Town-Crier Newspaper September 5, 2014

DEUTCH VISITS WELLINGTON CHAMBER SEE STORY, PAGE 3

LAND USE CHANGE FOR TINY PRESERVE SEE STORY, PAGE 7

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Lox Council Hears FEMA Update Before Hearings Next Week

Volume 35, Number 37 September 5 - September 11, 2014

Serving Palms West Since 1980

FOOD TRUCKS AT COMMONS PARK

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council’s engineering consultant gave a progress report Tuesday on the battle to mitigate the proposed Federal Emergency Management Agency floods maps before FEMA’s open houses scheduled for next week. Page 3

CAFCI Celebrating Its 25th Anniversary

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) held a Wine and Cheese Celebration on Friday, Aug. 29 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The event was held to celebrate the organization’s 25 years of community service and featured a photo slideshow trip down memory lane. It was part of “A September to Remember,” which culminates in CAFCI’s annual Friendship Ball. Page 5

Florida Green Brings Organic Pest Control Products To Wellington

Florida Green Pest Control has a solution for almost every bug issue. The company’s organic cedar-oil-based solution is strong enough to rid a home of termites; protect dogs and horses from fleas, mites and ticks; and eliminate infestations of mosquitoes and bedbugs. Yet the unique product is safe enough for almost all uses, including organic gardening. Page 9

OPINION 10 Years Later: Remembering 2004’s Storm-Filled September

This week marks 10 years since Hurricane Frances hit South Florida and changed the way we look at storms. Before 2004, severe hurricanes were a oncein-a-long-while phenomenon.

While someplace in the Atlantic basin got bruised every year, it was rare the same place got hit twice in one season. All that changed in storm-weary 2004.

Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS................................. 3 - 9 OPINION.................................. 4 CRIME NEWS.......................... 6 NEWS BRIEFS......................... 8 PEOPLE................................. 13 SCHOOLS.............................. 14 COLUMNS...................... 16, 23 BUSINESS......................24 - 25 SPORTS..........................29 - 31 CALENDAR............................ 32 CLASSIFIEDS.................33 - 37 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

The Food Truck Invasion returned to Royal Palm Beach Commons Park on Friday, Aug. 29. The monthly event brings mobile food establishments to the park, where hungry customers can choose from a variety of menus for a picnic on the lawn. Shown here, Xavier, Derek Jr., Derek and Tereza DelRio await their dinner. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 19

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Lox Groves To Pursue Lease With Option To Buy Building

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council continued its discussion this week with the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce regarding the chamber’s building at the corner of Southern Blvd. and F Road.

The chamber has offered to sell the building to the town, and the council agreed Tuesday to consider a lease on the building with an option to buy.

Last month, Chamber CEO Wayne Burns proposed that the town purchase the building, which he said the chamber no longer needs due to downsizing and a change in focus.

Town Manager Mark Kutney said the chamber has offered three options: either buy it outright, lease it with an option to buy, or a straight lease.

Kutney said there were other issues to work through, including that Palm Beach County actually owns the land where the building

sits, and the chamber has a 30-year lease at $1 a year.

The town’s legal staff had also recommended a 90-day period of due diligence, which would include an appraisal, survey and inspection of the property.

“Right now we are acting on an appraisal that the chamber has acquired,” Kutney said.

He also pointed out that the council could pursue a leaseto-buy option for as long as 36 months and during that time, the town could conduct a charterrequired referendum on whether to buy the building.

Kutney said he would like to have some form of agreement ready for approval as soon as possible.

“We think it’s in the best interest of both parties, if we are going to move forward, to try to have this wrapped up before the November elections,” Kutney said.

Councilman Tom Goltzené said he was concerned about the town staff’s desire to get out of its cur-

rent office at Palms West Plaza, where concerns have been raised about security.

“Certainly, there are activities that go on at the plaza that maybe are not conducive to people feeling that they are welcome in that area,” Goltzené said. “In a way, to me, it runs contrary to what the whole idea of the town was. The idea was to stay small in nature, low service, low tax, basically to enhance the freedom of the people to do what they want to do. To purchase this building would be a significant amount of money. I’m not sure that everyone in town would see that it is really benefiting them.”

Goltzené added that he would never support buying property that sits on someone else’s land, and suggested that a long-term lease might be most desirable for the town, although that is the chamber’s least desirable option.

Mayor Dave Browning stressed that the discussion remains preliminary. “They made an offer, and See BUILDING, page 7

RPB Council To New Cypress Key Owner: Work With Your Neighbors

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Representatives of the planned Cypress Key development on Southern Blvd. heard mixed messages from Royal Palm Beach Village Council members last month.

At the Aug. 21 meeting, the council saw updated development plans for Cypress Key, which would include less office space than originally approved, as well as a grocery store larger than the allowed square footage.

Cypress Key representatives sought feedback from council members after an amendment request was denied in March and the new application appeared to be headed toward a negative staff recommendation.

In March, the council rejected an application for a land-use amendment to strip the office requirement from the commercial portion of the development and allow it to be all retail services. The decision came even though the new property owner pledged that the proposal would have a lower density than the original mixeduse site plan approved nearly 10 years ago.

Village Manager Ray Liggins said the mixed-use category was created by the village for the 35acre site, which has approval for residential use along the back, and retail and office space fronting Southern Blvd.

The land’s original use was residential, but in the face of a lawsuit, the village negotiated with the original property owner to arrive at a mixed use with a commercial component made up of 50 percent retail and 50 percent office space.

No single retail use can be more than 20,000 square feet.

“They’re trying to make the non-residential component work in today’s market, with the limited and restricted retail,” Liggins said.

“With a minimum requirement of 50 percent office, it’s a difficult

project to fund. There is no large anchor to put there because of the limitation of 20,000 square feet.”

Liggins pointed out that the council had made it clear in March that an application with no office space was not acceptable.

Attorney Martin Perry, representing developer Cypress Key LLC, said he was hired after the council denied the first application.

Perry said the developer hired commercial real estate expert Neil Merin, who found that there is 325,000 square feet of vacant office space in the western communities, and the annual absorption rate has been just under 25,000 square feet over the last five years.

That means there is more than a 13-year supply of office space, not counting 92,000 square feet of office space that has been approved but not built.

Perry said the developer is proposing less than the minimum approved office space, located primarily on the second floor of the buildings along the entrance to the development, and a 42,000-square-foot Walmart grocery store and pharmacy, as well as a sit-down and a fast-food restaurant with a drive-through.

“You need an anchor for something like this to make it successful,” he said, explaining that extensive buffering would be put in place to conceal the store’s loading docks, and that service trucks would be required to enter and exit through the main entrance so they do not interfere with residential traffic.

Buffering on the east side of the development at Cypress Head Blvd. had been increased to more than 100 feet, as well as significant buffering from the residential element with pedestrian connections, Perry said.

Perry added that the Walmart grocery store is a new concept to serve the neighborhood, rather See CYPRESS KEY, page 17

B&G CLUB SCHOOL SUPPLY DONATION

Wellington Observance Will Honor The Memory Of 9/11

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington will join the rest of the nation next week to observe the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

On Thursday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m., the Wellington Village Council will host a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Wellington Patriot Memorial, located at 12198 W. Forest Hill Blvd. near the Wellington Municipal Complex.

The entire community is invited to attend.

“We feel it is important to keep the memory alive of those who were affected and lost their lives that day,” Community Programs Manager Michelle Garvey said.

Wellington’s memorial hosts a piece of steel from the World Trade Center wreckage. The memorial is designed to honor both the victims

of 9/11 and all first responders who put the needs of others ahead of themselves. “Since we have the steel on our property, we feel it is important to honor that and have a remembrance ceremony every year,” Garvey said.

This year, Wellington resident John Napolitano, who lost his son, FDNY Lt. John P. Napolitano, on Sept. 11, 2001, will serve as the guest speaker.

“I think it really makes it real for those of us who might not have been personally affected,” Garvey said of Napolitano’s participation.

“To hear the story of someone in our community, I think that’s an important part of our program.”

As in the past, the Wellington Landings Middle School student government president and vice president will also be guest speakers. The students will begin the

ceremony, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and reading from The Legacy Letters, a collection of letters from 100 of the families who lost loved ones that day.

Though next week will mark 13 years, the wounds of 9/11 are still fresh for many, and the Patriot Memorial has proven to be a place of comfort.

Steel Beam C-46, formerly from the South Tower of the World Trade Center, arrived in Wellington on Dec. 4, 2010. The memorial, including the beam, an eternal flame and etched glass panels, was dedicated on Sept. 11, 2011, ten years after the towers fell.

Sponsorships for the memorial, such as personalized brick pavers, are still available.

For additional information about the event, call (561) 791-4005 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.

Representatives from Waste Management visited the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club in Wellington on Thursday, Aug. 28. The company was on hand to donate a wide assortment of school supplies for the kids. Shown here is Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County CEO Jaene Miranda and Ellen Smith of Waste Management with club members Marcus, Wendolyn and Gia holding school supplies. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Little Ranches Riders Want Access To Horse Trails

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Equestrians in Wellington’s Little Ranches neighborhood are asking for a fair share of financing to improve their community’s trail system, which they contend has fallen victim to recent road paving and drainage improvements.

Residents of the isolated Wellington enclave off Southern Blvd. are also asking that a quarter-acre slice of land sold to a private owner, which had been used by Little Ranches riders to access the Wellington trail system, be returned to public use.

Larry Wallace, a 17-year resident and president of the Little Ranches homeowners’ associa-

tion, made a presentation to the Wellington Village Council last month about the problems riders have faced with the paving of roads that were once riding trails.

“We do have a lot of residents who care deeply for what we have and preserving what we have, and improving on that,” Wallace said at the Aug. 12 meeting.

The Little Ranches HOA, which incorporated in 1974, conducted a series of planning workshops in 2002 at the recommendation of village officials on what to do to develop an overlay to preserve the rural, equestrian characteristics of the community. At the time, Little Ranches was adopted into Wellington’s equestrian overlay,

even though it is not near the larger southern Wellington equestrian areas.

Wallace said horses were once a common sight on the roads of Little Ranches.

“Those roads were, in fact, the trail system of Little Ranches,” he said. “In 2004, when we had the roads paved, a substandard material was used and it created a surface that was rough and unstable for the horses. Most of the riders stopped riding their horses on the roads and started looking for other trails.”

At about that time, Wellington’s equestrian trail master plan was developed, which included portions of Little Ranches, although

an official connection was never made to the larger Wellington trail system.

When he was elected president of the HOA in February, Wallace said he asked residents about their concerns, and the lack of riding trails came up.

He said the road paving and drainage improvements have been welcome, but they were made without regard to the trail system.

“In improving the swales, in some places they are now where the trails used to be or were designated,” Wallace said, adding that there have been some serious accidents. “Lots of times, riders and vehicular traffic share the same right of way.”

Wallace submitted proposals for trail improvements, adding that he has discussed them with Wellington Projects Manager Mike O’Dell, who helped explain the approval process.

O’Dell currently has an equestrian trail master plan under review by the Equestrian Preserve Committee, but no connections to Little Ranches currently appear in it.

“I think this needs immediate attention,” Wallace said. “I think it has been going on for so long and no one has really brought it to the forefront.”

For a short-term solution, he asked that some funding desigSee TRAILS, page 7

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September 5 - September 11, 2014

The Town-Crier

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India Grill Restaurant hosts

MY BROTHERS’/SISTERS’ KEEPER fundraiser Every year, My Brothers’/Sisters’ Keeper, an organization founded by Jess Santamaria, holds fundraising dinners at various restaurants to support its many projects to assist disadvantaged individuals.

This year’s second event was held at the elegant India Grill in Royal Palm Beach, where a sumptuous buffet dinner was enjoyed by all, followed by an auction with items donated by community businesses, including Star Liquors and Wheels of Wellington.

This event was organized by My Brothers’/Sisters’ Keeper board members Randy Pfeiffer, Rhonda Ferrin-Davis, Maggie Zeller, Ron Tomchin, Barry Manning, Wes Boughner, Eric Gordon, Henrik Nordstrom, and Chris and Jess Santamaria.

The next event will be held at the new White Elephant Restaurant on Oct. 19, 2014.

Board Members Randy Pfeiffer, Founder Jess Santamaria and Chris Santamaria.

Rose Lewis wins a valuable Hibel Painting.

Barry Manning demonstrates the Wheels of Wellington bike at auction.

Chris wins the Johnnie Walker Platinum.

Stan Kilbas and Rachel Bridge win the Special Edition 1942 Don Julio Tequila.

Vinnie Perrin wins the Premium Grey Goose Vodka.

Wes and Barbara Boughner.

Mother and Daughter Victoria and Michelle Santamaria.

Dr. Winston & Rhonda Davis.

Everyone enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and auction at the India Grill private banquet room!

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September 5 - September 11, 2014

Page 3

NEWS

Congressman, Nonprofit Founder Address Chamber Members

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington Chamber of Commerce members gathered for a luncheon Wednesday, Aug. 27 at the Wanderers Club to hear from Congressman Ted Deutch (D-District 21) and guest speaker Liz Olszewski, founder of Horses Healing Hearts.

Olszewski started the notfor-profit organization to help heal children through human and equine relationships. Horses Healing Hearts focuses on helping children whose families suffer from substance abuse.

“Not only are these children resilient, they are incredibly resourceful,” she said.

When she was 14, Olszewski’s mother was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver due to alcoholism. Her father had left the family when she was very young, and then Olszewski found out that her mother’s days were limited. “This was not only my only parent, this was my best friend, and now she was dying. It was quite traumatic, as you can imagine,” she said.

That summer, she stayed with her aunt, a dressage trainer, in Pennsylvania, and bonded with a mustang. Then, she moved to Ohio with another aunt. At 14, she was

bar-hopping with her brothers, lacking daily structure. “Every day I was wondering, ‘Is this the day my mom’s going to die?’” she recalled.

However, the timeline the doctors provided was some years off.

“My mom died when I was 24, and by this time I was engaged.

My husband and I had a substantial business, and I owe that to the people who intervened and helped,” Olszewski said, explaining that if her support system and horses were not around, “I would have had a very different path, very similar to my mom.”

While volunteering at an equine therapy center for physically handicapped and autistic children, the concept of starting a similar program for children of alcoholics took form.

“Five years later, we are proud to be serving 48 children in Palm Beach County,” she said. “We are the only organization of our kind in the nation and potentially the world… No one is serving the specific demographic of alcoholics and addicts like we are.”

Each week, students come to designated barns for two-hour sessions that involve equine therapy and conversational therapy. “At home, they learn three unspoken

rules: don’t talk, don’t trust and don’t feel,” Olszewski explained, referring to the children of alcoholics and addicts.

At the beginning of the sessions, the children speak, allowing them to talk in a safe place before a private riding lesson. At the end of the session, they recap and learn how to apply what they learned that day to the upcoming week.

“I don’t tell you any of this for getting pity,” she said. “These kids, the last thing they want is pity. What they want is to be able to control their lives. They want out of the drama, out of the trauma. They dream of turning 18 and getting out and being able to affect their future. That’s basically what they want. The struggle therein comes when they feel that everybody else is living a normal life and they are not.”

On Saturday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Horses Healing Hearts is presenting a Family Fitness Fun Day with food trucks, vendors, games and contests at the Polo West Golf Course in Wellington. For more information, visit www.fff4hhh.com.

The Young Professionals of Wellington group has also designated the nonprofit as the beneficiary of its second annual Wicked

at the Wanderers costume and casino party on Nov. 1. Tickets can be purchased at www.ypwellington.com.

For more information about Horses Healing Hearts, visit www. horseshealingheartsusa.com.

Deutch, who easily won his Democratic primary election the night before, began by thanking Olszewski and her team for the work that they do.

“Though you did not ask me to do this, there were opportunities on there to be involved, and I would encourage members of the chamber to be involved. It’s really impressive what you’re doing and how you focus, and the impact that you’re having on these kids is no doubt remarkable,” he said.

Deutch, who faces only token opposition in his bid for a third term in November, greeted chamber members by noting that small businesses have been responsible for 77 percent of recent employment gains. He geared his speech toward the chamber’s agenda before discussing the federal budget deficit.

“We have to continue to invest in research and development because it helps our economy as a whole,” he said, explaining that if the U.S. government doesn’t, other

Congressman Ted Deutch and Horses Healing Hearts founder Liz Olszewski at last week’s Wellington Chamber luncheon. nations will. “If we’re not making investments in roads and bridges and ports and seaports, we fail to recognize that our competition isn’t between Republicans and Democrats — an important thing to note coming the day after an election — but that we’re competing instead with our competitors internationally… If we don’t make the investments in the infrastruc-

PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

ture that are necessary, we’re going to fall behind.”

Climate change and immigration are two other hot-button topics Deutch explored before discussing the impact of the partisan divide.

Using television news as an example, Deutch explained that it isn’t good TV for stations to show collaboration. “It doesn’t See CHAMBER, page 17

Lox Council Hears FEMA Update Before Hearings Next Week

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council’s engineering consultant gave a progress report Tuesday on the battle to mitigate the proposed Federal Emergency Management Agency floods maps before FEMA’s open houses scheduled for next week.

Town Manager Mark Kutney said that he and consultant Randy Wertepny will attend a technical meeting FEMA is having especially for community representatives at the Boynton Beach City Library on Seacrest Blvd. at 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8. There will also be an open house for residents there between 4 and 7 p.m.

FEMA will host an open house for central Palm Beach County residents on Tuesday, Sept. 9 between 4 and 7 p.m. at Palm Beach County’s Vista Center Hearing Room at 2300 N. Jog Road.

“Again, Randy and I will be attending that and providing infor-

mation to any residents who have questions relative to the flood plain maps,” Kutney said.

Open houses will also take place Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the Belle Glade Civic Center and Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Jupiter Community Center. All open houses are between 4 and 7 p.m.

Wertepny said FEMA has been planning to update its flood maps for many years. “It is finally coming time to do that,” he said.

The existing FEMA map puts Loxahatchee Groves in an area that’s less at risk for flood. Under the first revised flood map presented last year, almost the entire town was in a flood zone.

“We have been working with the South Florida Water Management District and FEMA, and we are now looking at a map that looks a little bit better. It’s at a flood elevation of 17.7, so we’ve already reduced it by half a foot,” he said.

The meeting on Monday at 1 p.m. is for municipalities only.

“There is a particular process that begins on that day,” Wertepny said. “We have six months before these preliminary maps become final and are adopted by FEMA, which means that everyone who is in the new flood plain will be subject to the rules of being within the flood plain.”

The other open houses are geared for individual residents to meet with a FEMA representative.

“Any one of your residents can attend any of those meetings,” Wertepny said. “However, FEMA has specifically requested that you provide representation to the central meeting where your residents are more than likely to attend.”

Residents attending the meetings will be given a flood map to determine whether their home is in the flood plain. Insurance providers and other regulatory bodies will also be there, including SFWMD and Palm Beach County representatives.

“It’s pretty much an informa-

tion-gathering stage, and you can get information about what you can do about it if you’re in the flood plain,” Wertepny said. “If you don’t agree with the information, this meeting is not really a source for protest by the residents.

I think that’s why they want the communities there. They want them to protest to you, and then they want the communities to take action on their own. They do offer action for residents to take, as well.”

Wertepny said that flood insurance is mandatory for residents in the flood plain who have a federally backed mortgage.

“Ninety-five percent of people who have a mortgage, it’s federally insured,” he said. “If that is the case, you are now required to have flood insurance. The flood zone that you are in determines what your insurance rate is going to be.

They have not established what Palm Beach County’s insurance rates are going to be at this time.”

Wertepny noted that the building itself has to touch the flood plain for it to require insurance. “If your yard is within the flood plain, but not your home, then you’re not required to have insurance by your mortgage provider,” he said, explaining that most homes in Loxahatchee Groves were built on an elevated pad created by digging a pond and using the fill to create the pad, which could raise the home above the flood plain.

Wertepny explained that residents in that situation may be required to supply a downloadable application from the FEMA web site, along with professional certification that their floor elevation and the lowest adjacent grade are above the flood plain. The application fee is typically $425, plus the cost to get the property surveyed for topographical information.

There are about 150 structures in the town that will now be part of the flood plain, he estimated.

Community action can occur

any time within the six-month appeal process, starting on Monday, when FEMA introduces the maps.

“We can present upgraded topology showing that the town is above the flood elevations they want,” Wertepny said.

A weir or other hydrological evidence that has not been reflected in the information FEMA already has could also change the determination.

Mayor Dave Browning said he found it ironic that Loxahatchee Groves is regarded to be in the flood plain when it is one of the highest places in the county.

“Most of the properties north of Okeechobee [Blvd.], from what I understand, are about 22 feet above sea level,” Browning said.

Wertepny said initially the FEMA maps put most of the county underwater until the county started an initiative with the Palm Beach County League of Cities to get involved and fight FEMA’s original maps.

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September 5 - September 11, 2014

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OUR OPINION

10 Years Later: Remembering 2004’s Storm-Filled September This week marks 10 years since Hurricane Frances hit South Florida and changed the way we look at storms. Before 2004, severe hurricanes were a once-in-a-long-while phenomenon.

While someplace in the Atlantic basin got bruised every year, it was rare that the same place got hit twice in one season. All that changed in storm-weary 2004.

In August 2004, Hurricane Charley brought devastation to the Gulf Coast, but avoided us completely. However, just three weeks later, Frances took aim and our luck ran out. While the storm reached Category 4 over the open water, it had luckily lost strength before reaching our shores, making landfall in the Treasure Coast. While areas to our north got a harder hit, the storm itself was huge, lumbering giant, tearing down trees, power lines and homes across the region.

What followed were weeks of blackouts in some areas, lines for food and water at emergency locations such as the South Florida Fairgrounds, a nighttime curfew and a new respect for the forces of nature. Unfortunately, Frances was not the end of the 2004 devastation. Just three weeks later, Hurricane Jeanne followed almost the exact same track across the Florida peninsula, plunging us back into darkness and setting back recovery efforts. Jeanne was the first Category 3 storm to hit the Palm Beaches in more than 100 years.

When Hurricane Wilma hit the western communities from the west barely a year later as part

of the devastating 2005 season that saw utter destruction in Louisiana and Texas, we were all sure that a new era had emerged — one where bad storms came on an annual basis. Many people who had never done so before put together hurricane kits and made recovery plans. Generator sales soared. People kept their eyes glued on the meteorologist from August through October.

Then, things calmed down again. Yes, Tropical Storm Isaac brought the water without the wind, but massive, killer storms returned to the few-and-far-between category. This is certainly a blessing, but in some ways, it can be considered a curse as well. While we all know the drill, far too many South Florida residents have gone back to their normal routines, not worrying about the storm that never seems to come, ignoring the annual preparation warnings and scoffing when the meteorologists urge us to “keep an eye on the tropics.”

September marks National Preparedness Month, and this week’s anniversary of Hurricane Frances is a great time to plan how you will prepare should a major storm take aim, and how you will keep in touch with loved ones and survive the aftermath. Develop plans, including knowing your evacuation zone and routes. Information to help you make a family emergency plan can be found at www.ready.gov. Don’t let you and your family be caught unprepared when the next Hurricane Frances arrives.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A Sad Day For Palm Beach County

The Palm Beach County Commission conducted a public hearing last week with a “full house” of neighborhood residents packed into an auditorium at the County Governmental Center. The purpose of the hearing was to listen to the pros and cons and vote on the proposed second increase in zoning density to the property formerly known as Callery-Judge Grove, a 3,800-acre parcel of land completely surrounded by the community of The Acreage. When The Acreage was developed, this undisturbed natural habitat was zoned for one home per 10 acres, or a maximum of 380 future home sites; that was the number of homes the purchasers in The Acreage expected to see as their neighbors.

However, in 2008, the then owners, Callery-Judge, used their political influence to persuade the legislators to increase the zoning from the 380 to 2,996 home sites, plus an additional 235,000 square feet of commercial use, an increase in the home sites alone of 2,616 homes — a windfall profit for the property owner!

It turned out, even that increase in density wasn’t enough for Minto, a Canadian corporation that purchased the property in 2013 for $51 million and promptly renamed it “Minto West.”

Minto’s new rezoning proposal to the board requested that the number of homes to be further increased from 2,996 to the outrageous number of 4,549, and increase the commercial space from 235,000 square feet to an unbelievable 2.1 million square feet of commercial/industrial buildings!

Over and over again, speakers from The Acreage, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Wellington and the rest of the surrounding communities came to the microphone and pleaded with the commissioners to consider the ruinous effect this enormous increase in density would have on their communities and lifestyle.

Despite the outrage of the residents from The Acreage and other surrounding communities in the audience, the county commissioners chose to approve Minto’s new plan in a 5-2 vote, with Commissioner Jess Santamaria and Vice Mayor Paulette Burdick the only dissenting board members.

Just imagine buying a home in a suburban community near a wooded parcel, expecting the property to be developed into a suburban residential community, and instead, your governmental representatives voted to put your family across from “downtown Broward County congestion.”

This former orange grove, surrounded by suburbia with an adjacent neighborhood shopping center, will now become a congested downtown urban city center.

Commissioner Santamaria was one of only two commissioners to speak on behalf of the public. In

addition to the potential increase in crime, he emphasized that the increase in density will undoubtedly cause untold problems in extreme traffic congestion, air pollution, water and electric resource shortages, not to mention the increase in taxes required to pay for the widened roads, utility expansions, schools, police and fire, etc. The opposing arguments by the other five Commissioners bordered on the ridiculous: In rebuttal, Mayor Priscilla Taylor said, “We have to expect change. Increased population in the western communities is a product of the movement of habitation farther west since the beginning of time.”

Commissioner Shelley Vana followed with, “The Seminoles weren’t happy when the first settlers in The Acreage moved in.”

The commissioners, in a vote of two to five, chose to ignore the will of the people. Just who are those other five commissioners working for?

Toby M. Siegel Royal Palm Beach

‘Let Them Eat Cake’

The “let them eat cake” mindset of the Palm Beach County Commission was on full, unapologetic display at the planning hearing regarding Minto West.

For more than seven hours, members of the public spoke against increasing Minto’s residential density from its current land use approval of 2,996 residential units and 235,000 square feet of non-residential uses to 4,549 residential units and 2.1 million square feet of non-residential uses.

The speakers included planning experts and land-use attorneys; residents living in The Acreage, Loxahatchee and Loxahatchee Groves; elected officials from the Town of Loxahatchee Groves, the Village of Royal Palm Beach and the Indian Trail Improvement District; representatives from the Wildlife Foundation, 1000 Friends of Florida and the Sierra Club; a representative from the Fox Trail Property Owners’Association; and the president of the North County Neighborhood Coalition, which represents 16 communities in the North County area. In addition, 5,000 petitions in opposition to Minto West’s new proposal were submitted. Only one speaker spoke in favor of Minto’s increased proposal.

Instead of the commissioners deliberating important factual issues such as the ten-fold increase in traffic on the roadways, the millions of dollars of roadway construction costs that will be passed onto all county taxpayers, water supply and flooding concerns, and the lifestyle consequences of dropping what would be the 11th-largest city in Palm Beach County into the middle of an established, rural/ exurban, agricultural-equestrian community, Commissioner Shelley Vana snarkingly commented about the “Seminole Indians not wanting any of us here” and “to

stop having babies, stop reproducing.” Commissioner Priscilla Taylor slung the ultimate insult at residents asking, “Did you sue to get what you have?”

Our county commissioners are tone-deaf except to the sound of developers’ dollars hitting their campaign coffers. It is long past time to return to countywide elected commissioners. Palm Beach County is being negatively transformed while the commissioners’ cake is being shoved down our throats.

Nancy Gribble Loxahatchee

A Groves Divorce

Divorce is an unpleasant affair.

One spouse is usually guilty of chasing special interests and not family issues. Often it’s about money. Sometimes it is about the neglect of the “offspring’s” needs.

Family relatives take sides to defend “their own blood.”

Last month, the Groves and the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District moved toward separation. The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council voted to reduce the funding of subsidies to the LGWCD. Family members have already declared their loyalties.

The mayor says the town and the LGWCD can work separately and very well. If the LGWCD needs more money for drainage, the LGWCD needs to review its assessments. The two are different taxing areas, and he does not want the LGWCD subsidizing the town or the other way round.

One town councilman claims gas tax revenue should be given to the LGWCD for canal maintenance. He said the LGWCD will increase assessments if gas tax revenue is not funded to the LGWCD. Another town councilman said the big tract farmers have a lower LGWCD assessment than residential properties, and if gas tax money is withheld, the LGWCD will increase assessments on everybody.

A third town councilman stated that with the LGWCD being dependent, the town then can discuss what the drainage expenses and the road expenses are. The town could fund them all through the methods the town has, instead by a different set of folks who are elected by a different set of folks, by a different set of voting methods. They, with another set of rules, want the town to pay the LGWCD’s way; pay the LGWCD’s bills — and that is not appropriate.

The LGWCD’s “lane mile” method of collecting town funds no longer works, so now it’s about drainage. The LGWCD is the drainage, folks. That’s what they do. That’s their job.

The “offspring” of the Groves family wish to be protected and served, by the town council having custody. They desire the wayward parent, the LGWCD, either go the LGWCD’s own way, do LGWCD’s own thing, or become dependent to town government.

The difference between divorce

and separation is that with separation, the “Grove’s Cookie Monster” still has access to the cookie jar. Perhaps the town attorney can enable the Groves in taking control of all LGWCD roads and secure the jar lid once and for all.

Keith Harris Loxahatchee Groves

Why Did The BCC Side With The Developer?

On Aug. 27, the Palm Beach County Commission had the opportunity to curb development in the western communities, specifically in The Acreage, and once again they failed the residents, siding with the developer (Minto) by voting 5-2 to transmit to the state the comprehensive land use plan amendments Minto seeks in order to expand Minto West beyond what it is legally entitled to build.

In the face of the preponderance of data presented during the meeting that paint a dire picture of traffic congestion, net fiscal deficits leaving all county residents to shoulder the shortfall via property and gas sales tax hikes, of Indian Trail Improvement District residents facing additional taxation to pay for Minto’s traffic on our privately owned roads, of safety issues, of impact on schools, especially those closest to Minto, of water concerns, of erosion of our quality of life, of the domino effect of other landowners seeking similar developments adding to our woes, and in light of the obvious fact that Minto West is incompatible and inconsistent with the surrounding area, the board sided with the developer. Despite the pleas of residents speaking in opposition, the growing number of surrounding communities issuing resolutions in opposition, the thousands of petitions submitted in opposition, and the opposition of 1000 Friends of Florida and the Sierra Club, the board sided with the developer.

The disregard and disrespect of the board toward the experts and residents in opposition were clearly reflected in comments by some commissioners. In particular, Shelley Vana commented that we are an urban area as defined by the U.S. Census. Since when? And where is that documentation to support that assertion? Regardless, in the State of Florida, we are zoned exurban in the Rural Tier within a Rural Service Area. Vana said we should “stop having babies” and “put a wall around Palm Beach County.” She justified continued pro-development by saying it was done to Native Americans. She indicated that change has always happened in The Acreage with no residents fighting it, failing to recognize changes in attitudes toward land preservation, technology and social media, and implying that change begets change and past changes justify continued change with no regard to those who are directly impacted.

Newsflash: We, as residents and your constituents, are circling

the wagons and drawing a line in Acreage soil. We do not want to be the next Broward County. We do not want the character of our community destroyed and the quality and our way of life compromised.

We are going to fight this, all the way to the courts if need be. We will do our utmost to unseat you during your next election. We will ferret out which commissioners have been funded by developers and related special interest groups.

And there are growing numbers of residents all throughout the county becoming increasingly dissatisfied with how the Board of County Commissioners is structured, and I foresee a referendum in the future seeking a change so that residents, countywide, vote for commissioners, instead of per district.

Commissioners have one more chance to prove to residents and neighboring communities that they are “of the people, by the people, for the people” rather than “of the developers, by the developers, for the developers” on Oct. 29 when they convene to consider final approval of Minto West. As I said during my closing comments to the board, “Think of the legacy you leave and not the currency of the moment.” Consider your vote, its impact on residents, our land, our way of life, that legacy, and the consequences of your vote very carefully.

Jean Edwards The Acreage

Board Ignores The County’s Vocal Majority

Those of us in opposition to the proposed Minto West greatly expanded plan are not a vocal minority but, rather, we are the vocal majority with more than 5,000 signatures on petition, and Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee Groves, the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association, the Indian Trail Improvement District, the Acreage Landowners’ Association, City Watch and others filing letters and resolutions against Minto West.

As to creating an employment center, the zip codes covering the Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee parts of The Acreage plus Loxahatchee Groves come in well under 6 percent unemployment, while the four cities at Lake Okeechobee in Palm Beach County are 16 to 29 percent. So, where is the employment center really needed? Using Palm Beach County planning and zoning data, I found that there is already 0.3

million square feet of built commercial and 1.1 million square feet of approved but not yet built commercial/office in The Acreage and Loxahatchee Groves — we do not need any more until about the year 2200.

As to building a college on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, Palm Beach State in Loxahatchee Groves, on a state highway, breaks ground this October.

Even the county’s planning staff appears to be working for the developer and not the people.

In their report, they say that the Minto West site is surrounded by suburbia — hardly. Which “suburbs” have 1.25-acre to 100-acre sites with homes, barns, nurseries, landscaping and other home-based businesses that would represent code violations in the suburbs?

The commissioners and their staff need to work on behalf of the residents and not developers. This truly is Corruption County. Let’s get back to countywide election of all seven commissioners so a simple majority cannot ruin one or more of the other “districts.”

Minto should stay with what they bought, build their 2,996 homes and 235,000 square feet of commercial and let us get on with our lives.

The county commission just transmitted the proposal and will likely approve it as is on Oct. 29, unless they come to their collective senses. You need to help stop this madness — there is no worse place in the county to put over a million square feet of industry. I thank you for your time and consideration.

Dr. Bill Louda Loxahatchee Groves

Saving Money At The Pump

In response to Robert Kuoppala’s recent question of why Wellington gas stations charge up to 40 more cents per gallon than other area outlets (Letters, Aug. 29), I’d submit that with our many wealthy residents, it’s “because they can.”

I, instead, fill my car at either the Shell station on State Road 7 at Southern, the Hess outlet on SR 7 at Lantana, or the BP station near Whole Foods Market. All have excellent prices that are the same, cash or credit. Also, watch for the Publix coupons which let you buy a $50 Shell gas card for $40, with a required grocery purchase. On a 10 gallon fill at Shell, between the lower price and the Publix deal, I save more than $10 every time!

Jay Schleifer Wellington

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OPINION

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? Nobody Has Challenged Me Yet Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

I haven’t succumbed to the Ice Bucket Challenge yet. Nobody has asked. But I promise if I get several sincere requests, I’ll have one of my grandkids record the historic spectacle — and I know the three people I will request to do similarly.

After all, this relatively simple

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way of making a meaningful charitable donation (a check to the ALS Association is part of the deal) has already produced some $95 million. Is that sensational?

This amount is up millions from the same period one year ago.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a relatively small disBARRY S. MANNING Publisher JODY GORRAN Associate Publisher

ease in numbers (some 60,000 people), and like most other “smaller numbered” medical problems, doesn’t normally hog the spotlight.

But with everybody from a former U.S. president to sports and entertainment luminaries to TV personalities involved, JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor

DAWN RIVERA General Manager

RON BUKLEY Managing Editor

EDITORIAL STAFF/ Chris Felker • Denise Fleischman • Julie Unger

the Ice Bucket Challenge has become a wonderful, productive phenomenon.

Now what will the ALS honchos do with the enormous and unexpected influx of money?

Since there are few treatments, none very effective, the hope is there will be a dramatic increase

in research, perhaps including a bevy of new researchers with new approaches.

Also, the possibility exists that some big pharmaceutical companies, not interested beforehand, will join the battle. Sounds like a plan.

OK... bring on the ice water!

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Page 5

NEWS

CAFCI CELEBRATING 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH ‘SEPTEMBER TO REMEMBER’

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) held a Wine and Cheese Celebration on Friday, Aug. 29 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The event was held to celebrate the organization’s 25 years of community service and featured a photo slideshow trip down memory lane. It was part of “A September to Remember,” which culminates in CAFCI’s annual Friendship Ball PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER on Saturday, Sept. 20. For more info., visit www.cafcipbc.org.

The CAFCI Friendship Ball committee.

Members of the event committee gather together.

Woody Brown presented thank-you gifts to mistresses of ceremonies Leoni Escoffery and Nadine White-Boyd.

Lauriston Simms, Rhonda Ferrin-Davis, Marcia Andrews, Ethel Palmer and Lorianne Cabrera.

(Seated) Margaret Berry, Pricilla and Andrew Ho; (standing) Junette Powell and Jasmine Phillips.

Victoria Nangle, Dorothy Bell and Winsom Martin.

WASTE MANAGEMENT DONATES SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

Representatives from Waste Management visited the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club in Wellington on Thursday, Aug. 28. The company was on hand to donate a wide assortment of school supplies for the kids. Visit www.bgcpbc.org for more info.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

D.J. and Mya with Wellington Councilwoman Anne Gerwig and Waste Management’s Glenn Miller.

Dawn McCormick, Ellen Smith, Glenn Miller, Kendra Peterson and Boys & Girls Clubs CEO and President Jaene Miranda.

Children get their school supplies.

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September 5 - September 11, 2014

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CRIME NEWS

PBSO Investigating Drums Dumped

By Acreage Canal

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report SEPT. 1 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to Grapeview Blvd. in The Acreage on Monday evening regarding an environmental crime. According to a PBSO report, an onlooker called the substation to report that there were four 55-gallon drums of what appeared to be oil dumped at the canal near 99th Street North and Grapeview Blvd. around 7:15 p.m. According to the report, deputies called Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, which placed the drums upright and sealed them.

The scene was secured, and the area was roped off. Some of the unknown substance spilled onto the canal bank, but did not make it into the canal. The Department of Environmental Protection was notified. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

••• AUG. 26 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a restaurant on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. last Tuesday regarding the theft of cooking oil. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 1:45 a.m. last Monday, an unknown man drove a white van to the rear of the restaurant and siphoned approximately 77 gallons of used cooking oil, valued at $168.67, from a storage tank. The theft was reported by the security manager for the company contracted to recycle the cooking oil. The incident was captured on video surveillance.

AUG. 26 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a home in the La Mancha neighborhood last Tuesday regarding a case of fraud. According to a PBSO report, sometime between Thursday, Aug. 21 and Monday, Aug. 25, the victim received calls from an unknown individual who knew exactly how much money the victim owed the Internal Revenue Service in back taxes. According to the report, the caller directed the victim to purchase Green Dot prepaid cards and then read the numbers on the back of the cards to the caller. After collecting $6,500, the caller told the victim that he would call back the next day to obtain the rest of the money. Suspecting fraud, the victim then contacted the card company’s customer service department to stop the payment.

The victim was advised to call the PBSO immediately if the unknown caller contacted him again.

AUG. 26 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a home on Sparrow Drive last Tuesday afternoon regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 a.m. and 5:40 p.m., someone entered the victim’s residence and removed three televisions, together valued at $1,500. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 27 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a home on Hibiscus Drive last Wednesday morning regarding a case of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, the victim found the back window of her 2003 Ford Windstar broken, but nothing was removed from the vehicle. There was no further information available at the time of the report.

AUG. 27 — An Acreage resident contacted the PBSO’s Acre-

age/Loxahatchee substation last Wednesday morning regarding a case of fraud. According to a PBSO report, the victim received a suspicious phone message on her home line at 8:35 a.m. indicating that the caller was affiliated with the IRS. When the victim returned the call, several things about the conversation were suspicious.

When the victim questioned the person, she was hung up on.

AUG. 27 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to a home on 95th Lane North last Wednesday afternoon regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 2 p.m.

Tuesday and noon Wednesday, the victims discovered several items missing from the home.

According to the report, the victims noticed that the rear sliding door was unlocked but closed and could not find any signs of forced entry. Among the items missing were a GoPro camera, a Sony MP3 player, a SanDisk memory card, a Movado men’s watch, a Citizen Eco Drive watch, a silver ruby women’s bracelet, a Fossil blue watch and $600 cash. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 30 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to a medical building on the Palms West Hospital campus last Saturday morning regarding the theft of automobile parts. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10:30 p.m. last Friday and 3 a.m. Saturday, someone removed the yellow and white security lights, valued at $1,000, from the roof of a security company’s Ford pickup truck parked in front of the building. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 31 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to a home on Citrus Grove Blvd. last Sunday regarding a case of criminal mischief. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8:10 p.m. last Friday night and 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning, someone broke five decorative lights, valued at $40, installed on top of the victim’s front fence posts.

AUG. 31 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to Royal Ascot Estates last Sunday morning regarding the recovery of a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, just before noon on Sunday, an anonymous caller reported an abandoned vehicle in the area. According to the report, when the deputy arrived, the white Honda Accord’s status as stolen was confirmed. It had been taken previously from a location in the City of West Palm Beach. The interior and undercarriage components of the vehicle had been stripped, rendering it inoperable.

SEPT. 1 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called Monday to a home on Orange Blvd. regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, during an inspection of the property, a real estate representative noticed that an air conditioner system had been stolen. According to the report, sometime between 10 a.m. on Aug. 26 and 10 a.m. on Aug. 27, a newly installed Goodman air conditioner, valued at $2,500, was removed from the vacant property. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Benny Kinder, is a white male, 5’7” tall and weighing 170 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes. His date of birth is 09/27/74. Kinder is wanted on felony charges for violation of probation on grand theft charges. His last known addresses are County Club Way in Royal Palm Beach and Winter Park Lane in Palm Beach Gardens. He is wanted as of 08/28/14.

• Candace Revers, alias Candace Ferriera, is a white female, 5’5” tall and weighing 180 lbs., with brown hair and green eyes. Her date of birth is 07/12/85. Revers is wanted on felony charges for public assistance fraud. Her last known address was Tigris Drive in Royal Palm Beach. She is wanted as of 08/28/14.

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.crimestoppers pbc.com.

Benny Kinder

Candace Revers

THE INFORMATION FOR THIS BOX IS PROVIDED BY CRIME STOPPERS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY. CRIMESTOPPERS IS WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT SHOWN HERE.

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Page 7

NEWS

Wellington Council OKs Plan To Change Tiny Preserve’s Land Use

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council last week unanimously approved transmittal of a small-scale land use amendment from commercial recreation to residential for a quarter-acre tract near the Binks Forest Golf Club.

At the Aug. 26 meeting, Village Engineer Tim Stillings said the request is to change the land use with the condition that no residential units would be assigned to the area.

The parcel, located about a half-mile south of Southern Blvd. on the west side of Binks Forest Drive, originally was designated as a wetland preserve, but there is no jurisdictional wetland on the site.

The land is being reconfigured into the surrounding site, which has been approved for 90 townhouse units on the golf course’s former driving range.

Councilman Howard Coates said he was uncomfortable with the comp plan amendment and would prefer changing the boundary and keeping the commercial recreation designation.

“I have concerns that this is a preserve, and I want to make sure

that this is protected as a preserve,” he said. “If we go down this path, I want to know what the risks are.

Things change down the road.”

Stillings said the area can be dedicated as a plat. “Can it be changed in the future? Sure,” Stillings said.

Village Manager Paul Schofield said the council could take no action that could not be changed by a future council, but the best way to protect it would be to dedicate it as a conservation easement.

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig asked about maintenance responsibility, and Stillings said that would fall to the developer, who would have to submit a preservation management plan.

Councilman Matt Willhite said he did not understand designating the parcel as residential when the proposal states that a mitigation and maintenance plan is required.

“We clearly know it’s going to be some kind of preserve,” he said.

Stillings said the proposal is consistent with other planned unit development tracts, which have designated pods to preserve certain areas.

“The reason it wasn’t changed when these original 90 units were

proposed was that the property owner didn’t own it,” Stillings said. “He didn’t have permission to change the land use. It’s now owned by the same entity.”

Vice Mayor John Greene said the amendment appears to just clean up and simplify the uses on the property. He pointed out that the developer is not seeking to increase the density.

Jennifer Vail with Land Design South, representing the owners of the Binks Pointe development, noted that the original PUD was approved by Palm Beach County prior to Wellington’s incorporation and was originally identified as a driving range.

When the approval for the 90 townhouses was given, nobody foresaw the coming real estate downturn, and the homes still have not been constructed.

Vail said the design of the 90 units remains unchanged since their approval in 2008. Build-out is expected by 2018 under a change approved Aug. 6 by Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board.

The current owners purchased the property about a year ago and prepared a revised plan, which

included a request to change the quarter-acre parcel from commercial recreation to residential, although the overall density and character of the development remains unchanged.

Vail said the tiny parcel was owned by a homeowners’ association when the 15.27-acre parcel was purchased.

“What we are proposing to do is incorporate that 0.26-acre parcel into the overall Pod L, as is the practice for many PUD approvals,” she said.

Vail said the redesigned site plan will re-orientate the buildings away from the FPL power lines to the north of the property.

The plan also calls for a larger recreation area with more amenities, and a clubhouse almost four times the size of what was originally approved in 2008. She added that the developer plans to remove invasive exotic plants and replace them with new native plants, install a raised boardwalk for nature viewing, and increase the preserve area from 0.26 to 0.32 acres.

Vail said the developer had met with nearby residents, who voiced concerns about adequate buffering, and she said large canopy trees

that were part of the golf course would remain and that they would increase the landscape plantings along the southern property line.

Attorney Alan Zangen, representing the adjacent Preserve at Binks Forest neighborhood, asked what land use and zoning would prevent the property from becoming a parking lot.

“Wellington has a history of preserve areas suddenly disappearing,” Zangen said. “We’d like some kind of protection that it stays a preserve.”

He was also concerned about parts of the master plan, which will be reviewed when the proposed land use amendment comes back from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

Zangen said his clients want assurances that construction will take place only between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., with no construction on Sundays. The community also wants construction access to be from Flying Cow Road, not Binks Forest Drive.

Zangen added that his residents are also very concerned about the buffer, pointing out that the foliage separating the development from the power lines to the north

appeared on the renderings to be much thicker than the foliage to the south.

“We want to have input on that buffer area, and we want it to be very thick,” he said. “We do not want to see that community.”

Zagen also wanted limitations on rentals, so there cannot be any leases for the first year after the owner buys a unit, and any rental would be for a minimum of one year. He added that his clients want to be part of the discussion if it is decided that a traffic light is needed on Binks Forest Drive.

Vail said that the developer has already worked out construction access to be from Flying Cow Road via the FPL easement. She said part of the plan is for increased landscaping along the southern edge but that her client would be happy to meet with residents to review it further.

With most of the discussion centering on the overall Binks Pointe project, Gerwig pointed out that the only thing on that night’s agenda was changing the land use for the 0.26-acre natural area. She made a motion to approve the amendment for transmittal, which carried 5-0.

L. Lavone Seeking Artists For Equestrian Scarf Design Contest

Beautiful equestrian art deserves to be exquisitely displayed, and now L. Lavone is giving artists an opportunity to see their work emblazoned on the stunning canvas of a high-quality, Italian-made silk scarf.

The online contest will run from now until Oct. 1, and artists are invited to submit their design for a chance to be selected as the next L. Lavone scarf designer. The winner will receive a cash award as well as royalties on all scarves sold bearing their design. Submissions can be made online at www.llavone. com/contest.

Newly founded by lifelong equestrian and longtime Welling-

ton resident Michelle Cavanaugh Donn, L. Lavone is an equestrian lifestyle brand focused on bringing luxury gifts and accessories to the marketplace.

The company’s first offering will be a selection of silk scarves in stores this fall.

“When I owned my own tack shop, one of my biggest challenges was finding beautiful, high-end gifts to stock for my customers,” Donn said. “The few things I could get were the same items that every other store had year after year; they rarely changed. These gaps in the market led me to found L. Lavone.”

An exquisite scarf can take an

outfit from bland to chic or serve as a gift or keepsake that is treasured forever.

“Equestrian themed scarves are iconic,” Donn said. “That is why I decided silk scarves would be our first product. I have always loved Hermés scarves; they are art. I have had a few favorite ones framed and hung up in my home.”

Already selected to create the first scarf is fine artist Julie Anne Freund, a graduate of the Savannah College of Art & Design. Freund currently lives in Theinsville, Wis., where she works as a freelance artist and rides and trains horses out

of Vintage View Farm. Most recently, the Hampton Classic Horse Show recognized Freund’s talent of portraying the English sport horse, when her artwork was chosen for the horse show’s official 2014 poster.

“In many of my paintings, I like to take the everyday images that equestrians see and create a work of art that is recognizable and yet done in a way that emphasizes the beauty of the sport and of the animal,” Freund said. “Equestrian sport requires training, precise technique and conditioning, just as the act of painting.”

Design submissions should focus on the English riding disci-

Clerk: Appraisal Petition Deadline Sept. 15 Palm Beach County taxpayers have until Sept. 15 to challenge their property’s market value, classification or an exemption by petitioning the Value Adjustment Board, or VAB. Hearings on petitions filed in 2014 will begin Oct. 14. Last year, Palm Beach County property owners filed 4,909 VAB petitions, down 23.2 percent from 6,390 VAB petitions filed in 2012.

Taxpayers have three options to file VAB petitions: online at www. mypalmbeachclerk.com using myVAB; in person at Palm Beach County Clerk Sharon Bock’s main office or branch locations; or by

Trails

Ranches Residents Not Happy

continued from page 1 nated for trail improvements be directed to Little Ranches.

“We feel neglected in this respect,” he said. “I don’t think we’ve gotten anywhere near the attention with the equestrian element that other parts of the preserve have.”

Wallace said that access to the overall trail system is one of the big issues that Little Ranches riders have, explaining that an adjacent FPL substation is not passable on horseback. He asked the council to use its influence to persuade FPL to improve the area.

Wallace said other easements

mail to 301 N. Olive Avenue, Room 203, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

More than 30 percent of petitioners used the myVAB system to file their VAB petitions last year. The myVAB system gives real-time access to petitions, allows petitioners to view scheduled hearings and submit supporting materials electronically.

“As property values begin to rise again in Palm Beach County, more people may want to contest those appraisals through the VAB process,” Bock said. “Our myVAB makes it easy and convenient to file a petition and get updates

throughout the VAB process.”

Petition forms for those who choose not to use the online my VAB option are available from Bock’s office, the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office or the Florida Department of Revenue’s web site. All VAB petitions — whether submitted in person, online or by mail — must include a $15 filing fee.

Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits notified taxpayers of their property’s assessed and market values in a Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice that began arriving in mailboxes on Aug. 22. The VAB, which con-

sists of two county commissioners, one school board member and two citizen members, approves and hires special magistrates to settle any disputes between a property owner and the property appraiser.

It is an independent entity that is not affiliated with the property appraiser or the tax collector.

Bock’s office receives and processes petitions, schedules and coordinates hearings, records the hearings and more.

For more information on my VAB, the Value Adjustment Board or other services offered by Bock’s office, visit www.mypalmbeach clerk.com or call (561) 355-6289.

would require discussion with property owners, and also pointed out that there is a small parcel within Little Ranches near Cindy Lane that sold six years ago at a tax auction for less than $4,000.

“It was originally platted as an open space and recreation area, and so far, our research has shown that the sale is legal, but we’re still looking into that,” he said, explaining that one resident who is an attorney developed a statement of facts about the property.

He said the parcel had been used for 35 years for access, but the current owner blocked access in an apparent attempt to sell the property to the village at a profit.

“It’s less than a quarter of an acre and it’s only about 50 feet wide, so it’s really unusable for anything else,” Wallace said. “We feel that it was an oversight of the village to allow this parcel to be sold as it

was and would like the village to do whatever is necessary to regain control of this parcel and return it to its original designated purpose as open recreational space.”

In the longer term, he said Little Ranches equestrians would like to be connected safely to the existing trail system.

“I would like to see Little Ranches riders have a safe place to ride,” he said, adding that the village should develop a policy preventing future closures.

Vice Mayor John Greene agreed that Little Ranches trails have been neglected.

“It’s obvious that you don’t get the attention that some of the other communities get,” he said. “I think it’s unfair. I don’t understand why this little sliver was ever let go by the village.”

Village Manager Paul Schofield said the land was never owned by

the village but is one of several pieces of property that had been dedicated to the Acme Improvement District for future roadways and were ultimately sold as parts of other parcels.

Schofield said the village has spent more than $400,000 over the last three years in Little Ranches for road and drainage improvements, but nothing on trail improvements.

“We are trying to figure out how to do a trail system that actually connects, and it would be good to get that little tailpiece off of Cindy Lane,” he said, adding that an appraisal has not been done on the property but that a title search is underway.

On Tuesday, Schofield told the Town-Crier that the property is under review by legal staff, as well as the Equestrian Preserve Committee.

plines of dressage, hunters, jumpers or polo, or they should portray images that celebrate the beauty of the horse at liberty.

The original design can be created in any medium, including but not limited to a painting, drawing or computer illustration, and should be suitable for silk-screen printing. Contest details and entry instructions are available on the L. Lavone web site.

Artists interested in joining Freund in seeing their work worn around the nation and around the world should visit www.llavone. com/contest to learn more.

(Right) L. Lavone founder and owner Michelle Cavanaugh Donn, a longtime Wellington resident.

Building

Lease With Purchase Option

continued from page 1 we’re just thinking about it,” he said.

Browning asked why a decision is necessary before the November election, and Town Attorney Mike Cirullo said that is important because anything done on that property would require the consent of the Palm Beach County Commission.

Goltzené said he did not see the urgency for getting the agreement to the county commission.

“There’s seven votes and only one is going to change,” he said.

“There’s nothing that says that the new person isn’t going to be as acceptable to this.”

While Councilman Jim Rockett favored pursuing a lease-to-buy option, Browning said that he had different thoughts for a permanent town home and would prefer to build something on the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District’s property.

After discussions with Kutney, he decided that a simple 4,000-square-foot structure would cost about $300,000, split between the LGWCD and the town. The chamber’s appraisal for its building is about $630,000.

“We already have the land. It’s a beautiful facility down there. I just don’t know how we can do it

practically,” Browning said of the chamber’s proposal.

He pointed out that a mortgage on $300,000 would be about $2,000 a month, which is what the town pays for rent currently.

Rockett pointed out that a lease with an option to buy does not mean that they have to buy. He also noted that if they lease the building, they could sublease a portion, possibly to the chamber, and reduce the cost.

Vice Mayor Ron Jarriel also favored a lease with an option to buy. “I see a lot of potential for that building,” he said.

Jarriel added that he was embarrassed that people have to walk through the mud in the parking lot when it is raining, and possibly have to stand outside if it is a big meeting. He also pointed out that Burns has shown interest in renting a portion of the building back, and that the town’s committees, some of which already meet at the chamber building, would have ready access.

He asked Burns, who was at the meeting, if they had established a lease price, and he said they had not, but added that it would be difficult to come in with a price comparable to what the town pays now, considering theirs is a 5-yearold, 5,000-square-foot building with paved parking.

Jarriel made a motion to continue discussions with the chamber and find out everything they need to know about a lease with an option to buy. The motion carried 4-1 with Goltzené opposed.

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September 5 - September 11, 2014

FLARA To Host Film Screening

The Mid-County Chapter of the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans will meet Monday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church (12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington).

The meeting will feature a showing of the award-winning documentary film Inequality for All. Internationally acclaimed economist Robert Reich narrates the film, explaining how the American economy experienced increased prosperity for all from the end of World War II to 1980, and then describes the continuing pattern of income inequality which began after 1980.

Local economist Richard Hattwick will introduce the film and conduct an audience discussion after the showing. New members and visitors are welcome. For more information, call Nancy Tanner at (561) 793-9677.

Quarter Auction At St. Rita Oct. 18

St. Rita Catholic Church (13645 Paddock Drive, Wellington) will

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NEWS BRIEFS host a charity quarter auction fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 18 to benefit the St. Rita Council of Catholic Women Scholarship Fund. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the auction begins at 7 p.m. Paddles are $2, and there will be drinks and snacks available for purchase, vendors items for auction and a 50-50 raffle. For more info., call Caroline at (561) 798-2853.

Art Society Open House Sept. 10

The Wellington Art Society will hold an open house on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the Wellington Community Center. A meet-and-greet from 6 to 7 p.m. will be followed by a member spotlight and a demonstration by Eydi Lampasona from Golden Paints on printing without a press and paper making.

A raffle will follow with proceeds going to the group’s scholarship fund.

Lampasona is an internationally acclaimed local artist working in mixed-media painting, collage and print making. She uses paint, photography, fiber, found materials and metal in her work. Her work is exhibited all over the world,

and she conducts international workshops.

Lampasona has been published in many art books and magazines and is a member of the National Watercolor Society, the National Collage Society, the International Society of Experimental Artists and the Society of Layerists in Multi-Media.

The Wellington Art Society is a nonprofit charitable organization.

It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their art work in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. For more information, visit www.wellingtonartsociety. org or www.wellingtonartsociety. blogspot.com.

Classes Filling Up At Dance Arts

The fall schedule at Dance Arts Conservatory in Wellington begins Monday, Sept. 8, and classes are quickly filling up. The Saturday pre-ballet class has already been filled, so an additional class has been added on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Satur-

days from 9 to 10 a.m. To learn about other classes, visit www. danceartsconservatory.com or call Studio Manager Randy Ballen at (561) 296-1880.

Hadassah Ice Cream Social

Hadassah will host an ice cream social Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. at a home in Wellington to celebrate the end of summer and introduce new friends to Hadassah.

For more information, call Shirley at (561) 204-1894.

in pursuit of new and unique varieties of gingers and heliconia that thrive in Florida.

Goss will describe how to propagate the plants and care for them.

He also will offer advice on plant selection and bring beautiful speci-

mens for attendees to purchase.

Guests are welcome. There is no admission fee, but seating is limited. RSVP to Mary Ann Hesser at (561) 792-6690. For more information, visit www.wellington gardenclub.org.

ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE AT THE TENNIS CENTER

Garden Club To Meet On Sept. 8

The Wellington Garden Club will meet Monday, Sept. 8 in the Greenview Room at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). A business meeting at 10:30 a.m. will be followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a program at 12:15 p.m.

The program will be on rare gingers and heliconia presented

by John Goss, owner of J.G.’s Tropical Plants and Fine Art Photography in Vero Beach. He has traveled throughout the Caribbean

On Monday, Sept. 1, the Western Communities Tennis Association (WCTA) and Tommy Cheatham Inc. raised money through the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at the Wellington Tennis Center. The WCTA nominated Erik Feldman, Tommy Cheatham, Liz Stockton and Tere Stowall to take the challenge with the help of some Wellington Labor Day Tennis Tournament players.

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Page 9

NEWS

Florida Green Brings Organic Pest Control Products To Wellington

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report Florida Green Pest Control has a solution for almost every bug issue. The company’s organic cedar-oil-based solution is strong enough to rid a home of termites; protect dogs and horses from fleas, mites and ticks; and eliminate infestations of mosquitoes and bedbugs.

Yet the unique product is safe enough for almost all uses, including organic gardening.

If you are a mosquito magnet, then the woodsy spray brought to Wellington from Texas by partners Dale Perry, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Carter Askew is the solution to your problems.

“I decided that I was going to try to put together a plan for everything organic, and that’s how we came to starting up Florida Green Pest Control,” explained Perry, the company’s chief operations officer.

Perry heard of the product four years ago and brought it to the attention of his nephew, Askew, and his son-in-law, Saltalamacchia.

“The three of us sat down and talked, and this is what we decided to do,” said Perry, who has been in the agricultural industry for more than 40 years.

“We think it’s a good idea simply because it is organic, good for the environment and safe. That’s our purpose.”

The company is also a present and future plan for Saltalamacchia, a Royal Palm Beach High School graduate. Out of high school,

Jeff Annas Run Returns Sept. 13

Local firefighters will raise money for Little Smiles and scholarships at the Jeff Annas Memorial Firefighters’ 5K set for Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Wellington Amphitheater.

The race starts at 7:30 a.m. and will be followed by a party.

Community members will come out and race, and many firefighters will also race in full bunker gear, showing their patriotism and commitment to physical fitness.

The annual race raises money for Little Smiles, a nonprofit that helps sick children in local hospitals, and the Jeff Annas Memorial Scholarship Fund, which gives

Saltalamacchia signed to play baseball with Florida State University. That led to a professional baseball career that has seen him play catcher for the Atlanta Braves, the Texas Rangers and the Boston Red Sox, before returning home to catch for the Miami Marlins.

“Being able to play baseball back at home again has given me this opportunity to be able to start this business,” he explained.

As the father of three children, he is also interested in safety and is proud of the company’s focus on safe, 100 percent organic products.

“Baseball doesn’t last forever.

You have to do something after baseball,” he said, noting that Florida Green Pest Control provides the perfect opportunity for a post-baseball career with a family focus.

“We wanted this to be a family business, something that we can do together, something that Dale is familiar with, and I’m getting familiar with,” Saltalamacchia said. “This is something that I can definitely see myself doing after baseball.”

With both Perry and Saltalamacchia living close by, they are familiar with the creatures that call South Florida home. Between issues with white flies, mosquitoes and insects that gravitate toward horses, the products sold by Florida Green Pest Control are essential to the area and have a wide variety of applications.

“It’s also good for the horse industry, because it has products that you can spray right on the

animals,” Perry said. “They’re 100 percent safe, whether it’s a horse, a cow, a dog or whatever type of animal it may be. It keeps the flies, the mosquitoes and the bad insects off of them.”

The base for the product is red cedar oil. The variety that the company uses only grows in South Texas. There are other cedar trees and other cedar products available, but the family chose this particular variety and company to represent as a distributor because of its reputation.

The product even discourages snakes from creating nests in yards. “Snakes do not like the cedar smell, so they might wander over to your neighbor’s yard, but they won’t be in your yard,” Perry said, explaining the effectiveness of the red cedar granules that can be sprinkled around a yard just like fertilizer.

Spritzers of 1 ounce, 2.5 ounces and 4 ounces, which kids can even bring with them to school, offer a portable formula that humans can use as an organic bug repellent.

Available for personal and professional use, Florida Green Pest Control carries products ranging from individual spritz bottles and 10-pound bags of granules to pet shampoo and gallons of concentrated solution in tanks that are hooked up to lawn sprinkler systems. Some formulations also act as a wood and deck sealer.

Saltalamacchia is excited about the spray tanks and can’t wait to install his own.

“Mosquitoes out here are huge

Dale Perry and Jarrod Saltalamacchia of Florida Green Pest Control. right now, with the equestrian world, with everyone who has dogs,” he said. “We’re across the street from sugar cane, and we get all kinds of insects, snakes, bugs and mosquitoes, so we’re putting one of these in our house.”

In addition to using it at his own home, Saltalamacchia has brought it to his parents to use on their dogs in The Acreage, where they’ve noticed a striking transformation, he said.

PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Keeping horses free of bugs can be a difficult task to tackle, unless you are using specific products.

“This you can spray right into horse stalls. You can spray it on their food, as a matter of fact, because it’s organic, not toxic at all,” Perry said. “As far as the stalls, you can spray it right around their bedding, where they feed and where they wash down.”

It is even safe to put on horse coats.

“Where they exercise, in their exercise pools, you can pour this right into their water,” Perry said.

“When they swim in it, it coats to their coat, and when they get out, mosquitoes and flies won’t bother them.”

Florida Green Pest Control is located at 3031 Fortune Way, Suite A-11, in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 790-3939 or visit www.floridagreenpestcontrol. com.

The church is located at the northwest corner of Okeechobee Blvd. and E Road. Participants can join at any time during the 13week series. For more information, or to register, call (561) 753-8883 or e-mail info@gocoh.com.

Frozen princesses. For more info., call (561) 422-3112.

NEWS BRIEFS scholarships to local high schoolers interested in professions that include community service.

For more information, or to sign up, visit www.jeffannas5k.com.

CAFCI’s student assistance/scholarship awards and community outreach programs. The evening will feature entertainment from Marcia Griffiths, “the Queen of Reggae,” and master of ceremonies Andrea “Delcita” Wright.

CAFCI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and maintaining the quality of life in the community and enhancing overall cultural diversity.

For tickets or table reservations, call CAFCI at (561) 790-4002, Dennis Wright at (561) 653-1586, Millie Hampton at (561) 7901751, Jerome Wright at (561) 649-8254, Norma Rose at (561) 333-0932, Lawrence Logan at (561) 791-0162 or Kareem Ali at (561) 929-2654.

CAFCI Friendship Ball Sept. 20 At Kravis Center

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) will host its annual Friendship Ball on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts’ Cohen Pavilion. The event starts at 7 p.m. and costs $100 per person.

The ball will celebrate 25 years of CAFCI’s commitment to the community. Proceeds will benefit

Grief Support At Community Of Hope Church

Beginning Sept. 8, Community of Hope Church is offering a free 13-week GriefShare series on Mondays at 7 p.m.

The death of a loved one brings pain and confusion. A grieving person often feels that few people understand them during this time.

GriefShare is a faith-based seminar and support group for those grieving the loss of someone close.

Videos of grief experts and discussion guided by trained facilitators help participants move through their grief journey in a healthy way and begin to regain joy in life.

‘Frozen’ Party At Learning Express

The Learning Express store in the Mall at Wellington Green (10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 114) is holding a Frozen meet-andgreet on Sunday, Sept. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. The free event will feature glitter tattooing, raffles and more. Guests are encouraged to dress up in royal attire to meet the

Equestrian Trails Beautification Project Sept. 20

On Saturday, Sept. 20, Equestrian Trails Elementary School will host a beautification project starting at 9 a.m. Students, parents, staff and community members will work together to plant gardens, prepare a hydroponic system and landscape campus grounds. Whole Foods will be donating fruit and water to the event, and the Mulch Man will be donating mulch. For more info., call Silke Kiesewetter at (305) 898-7080.

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September 5 - September 11, 2014

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Page 11

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September 5 - September 11, 2014

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Kretzer Piano Music Foundation Event Raises More Than $60,000 For Charities

The Kretzer Piano Music Foundation’s recent third annual Physicians Talent Showcase sold out the Harriet Himmel Theater in West Palm Beach, raising more than $60,000 for three local nonprofit organizations.

Eighteen talented doctors and other performers wowed the crowd at the music-packed fundraiser. Dr. Gordon Johnson, a retired pathologist and former chief of staff at Wellington Regional Medical Center, served as master of ceremonies with Dr. Maureen Whelihan. Johnson also performed with his wife, Dr. Linda Johnson, and violinist son Gareth Johnson.

Among the show’s highlights were the opera-singing veterinarian Dr. Xavier Garcia, classical guitarist Dr. Kenneth Fuquay, singer Dr. Andrew Moffitt, classical pianist Dr. Peggy Hunter, Flamenco dancers Dr. Lourdes Nieves and Dr. Sonia Nunez, and ballroom dancers Dr. Lyda Rodriquez and her partner, international dancing champion Alex Foraponov.

Audience favorites included comedian Dr. Richard Wayne, pop

pianist Dr. Richard Weiner and the always popular “Doctors Band” with Dr. John Fernandez, flautist and singer Dr. Robin Sykes, bass guitarist Dr. Thomas Rowe, Dr. Robin Shecter and drummer Dr. Jack Zeltzer. Also performing were Dr. Robin Arrigo, a concert pianist; Micailah Lockhart, vocalist from Faith’s Place and the first-place winner in Junior Achievement’s “Watch a Rising Star” competition; pianist and “Kretzer Kid” Lylybell Zhou; and the rousing drum line and steel drummers from Faith’s Place.

The money raised will benefit Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches, Faith’s Place Center for Education in Pleasant City and the Kretzer Piano Music Foundation.

“The Physicians Talent Showcase is part of Kretzer Piano’s ongoing ‘Music for the Mind’ concert series benefiting children’s charities and music education,” founder Kathi Kretzer said. “Providing busy doctors with an opportunity to share their talent in support of three fine charities brings joy to our hearts. We are grateful

Dr. Gordon Johnson and Dr. Maureen Whelihan.

to our sponsors, volunteers and fans, but mostly to these talented physicians.”

Grand sponsor of this year’s even was Kathryn Fox, with the Palms West Hospital medical staff serving as gold sponsor and the medical staff of Wellington Regional Medical Center as sil-

ver sponsor. Additional sponsors included LKD Certified Public Accountants, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, Raymond James Financial Services, South Florida Radiation Oncology, the medical staff of JFK Medical Center, UBS Financial Services and the L. Jules Arkin Family Foundation.

Dancers Alex Forapanov and Dr. Lyda Rodriguez.

September 5 - September 11, 2014

Page 13

Lazar To Chair Everglades Gala

Bonnie Lazar will chair the 2014 River of Grass Gala, benefiting the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation for the Everglades.

The foundation’s signature event will take place Dec. 6.

This year’s River of Grass Gala will be held aboard the Lady Windridge, a 167-foot yacht, which will embark at the City of West Palm Beach waterfront docks.

The holiday-lights cruise includes dinner, entertainment, dancing, a live auction and valet parking.

The honorary chairs for the event are Thais and Matt Piowtrowski and Bernadette and Bob Shalhoub.

The event supports the restoration and preservation of the greater Everglades ecosystem and its historic “River of Grass” through science-based education and outreach programs for all ages.

Lazar, a West Palm Beach resident, began her career as a Realtor in New York State and has been affiliated with the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches since 2001, first as a member and then rising through the leadership ranks

Bonnie Lazar to president. She currently serves as past president of the Regional Multiple Listing Service, vice president of the West Palm Beach Lions Club and serves on the board of directors for Executive Women of the Palm Beaches.

For information about the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation for the Everglades, call (561) 2339004 or visit www.artmarshall.org.

SCHOOL OF ROCK AT OKEEHEELEE

Dr. Xavier Garcia and Dr. Robin Shecter.

Michael Nardone Honored By Johns Hopkins

Michael Nardone, a student from West Palm Beach, was recently honored as one of the brightest young students in the nation at a regional awards ceremony for academically advanced children sponsored by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY).

The center honored Nardone, a participant in the CTY Talent Search, for his exceptional performance on a rigorous, above-grade-level test given to academically talented second-

through-eighth-grade students.

He qualified through the SCAT exam, receiving the award of High Honors in both the quantitative and verbal sections of the exam. As a result, he was accepted into the Math Problem Solving program at Johns Hopkins.

As part of the CTY Talent Search, which is going on now, advanced young learners take above-grade-level tests that CTY has used for years to spot academic talent and reveal gaps between a child’s academic program and

his or her actual capacity for learning.

Nardone, a student at the Weiss School, was one of more than 38,000 students from over 120 countries who participated in the CTY Talent Search. Because of the difficulty of the tests, only a small percentage of students who participated earned an invitation to a CTY Awards Ceremony, where they are individually honored for their academic performance and potential. Most students honored also qualified academically for

CTY’s summer courses and online classes.

“The CTY awards ceremony congratulates students for their academic achievement, and it recognizes the defining roles that parents, educators and others play in developing the academic talents of our outstanding honorees,” said Elaine Tuttle Hansen, executive director of CTY. “For these advanced learners, as with all children, there should be no gap between their capabilities and the opportunities open to them.”

Okeeheelee Park’s Micanopy Pavilion was the scene of some serious rocking on a recent Sunday afternoon. Performers from the School of Rock of South Palm and North Palm got together to close out the summer with some awesome music. More than 30 musicians ranging in age from 8 to 18 showed off their musical skills performing both classic rock songs and hits from today.

School of Rock is a concept that gets kids and adults rocking out to the classics and performing with their peers. In addition to individual lessons, there are weekly jam sessions where they learn to play together, and the result is their live performance in front of an audience. With more than 100 locations in seven countries, the franchise proves that rock and roll is alive and kickin’. For more information, visit www.southpalmbeach.schoolofrock.com.

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SCHOOL NEWS

NEW HORIZONS PREPS Clerk’s Office Helps Out With School Supply Drive Sending students to school with “We know how important it is VOLUNTEERS FOR YEAR the supplies they need can be for students to have the supplies expensive for many Palm Beach they need to get an education.

New Horizons Elementary School values its volunteers. Parents, grandparents and community partners recently gathered for a volunteer orientation breakfast. They work hard assisting teachers and participating in a many events throughout the year. Shown above are Principal Betsy Cardozo with PTA officers and volunteers.

County families, so employees from the Clerk & Comptroller’s office donated supplies and money to help underprivileged children in the community as they returned to school on Monday, Aug. 18.

Clerk’s employees filled more than 50 boxes with backpacks, notebooks, folders, crayons, pencils, paper and other much-needed supplies that they bought with their own money or with money raised within their departments through bake sales and other fundraisers.

Employees also contributed more than $1,400 by participating in special “Dress Down” days to allow them to dress casually in exchange for a charitable contribution. The money was used to buy Walmart gift cards to be used for school supplies and uniforms.

Our employees give what they can each year to ensure that children in our community are prepared,” Palm Beach County Clerk Sharon Bock said. “Our annual school supply drive is just another way we show our commitment to the communities we serve. I’m proud of our employees for their generosity.”

Half of the donated supplies, including $710 in Walmart gift cards, were donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. The rest of the supplies and $900 in Walmart gift cards were delivered to the school district’s West Area office for students in the Glades communities.

The school supplies drive is part of the clerk’s charitable giving program, which includes com-

munity service, raising money for employee-selected nonprofit organizations through the Dress Down Friday program and supporting

agencies such as the United Way of Palm Beach County.

For more info. visit www. mypalmbeachclerk.com.

With its graduation rates on the rise, Palm Beach State College is now the eighth-largest producer of associate’s degree graduates in the United States, climbing three notches from last year’s ranking, according to Community College Week.

The annual rankings by the education publication show that PBSC awarded 4,598 degrees in the 2012-213 academic year, a 9 percent hike over last year. The college also saw a similar graduation spike in the previous year.

PBSC rose above Kaplan University-Davenport Campus and Colorado Technical College, as well as Keiser University-Fort

Lauderdale, with whom PBSC tied for the 11th spot last year.

However, among the 28 public colleges in the Florida college system, which dominate the top spots in the rankings, PBSC remains the fifth-largest producer of associate’s degrees.

The news comes as PBSC has implemented a completion agenda that puts more emphasis on completion rates and additional resources to address barriers to graduation, which includes early intervention programs to help students facing academic and attendance challenges. The college also has put more focus on the educational planning process to

ensure students take appropriate courses for their degree, and on new scholarships and financial aid opportunities.

Two years ago, the college began automatically graduating students who completed all of the requirements for their degrees, but transferred to a university or entered the workforce without applying for graduation.

“We are putting a lot of emphasis on student success,” said Dr. Peter Barbatis, vice president of student services and enrollment management. “Palm Beach State College is committed to supporting our students’ completion of their program of study and prepar-

ing them for further education or the workforce.”

PBSC also is ninth in the nation in the number of associate’s degrees awarded to minorities, compared to 13th last year. It is 8th in the nation in the number awarded specifically to African-Americans, compared to 14th the previous year. It also ranks 12th for the number awarded to Hispanics, rising from 19th.

Barbatis said the hikes are in line with the changing student demographics. “We’re becoming a more diverse student body, and as a result, we’re having higher graduation rates,” he said. “The support is here.”

Palm Beach County Clerk Sharon Bock with Kenneth Everett, Noel Martinez and kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL AT TKA PBSC Among Nation’s Top Producers Of Degrees

It was all smiles at the King’s Academy for the first day of school.

Students were excited to reunite with friends, faculty and staff after their summer break. TKA student ambassadors welcomed a record number of new students to the TKA family. Both students and faculty alike are looking forward to a tremendous school year.

For more information, visit www.tka.net.

JROTC COLOR GUARD HONORS NEW CITIZENS

On Aug. 22, the Seminole Ridge High School Army JROTC Color Guard presented the nation’s colors at the federal courthouse in West Palm Beach as 45 people from 31 different countries became U.S. citizens.

These brand-new Americans sang the national anthem as the colors were presented, then recited the oath of allegiance.

Shown left are Seminole Ridge Army JROTC students Adrian Fernandez, Alex Harre, Erica Picone and Jacklyn Hunt.

Madrigal Named Rosarian’s Interim Head Of School The Rosarian Academy Board of Directors recently appointed Nori Madrigal as the interim head of school.

With more than 20 years of experience in education, Madrigal most recently was the interim head of school at the Colorado Springs School, an independent school serving pre-K through grade 12.

During this time, she oversaw the management of daily operations of the school, including ensuring ethical and legal compliance, managing the annual budget of $6.2 million, overseeing curriculum and instruction, providing regular opportunities for professional development and developing

professional relationships with all stakeholders.

Madrigal began her career as a K-5 teacher with a bachelor’s degree in art and elementary education from Humboldt State University. She was a teacher and division leader at the Colorado Springs School. She also worked several years at the University of Colorado Family Development Center as the summer program director. After attaining her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Colorado Christian University, she continued to diversify by serving in positions from enrichment programs to director of admissions and financial

assistance at the Colorado Springs School.

Following the legacy of former Principal Virginia Devine, who retired at the end of the 2013-14 school year after 31 years of service to the school, Madrigal will continue to uphold Rosarian Academy’s high standards and distinctions.

“In the first few days of being here, I can already sense Rosarian’s excellence and great potential,” Madrigal said. “I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to be here for a year, to reinforce the culture of excellence that already exists and set up the incoming permanent head for continued and

Nori Madrigal progressive future success.”

For more information, visit www.rosarian.org.

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September 5 - September 11, 2014

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FEATURES

It’s September... Time To Start Planning For Halloween Parties!

September... I made it!

Glorious September, when the leaves begin turning magnificent colors, when the ground gets crunchy beneath our feet, when the aromatic smell of wood smoke first tinges the air, when the… oh, wait.

That’s up north.

But Florida has its September, too, highlighted primarily by the facts that the kids are back in school, the theme parks are navigable again and it’s time to start our holiday shopping, beginning with Halloween.

Has anyone noticed that Halloween is gaining ground, despite the fact that fewer kids go trick-or-treating? The costumes!

The decorations! The parties! Retailers

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER without orange and black in their stores are missing a real opportunity. I don’t care what you sell, throw some black glitter onto it because Halloween signals the official start of the holiday season. It’s the biggest thing since the Fourth of July for people like me, shoppers who consider the

months between July and October nothing more than one long dry spell.

Just like Christmas has inched its way backward in the calendar, so now has Halloween. Even my antiques store got decked out in bats and cats in August.

I know, we’re shameless! (“But, Deb,” you say. “Starting so early, what if you’re running out of stock by October?” Three words: More... shop... ping!) I can always find something to sell. Thanks to TV shows like Oddities, it is now perfectly OK for me to sell disembodied doll heads in my shop. In fact, they sell like hotcakes.

I attend auctions all year long, looking for ratty old dolls to send to the guillotine in the fall. I can never find enough.

Objects in jars make great inventory items, too. I get a bunch of creepy-looking plastic things — rats, snakes, leftover doll parts — stick them in glass jars and fill the jars with water. Creepy! To up the fear factor, I throw some yellow or green food coloring in there. The murkier things look, the better. After all, the ultimate goal is to have party guests squinting into the jars saying, “What is that?”

Doll heads and fake science experiments gone awry may not be appropriate for children’s parties, but thank goodness that Halloween is back where it should be — in the hands of alcohol-loving adults.

Somewhere between deciding that taking candy from strangers was not a good idea

and refusing to get off the couch to walk around the block, adults came up with the brilliant idea of stay-at-home parties. We would dress up... we would eat candy... we would eat black cupcakes and wash them down with vodka!

Yuck.

Kids (always the smartest among us) say hello to everyone on the night of the party, then retreat to their rooms with a pilfered sack of candy corn to watch Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas. They will sleep restlessly, arising before dawn to see what’s left of the cupcakes. In the end, everybody’s happy.

Meanwhile, we have all of September to plot, plan and purchase. Happy fall!

‘Begin Again’ A Sweet Film That Puts Its Focus On The Music

I was pleasantly surprised by Begin Again. It is an art house kind of movie, and it has hidden there most of the summer, finally coming to some of the larger theaters. It was advertised as a romantic comedy, and when I saw that the stars were Keira Knightly and Mark Ruffalo, I was worried. He’s old enough to be her father.

But the romance involved is mainly with music. John Carney, the director, clearly loves music and lets it show in this gentle, charming film that just might win some awards.

Dan (Ruffalo) is a former great music producer who has fallen apart because of a collapsed marriage to Miriam (Catherine Keener). He is alienated from his daughter Violet (Hailee Steinfeld) because of his absence. Drunk, he gets fired from his job as a music publisher even though he had been one of the partners. He staggers into a bar and hears British singer Gretta (Knightly)

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler sing to a not wildly enthusiastic audience.

But he hears something in the music and begs her to record with him, even though he admits he no longer actually has a job.

Gretta, who had planned to return to England the following day, having been emotionally crushed when her longtime boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine) breaks up their relationship as his career begins to move forward. She moved into the apartment of old friend Steve (James Corden) until she can leave. Steve gets her to come

with him to the bar to hear him sing and gets her to sing, setting up the main part of the story.

The film focuses on the creation of music as Dan and Gretta match their musical visions. And the music scenes are magical.

There is an interesting scene in the bar as Dan imagines a musical background for Gretta’s music. Then a beautiful one where the two share their playlists, listening to Sinatra and then Stevie Wonder together as they wander through New York City. Watching them dance together in the middle of a dance club to their own music while everyone else is moving to something else was a real joy. There is also a magical scene on a rooftop where a thrown-together band is joined by Dan, who it turns out had played bass guitar, and finally his daughter, who it turns out is a superb guitarist. That one scene, joyous both in its music and the clear coming

together of a formerly destroyed family, is worth the price of admission.

The nicest element of the film is that it doesn’t push the romance, between the stars. Fine acting makes it clear that the leads have feelings for each other, but forcing the issue would have distorted the point. Each has a loving destiny, both have been betrayed, and they can act as catalysts without having the usual mandatory tryst.

The cast is excellent. Ruffalo, the rock on which the film centers, manages to seem both capable and messed up at the same time. Despite obvious flaws, the audience can relate to him and root for his success. Knightly, far better known for historical and costume movies, is fine as Gretta and even does her own pretty good singing. Levine is an excellent singer and does well as a self-centered jerk. Corden plays the best friend really well. I would like to see him in larger parts. I have

always enjoyed Keener, and she comes across really well. Steinfeld is one of our best young actresses and manages to take a part that could have been nothing more than a stereotype and make it really interesting. Her character has an exchange with Knightly about boys that in a few sentences explains how women are always emotionally far ahead of men.

This is a sweet film that features the music, really interesting characters and New York City as backdrop. In some ways, it harks back to the old “let’s put a musical on” movies that were so popular way back when, but it has a modern edge and a kind of world-weariness that we have come to expect. The real love here is for the music, but it clearly also shows how people can come together through their love for music to better understand and care for each other. You might really like the film. Catch it before it disappears.

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NEWS

‘Ballet Off Broadway II’ At WHS Auditorium Sept. 13

Wellington Ballet Theatre is excited to present its fall production “Ballet Off Broadway II” on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Wellington High School auditorium.

Come enjoy as Wellington Ballet Theatre dances to Broadway show tunes. Enjoy performances featuring musical selections from Grease, Peter Pan and A Chorus Line, as well as more recent shows like Wicked and The Lion King.

The show will feature choreography and staging by Melissa Waters, Dorie Duvall and Rocky Duvall, under the artistic direction of Rocky and Dorie Duvall.

The production will be presented as a family showcase suitable for all ages. The experience will be magical, and young children

are invited and encouraged to attend.

Wellington Ballet Theatre is grateful to its sponsors for their support: the Village of Wellington, Dance Arts Conservatory, Seasons Women’s Care, Rejuvia Medspa, Floridian Community Bank, the Pediatric Center and the Steinberg family.

Reserved seating ticket prices start at $15 and can be purchased at www.wellingtonballettheatre. org. All ticket proceeds go directly to the nonprofit Wellington Ballet Theatre.

Wellington High School is located at 2101 Greenview Shores Blvd. in Wellington.

Auditions for the company’s winter performance of The Nutcracker will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6. Audition times are 2 p.m.

for ages 8 and under, and 3 p.m. for ages 8 to adult, including pre-professional and seasoned dancers. Wellington Ballet Theatre will hold auditions at 11260 Fortune Circle, Suite J-1. Call (561) 296-1880 to RSVP. Wellington Ballet Theatre is a performing company and school of ballet registered as a nonprofit and public charitable organization. It is dedicated to promoting and preserving the dance arts. It provides a cultural experience by dancing historical and classical ballets, as well as original and innovative choreographies.

The auditions, workshops, master classes and dance demonstrations are open to all members of the dance community, providing an outlet for all students of artistic merit to express themselves

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

Cypress Key

Residents Object To Changes

continued from page 1 than attract clientele from farther away. “Even though it’s above the 20,000-square-foot limitation, it’s still intended to be neighborhood-serving,” he said.

After working with staff on the most current application, Perry said he felt compelled to ask the council its position.

“This thing has sat for 10 years now,” he said. “The prospect is how much longer do you want to sit and look at it?”

Vice Mayor Dave Swift said he did not believe that anything built there that meets the mixeduse criteria would be successful, and he did not object to adding a grocery store.

“In my opinion, what Mr. Perry is presenting makes sense,” Swift said, explaining that he liked the concept of local residents being able to walk out their door to shop at a grocery store.

Swift noted that he had visited an area Walmart grocery store and explained to Walmart representatives that the village was concerned about noise and traffic.

“They will work with us as much as they possibly can,” he said, pointing out that there are thousands of vehicles that go

up and down adjacent Southern Blvd. every day. “It’s not exactly a pristine forest. I don’t think this use is all that bad. We need to put something there that makes sense.”

Councilman Richard Valuntas did not share that opinion.

“As someone who lives in the neighborhood next door, I just want to make clear, this is something you have vested rights in,” Valuntas said. “You have vested rights to build 60,000 square feet of retail. What you want to do is make a building that is bigger than is permissible, and you want to cram three-quarters of all your permissible retail on the corner closest to where people live.”

Valuntas recommended that the developer “build what you bought.”

Regarding the location, Perry said that was why they had developed extensive buffering along Cypress Head Ave., and explained that they would have concentrated the commercial on the other end of the site, but extensive construction work was already in the ground.

“We can’t switch it around,” Perry said. “We’re stuck with what it is.”

Councilman Fred Pinto pointed out that he was the lone negative vote when the original development was approved.

“I’m not happy that nine years later, all the reasons I did not support this have come to fruition,” Pinto said. “You’re telling me there is no market for this in this config-

uration. We put a new ordinance on the books just to accommodate a specific development. That’s always a slippery slope to go on.”

Pinto recommended making the necessary investment to flip the project and put the commercial concentration away from the homes to the east.

Councilman Jeff Hmara agreed that flipping the project seemed to make more sense, but was concerned about the amount of time already spent on the project.

“This has been a rather tortured effort on everybody’s part,” Hmara said. “I think everyone should be complimented for trying to find a way out of a difficult configuration that we sort of evolved into.”

Valuntas said his neighbors like the proposed reduction in square footage from 125,000 square feet to about 70,000, but the concentration of commercial on the east end is a big issue.

Swift said he did not know whether a workshop with residents, the developer and the council would help move the project forward.

“You’ve already got infrastructure in the ground,” he said. “It would be extremely expensive to change.”

He said the key would be getting the residents to agree to it.

“Unless you can show them on a map that this is how it relates to where they live, I don’t think we’ll ever build anything there,” Swift concluded.

and learn more about classical dance as an art form.

Tax-deductible receipts are available for all charitable gifts and sponsorships.

Wellington Ballet Theatre is also available for black-tie performance events and other fundraiser entertainment opportunities.

For more information about upcoming performances, ballet classes or bookings, visit www. wellingtonballettheatre.org or contact Company Manager Randy Ballen at info@wellingtonballet theatre.org or (561) 296-1880.

Chamber

Deutch Visits

continued from page 3 fit into people’s view of the way Washington works, as we’re so accustomed to hearing that things are broken. But there are real examples of things that are getting done,” he said.

One is related to Medals of Honor after the Korean War. Deutch worked to override the laws that limited the elapsed time when medals could be awarded.

“I went out and enlisted the support of a good Tea Party friend of mine, someone who doesn’t share a lot of my views on a lot of issues, but we both knew that this was a problem that had to be addressed,” he said. “We worked

September 5 - September 11, 2014

Page 17

Wellington Earns Honor For Financial Reporting

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada has once again awarded its certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting to Wellington’s Office of Financial Management & Budget for the Fiscal Year 2013 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

This certificate is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

The CAFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the highest standards of the program.

It was the 18th consecutive year that Wellington has won the award, and village officials give special recognition to Manager of Financial Reporting Mindy Boersma for her significant contribution to winning the honor.

The accolade reflects the commitment Wellington staff has for meeting the highest principles and best practices in governmental accounting and reporting.

together and passed the necessary legislation to make possible what is the single greatest moment I’ve had as a member of Congress.”

Two of the 24 newly enabled recipients were able to accept their medals, while the rest were accepted by surviving family members.

“The president, one at a time, called up the individual or the family member, as they read in great detail all of the heroic efforts that enabled them to receive the Medal of Honor, and at that moment, they had what was the largest awarding of Medals of Honor in our nation’s history,” Deutch said.

Though Deutch frequently showcases this story, he is often asked how such an example relates to big issues.

“If we can come together when we know there’s a problem that everyone acknowledges has to get

addressed, like we did there, then we ought to be able to do the same thing on these other big issues the country faces,” he explained.

Advocating for compromise, he said, is something that can continue in Congress, and is something he strives to achieve.

For additional information, visit www.teddeutch.house.gov.

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host a public event Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater called “Endless Summer.” Surf Party, a nationally renowned Beach Boys tribute band, will be playing. There will also be a movie showing and food trucks on site. Vendor spots are still available.

For more information about the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, visit www.wellington chamber.com.

Chamber Luncheon — (Left) Congressman Ted Deutch addresses chamber members. (Right) Liz Olszewski, founder of Horses Healing Hearts, with Board Member Kim Willard.

PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

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September 5 - September 11, 2014

NEWS

New Fire Truck Serving The Wellington Area

A new fire engine was put into service recently in Wellington.

Wellington’s new truck is a brand-new 2014 Sutphen Shield equipped with a 1250 GPM Hale pump, with a top-mounted pump panel. It has an on-board foam system and has equipment such

as the Jaws of Life and is fully outfitted with advanced lifesaving equipment, along with a Life Pack 15, which can perform lifesaving defibrillation.

This new engine brings the latest technology available to the citizens of Wellington. It is able to respond

Wellington officials got a chance to see the truck last week. (L-R) PBCFR’s Paul Jaremko and Chief Michael Arena with Councilman Matt Willhite, Vice Mayor John Greene, Mayor Bob Margolis, Councilman Howard Coates, Councilwoman Anne Gerwig and firefighter/paramedic Gary Sprague.

to both fire and medical emergencies and is stationed at Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 20, located at 1000 Greenview Shores Blvd.

The truck replaced a 2002 Ferrara, which faithfully served Wellington for more than 12 years.

The new Sutphen Shield was displayed at the Tuesday, Aug. 26 meeting of the Wellington Village Council in conjunction with the council’s proclamation of the month of August as Firefighter Appreciation Month in the Village of Wellington.

The new engine ready to respond in front of PBCFR Station 20.

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Wellington Producer To Release Feature Film

Wellington resident Randy Pfeiffer, president of Cinema Island Productions, is proud to announce that the digital release of the film Angel Camouflaged is set for Sept. 16.

Amazon has set up a pre-release link at www.amazon.com/AngelCamouflaged-Dilana-Robichaux/ dp/B00L1WJEH6 where you can see reviews and pre-order the DVD for delivery.

Angel Camouflaged has been called the sleeper release of the year, packed full of surprises with both drama and comedy. It rocks with dynamite original music from Dilana Robichaux and music legends the Marshall Tucker Band and Curtis Blow.

Award-winning performances from James Brolin and Robichaux are enhanced by the excellent directing and cinematography of R. Michael Givens, a protégé of Ridley Scott. It also features exciting performances from Warrick Grier, Carlos Bernard, Terry Serpico and Tessie Santiago.

Academy Award winner Robert

Stromberg supervised the special effects.

Angel Camouflaged has won multiple film festival awards, including Best Feature Film (Charleston International Film Festival), Best Actress (Pasadena International Film Festival), Best Supporting Actor (Pasadena), Best Cinematography (Pasadena, Charleston, Beauford International Film Festival), Best Music (Sundance Music in Film International Festival) and others.

Pfeiffer, a longtime Wellington resident, formed Cinema Island Productions with his partners in 2007. The company is currently working on a number of exciting new feature-length projects, which include Sight Unseen, a heartwarming story of a blind football player; Flatwoods Monster, a horror- thriller based on folklore from West Virginia; and The Tenth Symphony, a rock ’n’ roll adventure.

Learn more about these projects at www.cinemaisland.com. For more info., call (561) 333-5005.

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Page 19

NEWS

FOOD TRUCK INVASION RETURNS TO COMMONS PARK IN ROYAL PALM BEACH

The Food Truck Invasion returned to Royal Palm Beach Commons Park on Friday, Aug. 29. The monthly event brings mobile food establishments to the park, where hungry customers can choose from a variety of menus for a picnic on the lawn. Musician Emily Brooke provided entertainment. For more info., visit www.royalpalmbeach.com.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Clarice Kruger and Bruce Temple listen to the music.

Angel Rutigliano with her father, Phillip.

Musician Emily Brooke provides entertainment at the event.

A crowd lines up at one of the food trucks.

The Scharther family enjoys a picnic.

Sarah Parks with her dog, Teddy Bear.

WELLINGTON’S LEARNING EXPRESS STORE SUPPORTS MAX LOVE PROJECT

The Learning Express store in the Mall at Wellington Green held a Loom Against Cancer event Saturday, Aug. 30 to benefit the Max Love Project. YouTube sensations Jacy and Kacy of Craft Life attended to help the store participate. Loom Against Cancer is a challenge with the Max Love Project in which children can help by creating a 100-mile chain of loom bands. For more info., visit www. maxloveproject.org.

PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Jacy and Kacy with Malina Asnani, Heather Morgens, Gabriela Mendez, Jessenia Pietri and Riya Asnani.

Riya and Malina Asnani work on the loom chain.

Kacy and Jacy help Mia Wormus add to the loom chain.

You’re Invited!

The Wanderers Club extends to you and your family a very special invitation to become a member of Wellington’s private golf, tennis, and polo club.

Dues-Only Membership – No Initiation Fee Required Full Golf or Social Memberships Available Traditional golf with no tee times, tennis, and fitness Casual dining at The Duke’s Bar, Veranda, and poolside • Fine dining at Stables Restaurant A junior Olympic-size pool, kiddie pool, and play area • Year-round social calendar and child-friendly programs An extensive summer reciprocal membership program For membership information, call 561.795.3501.

membership@wanderersclubwellington.com • wanderersclubwellington.com 1900 Aero Club Drive • Wellington, FL 33414 Dues-Only Membership may be recalled once the Club Membership reaches its full complement, beginning with the last in, unless the then established membership deposit is paid. All memberships are prorated as of initiation date.

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Monica Lalama: Rider, Trainer And Artisan

Monica Lalama moved to The Acreage in 1998 so she could have land to keep her horses at home. She named her facility Running Acres Ranch and started giving lessons and clinics. She currently owns six horses and is boarding and training four more. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 23

Business

Seagull Services Unveils New Name, With An Updated Vision For The Future

Seagull Services hosted a continental breakfast Aug. 27 to introduce its new name, logo and vision for the future. Friends and supporters gathered at the Seagull Services headquarters in West Palm Beach for the breakfast, ribbon cutting and tours. Seagull Services is celebrating 35 years in service to individuals with disabilities. Page 24

Sports Royal Palm Beach Defeats Palm Beach Central 21-6

The Royal Palm Beach High School football squad hosted crosstown rival Palm Beach Central High School to open the regular season on Aug. 29. The Wildcats bested the visiting Broncos 21-6. Running back Demarcus Holloway helped to power the No. 7 Wildcats over the No. 3 Broncos. Page 29

THIS WEEK’S INDEX TAILS FROM THE TRAILS............................. 23 BUSINESS NEWS....................................24-25 SPORTS & RECREATION.........................29-31 COMMUNITY CALENDAR............................. 32 CLASSIFIEDS..........................................33-37

Page 21

WHS Gridiron Squad Dominates Santaluces

Wellington High School’s football team traveled to Lantana on Aug. 29 and took on Santaluces High School to open the regular season. The Wolverines dominated the Chiefs 26-6, in what was the Shannon Patrick-to-Ahmmon Richards show. The dynamic duo connected six times. Page 29

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

September 5 - September 11, 2014

Shopping Spree

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September 5 - September 11, 2014

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Equestrian Sport Productions

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FEATURES

September 5 - September 11, 2014

Page 23

Monica Lalama Stays Busy As A Rider, Trainer & Artisan Monica Lalama’s life has turned out just the way she wanted. “Training horses is a job I love,” she said. “It’s my life.”

Originally from Perth Amboy, N.J., her family moved to Cooper City in Broward County many years ago.

“My little brother was sick, and the doctors suggested a warmer climate would be better for him,” Monica recalled. “We ended up near Davie, and there were a lot of horses around.

I started riding English pleasure and got a two-year-old Quarter Horse named Pretty Boy Floyd.”

She still has him. He’s 28 now.

Even though she was riding English, Monica started working with a trainer who was into barrel racing, so she gave that a try.

“I was hooked on the adrenaline rush and the speed,” she said. “I started barrel racing every chance I got.”

She also acquired another horse, a 4-yearold Standardbred mare that she adopted for $250 from the Miami chapter of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Fannie Mae had once raced at Pompano, but now she was thin and going blind in one eye. Not only did Monica rehabilitate her, she started barrel racing her.

“That was pretty unusual,” she said. “No one had seen a gaited Standardbred running Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/Horse TalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg barrels before, but she loved it. Even though she went completely blind in her right eye, we won seven saddles and a lot of awards together. She was even profiled in a book called Beloved Sport Horses by Sharon Miner.”

Fannie Mae is now in her 20s, and Monica still has her as well.

“Training her, especially because of her vision problems, taught me the best ways to help a horse overcome obstacles,” she explained.

“People were impressed and asked me for help. My career sort of grew from there.”

Monica moved to The Acreage in 1998 so she could have land to keep her horses at home. She named her facility Running Acres Ranch and started giving lessons and clinics at her home and at what is now Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park. She currently owns six horses and is boarding and training four more.

“My training technique is part natural horsemanship,” she explained. “Some Parelli, some Chris Cox, useful tips I’ve borrowed from their videos, and part me. Each horse is an individual, so I don’t always do the same thing.

I assess their strong points and weaknesses.”

Monica Lalama with Mystic, the horse she rides without a bridle.

Monica gives lessons on her horse or a Typical problems are shouldering barrels or client’s horse, and she’s willing to travel to a blowing turns, she noted.

“First, I evaluate the horse and rule out client’s barn.

Teaching a horse a solid pattern takes three any physical problems, like painful teeth or misaligned vertebrae,” Monica said. “A horse to four months. She backs green horses and in pain can’t use himself correctly. Once that also teaches the basics of Western and English is ruled out, I start with groundwork: lots of pleasure, reining and some jumping.

Alexis Wilson has worked with Monica circles, bending, flexing evenly on both sides, pivoting on the hind end. I also determine for almost three years. “She really cares for which bit the horse likes best. Then we work the horses,” Alexis said. “And she can teach under saddle on the barrel pattern.”

See ROSENBERG, page 31

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BUSINESS NEWS

Seagull Unveils New Name, Updated Vision For Future

Seagull Services hosted a continental breakfast Aug. 27 to introduce its new name, logo and vision for the future. Friends and supporters gathered at the Seagull Services headquarters in West Palm Beach for the breakfast, ribbon cutting and tours.

Seagull Services is celebrating 35 years in service to individuals with disabilities. Founded in 1979 as Seagull Industries, the agency has grown to provide an array of services aimed at helping clients lead full, productive lives. Those include job and vocational training; residential, vocational and case coordination and management; as well as formal education through its charter school, the Seagull

Academy for Independent Living (SAIL).

Seagull Services welcomed new President and CEO Barbara Nurenberg late last year, the first new CEO in 28 years, to lead the agency into its next chapter.

“We are a diverse organization today that provides many life-enriching benefits to our clients,” Nurenberg said. “While we still provide the work and life skills that were the focus when Seagull was founded in 1979, we believe the name Seagull Services more appropriately encompasses everything we provide to those with disabilities in Palm Beach County.”

In addition to the new identity, Seagull Services also will be using

the tag line, “Enriching lives, erasing barriers, helping people soar.”

“The seagull in our name and logo is such an important symbol for us as we work every day to help each of our clients and residents spread their wings to their fullest,” Nurenberg said. “Every one of us has different abilities, different dreams and different achievements.

Our role is to help each of our clients fulfill their own unique set, whether that means better social interaction, independent living or a job.”

Seagull Services provides advocacy and services to individuals with disabilities and their families, as well as workforce development and employment services for those with barriers to employment.

Seagull Services CEO Barbara Nurenberg (center) marks the agency’s new start with clients, board members and friends.

Northern Palm Beach ABWA Chapter Announces New Officers The Northern Palm Beach chapter of the American Business Women’s Association has named its new slate of officers for 2014-15.

The organization’s new officers include President Pat Key, Vice President Dottie Smith, Secretary Rebecca Ott and Treasurer Janice Kuhns.

Key has served in many capacities since joining the ABWA in 1985. She is a part-time employee

of TBC Wholesale in Palm Beach Gardens and lives in Lake Park.

Key is also a personal caregiver and BeautiControl consultant.

Smith has been an ABWA member since 1991 and has served in leadership roles including president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, newsletter editor and, in 1997, on the ABWA National Nominating Committee in Minneapolis.

Smith works part-time for DiVosta

Homes in Abacoa and lives in Hobe Sound.

Ott is a ABWA new member.

She is chief executive officer of the Helix and MedStat Urgent Care Centers and president of Practice Solutions of Florida. Ott is also starting a new company in Florida, Jewel Kade. She lives in Lake Worth.

Kuhns lives in Jupiter and works for Sancilio & Co. in Riviera

Beach, a small pharmaceutical company that manufactures Omega 3 capsules and children’s chewable vitamins. She works as a greeter for the company, assisting the quality assurance, production and human resources departments. Kuhns is also a personal assistant and a pet sitter, providing services locally.

She has been an ABWA member since 2000.

The mission of the American

Business Women’s Association is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition.

For more information, or to become a member, call Key at (561) 622-2713 or visit www.abwa npbflorida.org.

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September 5 - September 11, 2014

BUSINESS NEWS

Palm Beach Media Group Names Publisher Palm Beach Media Group recently announced that Director of Production and Manufacturing Terry Duffy has been named group publisher.

Duffy is a publishing executive with more than 20 years’ experience in the magazine industry. Since Duffy joined the company in 2005 as production director, PBMG has received numerous accolades with regard to the quality and growth of the company’s luxury print titles, including its flagship monthlies Palm Beach Illustrated and Naples Illustrated. He was promoted to his former post in 2006 and played a key role in the development of several new print titles, including the International Polo Club Palm Beach

magazine, PBMG’s three web sites and numerous digital initiatives that contributed significantly to the company’s sales success. Duffy is currently a corporate officer of PBMG, as well as a member of its executive committee.

“We’re extremely proud to promote someone as respected and accomplished as Terry,” Chairwoman Karen M. Powell said. “He is a tremendous asset to our team, and we look forward to his leadership for continued innovations and the growth of our brand.”

In his new role, Duffy will interact with all corporate departments, with a primary emphasis on sales.

“I’m excited to take the company to the next level,” Duffy said. “I look

forward to developing new ways to increase our brand presence in the communities we serve by creating additional opportunities in the print and digital sectors.”

PBMG publishes 12 magazines and three web sites: its two flagship monthlies in addition to Weddings Illustrated; Palm Beach Charity Register; Naples Charity Register; Traditions, the magazine of the Breakers; The Jewel of Palm Beach, the magazine of Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club; International Polo Club Palm Beach; Salut!, the magazine of Naples’ Winter Wine Festival; Fifth Avenue South, the magazine of Naples’ Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District; ONE Life, the magazine of ONE

Mall Names Winning Schools The Mall at Wellington Green recently hosted its first Wellington Green Gives Back to Schools, a back-to-school shopping program that ran from Aug. 1 to Aug. 18, when shoppers could register their receipts at the Guest Services desk to earn money for local schools.

Every dollar spent was a point earned for the school of their choice.

The three schools with the most points now will receive a cash donation of $2,500, $1,500 or $1,000 from the mall.

“We are excited to announce the winning schools of the Wellington Green Gives Back to Schools promotion, and deeply thank our community for coming out to shop and making their school count,” said Rachelle Crain, marketing and sponsorship director at the Mall at Wellington Green.

The school with the most points, which will receive the first-place prize of $2,500, is Emerald Cove Middle School. The runners-up were Elbridge Gale Elementary School, which will receive the second-place prize of $1,500, and Panther Run Elementary School, which will receive the third-place prize of $1,000.

Terry Duffy Sotheby’s International Realty; and Estate Portfolio, the magazine of Premier Estate Properties.

Chamber Selected As NOAA ‘Ambassador’

The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce has been accepted as a National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador. It is also the first chamber in southeast Florida to become an ambassador.

“Ambassadors are critical to building a Weather-Ready Nation,” said Louis Uccellini, director of NOAA’s National Weather Service. “We welcome the Central

Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce as a new ambassador, committed to empowering the business community and others with lifesaving information about extreme weather events.”

NOAA seeks to collaborate with other organizations in innovative ways to maximize its efforts toward national resilience. Increased dialogue and information-sharing will result in more consistent weather

safety messaging and improved communication with stakeholders and the public.

“The chamber shares our vision of building a Weather-Ready Nation, which will help local businesses in central Palm Beach County prepare and respond to hazardous weather,” said Robert Molleda, warning coordination meteorologist for the NWS Miami-South Florida office.

“The peak of South Florida’s

hurricane season is Sept. 10, and October is the month when we get hit by the most hurricanes historically,” said Wayne Burns, CEO of the chamber. “We believe in public-private partnerships and want to be part of the solution to helping businesses bounce back after a catastrophic weather event, should one occur in Palm Beach County.”

Visit www.cpbchamber.com for more information.

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Page 25

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September 5 - September 11, 2014

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September 5 - September 11, 2014

Page 27

A Guide to Some of The Best Fine and Casual Dining Spots in the Western Communities!

TCBY of Wellington The Courtyard Shops at 13860 Wellington Trace

561.366-7725

At TCBY of Wellington , customers choose their own delights. Located in the Courtyard Shops, TCBY lets its customers choose from a variety of tasty yogurts and toppings for an excellent edible adventure. TCBY prides itself on offering delicious but health-conscious yogurt, dubbed “Super Fro-Yo”. Each serving is a source of fiber, probiotics, vitamin D, calcium and protein. Each 4 ounce serving boasts 120 calories or less and a gram or less of saturated fat, but when you add toppings you’re going to add calories. No matter what you choose, you’re guaranteed a delicious result and you’ll always have the same great TCBY taste.

TCBY ensures a consistent product by shipping its yogurt directly to stores. In addition to the self-serve, customers can buy a pint of yogurt to take home, or even a tantalizing yogurt cake, both available at the store. The yogurts changes seasonally. Anticipated fall flavors include spiced apple, pumpkin and eggnog.

Stop in today and try your favorite.

THE ALL AMERICAN BAR & GRILL Seafood, Salads, Grazing & Lite Grazing Dinner: 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

(561) 469-1109

whiteelephantwellington.com 12794 West Forest Hill Boulevard Ste 20 Wellington, Florida 33414

Page 28

September 5 - September 11, 2014

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SIX great schools educating students in Palm Beach!

Why Choose Charter Schools USA? • Tuition-free public charter schools • Personal Learning Plans • Before and after care • Character education and leadership • Meaningful parental involvement • Certified, dedicated teachers

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Renaissance Charter School at Wellington Renaissance Charter School at Cypress Renaissance Charter School at Central Palm Renaissance Charter School at West Palm Renaissance Charter School at Palms West Renaissance Charter School at Summit

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WellingtonCharter.org CypressCharter.org CentralPalmCharter.org WestPalmCharter.org PalmsWestCharter.org RECSummit.org

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SPORTS & RECREATION

September 5 - September 11, 2014

Page 29

Royal Palm Beach Defeats Palm Beach Central 21-6

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach High School football squad hosted crosstown rival Palm Beach Central High School to open the regular season on Friday, Aug. 29. The Wildcats bested the visiting Broncos 21-6.

Running back Demarcus Holloway helped to power the No. 7 Wildcats over the No. 3 Broncos with a punishing ground game that drove in three touchdowns to seal the win.

Palm Beach Central struggled

Palm Beach Central quarterback Savion Harris scrambles to the outside.

early with turnovers, mostly in the first half. The Broncos’ second fumble set up Royal Palm Beach’s first score, when Holloway ran it in from 7 yards out. Devin Wallace’s kick gave the Wildcats a 7-0 lead.

Holloway would drive in another score from one yard out late in the first half to take a 14-0 lead.

A brawl in the south end zone prior to the start of the second half spurred a 30-minute delay as law enforcement and school administrators gathered at midfield to determine the outcome. Cooler heads prevailed, and the game marched on without incident.

Credit the Wildcat defense for keeping the Palm Beach Central offense out of sync in the first half, limiting the Broncos to just 13 yards and one first down. The speed of the Royal Palm Beach defense proved to be too much for the Bronco offense.

Holloway scored his third of the

night for the Wildcats from 4 yards out, capping a 45-yard drive.

Palm Beach Central did find a rhythm midway through the fourth quarter, when they put together a 55-yard drive that led to quarterback Savion Harris’ 2-yard sneak for the score. However, an attempt at a 2-point conversion failed.

Palm Beach Central’s defense held Royal Palm Beach on their next drive, which gave the Bronco offense another chance to close the gap. The Broncos appeared to be on a comeback drive, but solid coverage in the secondary and quick pressure from the Wildcat defensive front prevented a Bronco resurgence, and Palm Beach Central turned over the pigskin on downs.

The Wildcats drove to the Palm Beach Central 1-yard line with seconds left and ran out the clock to lock in the 21-6 victory.

The Royal Palm Beach defense

Royal Palm Beach’s Quintel Kelly grabs a pass and takes it up field.

limited the Broncos to just 101 total yards of offense and four first downs. Holloway led the Wildcats’ ground attack with 86 yards and three touchdowns. Receiver Shamar Jackson and quarterback Toddy Centeio combined for 142 yards on the ground.

Both teams take on top-10 oppo-

nents this week. Royal Palm Beach travels to play No. 10 Pahokee High School, while Palm Beach Central hosts No. 6 Glades Central High School. Glades Central defeated defending state champions William T. Dwyer High School last Friday.

Both games are Friday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.

RPBHS running back Demarcus Holloway finds running room.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Wolverine Gridiron Squad Dominates Santaluces 26-6

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington High School’s football team traveled to Lantana on Friday, Aug. 29 and took on host Santaluces High School to open the regular season.

The Wolverines dominated the Chiefs 26-6, in what appeared to be the Shannon Patrick-to-Ahmmon Richards show. The dynamic duo connected six times for 150 yards and three scores. Patrick was 17 of 26 for 294 yards on the night.

The Wolverines started out of the gate on all eight cylinders, taking just three plays to march 80 yards for the score.

After the opening kickoff, Wellington opened up with quarterback Patrick firing a pass to receiver Jean Rene for a 30-yard gain. Using a no-huddle offense, two plays later, Patrick threw to receiver Richards for the 50-yard

touchdown pass. Alex Ng’s kick made it 7-0.

A failed onside kick for the Wolverines placed the Chiefs with decent field position, but Santaluces could not muster enough offense, including a fourth-and-7 attempt that ended in disaster as the Wellington defense swarmed the Santaluces quarterback for a loss, turning over the ball.

Wellington, utilizing the no-huddle offense, continued to pick apart the Chiefs’ defense. Patrick orchestrated a 65-yard drive, then connected with Richards on a fourthand-goal from 5 yards out for the 13-0 lead, but Ng’s kick was no good. Wellington attempted another onside kick, only to give the Chiefs good field position once again.

The second quarter gave the Chiefs new life, as they drove to the Wellington 1-yard line but failed to See WOLVERINES, page 31

(Left) Wolverine receiver Austin Gilman finds a gap between two Santaluces defenders. (Right) Ahmmon Richards intercepts a first-half pass and scores on a 30-yard return.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Page 30

September 5 - September 11, 2014

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Berean Christian Defeats Boca Christian The Berean Christian School Bulldogs opened the football season Friday, Aug. 22 with a 34-14 win over Boca Christian School.

The Boca Christian Blazers took an early 14-0 lead, but it didn’t take the Bulldogs long to get going.

Quarterback Christopher Mauck got the Bulldogs on the board with a 49-yard touchdown pass to Nick Doucette.

On the team’s next possession, a great leading block from Kasey Montrois freed wide receiver Keilon Stube for a 20-yard end-around jaunt

into the end zone, making it 14 -14 at halftime.

The second half would be all Bulldogs. Mauck continued his air assault with Doucette for two more touchdown strikes of 38 and 62 yards. Doucette had three catches, all touchdowns, for 149 yards.

Mauck finished 18 for 35 with 3 touchdowns and no interceptions, for a total of 318 yards.

Luke Langsam added a 3-yard touchdown dive to finish off the Bulldogs’ scoring.

The defense was led by senior

linebackers Mike Miller (17 tackles), Kenny Hippler (10 tackles), Caleb Taub (10 tackles) and Daniel Downey (9 tackles). Seniors Joe Hendricks and Shawn Hood, along with recent sophomore Wellington High School transfer Sawyer Losey, dominated the secondary.

Berean plays its home games at the Wellington High School field, and the admission is free thanks to sponsor ADCAHB Medical Coverages. The Bulldogs’ next home game is Friday, Sept. 19 against Zion Lutheran.

Christopher Mauck hits Nick Doucette with a touchdown pass.

RPB STRIKERS SOCCER OFF TO A STRONG START

Royal Palm Beach Strikers Soccer kicked-off the season at the Vero Cup Tournament Aug. 23-24. All of the club’s competitive teams were in attendance, and three teams made the finals. The U-10 boys, led

by Fernando Casal and Rob Bartenslager, won the final with a 3-0 win over West Pines United. Coach Mal Hassen’s U-12 boys won with a 2-1 win over South Brevard Phoenix. Coach Todd Stanchfield’s U-11 girls finished second. (Above) The U-12 boys. (Left) The U-10 boys.

Wellington Roller Hockey Association To Start Season The Wellington Roller Hockey Association’s fall/winter season will start Sept. 21.

Roller hockey is a fast-paced, non-contact sport that is a great, and inexpensive way to introduce kids to hockey.

All skill levels are welcome.

Introductory teams through travel teams are forming now for ages 4 to 18. Free equipment rental is available.

For more information, visit www. wellingtonrollerhockey.com.

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Wolverines

Victory Over Santaluces

continued from page 29 convert on a fourth-and-goal attempt. Wolverine defensive lineman Keegan Sullivan stuffed the middle on a Chief handoff and forced them back for a loss on the play.

Santaluces gambled midway

Rosenberg

Monica Lalama

continued from page 23 anyone, beginner through advanced, kids to adults. She is really good with problem horses. My little sister, Mackenzie, who is 11, rides with her as well.”

Alexis likes Monica’s flexibility in scheduling lessons. “She’s easy to talk to and willing to take time to explain things,” she said. “Her farm has a real family feel to it. We go on trail rides, and when we do barrel shows, we’re all a team, supporting each other.”

Robbie Partain is another loyal customer. “I’d watch her barrel race, and she was amazing,” Robbie recalled. “I wanted to be like her, so I had her train my horse. She did an

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SPORTS & RECREATION into the second quarter with a deep pass down the sideline. Richards grabbed the ball out of the air and returned it for a 30-yard gain, setting up Wellington’s next score.

Patrick capped a 70-yard drive with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Richards. Ng’s kick was blocked, and the Wolverines led 19-0 at the end of the half.

In the second half, Wellington would grab one more score, with

Patrick connecting to Rene to extend the Wolverine lead. Ng’s kick gave Wellington a comfortable 26-0 lead.

The Chiefs did periodically move the ball, but the Wellington defense came up big when it had to.

Santaluces finally added a score in the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass, but it proved to be too little, too late, as Wellington earned the convincing 26-6 victory.

Both Rene and Richards are cred-

outstanding job. I like how she takes her time and doesn’t push horses too far too fast. She is trustworthy and knowledgeable. She is also very patient in lessons, and goes as long as it takes for you to get where you need to be.”

Monica noted that she teaches the owners along with their horses.

“The right way to cue a horse is to sit into a turn, not use a big, nasty bit,” she said.

Monica’s big on using the least-severe bit possible. As a matter of fact, she has done exhibition rides of bridleless barrel racing — no bit or bridle at all! She did a demonstration at Horse Show by Appointment’s Western to Wellington show in June.

Monica helped organize the event, which was staged at Polo West.

“I had seen other people doing different things bridleless, and I thought it would be fun to try barrel

racing that way,” she said. “So I taught one of my horses, Mystic, to work off my body language. In less than a month, I could ride her anywhere completely bridleless.”

Monica also runs a business called Twisted Tack.

“I make halters, dog collars, saddle bags, breast collars, belts, saddle pads, all custom-made and blingedout,” she said. “I work in Hermann Oak leather and some exotics like stingray, gator and ostrich, and add Swarovski crystals... Whatever you want, I can do it.”

She also embroiders and embellishes apparel such as jackets, raincoats, riding shirts, hats and more. “I can do designs, monograms, logos, even clip art,” she added.

For more information, call Monica at (561) 662-6490, or search on Google for Running Acres Twisted Tack Apparel.

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September 5 - September 11, 2014

ited with interceptions on defense.

Rene also collected 65 receiving yards.

Page 31

Wellington will host West Boca High School on Friday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.

Wellington quarterback Shannon Patrick looks for an open receiver.

PHOTO BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Page 32

September 5 - September 11, 2014

Saturday, Sept. 6 • A Gun Show will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6-7 at the South Florida Fairgrounds featuring a wide collection of guns, ammo, knives, hunting supplies and accessories. Visit www.flgunshows.com for more info.

• The Audubon Society of the Everglades will take a car pool tour around Storm Water Treatment Area 1E on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7 a.m. to view the large number of birds that accumulate there. Registration details can be found on the “Field Trips & Release Forms” tab above the picture at www.auduboneverglades.org. Call Linda at (561) 742-7791 to register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Reading is Fun!” for ages 2 to 6 on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 11 a.m. Celebrate “Read a Book Day” with fun stories, songs and a cool craft. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Acoustic Java Jam for adults Saturday, Sept.

6 at 2 p.m. Experience a caffeinated collection of local talent or bring your acoustic instruments and jam out. Coffee will be provided. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host a “Hooray! You Have a Library Card Party” for ages 2 and up Saturday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. Bring your library card, or if you don’t have one, sign up for one and join in on the celebration. Refreshments will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The inaugural Countdown 2 Zero animal adoption event will take place on Saturday, Sept.

6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach. This free event will present more than 600 of Palm Beach County’s adoptable dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, birds and furry companion animals available at discounted adoption fees. Call (561) 472-8873 or e-mail peggynews@peggyadams. org for more info.

• Barnes & Noble (10500 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) will host a Family Fun Day: Grandparents Storytime on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 11 a.m. featuring the popular titles How to Babysit a Grandpa and How to Babysit a Grandma with storytime, activities and snacks. Call (561) 7921292 for more info.

Sunday, Sept. 7 • The Acreage Green Market will take place Sunday, Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Acreage Community Park (6701 140th Ave. North). For more info., visit www.acreagegreenmarket.org or call (561) 723-3898.

• Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host Beekeeping 101 on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 9 a.m. The cost is $35 for members; $45 for nonmembers. The speaker will be Al Salopek, president of the Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association. Learn basic knowledge about honeybees and how to start hives in your own backyard. For more info., call (561) 233-1757 or visit www.mounts.org.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

• The Audubon Society of the Everglades will take a bird walk around the Green Cay Wetlands (12800 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach) on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m. Visit www.audubon everglades.org for more info.

Monday, Sept. 8 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Art Club for ages 6 and up Monday, Sept.

8 at 4 p.m. Live through your art by exploring different mediums. Dress to get messy. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• Open houses on the newly revised Federal Emergency Management Agency flood insurance rate maps will be held Monday, Sept. 8 at the Boynton Beach City Library (208 South Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach), Tuesday, Sept.

9 at Palm Beach County’s Vista Center Hearing Room (2300 North Jog Road, West Palm Beach), Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the Belle Glade Civic Center (725 NW 4th Street, Belle Glade) and Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Jupiter Community Center (200 Military Trail, Jupiter). All open houses will be held between 4 and 7 p.m. Visit www. floodsmart.gov for more info.

• Community of Hope Church (14055 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee) will offer a free 13-week GriefShare series on Mondays at 7 p.m. beginning Sept. 8. Participants can join at any time during the series. For more info., call (561) 753-8883.

• La Leche League of Wellington will hold a series of meetings for those interested in breastfeeding beginning Monday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Wellington Regional Medical Center Community Room. Contact Nicole Weber at (561) 386-4559 or nicole@lllwellington.org for more info.

• Barnes & Noble (10500 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) will hold its first Mystery Book Club meeting Monday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. to assemble all interested persons and organize a monthly book club for fans of mystery novels. Call (561) 792-1292 for more info.

• The Women of Note Chorus invites women of all ages to an opportunity for free vocal lessons and to explore an evening of barbershop harmony from 7 to 10 p.m. on Mondays, Sept. 8, 15 and 22 at Palm Beach Central High School (8499 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington). To learn more about free vocal lessons or becoming a member of the chorus, visit www.womenofnote.com or call (877) 966-7464, ext. 2.

Tuesday, Sept. 9 • Free Yoga in the Park will be being offered at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 8:30 a.m. All levels are welcome and no previous experience is necessary.

Pre-register at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane). Bring a mat to class and meet in front of the three-story building at the park. For additional information, call (561) 790-5124.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Wii Gaming for ages 7 to 12 on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 4:30 p.m. Challenge

yourself and your friends by playing Wii games.

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

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Sit ’n’ Stitch Crochet Club for ages 9 and up Tuesdays, Sept. 9 and 16 at 5 p.m. Learn the fundamentals of crochet, work on current projects and share ideas with the group. Some materials will be provided. Call (561) 681-4100 for more info.

• Wellington’s first Quarter Auction will be held at the Wellington Community Center on Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. The September auction will help William Lerner, who needs a triple organ transplant. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For more info., contact Marisa Pence at (561) 999-4395 or mfpence@ hotmail.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Pokémon League for ages 6 to 12 on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. Bring your DS or Pokémon cards and get ready to battle, trade and make new friends. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

Call (561) 791-4000 or visit www.wellingtonfl. gov for more info.

Wednesday, Sept. 10 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host the McDonald’s Reading Challenge Ronald McDonald Show for all ages Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 3:30 p.m. Ronald McDonald makes reading fun with a magic and juggling show featuring lots of audience participation. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host an Summer Evening Stroll with Garden Director Allen Sistrunk on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. Meet at the garden entrance. The event is free for members and $10 for nonmembers. For more info., call (561) 233-1757 or visit www.mounts.org.

• Parents and students are invited to attend a free college planning workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m. presented by St. Michael Lutheran Church (1925 Birkdale Drive, Wellington) and College Planning Masters. Come by the church at 6:15 p.m. for light appetizers and beverages. To register, call (800) 776-6445, ext. 217.

For info., visit www.collegeplanningmasters.com or e-mail rona@collegeplanningmasters.com.

• The Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will meet Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the PGA Embassy Suites Hotel (4350 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens). Networking starts at 6 p.m., with the dinner and program to follow at 6:30 p.m.

The program will be presented by North Palm Beach ABWA Chapter President Pat Key. RSVP to Dottie Smith at (772) 545-7145 or Pat Key at (561) 622-2713. For more info., visit www. abwanpbflorida.org.

Thursday, Sept. 11 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic

The Town-Crier Center Way) will host French Beaded Butterfly for adults Thursday, Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. Use seed beads and wire to create a timeless, radiant butterfly. Craft books will be available.

Materials will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Take It To The Bank for ages 6 to 10 on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 3:30 p.m. Put real-life skills to work in a game format. Have fun with games and contests about saving money. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host Pest Management: Are Yard & Garden Insects Driving You Buggy? on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 5:30 p.m. with speaker Bill Schall. Feel free to bring specimens in sealed plastic bags for identification. The cost is $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers.

For more info., call (561) 233-1757 or visit www. mounts.org.

• The community is invited to join in a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Wellington Patriot Memorial (12198 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. Members of the Wellington Village Council will honor the victims and share their thoughts before laying a memorial wreath. The guest speaker will be John Napolitano, a Wellington resident who lost his son, FDNY Lt. John P. Napolitano, in the tragedy.

For more info., contact Susan Trzepacz at (561) 791-4000 or strzepacz@wellingtonfl.gov.

Friday, Sept. 12 • The seventh annual South Florida Fall Boat Show will take place Sept. 12-14 at the South Florida Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily featuring more than 200 marine-themed vendors. For more info., visit www.southflorida fallboatshow.com.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host the Cool Creative Kids Club for ages 7 to 11 on Fridays, Sept. 12 and 26 at 3:30 p.m. Experience an afternoon of creativity using a variety of art materials and techniques. All materials will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a free screening of the film Mr. Peabody & Sherman on Friday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

Saturday, Sept. 13 • The seventh annual Jeff Annas Memorial Firefighters 5K Run will be held Saturday, Sept.

13 at the Wellington Amphitheater. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. Call (561) 602-1058 for more info.

• The Audubon Society of the Everglades will host a bird walk around Peaceful Waters Park (11700 Pierson Road, Wellington) on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 8 a.m. Meet at the entrance to the boardwalk. Visit www.auduboneverglades.org for more info.

Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414 or e-mail news@gotowncrier.com.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

REAL ESTATE

A/C AND REFRIGERATION

PRESSURE CLEANING

FOR RENT - GREENACRES

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

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior painting.

Certified pressure cleaning & painti n g c o n t r a c t o r. L i c . # U 2 1 5 5 2 C a l l Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www. jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

ROOMMATE TO SHARE — 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment - Purdy & Jog Road. $550 per month.

Looking for under 35 years old. 954-296-3748

CLEANING - HOME/OFFICE WE CLEAN OFFICES & PRIVATE HOMES — Licensed & Insured. Call for an estimate and to schedule your apartment. Discount for Central Palm Beach County Chamber members and to all new clients for first cleaning. 561-385-8243 Lic. #2012-252779

COMPUTER REPAIR D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-333-1923 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach. We accept major credit cards.

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

L i c.& Ins. 1 0 0 0 4 5 0 6 2 5 61-667-7716

FLOORING

PRESSURE PROS OF PALM BEACH— Driveway starting at $59. Chemical wash roofs starting at $99 www.wellingtonpressurewasher.com. Free Estimates.

Licensed & Insured.561-718-9851

ROOFING 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 RC-0067207

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

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

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

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

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

TIRES/AUTO REPAIRS TIRES/AUTO REPAIRS— Located behind Al Packer West off Southern Blvd. Tires for autos, trucks and commercial vehicles. 561-790-7228.

587 105 Ave. N. Unit 28, Royal Palm Beach.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS 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 CRC1327426 561-248-8528

PAINTING J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit ourwebsite at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./Ext. residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident

PET CARE SUPPLIES HAPPY JACK LIQUIVIC® — Recognized safe & effective against hook & roundworms

by US center for Veterinary Medicine. Grand Prix 561-792-2853 www.happyjackinc.com |

PLUMBING

JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458

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

VOCAL LESSONS AFFORDABLE PRIVATE VOICE LESSONS — For students of all ages and levels! First lesson is always FREE. Lessons include: • Vocal technique (classical and music theater repertoire)• dramatic interpretation • audtion preparation • sight reading and solfeggio study • basic music theory • aural training and dictation. Teachers: Matthew White, tenor (New England Conservatory) Desiree Maira, mezzo-soprano (Boston Conservatory, Stetson University. Visit w w w. d e s i r e e m a i r a . c o m f o r m o r e i n formation email: desiree.maira@ 561.315.2357 gmail.com phone

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

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

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

WATER TREATMENT NEED A NEW WATER SYSTEM! — Let us come out and give you an estimate. Call Mike 561-792-5400

FOR SALE BY OWNER

10-Minutes from Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina Beautiful 4 Bedroom, 2 bath home on 3.9 acres with corral and riding trail access.

For more information and to view more photos visit the website listed below or call 828-894-5072

OFFICE SPACE EXECUTIVE AND VIRTUAL OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE – WELLINGTON FLORIDA Furnished or unfurnished office space available. Unlimited use of conference rooms, reception, kitchen with no extra fees.

Utilities included. The best LAKE VIEW in Wellington! Please contact Steve at 561227-1500 or at info@lakewellington.com

LOST PET LOST BIRD — 3-year old Male Cockatiel Speaks. His name is Sonny – light yellow and gray. Last seen around the Wellington Edge Community (Forest Hill Blvd just West of 441). If you have any information about missing Cockatiel, Sonny, please call (561) 753-8570. Reward $50 if found.

EMPLOYMENT

SCREENING

C O M P L E T E F L O O R I N G R E M O VA L ! B E S T R AT E S ! A L L T Y P E S O F FLOORS! — Your local flooring store and more. www.buyithereflooring.com 561-333-2306 buyithere7@gmail.com

September 5 - September 11, 2014 Page 33

BOOKKEEPER NEEDED — part-time, experienced in QuickBooks, flexible hours.

Please fax resume to 561-791-0952 HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER IN WELLINGTON — Now hiring certified teachers.$10-$15/hour. Call 561-594-1920 E-mail: MarleneGiraud@hlcwellington.com DRIVERS: $5,000 Sign-On Bonus!

— Great pay! Consistent Freight, Great Miles on this Regional Account.

Werner Enterprises: 1-855-517-2488 HIRING FIRE EXTINGUISHER TECHNICIANS — Full Time, will train.

Benefits include paid vacation, holidays, and sick days. Employee Health Insurance available. Clean Drivers License. MondayFriday 8AM - 4:30PM 561-683-1333 SALES HELP WANTED — full-time and parttime. WAREHOUSE HELP wanted full and part-time (flexible) Apply in person 766 Pike Road, West Palm Beach. Buy It Here flooring.

SEEKING RECEPTIONIST — We are currently searching for a new receptionist to add to our team. Shifts may vary from anywhere between the hours of 8am-8pm, weekdays and weekends. Both short and long shifts are available. Veterinary experience is a huge plus. Candidates with a flexible schedule are highly considered. If you are ready for work in a very busy practice, please contact us as soon as possible.

Some tasks would include; filing payments, appointment scheduling, customer service, etc. Pay may be discussed upon inquiry and may vary by level of experience. E-mail Melissa@palmswestveterinary.com

Wanted Part-Time Writer Local newspaper covering central Palm Beach County has a part-time position available for a news writer. Must have some writing experience and an interest in covering governmental meetings.

Fax resume and clips to (561) 793-6090 or e-mail palmswestnews@gmail.com.

www.forsalebyowner.com/listing/4-bed-Single-Family-home-for-sale-by-owner-2129-Golf-Course-Rd-28722/23990388

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS CALL 561-793-7606 FOR INFORMATION

FOR SALE AW E S O M E D E A L — Q u e e n P i l l o w Top mattress Set! New in Factory Plastic! Must Sell! $150.00 561-320-7626

PLACE YOUR AD HERE CALL TOWN-CRIER CALL 561-793-7606

Page 34 September 5 - September 11, 2014

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HERE’S MY CARD

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE CALL 561-793-7606 FOR INFO

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HERE’S MY CARD

Lic & Insured CFC057392, CAC1817688

SEPTIC & DRAINFIELD SPECIALISTS

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Page 36 September 5 - September 11, 2014

PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

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WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

New Location!

New Showroom!

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE!

561-333-2306 TOLL FREE: 855-808-8555

WE DO NOT SELL CHEAP FLOORING CHEAPER

WE SELL THE BEST FOR LESS! 766 Pike Road • West Palm Beach, FL 33411 (Between Southern Blvd. & Belvedere)

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS FOR AS LOW AS $21 A WEEK*

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PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

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September 5 - September 11, 2014 Page 37

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS FOR AS LOW AS $21 A WEEK*

Page 38

September 5 - September 11, 2014

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Page 39

Who will be...

top model WELLINGTON’S NEXT

?

Do you have what is takes to become the next runway superstar?

Have you always dreamed of becoming a high-profile model? Are you often told “You should be a model?”

Well then, Wellington The Magazine would like to help you make your dreams come true. If you or someone you know has what it takes to be “Wellington’s Next Top Model,” visit our web site and enter today!

Wellington The Magazine is excited to continue “Wellington’s Next Top Model,” a monthly spotlight on some of Wellington’s most beautiful people, all of whom seriously have what it takes to be the next runway superstar. In June, we began teaming up with local fashion retailers, hair and makeup industry professionals, and others, who will work with our models to get them camera ready for a full-on model shoot courtesy of Abner Pedraza, a professional photographer with Wellington The Magazine. Each month, we will feature a different model and share a bit about their pursuit of becoming a professional model. When the series is concluded, we will ask our readers to help us decide who should be named “Wellington’s Next Top Model,” earning the top prize: a professional modeling portfolio, in print and digital versions, valued at more than $2,500, as well as being featured on Wellington The Magazine’s December cover as winner of the contest. Think you have what it takes or know someone who does? Visit us online at www.wellingtonsnexttopmodel.com and submit your information and photo.

We are looking for men and women ages 16* and up of all backgrounds, shapes and sizes.

Everything from the cute girl next door to the exotic, dark-haired beauty, to plus-sized models and striking men — everyone is welcome.

You may mail your submission and photo to Wellington The Magazine 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31 Wellington, FL 33414 Be sure to mark your envelope with “WELLINGTON’S NEXT TOP MODEL” on the outside.

or e-mail us at wellingtonsnexttopmodel@gmail.com www.wellingtonsnexttopmodel.com *18 years and younger must have written consent from parent or legal guardian. Wellington The Magazine reserves all photography rights and may use your story and image/photos in all promotional and editorial context.

All results are final and winner(s) names will be published on or about December 2014.

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