful of community members feel it will be over, but as far as the testing goes, it will be completed.”

Focus group member Patricia Curry submitted a letter of resignation to the group on Aug. 18 after the DEP letter was published. She wrote that although the DEP offered a final and conclusive statement that The Acreage water

Between lessons, pro shop sales and membership fees, Grainger said there would be more than enough money to take care of the facility and rebuild four courts each year and still turn a profit. He said that his company would also generate revenue from new programs, fundraisers and tournaments, which could be put back into the village.

Schofield admitted in a letter to A1A that the firm outscored Cheatham on cost. However, he wrote, “while cost is a significant factor with the overall evaluation, it is not the only factor.”

Grainger wanted more specifics on what the other factors were. “Isn’t that why the council went out for [a request for proposals]?” he asked. “Wasn’t that the main factor — to try to save the taxpayers from taxation and double taxation?”

Grainger noted that A1A would use no tax money to run the tennis center and projected that, based on the numbers given by

don’t want to see us get to a point where we can’t fix our water or sewer system without borrowing money. I think these are very tough decisions, but I think these are decisions we have to make.”

The council unanimously passed the three resolutions, with Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore voting via conference call from out of town.

In other business:

• The council also authorized the purchase, renovation and resale of five homes in the village as part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, a federal grant program aimed to help stabilize areas experiencing difficulties as a result of foreclosures.

The village has accepted $750,000 in aid from the program and spent $720,120 for the purchase of five Wellington homes, which are set to be renovated and resold to income-qualified families earning 120 percent or below of area median income.

The village also paid $3,600 of

her son had a friend over. According to the report, the deputy made contact with 22-year-old Daniel Rodriguez, the friend of the homeowner’s son, who said he had been shooting his gun into the dirt pile in the front yard. Rodriguez, also an Acreage resident, told deputies that he had fired between 10 and 12 shots, and that he’d just gotten the firearm and was excited to shoot it. Rodriguez was arrested and given a notice to appear in court.

AUG 30 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded Monday afternoon to a medical complex on State Road 7 in regard to a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., someone entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole a CD player/radio valued at $250. The victim left work for

Village Park Gym Closed For Maintenance

The gymnasium at Wellington’s Village Park on Pierson Road closed Thursday, Sept. 2 and will remain closed through Monday, Sept. 6 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. As in past years, during this time, annual scheduled maintenance will be performed on the gym floor surfaces. The gym will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 7 for regular programming.

Wellington Cares Helping Haiti

In October, Wellington Cares Clearinghouse will be delivering a carload of donated goods to Food for the Poor in Coconut Creek, which ships duty-free containers to 14 Caribbean countries. Girls clothes and school supplies are particularly needed by the orphanage and school Notre Dame

quality is generally good and peoples’ yards are safe, she has been frustrated by news reports that seemed to fan the fear in The Acreage.

“From the time I first began speaking on this particular issue, including at that ill-conducted February 2010 meeting at Seminole Ridge, I stated that our environment didn’t cause pediatric cancers, even while empathizing with the families who have suffered,” she wrote.

At the first focus group meeting on March 24, Curry said she stated the same thing and has offered similar statements all along.

“My opinion was based on my 30 years of residency in our community, having raised my own family here, including a stepdaughter, having friends and their relatives in the area, and longtime neighbors with their children raising families here as well, and need I

Cheatham, A1A would return a profit of $40,000 to the village in the first year. Additionally, Grainger said that A1A would “personally guarantee” $25,000 or 10 percent of the gross profits, whichever is greater, in the first year.

Grainger estimated the village could have saved more than $2 million the past 11 years by choosing a provider that did not require tax subsidies to run the center, and by collecting a portion of the gross revenue each year.

However, Cheatham told the council that A1A’s profit projections were not realistic. He said that when looking at the numbers, there is “no way they come out ahead.”

Cheatham also responded to Grainger’s claim that his company would charge an additional $110,000 on top of the $145,000 that he asked for in the proposal.

“That’s not true,” he said. “I’m asking for $145,000 minus $35,000 that I will reimburse the

its own money for each of the five homes, totaling $18,000. The purchase of a sixth home is pending. If purchased, the village would use the remaining $29,000 in program funds and offset the cost of the $111,880 home with its own money.

Councilman Howard Coates noted that some of the homes were more expensive than he expected. The five homes ranged in price from approximately $106,000 to $198,000.

“Were there not other options or alternatives available at lower costs?” he asked. “Then we could, perhaps, make more homes available under this program.”

Schofield said the village has experienced difficulties getting homeowners to close, and others had purchased some homes before the village could make a deal.

“These are the people who we could get to the table in time to get the funding, and that funding essentially expires tomorrow,” he said.

lunch and discovered the front driver’s side door open and the CD player/radio missing from the center dashboard. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 30 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded Monday to the Panera Bread restaurant near the Mall at Wellington Green regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim left her purse behind at Panera Bread on an outside chair. Half an hour later she called, and an employee told her it was at the register. When the victim retrieved her purse, she discovered $468 in cash and four checks for $52 each were missing. Nothing else was taken. There was no surveillance footage available, and there were no witnesses at the time of the report.

de Charite in Leogone, the center of earthquake damage. Also needed are hotel samples for hygiene kits and receiving blankets for mid-wife kits. Call Ellie Caldwell at (561) 790-5499 for more info.

St. Peter’s Seeks Vendors

St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington is currently planning its fourth annual Harvest Fest to be held on Saturday, Oct. 16. Harvest Fest will feature craft vendors, a barbecue dinner, bake sale, onstage entertainment and kids games.

Booth space (8’x8’) is available to vendors in the church’s air-conditioned building, or vendors can furnish their own tent for a 10’x10’ space outside. Inside space is furnished with a six-foot table and costs $45; outside space costs $50. There is limited space available. For more info., or to request an application, call Al Bennett at (561) 753-6784.

mention none of them with incident of pediatric brain cancer,” she wrote, adding that she is comfortable that The Acreage is not contaminated, based not only upon her personal opinion, but also upon all the testing done to date.

Curry said that attending future focus group meetings will not serve much of a point. “Future participation seems fruitless when some will never be satisfied with the testing results, and will always find one more means of creating doubt,” she concluded.

Mike Nichols, a candidate for the ITID Board of Supervisors who served as vice chair of the focus group, also resigned from the panel. He owns a water consulting firm and said Acreage residents need to be made aware that the water quality in The Acreage is generally good.

“They want to know the water is good out here,” Nichols said.

village for my full-time maintenance person. So the true number is $110,000.”

Cheatham further noted that the appeal said he would not introduce new programs, but said that the tennis center already offers programs, leagues and tournaments and wondered why he would replace them with new programs.

The council agreed that A1A’s protest was of the committee’s decision and did not suggest any wrongdoing by committee members.

“This hearing is not about running a tennis center,” Mayor Darell Bowen said. “This hearing is about the process… and I haven’t heard one thing from anybody that’s telling me that the process is really flawed.”

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore, who joined the meeting by phone, said the committee hadn’t misconstrued any facts that would have changed the decision.

“What I heard was an absolute disagreement with the conclu-

Willhite said that the village was making the right decision by authorizing the program, as it would help make the neighborhoods look better.

“Taking a property that’s probably dilapidated, vacant, outdated… anything you can take off the market, rehabilitate and put back on the market looking better and maintained will help the rest of the community,” he said.

The council voted 4-0 to authorize the home purchases with Priore absent.

Lion Country Homes Approved

continued from page 3 lighted to have Lion Country as a neighbor.”

Richmond said there have been rumors of Lion Country closing since she moved there, but they have been unfounded. “They are one of the top three zoos in the nation. That is really exciting, and it’s something for us to be very proud of,” Richmond said.

However, Richmond said that she feels Lion Country is asking for more than it actually needs.

Resident Rita Miller said granting the land-use change is allowing urban density to leak into farmland. “This is a ‘Westward

Mining Meetings Planned

continued from page 7 rock mining compared to the county’s scale of spending on other things. “If it does have ramifications on our water that has to be resolved,” he said.

Commissioner Burt Aaronson said he did not feel it was the county staff’s place to be giving direc-

“We need to highlight and we need to advertise and get the word out on just how good the water quality is.” Nichols said the focus group was made up of essentially two different opinions. “One of those was, there’s still something out there in the environment, the other was that the testing has proven that there isn’t,” he said. “I’m on the latter side. I think the testing has definitively shown that we do not have an environmental contamination problem. Some are speculating on unfounded ideas… but I think they are vested in an outcome that’s contrary to what the evidence is showing.” Nichols said getting rid of the “cancer cluster” stigma is not going to be easy. “Someone needs to do some type of independent study to bring this out and let people see this,” he said.

Tim O’Connor of the Palm

sion of the evaluation committee,” he said. “If that is the issue that this is being built on, then there is no basis as far as I’m concerned.”

Vice Mayor Matt Willhite noted that although he does not use the tennis center, he and his family have used the village pool.

“Whatever it is, not every resident in the village utilizes every service there is,” he said. “However, at some point in their time here in this community, they utilize something of it.”

The council voted unanimously to deny the appeal by A1A.

In a separate vote, the council directed staff to negotiate a contract with Cheatham Inc.

“I hope that the staff asks a lot of Mr. Cheatham,” Willhite said. “It’s not because he came out No. 1 in the rankings. It’s not because he’s been here for however many years… it’s because he’s offering a service to our residents that needs to be the best deal for everyone.”

• The council also accepted

$41,230,935 in additional federal stimulus money from the Florida Department of Transportation for Forest Hill Blvd. improvements.

Willhite noted that there are concerns about Forest Hill Blvd. regarding lane closures and missing trees.

“If we’re going to take advantage of these funds from the federal government to maintain and improve our roadways, we have to move on it as quickly as possible,” he said. “All this is saying is

Ho’ amendment,” Miller said.

Drew Martin, representing the Sierra Club, said approving the change harms the planning process. “The purpose of planning is you look at what the needs are,” Martin said. “The real issue for the environmental community is that we don’t want to see this movement of the county west. When I drive out these roads out to Lake Okeechobee, we don’t want to see more and more development as we move in that direction. I don’t believe that if you give this to Lion Country Safari, that in 15 years it will be there. Commercially, it will be more profitable to remove Lion Country Safari and replace it with homes.”

Vice Chair Karen Marcus spoke against the motion.

tion to the stakeholders. He agreed that experts from universities should be brought in, possibly as facilitators for the stakeholders’ meetings. “I think the stakeholders that you bring in are the most important thing,” he said. “Let them sit down and bring up the issues.”

Weisman said he felt that someone from the environmental department at Florida Atlantic University could be recruited to participate in the meetings.

Beach County Health Department said his agency will continue to provide support to the community and the focus group. What remains of the investigation is a control case study, which is coordinated between the DOH and CDC, he said. “They compile all the information,” O’Connor said. “That should be forthcoming; we’re optimistic it will be this month.”

He said he does not anticipate any new issues to come out of the final report.

The Acreage Information Center in the Publix Shopping Center remains open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for people with concerns to ask questions and obtain information, O’Connor said. The office has one full-time staff member as well as epidemiologists and environmental officials there several days a week.

Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz said the request for proposals indicated the contract would be for one year with an option for two oneyear renewals. Kurtz said the contract would come before the council at its Sept. 13 meeting. If an agreement cannot be reached, the village would negotiate with A1A. Councilman Howard Coates said that although he rejected A1A’s appeal, issues were raised that he wanted addressed during negotiations.

“One of those is ensuring that this tennis program is indeed a Wellington community tennis program,” he said. “I heard some things that concerned me about the low membership. I didn’t really hear anything about the usage of Wellington residents versus nonWellington residents. If we’re going to be subsidizing this program with our tax dollars, then I think we owe it as council members to make sure that Wellington residents are benefiting.”

that we’re getting more money to help offset the future cost of our residents. How can we not support something like this?”

Utilities Director Bill Riebe said the improvements were to be finished by Feb. 14, 2011, and that once construction is done, additional trees would be planted.

“So potentially eight months and Forest Hill will be the gem of our community,” Willhite said. The council voted 4-0 to accept the money with Priore absent.

“I just think this sets a really bad precedent for us as far as tier changes,” Marcus said. “I value Lion Country Safari and all the things they’ve done for this community over the years, but we’ve seen in the past for farming issues, when you use financing with land-use changes, it almost forces you to do residential housing as opposed to supporting the business.”

Commissioner Jess Santamaria asked if the six previous objections had been sufficiently addressed and resolved, and Planning Director Lorenzo Aghemo said all of them had been resolved during a meeting in Tallahassee between DCA officials and Kilday with county staff monitoring the meeting by telephone, including the tier change.

“The tier change is allowed in the comprehensive plan,” Aghemo said. “It has been allowed for a number of years.” Aghemo added that as part of the DCA agreement, if the park should cease to exist, the land will remain open space, whether it is for conservation, cultural uses or water management. “It will not be developed,” Aghemo said. “It will remain open space.”

Commissioner Steven Abrams made a motion to adopt the amendments, which passed 5-1 with Marcus opposed.

Environmental Excellence Award — At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Aug. 17, the Solid Waste Authority made a presentation regarding the receipt of the 2010 National Environmental Excellence Award from the National Association of Environmental Professionals for the environmental management and beneficial reuse of the former Cross State Landfill, which is now home to the Herman W. Brice Fire Rescue Complex. Pictured above (L-R): Marc Bruner, Commissioner Karen Marcus, Commissioner Burt Aaronson, County Administrator Bob Weisman and Fire Chief Steve Jerauld.

It’s not simply about portfolio holdings and account balances. It’s about your complete life. You should have a wealth management partner who understands that. Who cares about your personal goals for your family, your business, your future. Who can give you comfort in making decisions that not only support your financial objectives, but that help ensure you have time to do the things you enjoy with those you love.

Antiques Festival Returns To The Fairgrounds

The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival returns to the South Florida Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 4 and 5. Attendance was up again at the August show, and the early buyers program hit a new high. Early buyers admission costs $10 and is good for both days. Page 24

Royal Palm Beach Falls To Nova In Kickoff Classic

The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team could not get the momentum needed to stop Nova High School, losing 2310 to their Broward County opponents during a kickoff classic game Aug. 27. Nova played consistently with two fumble recoveries, one of which they followed with a touchdown. Page 35

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

Features

Posse Show Season Begins Sept. 4-5

At The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center

It has been a long, hot summer, and the horse shows are ready to start again. The Palm Beach County Mounted Posse will host its show on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 4 and 5, at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The dressage show will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by the jumper classes at 5 p.m. It is the first year the group has offered dressage classes. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 23

Spor ts

Lady Broncos, Hawks Volleyball Teams Are Ready For New Season

With girls volleyball underway last week, Palm Beach Central High School and Seminole Ridge High School are looking to be competitive on the court despite being in a tough district. Both schools’ varsity teams are looking to make a strong showing throughout the season. Page 37

Posse Show Season Begins Sept. 4-5 At Brandon Center

It has been a long, hot summer, and now the horse shows are ready to start again.

The Palm Beach County Mounted Posse will host its show on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 4 and 5, at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The dressage show will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by the jumper classes at 5 p.m.

The following day, the hunter classes will commence at 8 a.m. and the pleasure classes at 9 a.m. The pleasure show begins with halter, lead line and showmanship classes, and then moves on to Western pleasure. The English pleasure portion begins at 1 p.m. There also is a reining class at the end of the day. The Posse holds shows September through November and February through June. (The barrel shows continue in July and August, since they’re held in the cooler evenings.)

Alyce Michelbrink, president of the Posse, noted that this is the first year the group has offered dressage classes.

“Some of our riders came to us and asked if we could somehow include dressage,” she said. “They wanted something local and affordable. Pat Schmoll was especially helpful and is our dressage show manager. The turnout has been remarkable, between 40 and 50 people at each show, and I think our membership is pleased with what we’ve done. Our first judge was Linda Zang, who has judged Olympic riders. We’ve had some world-class participants use us as a warm-up show.”

The dressage tests range from Training Level through Grand Prix. Michelbrink said

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

that one of the Posse’s goals is to make showing accessible to the everyday, backyard horse owner. “This is more about doing your best and improving at your own pace, not beating out everyone else in the class,” she said.

Everyone makes it a point to mention the friendly atmosphere of the Posse shows. Nongae Johnson, owner of Johnson’s Folly in Delray Beach, shows in the dressage classes and brings some of her students. She said the shows are run professionally and aren’t at all intimidating.

“It’s a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, very helpful,” she said. “The way the dressage tests are organized, each rider can have a five-minute critique from the judge. It’s more like a private mini-clinic, which is wonderfully helpful. Even some top CDI riders school at the Posse show to prepare for the rated shows.”

Renae Odom, one of Nongae’s students, said it’s a great place to show with nice people. “The judges are friendly and helpful and give you useful feedback,” Odom said. Another student, Michelle Venales, enjoys

the jumper classes. “They’re really fun,” she said. “The shows are well organized, which is great for reducing stress for both me and my horse. It makes him calmer and gives me more control.”

Lindsay Holland of Delray Beach shows in the dressage, jumper and barrel shows — all on the same horse. Donovan, her 11-yearold chestnut Thoroughbred, even does tricks such as bowing, lying down and the Spanish Walk. Holland has been showing with the Posse for about 10 years.

“I like that it’s low key,” she said. “It’s fun and affordable, and you don’t have to worry about having the most expensive horse or clothes or equipment. Everything doesn’t have to be perfectly clean; your horse doesn’t have to be braided. This is a great place for local horse owners who want to show for fun, not for big bucks.”

Janet Jones of Loxahatchee has been showing in the Western pleasure classes for about six years.

“I like that it’s a local one-day show, which means it’s easy to get there and also very affordable,” she said. “The people are all very friendly, helpful and supportive — a great atmosphere for riding and learning. It’s a smalltown show, and the people from your neighborhood are your competition.”

The jumper show offers eight classes with jumps from 2 feet, 3 inches to 2 feet, 9 inches. Michelbrink said the response this year has been the best, with about 30 riders. The hunter and pleasure shows are the Posse’s

‘We’re a schooling show. It’s not like you have to already know how to do everything perfectly. You and your horse can learn and grow, and if you want to go on to bigger, rated shows, that’s fine.’

Posse President Alyce Michelbrink

bread and butter. Some barns regularly have six to 10 riders, and a lot of individuals come in for the day. The average is about 200 riders in each show.

“These have always been our steady, biggest group,” Michelbrink said.

She said the Posse show is a great place for anyone to start showing.

“We’re a schooling show,” Michelbrink said. “It’s not like you have to already know how to do everything perfectly. You and your horse can learn and grow, and if you want to go on to bigger, rated shows, that’s fine. This is a wonderful place to start. I’m excited that our show season is ready to get underway again. I’m looking forward to welcoming all our riders back from summer break.”

For more information, call Michelbrink at (561) 333-3857, or visit the Posse web site at www.pbcposse.com.

Why Don’t All Those Professionals Just Come To Me?

OK, here’s the thing. Lately I am being inundated with postcard reminders of appointments I should be making for the sake of my health, the health of my loved ones, even the health of my house and car.

As much as I appreciate these reminders, they produce a certain amount of guilt because decisions have to be made. I mean, there are only so many hours in a day and bills in a wallet. It’s the prioritizing that’s giving me grief.

The car is making a weird noise. Do I rush it right over to the mechanic or will I need it in order to get to the dentist? And whose teeth need attention first — Mark’s or mine? And should we be outside at all?

The sun has suddenly become our enemy (so says the dermatologist), but if we’re going to risk going out, when was the last time our family doctor got a look at us? And don’t get me started on the lawn and

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

its problems. My head is spinning.

So here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to make one appointment — at my house. All the doctors and dentists and mechanics and landscapers who claim to be so interested in my welfare can come over on, say, Tuesday at 2 o’clock. I’ll invite them into the living room and put out coffee and maybe some Ritz crackers. Then I’ll stay helpfully out of the way while they duke it out over exactly which

tuneup I need first. I’ll put my car keys on the hall table and sit on my bed with some crinkly paper underneath me and my blouse on backward in case I actually have to be looked at. I’ll even keep my thermometer and some cotton balls nearby, and maybe that bathroom scale that I keep tinkering with. (How can it always be off by a couple of pounds?)

The person who presented his or her case most convincingly will have first crack at me (or my car or my air conditioning ducts or my mole cricket-infested lawn).

But don’t think that I don’t know how precious a professional’s time is. I do. I know that a doctor’s time is way more important than anything that is going on in my life. So I’ll make things doubly easy for these people by having the neighbors available for appointments, too. Instead of waiting for the dermatologist to finish with me,

the dentist can run next door and put in that filling for Stacy. The landscaper can top off Bernie’s hedges while my sprinkler is running. And the mechanic can easily line up everybody’s cars in assembly-line fashion like Henry Ford did.

Dog groomers are already set up for this with their little vans cruising around, so why should I have to make a special trip to the hair salon? Bring back Edward Scissorhands!

With a little ingenuity and a lot of planning, I think we could pull it off. I’d love to see the results of prioritizing by professionals. Hmmm.

Maybe not. Maybe things would get real quiet and I’d poke my head out of the bedroom only to discover an empty living room, six half-eaten Ritz and an abandoned stethoscope.

Maybe I’d better get on the phone.

USA’s ‘Royal Pains’ Makes For Entertaining Television

Royal Pains is an amusing soap opera.

The show, presented during the summer by USA Network, explores the life of the rich and eccentric. Happily, it takes the extra time to explore its characters and focus on its real interest — families. The characters do not fit all the usual preconceptions, and that is for the best.

Hank Lawson (Mark Feuerstein) is an idealistic young doctor (are there any other kind on television?) who loses his job because of idealism and is invited to live for a time with his brother, Evan (Paulo Costanzo), an accountant and hopeful business tycoon, out in the Hamptons, a ritzy vacation area on Long Island, after he saves the life of a billionaire. The people who own homes there are very wealthy and very famous. Hank becomes a concierge doctor. What is a concierge doctor? It’s a doctor who serves the rich and famous, the people we see all the time on television either praising or condemning “Obamacare.” Since none of them will have to deal with the paperwork, cutbacks, improvements or problems caused by same, and have fancy accountants to help avoid any new taxes that might arise, they will argue they can be more objective than the rest of us.

‘I’

On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

Concierge doctors often do house calls. They actually give their cell phone numbers to their patients and take calls in the middle of the night. They spend long periods of time with them. Just like doctors used to do. And Hank is one of them, giving the audience a chance to meet a lot of very wealthy, ill and often eccentric people.

The most interesting of them is Boris Kuester von Jurgens-Ratenicz (Campbell Scott), who provides the two brothers a place to stay and run their business, HankMed. Boris has a weird genetic illness and is involved in a lot of activities that the governments of several countries, including the United States, would like to learn about. All of the above creates a whole raft of fun problems for the Lawson boys.

The other characters besides the brothers, who have one of the more interesting and amusing relationships on television, include their father (Henry Winkler), who has been absent most of their lives, a very attractive Indian woman named Divya (Reshma Shetty), who prefers being Hank’s physician’s assistant to flying off to London to finally complete the details of her arranged marriage; Jill (Jill Flint), who runs the local hospital; and Ms. Newberg (Christine Ebersole in a great comic turn), a very wealthy woman with a penchant for cosmetic surgery.

I particularly liked watching the characters develop in their own, sometimes-surprising ways. Divya falls in love with an idealistic documentary creator, Jill has a few interesting secrets, Boris manages to be somewhat sinister while also demonstrating kindness, and the relationship that develops between Ms. Newberg and the boys’ father is amusing.

Things are never simple in the Hamptons. Plots often get a bit convoluted, but that generally adds to the fun. The illnesses are all new and interesting; the situations comic. Boris brings Hank and Evan to Cuba to help him try a new medical treatment

and they wind up dealing with anti-Castro guerrillas as well. There are regular feuds between different people and groups. Evan winds up learning a lot more about himself when he winds up being paid to pretend to be an heiress’ boyfriend (so her parents don’t know the real boyfriend is far older) and decides he likes the woman. Hank has his own issues with a series of women. In other words, the show is reasonably close to real life, or as real it can be when most of the people involved have more money in the bank than most of us will earn in our lifetimes.

The characters are far stronger than those on most of the network television series. The USA Network has the slogan “Characters welcome,” and this show lives up to it very well. The second year of the series is over for the summer on its first run, although I expect you can catch up to it on reruns. It will be back in January. I found out about the series fairly late (thanks, Aunt Cicely, for recommending it) and caught up by watching a lot of it on the computer. I will be watching for its return. Perhaps, just perhaps, the major networks will provide something as interesting in this coming year’s shows.

WPB Antiques Festival Returns To The Fairgrounds Sept. 4-5

The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival returns to the South Florida Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 4 and 5.

Festival owners Kay and Bill Puchstein are feeling pretty smart these days. Bucking the traditional summer schedule of no antiquing in Florida in the summer has proved to be a good thing for the festival, the dealers and the customers. Attendance was up again at the August show, and the early buyers program hit a new high. Changing the early buyers admission from $25 to $10 for Saturday morning more than tripled the participation; some dealers benefited from the switch.

One dealer from Stuart made such strong sales on early buyers that he said he could just pack up and take the rest of the weekend

off. He didn’t, of course, but it got the ball rolling in the right direction, and he had strong sales all weekend. A jewelry dealer from Coral Springs has had her best two shows ever in the last two summer shows, and she has been a regular monthly dealer for 10 years.

One dealer who has had strong sales at the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival since the early 1990s is Your Fondest Memories owner Eric Glickman — and he has a good time doing it. Glickman thinks his booth is the bestlooking booth at the show since it is filled with all the things Baby Boomers remember from their early childhoods. The dealer has a nice selection of the coin-operated dispensers that used to lure children of the period with bubble gum, candy or peanuts. He also

has a great inventory of the old advertising signs they grew up with, ranging from soda fountain signs to ice cream advertising to gasoline ads. But the real bait is the collection of lithographed toys and pre-war trains. Summer show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4 and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5. Adult daily admission is $7 ($6 for seniors) with a $1 discount coupon for adult admission available online at www. wpbaf.com. Anyone under 16 is admitted free. Early buyers admission on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. costs $10 and is good for both days. There is no charge for parking at the fairgrounds. For more information, contact the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival at (941) 697-7475 or info@wpbaf.com.

Some of the antique items at Eric Glickman’s booth.

‘Figuratively Speaking’ Opens Sept. 14 At Eissey Gallery

Five artists who use the human figure to convey meanings in fresh, unexpected ways are featured in the exhibition “Figuratively Speaking Invitational,” which opens Tuesday, Sept. 14 at the Palm Beach State College Eissey Campus Art Gallery. The exhibition will continue until Friday, Oct. 8.

The five invited artists — Angela Dicosola of Fort Lauderdale, Rebeca Gilling and Teresa Pastoriza of Miami, Moria Holohan of Palm Beach Gardens and Jessica Rebik of Dubuque, Iowa — represent the figure or resemblance of the figure through their personal interpretation.

The exhibition will feature 30 pieces, including drawings, oil paintings, ceramic sculptures and a video installation. The opening reception is Tuesday, Sept. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. and the artists will be in attendance to discuss their work. Much of the artwork is available for

sale. The reception and exhibition are free and open to the public.

The Art Gallery at Eissey Campus is located in the BB building (3160 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens). Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5

p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays.

For additional information, call art gallery specialist Karla Walter at (561) 207-5015.

‘Harvest: A Celebration Of Autumn’ At Lake Worth Gallery

“Harvest: A Celebration of Autumn” by the artists of the ClayGlass-Metal-Stone Gallery will sweep out the heat of summer and welcome in the new fall season. Join them for an opening reception on Friday, Sept. 3 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The autumnal equinox is a time for celebration as the hot, hot summer begins to fade and the fall season approaches. Artists who were fading under the hot Florida summer sun are perking up and spinning their magic as they create new works reflective of the anticipation of a new season and new dreams. Dreams of form and color will mold into fall motifs, colorful glass and ceramic leaves, tapestries of many colors, pots for fall plantings and whimsical approaches to the new season.

Artists will be demonstrating techniques that herald the season. A weaver may set up a loom. A potter might be at work on the wheel. A glass fuser might be assembling work to be fired. Musicians might be making music inside and outside the gallery. All of these plans are as ephemeral as the change of seasons; but, exciting and new sights and sounds will certainly dominate the evening.

A wine-and-cheese tasting takes place at every opening.

Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Cooperative Gallery is sponsored by the Flamingo Clay Studio, a non-profit arts organization whose mission is to provide affordable studio and gal-

lery space for three-dimensional artists.

The gallery is located at 605 Lake Avenue in downtown Lake Worth.

Jupiter Art Show Sept. 8 To Benefit Overseas Troops

The Artists Association of Jupiter will hold its monthly gallery open house “Second Wednesday” on Sept. 8 at A Unique Art Gallery. Second Wednesday is a monthly artists open house hosted by the association in conjunction with neighboring gallery Unique Glass Art, just a few steps away. This free family event will be held at 226 Center St., one block west of Alternate A1A, next to the Jupiter Ale House.

This month’s event will benefit Adopt-a-Platoon and the Americans Supporting Americans Jupiter/Tequesta group. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., A Unique Art Gallery and its neighbor Unique Glass Art will host a beef jerky-collecting campaign for Adopt-a-Platoon’s Florida-based 325th Security Force Squadron, now serving in Iraq. There will be raffles throughout the evening to raise money for purchasing beef jerky, a valuable commodity for the men and women serving their country so far from home. Direct donations of the popular snack will also be accepted — and greatly appreciated by the troops — at the free event.

Gallery openings take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on the first and third Fridays of each month. For more information, call (215) 205-9441.

Jupiter/Tequesta Adopt-a-Platoon and Americans Supporting Americans are led by Tequesta residents Kit Stewart-Legato, Lee Resnik and Pat Marie, and Jupiter residents Rosalie Magdzin and Kathy Morgan. Over the past two and a half years,

the group has sent support to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan in the way of care packages. The group has been responsible for collecting, packing and shipping more than 425 APO boxes of donated items.

More than a dozen resident artists will be showcasing their works in sculpture, etched glass, photography, original oils and giclees at Second Wednesday. Attendees will be able to stroll between the two galleries, enjoy free refreshments and great fine art, as well as support U.S. troops serving overseas.

Founded in June by Susan Lorenti, the Artists Association of Jupiter is a collaboration of artists who work together to promote the awareness of art and education to the community and surrounding counties. Its venue, A Unique Art Gallery, opened its doors on June 1. Learn more about the organization, its artists and programs on the association’s web site at www.artists associationofjupiter.com.

Unique Glass Art has been serving Palm Beach and Martin counties since 1986 and specializes in custom glass etching and carvings for residential and commercial applications. For more information, visit www.uniqueglassart.com. For more information on Second Wednesdays, call Susan Lorenti at (954) 588-7275 or Carolyn Austin at (561) 747-2024.

Forget Me Not by Rebecca Gilling.

Autumn by Karen McGovern, curator of the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation.

A set of sculpture pieces by Angela Discosola.

Oakton Preserve Offers Valuable Savings On Luxury Townhomes

Even in difficult economic times, people are still visiting Oakton Preserve to tour the decorated model. The value in these threebedroom, two-and-a-half-bath luxury townhomes, which include two-car garages and more standard features than you’ll find anywhere else, is unmatched. And Oakton Preserve is the only townhome community of its kind to be found anywhere in Palm Beach County.

Townhomes available in this intimate enclave, located in the heart of West Palm Beach, are value-priced from $239,900. Buyers receive an $8,000 Oakton Preserve credit, and the builder pays all closing costs.

Oakton Preserve is just three minutes west of Florida’s Turnpike on Okeechobee Blvd., providing access to nearly all major employment, transportation and entertainment centers.

These 2,700-square-foot townhomes are loaded with luxurious standard features in every home, including granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, crown molding, brick pavers, maple cabinets, decorative oak and metal handrails, impact glass and more. And now, for a limited time, Oakton Preserve is offering an additional $8,000 builder credit to all buyers. The $8,000 credit and builder-paid closing costs has a total package value of $15,000. The actual package value may vary based on the buyer’s circumstances and subject to the buyer utilizing the seller’s preferred lender.

Oakton Preserve features a 4,700-squarefoot clubhouse with stunning lake views and sidewalks where you can take a stroll or jog. There is also first-class landscaping and a children’s tot lot.

Oakton Preserve is designed and built by

Gerhard Schickedanz, Waldemar Schickedanz, Michael Smolak and Thomas Applegate of Schickedanz Building Group, builders of Oakton Preserve.

the Schickedanz Building Group, with a proud 58-year history in the real estate development, home building and construction industry across North America. Prospective home buyers are invited to visit Oakton Preserve and tour the designer-decorated model. Tour hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. To schedule a private showing, call (561) 537-4856. Oakton Preserve is located 2024 Foxtail View Court, just west of Florida’s Turnpike off Okeechobee Blvd. For more information about Oakton Preserve, visit www.oaktonpreserve.com.

A view of some of the townhome designs available at Oakton Preserve.

PALMS WEST CHAMBER WELCOMES COFFTEA

Cofftea Café is an innovative coffeehouse concept developed by the Molina family to provide freshly roasted coffee, unparalleled espresso-based drinks, specialty beverages and gourmet light food items to quality-conscious consumers in Wellington. Cofftea is located at 13860 Wellington Trace, Suite 39, in the Courtyard Shops shopping center. For more info., call (561) 798-4050. Pictured above are Palms West Chamber of Commerce ambassadors with owners Rodolfo Molina, Susan Triana and Sophia Molina.

New Virtual Marketspace For Palm Beach County Businesses

Palm Beach Revival Inc. recently announced the soft launch of a new web site, RevivePalmBeach. com. It is a Facebook- and Twitterenhanced virtual marketspace composed entirely of Palm Beach County businesses.

The site was developed to stimulate countywide commerce, benefiting a growing coalition of member businesses and their existing and potential customers. Member businesses benefit from the organic exposure the web site generates. Consumers benefit from exclusive offers and information about upcoming events showcased via a direct feed to member businesses’ Facebook and Twitter pages. Consumers also benefit from uncensored reviews of member businesses by other consumers.

“This site is both a localized media marketing campaign and a virtual shopping district,” founder Ryan Johnston said. “Consumers visiting the marketspace discover Palm Beach County businesses naturally, similar to strolling a popular shopping district. Visitors are essentially virtual pedestrians. As they stroll toward their destination or

storefront they can’t miss other member businesses’ enticements.”

Storefronts within RevivePalm Beach.com’s shopping district vie for visitors’ attention with the specials and exclusives they offer.

“We’re shrinking the countywide commerce footprint to a manageable size and increasing traffic to members’ websites and Facebook and Twitter pages,” co-founder Michael Sanchez said. “This eventually leads to increased foot traffic. Our goal is to solidify brand loyalty of Palm Beach County residents for Palm Beach County businesses. This is not merely a web site. This is a leverage-ready marketing campaign designed to keep Palm Beach County consumers engaged with Palm Beach County businesses.”

Much like any physical shopping district, browsing or window shopping on the web site is encouraged. “The awareness and discovery experience are the essence of RevivePalmBeach.com,” Sanchez said.

Facebook and Twitter are essential components within the Revive PalmBeach.com model. As member businesses post and tweet

time-sensitive specials and upcoming events, the information is automatically fed to RevivePalm Beach.com. This means member businesses are actively marketing to consumers who are not already their “fans” or “followers.”

Utilizing RevivePalmBeach. com’s marketing campaign requires no additional effort on the part of business owners, yet dramatically expands their brand’s reach. Every business’ campaign is geographically targeted and completely customizable.

RevivePalmBeach.com is now open to visitors. The site will be continually populated with new member businesses leading up to and after the Labor Day weekend hard launch. The weekend also kicks off an advertising and publicity push to promote the site within Palm Beach County.

Beginning Sept. 3, there will be biweekly drawings for prizes donated by RevivePalmBeach.com member businesses.

For more information on RevivePalmBeach. com, visit the web site or call Gregory DuBose at (561) 746-6077.

ROYAL MANOR WELCOMES THERAPY TEAM

Royal Manor Nursing Home in Royal Palm Beach has announced Halcyon Rehabilitation as its new therapy team. Halcyon offers occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy six days a week. Halcyon has highly trained therapists who work together to meet the individual needs of each patient; many patients return home after a short stay with confidence and ability to live an independent life. Royal Manor is located at 600 Business Park Way in Royal Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 798-3700. Pictured below are Halcyon Rehabilitation therapists working with Royal Manor residents.

PBSC Receives TRiO Grant For Student Support Services

Palm Beach State College recently received $255,505 per year for five years from the Department of Education for a TRiO Grant for Student Support Services.

For more than 10 years, PBSC has successfully conducted a Student Support Services program. It is a free program funded by TRiO, a set of federally funded college opportunity programs established in 1964 that motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their pursuit of college degrees.

The specific purpose of the Student Support Services program is to provide academic and other support services to low-income, firstgeneration or disabled college students to increase students’ retention and graduation rates, facilitate their transfer from two-year to four-year colleges, and foster an institutional climate supportive of their success. Key

areas of the college taking part in the program include financial aid, academic advising and the Department of Institutional Research and Effectiveness.

This new funding will allow the college to continue this service to 170 eligible Student Support Services students through the establishment of content-specific learning communities, student grant aid, academic and personal needs assessment to develop an academic success plan for each participant, financial aid counseling, financial literacy training, academic advisement and support, career development, technology training, tutoring, counseling, cultural events, student activities, transfer activities, workshops to enhance students’ success and retention, and intensive participant monitoring and developmental advising to increase participants’ retention, graduation and transfer rates.

Royal Palm Beach Falls To Nova 23-10 In Kickoff Classic

By Bryan Gayoso Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team could not get the momentum needed to stop the Nova High School Titans, losing 23-10 to their Broward County opponents during a kickoff classic game Friday, Aug. 27.

Nova played consistently with two fumble recoveries, one of which they were able follow up with a touchdown. Royal Palm Beach lost an opportunity to score early when they were unable to convert

on downs from within the 15 yard line, then settled for a field goal instead. The Wildcats were able to block an extra point attempt but could not stop a 2-point conversion. With more than six minutes to go in the fourth quarter, it looked like the Wildcats could make a comeback when running back Lloyd Howard ran over 50 yards for a touchdown, making it 17-10. However, the Titans answered with a touchdown, dimming Royal Palm Beach’s chances and bringing the final score to 23-10.

Wellington Victorious Over Jupiter In Football Preseason Game

Senior T.J. Martin led Wellington High School to a 14-8 victory over Jupiter in the preseason football Kickoff Classic on Friday, Aug. 27.

The host Wolverines got off to a rough start. After a three-and-out on their first possession, Nick Brewer’s punt was blocked into the end zone for a safety, giving Jupiter a 2-0 lead only two minutes into the game, although the game clock was not working.

Midway through the quarter, the Wolverines responded with a 35-yard touchdown run by quarterback Tyler Vanacore. Brewer’s extra-point was successful to make the score 72. “It felt great to score and get up on them early,” Vanacore said.

On the ensuing drive, the Warriors maneuvered their way down the field. Inside the Wolverines’ 30 yard line, Jupiter quarterback John Augustine threw a fade pass toward the end zone. Cornerback T.J. Martin jumped high in the air and intercepted the pass on the one yard line.

Wolverine Watch

By Josh Hyber

Vanacore, juniors Grant Smallridge and Andy Lamay, and seniors Chris Thomas and Alex Dinardo collectively ran the ball for 55 yards over the next nine plays. Attempting a punt near midfield, the Wolverines fumbled once again.

Brewer said the early kicking misplays were corrected in the second half, “thanks to a suggestion from [University of Colorado punter and former Wolverine] Matt DiLallo.”

The Warriors marched down the field at ease again, but the Wolverines’ defense came up with another big play. After a Ju-

piter reception inside the five yard line, a forced fumble by Dinardo was recovered by Martin.

Jupiter kicked a field goal just before half time to cut its deficit to 7-5.

With 6:55 (the public address announcer announced the time) remaining in the final quarter, Jupiter regained the lead at 8-7 on a field goal by David Aguirre.

WHS junior Ryan Higbee took over as quarterback in the fourth quarter. Trailing 87, Higbee completed passes to senior Amir Pollack and junior Andy Lamay. Pollack then took a handoff from Higbee 36 yards for a touchdown. An extra point pulled the Wolverines’ lead to 14-8 with 3:14 left in the game.

While the Warriors looked for a comeback, the Wolverine defense withstood the pressure.

Junior linebacker Jimmy Mullins made two tackles and a personal foul on Jupiter brought the Warriors back 15 yards. Senior defensive tackle Kurt Burnett pounced on a fumble to secure the Wellington victory.

“It was invigorating,” Burnett said. “Knowing the game was so close and that there was still over a minute left on the clock, I knew that every play counted.”

The win does not count toward the Wolverines’ official record, but Head Coach Chris Romano was pleased nonetheless. “It’s always great to start with a win,” he said.

As an aside, the highlight of the night for me came in the third quarter. With penalties on what seemed like every play, the crowd became restless. A group of WHS fans decided to ignite the crowd with random chants. I texted a friend who was leading the chants: “chant my name and you will be mentioned in my article.” Ten seconds later, the group of 40 guys were chanting “Hyber (clap, clap), Hyber (clap, clap)!” Possibly my greatest moment at Wellington High School.

The Wolverines’ first regular-season game will be Friday, Sept. 3 at Olympic Heights in Boca Raton. Their home opener is Friday, Sept. 10 against Lake Worth High School.

PHOTOS BY BRYAN GAYOSO/TOWN-CRIER

Nova recovers a fumble.

A Nova player completes a reception ahead of Wildcat Tremaine McCullough.

Wildcats running back Lloyd Howard looks for an opening.The Wildcat defense brings down a Nova player.

Wildcats swarm a Titan player.

by Luc Limbourg

Broncos, Hawks Volleyball Teams Anticipate Strong Seasons

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

With girls volleyball underway last week, Palm Beach Central High School and Seminole Ridge High School are looking to be competitive on the court despite a tough district.

After taking second place in a preseason tournament at home Thursday, Aug. 26, Lady Broncos head coach Graham Elder expects his team to be a threat on the court this season.

“I was really happy with the way

we played tonight,” he said. “This is a brand-new team. We graduated six starters last year. Every single player was a starter, and they all graduated. So this is a whole new team coming in.”

With no returning starters, Elder picked talent from reserve players, former junior varsity team members and select new members.

“It’s going to be a learning season for us,” Elder said. “But our goal is to win districts, as always.”

Returning to the team this year, Elder said, is Mariah-Cauhryn

Smelser, an outside hitter who he describes as a “big attacker and great defensive player.”

After seeing the Lady Broncos in action this week, Elder said that there’s much to work on. “The main part now is, they have good team cohesion,” he said. “They just need to develop fine skills. There’s a lot of athletes on the court; now they just need to learn how to play.”

But he is confident that his team will be able to stand up against

VOLLEYBALL, page

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Seminole Ridge’s Jessica Cody receives the ball.

See

38 Palm Beach Central’s Mariah-Cauhryn Smelser jumps up for a hit.

Bronco Alyssa Harding sets the ball. Hawk Alexa Wilhelm serves.

Volleyball PB Central, Sem Ridge

continued from page 37 teams such as Atlantic and Park Vista high schools.

“I really think that by the end of the season, we will be a big threat,” Elder said. “I think a lot of people are going to think that we graduated everyone and we won’t have anyone, and then we’ll show up to the gym and show them.”

The Lady Broncos take on John I. Leonard High School on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at home for a 7 p.m. game.

For Lady Hawks varsity head coach Austin Clubb, the key to a successful season will be combining older, experienced players with fresh new talent.

“We have a new team; it’s exciting,” he said. “We have five or six returning seniors and some new players. So we have an older and more experienced team, with some young talent.”

One new player is starting freshman Jessica Cody. “She’s really going to be a key to this game,” Clubb said. “She’s starting as a freshman and being thrown right into the fire. I’m really excited about her.”

Although he was excited about his team’s performance in the pre-

season tournament, Clubb said he took the opportunity to note what needs to be worked on.

“Our focus in the beginning of the year has been ball control, ball control, ball control,” Clubb said. “We haven’t worked too much on rotations or our situational kind of training. But we’re passing better, we’re setting better. And when we get those two things combined, our hitting is good.”

But, he said, the game gave him an opportunity to learn more about

his team in action.

“We actually learned a lot of valuable things about each player, specific things that we can alter and change,” Clubb said.

With that combination, he hopes to be competitive in a tough district.

“We’re definitely a lot better than last year,” he said. “We have a tough schedule, but I think we have time to improve.”

The Lady Hawks travel to Wellington High School Tuesday, Sept. 7 for a 7 p.m. game.

Wave U-15 Girls Win Early Season Opener

Under the direction of new head coach Ashley Dirou, the Wellington Wave U-15 girls soccer team started the season off with a 2-1 victory over the Coral Springs Storm on Aug. 29.

Dirou had been preparing the girls for the new early season, with a series of conditioning practices as well as technical training to whip the girls back into shape. What the team lacks in depth, it makes up for on the field in motivation and camaraderie. The last time the Wave and the Storm met was at the end of last season in the Region Cup semifinals. The Wave won 1-0 to move on to the finals.

With clouds rolling in and wind thrashing across the field, the Wave gave up an early goal, as keeper Antoinette Walton dove and deflected a Storm shot, but the ball rolled across the front of the net, and a Storm midfielder punched in the rebound for a 1-0 lead. Minutes later, Wellington forward Myah Fuentes took a pass from left center and raced toward the goal. Fuentes shot on goal while on the move, and hit the back of the net past the keeper to give the Wave the equalizer.

Just before the end of the first half, midfielder Lindsey Guthrie grabbed a ball up the right side line, curled around the Storm defender, and shot from just outside the penalty area and hit the left side of the net, making the score 2-1.

The Wave girls showed some signs of fatigue midway through the second period. The Storm, with plenty of substitutions, seemed to wear down the Wave at times with fresh legs. They were unable to crack the Wellington defense. The Wave seemed to bend occasionally but did not break, to seal the 2-1 victory.

The Wellington offense did have other opportunities to extend their lead but were unable to capitalize. Both defenses denied any secondhalf goals. The U-15 team is 1-0 on the season. The team will host the Coral Springs Renegades on Saturday, Sept. 11 at noon. The Renegades defeated the Wave in the Region Cup finals last season in a penalty kick shootout. Wellington has not forgotten. The Wave will then travel to Port St. Lucie to take on the Makos on Sunday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.

Alexa Garden lines up a serve for Seminole Ridge.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Bronco Jodi Kalish serves.

Successful Design Is Goal-Directed And Need-Specific

By Karen Cronau Special to the Town-Crier

On a recent trip to Philadelphia, Pa., I was in my client’s office and an article in one of his professional journals caught my attention. His company fulfills government contracts with the Department of Navy, and this particular article was titled “Mobility vs. Survivability.” My curiosity was piqued; how could these two ideas be opposing concepts?

The article highlighted the differences between the requirements of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army when designing the JLTV (joint light tactical vehicle). Both military branches have a shared need for armored vehicles, yet their vehicle design requirements differ. Hmmm… the concept of designing for similar, yet disparate goals crops up in the fitness industry as well. In order to serve personal training clients, personal trainers provide for

general fitness goals, but more importantly, they design specific programs based on the individual requirements of their clients.

While it’s probable that many fitness programs have elements in common, no single fitness program can accommodate all possible fitness goals. For example, the client who desires a significant increase in lean muscle mass will need a program that emphasizes resistance training. However, for the client who wants increased flexibility, the program will focus on stretching exercises like yoga and Pilates. While both programs meet the general goal of overall physical improvement, they differ in design based on the clients’ specific requirements.

If you are experiencing difficulties in reaching your fitness goals, it may be time to work with a personal trainer. While there exists a multitude of information on fitness and exercise both in print and on

the web, the knowledge and expertise a trainer can bring to designing your personal fitness program is invaluable. Perhaps your current program has taken you close your goal, yet close is not what you want; you want successful completion!

When discussing your goals with your fitness professional, keep two things in mind: be specific and be open-minded. Your trainer may take you further than you imagined. For example, your goal may be weight loss, yet it may not be weight loss you need so much as a better leanmuscle-mass-to-body-fat ratio. Many men desire an increase in muscle mass, which is good, but their trainer may see as well the benefit of flexibility training to offset the strain weightlifting places on the connective tissues that surround the joints. Often women want a flatter tummy, and the wise trainer knows that an overall increase in lean muscle mass combined with proper nu-

trition and better posture will not only address their desire, but provide for greater health benefits as well.

When discussing your goals, it is beneficial to share with your trainer your daily living activities. Perhaps your job has you sitting at a desk for eight hours, which can create an environment for low back pain development. Some nurses are involved in direct patient care, having them transfer patients from beds to wheel chairs, putting them at risk for muscular strains and pulls. Your trainer can suggest programming that can minimize these problems.

At Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do, you will find professional certified personal trainers. Their knowledge and experience will help you reach your fitness goals. When you and your fitness professional define your goal, the two of you can design a fitness “vehicle” which will result in “mission accomplished!”

Karen Cronau is a certified personal trainer at Ultima Fitness/ Xtreme Tae Kwon Do. Ultima is located at 12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 795-2823 or visit www.ultimafitness.com.

Health & Fitness Spotlight Sponsored By Ultima Fitness Of Wellington

Karen Cronau

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, Sept. 4

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hold a two- to fourmile walk or stroll on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 7:30 a.m. at John Prince Park in Lake Worth. Participants will meet at the entrance on Congress Avenue south of Sixth Avenue South. The start time is 7:30 a.m. Walkers will have breakfast afterward at TooJay’s in Lake Worth. Call Paul at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Candy Sushi” for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 2:30 p.m. Use marshmallows, crispy rice cereal and candy to create delicious treats. Food will be provided by the Friends of the Library. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

Sunday, Sept. 5

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hike in Jonathan Dickinson State Park on Sunday, Sept. 5. Participants will meet at front gate on U.S. Highway 1 about one mile north of the Palm Beach County line in Martin County at 8 a.m. Call Mary at (561) 391-7942 for info.

Monday, Sept. 6

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hold its monthly chapter meeting Monday, Sept. 6 at the Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.). The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. with an ice cream social, followed by a Clyde Butcher DVD Visions of Florida. Butcher is one of the world’s leading large-format, black-and-white photographers. The public is invited. There is no charge. Call Sherry at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

Tuesday, Sept. 7

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Grandparents’ Day” for ages 5 to 8 on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 3:30 p.m. Celebrate grandparents with stories, songs and a craft. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Society of the Four Arts King Library (2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach) will host a Book Discussion of Somewhere Towards the End by Diana Athill on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m. There is no charge and no reservations are necessary, just arrive with an understanding of the reading. Call (561) 655-2766 or visit www.fourarts.org for more info.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host a Business Planning Academy at Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Wellington

Reserve campus (1047 State Road 7) on Tuesdays beginning Sept. 7 and continuing through Oct. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. Receive the tools, information and training necessary to develop a new business plan or optimize your current plan. Enrollment is free for chamber members and $125 for nonmembers. Classes include a light meal, refreshments and a graduation luncheon. For more info., call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palmswest.com.

• The Greenacres Historical Society will meet Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Greenacres Community Center (501 Swain Blvd.). Longtime residents of the area or anyone interested in the history of the area are welcome. The society’s museum has many interesting items to view. For times, donations to the museum, or general info., call Estelle Friedman at (561) 968-4123.

• The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office (101 West D Road). The meeting will be preceded by a Local Planning Agency meeting at 6 p.m. to review proposed environmental regulations that will become part of the town’s Unified Land Development Code. Call (561) 793-2418 or visit www.loxahatcheegroves.org for more info.

Wednesday, Sept. 8

• Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington (12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 6) will observe Rosh Hashanah beginning Sept. 8. Bring in 5771 with a warm and inviting congregation. Tickets cost $125. For more info., visit www.templebnaijacob.com or call (561) 793-4347.

• The Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will meet Wednesday, Sept. 8 at the PGA Doubletree Hotel (4431 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens). Networking will be from 6 to 6:30 p.m. with the dinner and program to follow. The cost is $35 and guests are welcome. The speaker will be chiropractor Dr. Michael Papa with the program topic “Three Secrets to a Healthy Life.” RSVP to Sharon Maupin at (561) 624-3816.

• First Baptist Church of Royal Palm Beach (10701 Okeechobee Blvd.) will offer worship services on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. beginning Sept. 8, offering the same programming as Sunday services including infant and childcare service, Awana kids clubs for ages 2 years through fifth grade

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 42 and youth worship service for students in sixth through 12th grades. Call (561) 7932475 or visit www.fbcrpb.com for more info. Thursday, Sept. 9

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Hawaiian Luau Story Time” for ages 4 to 6 on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 3:30 p.m. Enjoy stories about these tropical islands and make a simple craft. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Lake Wellington Professional Centre and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host a Reception for Small Businesses in Wellington on Thursday, Sept. 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. Seated is limited. RSVP to (561) 227-1500.

• The West Palm Beach public library (411 Clematis St., West Palm Beach) will host Argentine Tango Classes on Thursdays, Sept. 9 to Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. Lessons are free and do not require registration. For more info., call (561) 868-7701 or visit www. mycitylibrary.org.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Teens Start Smart Part II: Getting into the College of Your Choice” for grades six and up Thursday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. Parents and students will learn about the college admissions process. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will offer a Writers’ Critique Workshop for adults Thursday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. Share, offer and accept constructive criticism and comments to improve your fiction, nonfiction and poetry in a supportive atmosphere. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

• Beginning on Thursday, Sept. 9, Community of Hope Church will offer a free 13week “GriefShare” series on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Madison Green area of Royal Palm Beach. Participants can join at any time during the series. For more information or to register, call (561) 753-8883, visit www.gocoh.com or e-mail info@gocoh. com. Community of Hope worships on Sundays at 10 a.m. in the Royal Palm Beach High School auditorium.

Friday, Sept. 10

• Panera Bread is partnering with Quantum House for their first “Cinnamon Crunch for Kids” campaign. For every cinnamon crunch bagel sold on Friday, Sept. 10, Panera Bread will donate 100 percent of proceeds to Quantum House. In addition, com-

munity members can stop into any of the local Panera Bread bakery-cafes to pre-order cinnamon crunch bagels before Monday, Sept. 6. The campaign will take place at 13 Palm Beach County Panera Bread locations. For info., call (561) 333-1330.

• The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens (4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach) will feature “Sushi & Stroll” on Friday, Sept. 10 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Stroll the gardens at your own pace and take a self-guided audio tour. Call (561) 495-0233 or visit www.morikami.org for more info.

• In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Armory Art Center will feature the work of Rafael Carrillo Alejandro Domenech in a solo exhibition opening Friday, Sept. 10 and continuing through Friday, Oct. 22. An opening reception will be held Sept. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission to the opening reception is free for Armory members and $5 for non-members. Visit www.armory art.org or call (561) 832-1776 for more info.

Saturday, Sept. 11

• The Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host “Everything Orchids: A Shady Affair Plant Sale” on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free for members and $5 for non-members. It will showcase a select number of top orchid and shade plant growers, artists and craftspeople. For more info., call (561) 2331757 or visit www.mounts.org.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Teens Start Smart Part III: Saturday Practice Test” for grades six and up on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. Bring a No. 2 pencil and calculator and take this full-length practice test using simulated testing rules and conditions. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

Monday, Sept. 13

• A Lupus Support Group meets the second Monday of each month September through June at St. Mary’s Medical Center (901 45th St., West Palm Beach) at 6:30 p.m. The group provides a relaxed, supportive atmosphere where individuals may share their feelings, learn about lupus and other related syndromes, meet friendly people and hear informative professional speakers. For more info., call the Lupus Foundation at (800) 339-0586.

Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. Email: news@gotowncrier.com.

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BEAUTIFUL APT FOR RENT —in Delray Beach 1 bedroom, 2 bath, condo near beach, shopping, all appliances w/d, asking $800 monthly. Call 516-935-3541 over 55 community.

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

ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763. ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC0067207 SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers

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

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

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

EAST COAST AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. — Service • Sales • Repairs • Installation ALL MAKES & MODELS. Call us before you replace you’re A/C Unit! FREE 2nd Opinion. 561-4782662. Credit Cards Accepted.

DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates. A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716

IMPRESS CONSTRUCTION CORPORATON — All phases of General Construction Robert Betancourt 561-722-7681 CGC1512363

THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Repairs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties.

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

ANMAR CO .—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528 HOME INSPECTIONS — Mold inpections, air quality testing, US Building Inspectors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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