Town-Crier Newspaper August 26, 2011

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Volume 32, Number 34 August 26 - September 1, 2011

MAKING STRIDES KICKOFF PARTY

Women Of The Western Communities Debuts With Sept. 1 Meeting

The Wellington Women’s Club has changed its name to Women of the Western Communities, but the group has kept its philanthropic mission of assisting area women in need. The club will begin its new season with its new name with a dinner meeting Sept. 1.

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FLNA Panel Discussion Puts Focus On Problems Created By Foreclosures

The Florida League of Neighborhood Associations hosted a public forum Monday at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center, featuring two panel discussions on the foreclosure crisis and how municipalities and neighborhood associations are dealing with the fallout.

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Royal Palm Approves Enclave Development

After two years of back -andforth negotiations that occasionally produced a meeting hall full of red-shirted opponents, the Royal Palm Beach Village Council approved a 268-unit multifamily residential development to be called the Enclave on Thursda y, Aug. 18, with the blessing of neighboring Victoria Gr oves residents. Page 7

Steel Pony Band Visits Wellington Amphitheater

Continuing its regular concert series at the Wellington Amphitheater, the village featured a performance by the band Steel Pony on Saturday, Aug. 20.

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OPINION Irene Is A Wake-Up Call

After years of watching as potentially threatening hurricanes skirted the U.S. coastline without making landfall here in Florida, it appeared earlier this week that our lucky streak has ended. Hurricane Irene had changed course, sparing us once again, but realize that the next time we might not be so lucky. The time and money spent on preparation now is far less than the cost of being caught unprepared. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 2 - 14 OPINION ................................ 4 CRIME NEWS ........................ 6 NEWS BRIEFS .......................8 SCHOOLS .............................15 PEOPLE........................ 16 - 17 COLUMNS .................... 23 - 24 ENTERTAINMENT ................26 BUSINESS ...................29 - 31 SPORTS .......................35 - 37 CALENDAR...................38 - 39 CLASSIFIEDS ...............40 - 45 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Pink Party Kickoff was held Wednesday, Aug. 17 at the Madison Green Golf Club. The American Cancer Society’s 5k walk set for Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Meyer Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach. Pictured here are Joan Webb, Kate Alvarado, 2011 Event Chair Lorna Johnson and Vivian Gray. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 2 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Royal Palm Zoners Oppose Code Change For Swimming Teacher

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial Tuesday of a request to revise the definition of home swim instruction, citing concerns that it would be revising the code to support one business.

The request was made by infant swimming instructor Sharon Powers of Royal Pine Estates, who has given infant lifesaving swim lessons at her home on Sand Pine Way for about nine years.

Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin said the revision would add that home swim instruction may be provided as a home occupation as long as it is

given by a resident of the dwelling. The person must have proof of liability insurance; parking for clients must be on the driveway or the street or swale area adjacent to the instructor’s home frontage; and no more than two cars associated with the swim instructions may be parked at the home at any one time.

Furthermore, swim instruction may occur only between 2 and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The pool must be screened from view by neighbors, and no signs will be permitted at the home. Swim instruction also would be subject to the village’s noise ordinance, Erwin said, adding that the ordinance, if approved, would be re-

viewed for compatibility in September 2012.

Erwin said the village’s planning department has received three anonymous phone calls and one unsigned letter from a Royal Pine Estates resident opposing the revision.

“We have a very specific code here, and we seem to be going through a lot of effort for one business,” Vice Chair Jackie Larson said, asking for more background on the request.

Erwin explained that the issue originated as a code violation. “We do have home occupations currently, in which one of the requirements is that you cannot have peoSee SWIMMING, page 18

Wellington To Keep March Vote

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council decided Tuesday not to move its municipal elections to November’s general election, keeping them in March.

The decision came despite warnings from Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher that March elections could come at an extra cost.

Earlier this month, Bucher cautioned municipalities that they might need to move their election dates. State leaders are considering setting the presidential primary in early March, just prior to Wellington’s regularly scheduled election on Tuesday, March 13.

With little time between elections, Bucher said that there wouldn’t be enough time for her office to have voting equipment ready in time for another election.

The equipment must be tested before it can be used at the polls.

On Tuesday, Wellington staff asked the council for direction on whether to move village elections to November, or keep them in March. Village Manager Paul Schofield said that keeping them in March could come at a significantly higher cost.

According to a staff report, the cost of the regular 2010 munici-

pal election, held in March, was approximately $35,000. A referendum held in November, however, cost much less — about $11,500. “We are being assessed cost to run these elections,” Schofield said. “And these costs could run about $50,000 per election.

The costs to do this are starting to become significantly more than they have been in the past.”

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig said that she felt odd extending her own term by eight months.

“It just feels a little self-serving,” she said. “This seems for me a little odd for us to vote to extend our own terms. I feel odd making that decision without the voters having a choice.”

She said she would suggest adding the village elections to the presidential primary instead. Gerwig noted that it would be difficult for a municipality to compete with other elections in the fall.

“If we do it in March and move it up a week, it won’t significantly impact our billing,” she said, noting that by holding it in November, candidates would also have to pay more to get their message out.

Gerwig said she worried that the added cost would dissuade wouldbe candidates and make it easier for incumbents to seek re-election.

“You are only going to have very wealthy people who will pay for their own race,” she said. “Or you’re going to have someone trying to fundraise during the statewide elections, which is difficult.

This is basically an incumbent protection act in my mind, because it makes it very difficult for someone else to displace someone who is sitting up here.”

Coates said that he was in favor of moving the election but not in favor of extending his own term.

He said he’d like to see a way for the election to be moved after all sitting members of council were put up for re-election or term-limited out.

He said he would like to see the election kept in March this year, with the idea that any candidates are running for a term of four-anda-half years. “That way there is no question that the council is voting self-servingly to increase any of its terms,” Coates said.

Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz said that legally, the council could change the election date by ordinance.

Though Coates said he understood the reasons for having a March election, he was concerned about cost and voter turnout.

“Clearly the cost is going to See ELECTION, page 4

Serving Palms West Since 1980

Wellington Council Rejects RV Proposal

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report A divided Wellington Village Council rejected an ordinance Tuesday that would have allowed commercial RV parks in the Wellington Equestrian Preserve during the winter season, as well as residential RVs in certain areas.

Wellington staff recommended an ordinance that would allow personal RVs on properties with 5 or more acres, as well as RV parks on larger parcels.

The council voted 3-2 to reject the ordinance, with Mayor Darell Bowen and Councilwoman Anne Gerwig supporting the idea, and Vice Mayor Matt Willhite, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore and Councilman Howard Coates opposed.

Planning & Zoning Manager David Flinchum explained that the proposal would allow one recreational vehicle for temporary use on properties of more than 5 acres located west of 120th Ave. South and south of Lake Worth Road, as well as parts of the Palm Beach Point community.

Flinchum noted that two Well-

ington communities, Rustic Ranches and Little Ranches, already allow personal RVs for a two-week period.

“The plan is to give some regulation to these already-existing uses,” Flinchum said. “We have also been contacted by a couple of residents who expressed the need to have an RV during the equestrian season. A lot of them have grooms who need to be in close proximity to the stables.”

Families of competitors, or competitors themselves, could also use the RVs. Under the proposed ordinance, the RV on site would have to be owned by either the property owner or the occupant, it would have to abide by setback regulations and there would be a limit of one vehicle per property.

“It would make it easier for us to monitor them,” he said. “There were occupied RVs this year illegally.”

Staff also recommended approval of RV parks meant to complement and promote existing equestrian venues. Parks would be See RV RULES, page 18

QUILTERS’ DONATION

The Wellington Quilters Bee presented 64 quilts and 15 afghans to representatives from the Children’s Home Society on Thursday, Aug. 18. Pictured here, Louise Connolly, Marietta Bowie and Peggy Houck worked on this quilt made from scraps. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 PHOTO B Y DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Marcia Andrews Vows To Work Closely With Royal Palm Council

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Palm Beach County School Board Member Marcia Andrews appeared before the Royal Palm Beach Village Council last week, working to smooth over recent difficulties between the village and the Palm Beach County School District over how the expansion of Crestwood Middle School was handled.

The renovation became the subject of controversy earlier this summer when the school district applied for village permits after the project was almost complete.

At the Thursday, Aug. 18 meeting, Andrews said that the school is ready to go after the expansion had been delayed for several years. “They are very excited about the new school,” Andrews

said. “It has been a long time coming, and we are very, very happy for the new addition.”

Andrews, who was elected to the school board last year after retiring as a school district principal and administrator, thanked the council for being patient with the school district. “When I was first elected, I started checking out what was going on here in Royal Palm Beach,” she said. “I live here.”

Since an interlocal agreement between the school district and the village had expired, and the state was encouraging more cooperation between school boards and local governments, the school district applied for a permit for the Crestwood Middle School project recently, although work was largeSee ANDREWS, page 18

Crestwood Middle School Opens With New Building, Renovations

Students in Palm Beach County said goodbye to summer as they started the new school year this week. The Town-Crier visited several local schools on opening day. Pictured here are Crestwood Middle School students Mason Roe and Jesse Krill with Assistant Principal Terri Livingston. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Returning Crestwood Middle School students will have to learn a brand-new layout with the addition of a two-story classroom building that replaces the school’s outdoor portable classrooms.

The new building, along with other renovations, will help bring the school community even closer together, Principal Stephanie Nance told the Town-Crier Tuesday.

Crestwood Middle School was built in 1982 and was later expanded to include several dozen portables used as classrooms. Last

October, the Palm Beach County School District started construction on the new, 54,381-squarefoot permanent addition to replace the portables. The addition expanded the school’s total area to 180,391 square feet.

Also included in the renovation was a new bus loop, expanded cafeteria, covered walkways, an upgraded clinic, basketball and tennis courts, and a new guest entrance.

“It has been wonderful,” Nance said. “The teachers and students are very excited to have the new building. They’re beginning to settle in.”

Nance said that although the portables are still on campus, they will be removed soon. Instead, the new building houses the sixth- and seventh-grade classes, with sixthgraders on the first floor and seventh-graders upstairs. Eighthgrade classes are held in the main building.

At Crestwood, students are put into an academic team for their core studies. This helps create a community-like feel with teachers who can help students’ overall academic performance. Nance said that the addition of the new building will help to put the core See CRESTWOOD, page 18

SEE VIDEO FROM THE NEW CRESTWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

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August 26 - September 1, 2011

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The Town-Crier

NEWS

MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER PINK PARTY KICKOFF HELD IN RPB The Making Strides A gainst Breast Cancer Pink Party Kickoff was held Wednesday, Aug. 17 at the Madison Green Golf Club. “Put on Your Pink Bra” is the theme for the American Cancer Society’s 5k walk set for Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Meyer Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach. For more info., visit www.putonyourpinkbra.com/palmbeach or call (561) 650-0145. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Your Bosom Buddies II members gather at the kickoff party.

Cathy Bush and 2011 Event Chair Lorna Johnson with the American Cancer Society’s Martha Gilmartin.

Gina Cavarretta and Melissa DeLisa have a French pink mar tini toast.

Catherine Ast, Lorie Stinson and Debbie Hart show their bras.

Shanti Zittere, Danielle Loevin, Lorna Johnson, Roz Pamatat, Shari Zipp and Rochelle Casper.

Danielle Colascione, Michelle Marton and Shona Castillo.

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August 26 - September 1, 2011

Page 3

NEWS

Women Of The Western Communities Debuts With Sept. 1 Meeting

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Women’s Club has changed its name to Women of the Western Communities, but the group has kept its philanthropic mission of assisting area women in need.

Second Vice President of Membership Mair Armand explained that the name change was essential to the group’s continued growth.

“We are not changing our focus, but we’re expanding our membership,” she said. “Even though we’ve always expected all women from the western communities to join, we wanted to really broaden the group’s name.”

Since 1977, the organization, which is made up of spunky, highspirited and professional working women with families and strong ties to the community, has become a staple in assisting victims of domestic violence.

By partnering with the Mary Rubloff YWCA Harmony House, an apartment-style safe house living facility for women and their children who are victims of domestic abuse, members are able to assist in saving women from dangerous situations.

The group also tries to help the community in other ways. “We recently added college scholarships to give to area high school

students,” Corresponding Secretary Allyson Samiljan said.

Members also make baskets to deliver to families in need around the holidays. Last year, they presented baskets to a sick young mother and her family. “They love it so much, so it makes you feel really good when you go and do that, and it’s very touching,” CoPresident Laurie Piel said.

Through fundraisers and social events, the Women of the Western Communities are able to raise money for all of their charitable causes. “We try to have several each year,” Armand said. “We usually have one around Christmas time or Thanksgiving, and then we do one in the spring.”

The group meets on the first Thursday of every month at the MarBar Grille, inside the Madison Green Golf Club. The first meeting will be Thursday, Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m.

“This is not just a bunch of us getting together every month to have dinner,” First Vice President of Programming Susan D’Andrea said. “It’s about us getting together to have some kind of program to help these women who so desperately need to be helped because it’s so hard for them to walk away from a situation like that and say, ‘Now where do I go?’”

With the group’s new year getting under way next week, the

current members look forward to gaining new members who have a passion for giving back to their community, especially women in need — “people who have something and want to contribute,” CoPresident Stacy Kaufman said.

The Women of the Western Communities have enhanced this year’s monthly meetings to include themes that focus on items needed for the women at Harmony House, from diapers to bed sheets.

“It’s a 63-bed facility, and it’s always full,” Samiljan said. “The apartments there are constantly in need of bedding and towels, and the women need personal items, feminine products, hygiene products and cosmetics because most of them come with just the clothes they have on and their children.”

Club members make it a priority to tour the apartments where the women are living.

“Seeing it gives you a whole different perspective, and that’s how we know what we are doing is good,” Kaufman said. “Before, I always wondered where my donations are actually going, and it’s really good to see the difference it makes.”

The Women of the Western Communities want to continue the tours every year to remind members of the purpose and mission of their work.

Women of the Western Communities — Co-Presidents Laurie Piel and Stacy Kaufman, First Vice President of Programming Susan D’Andrea, Second Vice President of Membership Mair Armand, Treasurer Faye Ford, Corresponding Secretary Allyson Samiljan, Recording Secretary Maureen Gross and Co-Recording Secretary Selena Smith.

PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER “We’re all about women helping women,” D’Andrea said.

“That’s why we are doing the tour again this year for our new members.”

With bubbly personalities, the members enjoy having a good time during their monthly meetings, from having dinner to playing bunco, a dice game. “We’re not your typical women’s club,” Armand said. “This board is probably the youngest board this club has seen in a while.”

The women of the group are 30

or older, and have all become lifelong friends. “It’s a great place to make new friends,” Treasurer Faye Ford said. “That’s why most of us joined this group.”

Members pay an annual membership fee of $195, which includes eight dinner meetings at the Madison Green Golf Club’s MarBar Grille at 2001 Crestwood Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. “In addition, we have a couple of alternative programs for the different months during the year,” Kaufman said.

The group tries to make its events fun and engaging for its members through its various activities and meetings.

“In November, there will be a shopping extravaganza called Brunch and Browse,” Kaufman said. “In February, we are going to see a show, but these are all optional.”

For more information about the Women of the Western Communities, e-mail Mair Armand at mair@wwc-fl.com or call (561) 635-0011.

Wellington Rotary Club To Honor Retiring News Anchor Jim Sackett

A Night To Remember — Event co-chairs Susan Giddings and Maggie Zeller, honoree Jim Sackett of WPTV, and Wellington Rotary Club President Karen J. Hardin.

PHOTO BY R ON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report WPTV NewsChannel 5 anchor Jim Sackett is teaming up with the Wellington Rotary Club as honorary chairman of a special “Night to Remember” fundraiser, planned for Saturday, Oct. 22 at Breakers West Country Club.

The event will recognize Sackett, who is retiring at the end of the year. “It’s going to be honoring Jim Sackett for his 33 years of being a news anchor at WPTV,” said Iberia Bank Vice President of Business Development Maggie Zeller, special events chair of the Wellington Rotary Club and co-chair of the event with fellow Rotarian Susan Giddings of Spare Hands.

Sackett said he is pleased to be partnering with the local service organization on the event. “Rotary is one of those few organizations in our country today that when you mention the word, just about everybody knows it and its good work,” Sackett said. “I feel very honored to be

part of the fundraising dinner this Oct. 22, and for the Rotary to take time to recognize me and my career at NewsChannel 5 before I retire. I want thank the Rotary for the hard work that it does, not only for today, not only with the dinner and the fundraiser, but throughout the year.”

Zeller said she and Giddings, along with Wellington Rotary Club President Karen J. Hardin, are excited to be honoring Sackett, who is a Wellington resident and active in the community. Tickets to the event are $75 per person and include a live band, dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions.

“We are honoring him for his community involvement,” Zeller said.

Sackett has been a familiar face as moderator of local election debates and because of his work with area charities, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Palm Beach County. He has received several awards, including a Telly Award and an Emmy Award.

“I was trying to think of something to

distinguish this year’s fundraising event with someone who means something to the Wellington community, and Jim Sackett’s name came to mind with his upcoming retirement,” Zeller said. “I thought how appropriate it would be to honor somebody for so many years of service to the western communities.”

The event will kick off with a gift-gathering party next month. “We will be holding a gift gathering Thursday, Sept. 15 at Mayacoo Lakes Country Club to support our fundraising efforts for our silent and live auction,” Zeller said.

Gift or check donations of $50 or more are suggested for the gift gathering, which features a sit-down dinner, preceded by hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar at 6 p.m.

Funds raised at the Night to Remember benefit will support the Rotary’s charity giving, including the Lord’s Place, Back to Basics, Junior Achievement and scholarships to local students.

For more information, call Zeller at (561) 615-1656 or (561) 715-9262.

Page 4 August 26 - September 1, 2011

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OUR OPINION

We May Have Dodged Hurricane Irene, But Don’t Get Complacent After years of watching as potentially threatening hurricanes skirted by the U.S. coastline without making landfall on the mainland, it appears that lucky streak has ended. As we went to press Wednesday night, forecasts showed Hurricane Irene possibly landing in New England as a major storm. This is a far different scenario than the one we were looking at earlier in the week. News broke last Saturday night regarding Irene’s initial forecast — which saw it moving over Hispaniola and Cuba before reaching South Florida as a possible Category 1 — yet Sunday seemed like just another day for many people. Either they weren’t worried because they had already done their hurricane preparation, or they saw the storm as something to wait and deal with when it gets closer. We’re thinking the latter was probably true in most cases.

People often complain about the media over-hyping the threats posed by any storm remotely heading in our general direction. There’s no doubt that there’s an element of truth to that. But it’s the job of the media to keep people alert, and providing too little coverage is a far worse option. It’s also true that storms don’t always follow the paths laid out by meteorologists. That doesn’t mean there’s no point in assuming long-range forecasts are wrong.

The key is to find the right balance between caution and calmness. The irony is that the

people who start preparing when the threat is only a remote possibility are looked at as panicking, but the opposite is true. Because after it’s confirmed that, indeed, a serious storm is imminent, the people who scoffed at their neighbors for “jumping the gun” are the ones frantically rushing around town looking for supplies.

Meanwhile, the people who already put together their hurricane kits will have time to finish up on any home fortifying or, if that’s not an option, start evacuating or seeking shelter elsewhere. Although we dodged a bullet (a big, wet, 135-miles-per-hour shotgun blast), there is plenty of ammo left, as we have only recently reached the season’s peak. Remember, Hurricane Wilma didn’t happen until the end of October, and Irene puts us only nine letters into the alphabet.

So continue to revel in the relief that Irene changed course, but realize that the next time we might not be so lucky. The time and money spent on preparation now is far less than the cost of being caught unprepared. And if more people would do their hurricane shopping before the storm is announced, there would be fewer people racing to snatch up the remaining supplies at the supermarket — and perhaps even supplies left over.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Help Fight Shopping Center On Aug. 29, the Palm Beach County Commission will vote for or against the Shops at Indian Trails. Don’t believe those who say this is a done deal.

This massive 30-acre shopping center is planned for the southwest corner of Northlake and Coconut. The southern side is bordered by Hamlin Blvd. from Coconut to 130th Avenue North. Three entrances are planned on Northlake, another on Hamlin Blvd. at a school bus stop, and another entrance on Coconut between Northlake and Hamlin. County traffic engineers have told us that there will never be a traffic signal at the Hamlin-Coconut intersection because it is too close to the Northlake-Coconut signal.

Imagine rush hour at this location with everyone traveling to and from the two banks, gas station, car wash, convenience store, drug store, fast-food restaurant, grocery store, medical offices and other retail planned for this site. Just think about the delays going to and from work or school every day. This project will create a traffic bottleneck at our only eastbound route of evacuation from the north end of The Acreage.

This is the worst possible location for a project like this, even without considering that we just don’t want this nightmare project in our neighborhood. Furthermore, our elected officials are obligated to consider the safety of the public, our safety, over the wants of this developer.

We were very lucky the vote was postponed at the July 28 zoning meeting. On Aug. 10, Commissioner Jess Santamaria told a group of concerned Acreage residents, “Show me what you are made of; get 100 people to show up at the next meeting.” We all have a lot to lose if we do not meet this challenge. While the developer needs only one or two people to show up in support of his project, we must have a large

showing to block it. If we do nothing, we will be stuck with this invasion of commercialization forever. We hear that other rural communities have been very successful in blocking commercial sprawl.

How do they do this? Their residents are organized and active participants in their community.

We must do the same or the quality of life we now enjoy will soon be gone.

Don’t wait until the next project is planned for your back yard. We must send a message to all developers now. Don’t try this again in The Acreage! Show up and speak up at the next county zoning meeting Monday, Aug. 29 at 9:30 a.m. at the Palm Beach County Governmental Center, Sixth Floor Commission Chambers, 301 North Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach.

Anne and Gert Kuhl The Acreage

Wellington Sticks It To Taxpayers In response to Marge Fitzgerald and others: Please stand corrected as the majority of Wellington’s residents never voted. Out of 58,000-plus residents, Councilwoman Anne Gerwig only got about 1,700 votes out of 33,500 registered voters.

Now, let’s go back to our Patriot Memorial. This was an idea which became a project approved by all council members. It appears the final cost may be $485,000. The good news is, construction costs are only outlaid by our village and will then be reimbursed from private funding. Yes there were cost overruns by the village. This was approved by management. So don’t blame our [Vice Mayor] Matt Willhite. The blame will point back to the village and contractors for the overruns.

Let’s now talk about the South Shore extension. This was a project costing millions which was to help traffic flow, along with matching the existing road and setting. “Do you see what I see?” said the blind man. This is the same

old road with fancy shrubs, center divider, sidewalks and a bike lane. Was this a waste of our tax money? I see it that way, do you?

Over and over we the taxpayer flips the bill for worthless projects like this. Are you happy now? Read on.

I’d like to point out another pet project with K-Park, which has 68 acres next to Gerwig’s church. Our village has provided an easement, along with paving a road to the property line for only the church’s use at this time — paid by the taxpayer. How much was this?

All our roads have names, so why is our village starting to personalize them to individuals associated with Wellington (of course, at the taxpayers’ expense)? Stop confusing the people with name changes. Our roads were assigned a name when they were built. Just let it be.

Our residents should have a say on how our taxpayers’ money is spent. Unfortunately, they don’t care or will not take the time to be part of the process due to the backlash within our village. You wanted an opportunity to have a say.

Here it is: go vote. Show up at meetings and speak.

It is people like me who have a sincere interest in Wellington’s future, not like others in charge. It was said we don’t need the inspector general, and it’s OK to receive $100 gifts from people and funnel village contracts to specific firms.

Do you see something wrong? I do.

Matt Willhite is your man to be in his seat. The others must go, including overpaid and underworked upper staff on the taxpayers’ dime. We have too many chiefs and too few Indians.

Bart Novack Wellington

Stop Blaming Corporations Corporate executives are supposed to make money for investors. Creating jobs is a byproduct of being able to create a product

that can compete in a global economy.

If a company has to pay too high a tax, it will likely move to China, where the tax on foreign investment is between 20 and 25 percent. If a company is not allowed to drill for domestic oil, it will drill in some foreign country.

If it has to reduce CO2 emissions, it is likely to shut its doors and lay off its workers. Blaming the corporation for a broken economy is like blaming the pipe for bursting due to frozen water.

Corporate executives are sometimes not without fault. When trade unions demand higher wages and more benefits, and the CEO risks shutting down production if he does not accede to unreasonable demands, he will act like a politician by kicking the can down the road. He will let the next CEO worry about how to pay for the increased cost of the new benefits. When government prevents rock mining except for government use, corporations comply or risk being shut down completely. Corporations in effect have two formidable adversaries — unions and government.

The McCain-Feingold Act was the act of two progressives who rallied against corporations and more than 200 years of political free speech. In America, the right to political speech is a memorial to patriots who died to give life to the U.S. Constitution and on Dec. 15, 1791, adopted the First Amendment.

While the national media advance the progressive agenda, conservative viewpoints require paid advertising. Getting the government off the backs of private industry is a viewpoint not shared by progressives. Half the letters published here support higher corporate taxes and less compensation for executives. Half the letters blame corporate America instead of government regulators for the failed economy. Blaming corporations for leaving the country is like blaming whites for moving and leaving minorities behind. Pro-

gressive are infamous for using the term “white flight” to explain why Gary, Ind., now the murder capital of the world, is no longer the venue for the largest steel corporation in the world. The fact is that U.S Steel left Gary because of government over-regulation and high taxes, and those who wanted work followed, black and white alike.

Restricting the amount that corporations can contribute to political campaigns tips the scale in favor of over-regulation and higher taxes. On the other hand, political donations of nonprofit groups are not restricted, and many are funded by billionaires and other sources, all of whom are progressives and who advocate higher taxes and government control of corporations.

Rather than blaming corporations for the bad economy, perhaps we should seek to elect candidates who understand supplyside economics and who know that industrial production creates highpaying jobs and increases the nation’s wealth.

Frank Morelli Wellington

Acreage Apathy Is To Blame We the people, the vast majority of Acreage residents, are opposed to the building of a shopping center in our back yard, and some may have reluctantly accepted its inevitability.

I am appalled at the total silence of some of the residents in our rural community who will be impacted by this development. It is an undeniable fact that we, the residents of this rural community,

moved here to escape the noise, crowds, pollution and especially development.

Surely the time has come for all of us Acreage residents to stand up and be counted. Be very vocal in showing our disapproval for a shopping center that is not needed. In fact, it is not even wanted.

Let’s show our disapproval by attending forums and county commission meetings, write letters to the editor, in an all-out effort to stop the Browardizing of our rural community. Enough is enough.

Our illustrious County Commissioner Jess Santamaria (bless him) recently held a forum at the Vista Center (Jog Road and Okeechobee Blvd.) to gauge the public opinion/concern about this shopping center. A grand total of nine Acreage residents attended. I can’t for the life of me understand such apathy.

Shame on you, Acreage residents. We should not take this second shopping center development lying down. There are adequate shopping facilities at the nearby Ibis shopping center. Surely, it won’t be long before our well water will be affected. If this second shopping center in our area is an attempt to sway us toward hooking up to the county pipeline, it will not work.

Why should a handful of people moving here from Broward, Miami-Dade County and elsewhere agree to the changing of our rural community? We have an excellent way of showing our resentment to this shopping center, and that is to boycott it.

Karl Witter The Acreage

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

NEWS

RPB Agrees To Expand Its Boundaries For Baseball Travel Teams

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Village Council agreed last week to expand the boundaries of its travel baseball teams to the entire county in an effort to build upon flagging membership.

Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio said the existing sports provider agreement for baseball was approved in November 2010 with much discussion over the travel teams and concern that they would be given field preference over recreational teams.

“We want to expand the boundaries so that they can increase their registrations,” Recchio said. “During the 2010 discussion, the possibility in the future of expanding throughout Palm Beach County

Election

Staying In March

continued from page 1 become more significant as the current supervisor [of elections] continues to pass it down to the municipalities,” he said.

But the more pressing concern was that March elections draw fewer voters, he said.

“It only draws maybe 8 to 10 percent of voters,” he said. “To

came up. Nothing else will change.

Everything else will remain the same. Recreation will remain first.

As long as the fields are available, time is available, they can bring in these teams, but if the recreation program increases, which is what our aim is to do in the future, then the time on the fields obviously will be reduced, because recreational teams are our priority.”

The intention is to permit players throughout Palm Beach County to be eligible for membership on the travel baseball teams utilizing village facilities, Recchio said.

With the increase to the permitted residential boundaries, he anticipated that more travel players and teams will be attracted to the village’s sports programs.

Mayor Matty Mattioli asked if

the reason for making the change was that the registration numbers are dwindling, and Recchio said in the spring, there were about 309 kids enrolled in the recreation program. “There are three traveling teams, and hopefully siblings will come with the travel teams and get in the recreational teams and increase those numbers,” Recchio said.

The council approved updated policies and procedures for sports providers last November, requiring them to be affiliated with a recognized national or state organization. The primary purpose was to restore use of baseball fields that were standing empty due to flagging membership in the village’s baseball program, Recchio said, explaining that the proposal origi-

nated when Youth Baseball Association of Royal Palm Beach President Scott Houk approached him and Village Manager Ray Liggins with some ideas to increase enrollment.

Houk proposed a three-tiered system for the baseball league that would retain the recreational base but afford extended all-star play for players who excel, and also retain the travel baseball teams.

Previously, the boundaries for recruiting for the travel teams were north to Northlake Blvd., south to Lake Worth Road, east to Florida’s Turnpike and west to 20-Mile Bend.

Recreational play has been a priority of the council and the village, but enrollment had been down to about 200 participants for

the recreational program in the fall of 2010 and about 250 with the travel teams, Recchio said at the November 2010 meeting, explaining that traditionally, the league had had about 500 participants.

Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas said he remembered when the question came up at a Recreation Advisory Board meeting. “The boundaries were recommended to kind of not get too big, but it looks so far like it hasn’t worked the way we intended,” Valuntas said, asking Houk if the change was something the league needs.

“Yes, absolutely, because presently I have no travel teams,” Houk said. “We’ve actually taken a step back. I think this change will help us a great deal. We’ve lost a couple of teams, and I have a couple

of teams scheduled for the fall season, but we need this change to be able to come back and become a part of our programs.”

He said travel team coaches have found some players to complete rosters, but they were not within the old boundaries.

Recchio said the travel program will continue to adhere to a policy of having at least 25 percent local players per team.

Liggins pointed out that the change had not gone to the Recreation Advisory Board for review since the board does not meet during the summer, but the travel teams are already taking registration for the fall season. Councilman Fred Pinto made a motion to approve the change, which carried 4-0.

me, that’s unacceptable. It’s almost an embarrassment.”

In November, he said, voter turnout skyrockets as high as 70 percent.

“If I’m sitting on council,” he said. “I would rather be elected by 70 percent of Wellington voters than 13 percent. If I can achieve that by pushing the election into November, then I’ll do that.”

Though she noted that voter turnout might increase in a November election, Gerwig worried that voters may not be as informed.

“If voters are not concerned about voting for their municipal elections, should they?” she asked.

“We have the right to vote for whoever we want, but is that the best way for this to happen?”

Vice Mayor Matt Willhite, who is running for re-election, said he would like to see the election remain in March to avoid partisan politics.

“Our elections are away from partisanship,” he said. “I think having it separate instead of convoluted with all those other na-

tional fights and general nastiness would be better.”

Willhite also noted that as an announced candidate, it would cost him and other candidates more money to run. He agreed with other council members that he was uncomfortable with extending his own term. “I’m not going to vote to extend my term,” he said.

During public comment on the issue, all of the speakers encouraged the council to keep the election in March.

Bob Margolis, an announced

mayoral candidate and former council member, noted that previous supervisors did not charge municipalities for elections.

He agreed with Gerwig that voters who come out for municipal elections are more informed.

“Even though you have more voters turn out in November,” he said, “they are just checking the box. In March, there may be a lower turnout, but they understand the issues.”

Resident Michael Whitlow recognized that the council was in a

tight spot with the decision, but felt that having an informed voter is more important. “The voters are more interested and more participatory in the affairs of Wellington,” he said.

Ultimately, a motion made by Councilman Howard Coates to move the election to November starting in 2016 failed for lack of a second. As it stands, the election is still set for Tuesday, March 13.

However, that could change once a date is finalized for the presidential primary.

THE

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August 26 - September 1, 2011

Page 5

NEWS

A NEW YEAR STARTS FOR STUDENTS AT PALM BEACH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Public school students in Palm Beach County said goodbye to summer as they started the new school year Monday, Aug. 22.

Pictured here are students, parents, faculty, staff and administrators at Acreage Pines and Binks F orest elementary schools; Crestwood, Osceola Creek and Wellington Landings middle schools; and Royal Palm Beach, Seminole Ridge and Wellington high schools.

PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY, JESSICA GREGOIRE & LAUREN MIRĂ“/T OWN-CRIER

Royal Palm Beach High School students Aaron Mitchell, Daniela Capitillo and Arianna Vishnudat wait for class to begin.

Seminole Ridge High School students Brandon and Br ooke Lazarich, and Alyssa Plotke.

Crestwood students Payt on Pittman, Simone Clarke, Hailey Lichter, Izabel Adams, Natalie Bruce, Atina Johnson and Nyles Keenan get ready for the first day of school.

Katya Lenehan picks up her sons from Acreage Pines.

Parents with their children at Binks Forest Elementar y School.

Taide Rivero picks up her grandson from his first day of middle school.

Acreage Pines teacher s Dixie Borghese, Alice Hampson, Laura Giarrusso, Claire Sapienza with Vice Principal Betty Sivik.

Wellington High School students enter the school.

Students re turn to Wellington Landings Middle School.

Page 6

August 26 - September 1, 2011

The Town-Crier

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CRIME NEWS

Vandals ‘Key’ Cars Parked At The Mall

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By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report AUG. 20 — Several patrons of the Mall at Wellington Green called the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Wellington last Saturday to report that their cars had been keyed while they were shopping. According to several PBSO reports, the victims said that they came out of the mall to discover scratch marks along the sides of their vehicles. According to one PBSO report, the victim parked her 2011 Lexus at about 12:30 p.m. and returned two hours later to find that it was scratched from the front driver’s-side door to the rear door.

The victim called mall security and was told that the security camera’s view of the car was obstructed. The perpetrator(s) caused approximately $2,000 in damage.

There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

According to a second PBSO report, the victim left her 2007 Lexus in the parking lot outside the Macy’s department store at approximately 11:20 a.m. and returned at 1:26 p.m. to find that someone keyed the driver’s-side and passenger ’s-side doors, causing approximately $1,000 in damage. The victim said she did not know anyone who would have vandalized her vehicle. According to a third PBSO report, sometime between 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., someone keyed the driver’s-side door of the victim’s 2010 Cadillac, which was parked outside Macy’s. The perpetrator(s) caused approximately $1,000 in damage.

There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of either report.

Several other victims reported similar incidents at the mall during the same time frame.

••• AUG. 13 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to Palms West Hospital on Saturday, Aug. 13 regarding a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 2:30 a.m. someone stole the victim’s blue 2004 Ford F-250 from the south visitor parking lot. The victim said that the doors and windows were locked, and she still had both keys to the vehicle. According to the report, hospital surveillance video showed an unidentified person enter the victim’s truck and drive out of the parking lot. A second, suspicious vehicle followed.

There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 18 — A resident of Victoria Groves called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Thursday to report a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 7:45 p.m. the victim heard her burglar alarm activate. The victim said it originated from her rear sliding glass door. According to the report, the victim deactivated the alarm and approximately 10 minutes later decided to check the rear sliding glass door. She discovered that the outer screen door had been cut open, though no entry had been gained to the home. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 19 — A West Palm Beach man and a juvenile were arrested last Friday afternoon on drug charges after they were caught

smoking marijuana outside the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation was dispatched to the mall after a security guard observed 18-yearold Jassiel Santiesteban and a juvenile smoking and passing around a marijuana cigarette. The deputy made contact with Santiesteban and the juvenile, and arrested them for possession of marijuana under 20 grams. They were issued a notice to appear in court.

AUG. 22 — A Greenacres man was arrested early Monday morning on charges of criminal mischief after causing damage to several ATM screens at local banks.

According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to a bank on State Road 7 after an alarm went off at the ATM. The deputy discovered that two ATM screens had been damaged.

According to the report, the deputy continued to the next closest bank on State Road 7 where he encountered 32-year-old Patrick Ghali holding a rock while standing under the bank drive-through.

The ATM at the drive-through had a scratch in the center of the screen. According to the report, Ghali had a black duffel bag with him containing multiple rocks. He was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where he was charged with criminal mischief.

AUG. 22 — A resident called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach on Monday afternoon to report a burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m., someone broke the glass to the victim’s rear French doors and a rear window and entered the home. The perpetrator(s) ransacked the home and stole several pieces of jewelry as well as two Dell Inspiron laptop computers valued at approximately $1,200. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 23 — A resident of Shaker Circle called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday morning to report a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between midnight and 6 a.m., someone entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and removed the CD player from the car.

DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 23 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to the Solara at Wellington community Tuesday after one resident reported an attempted vehicle theft and another resident’s vehicle was stolen. According to a PBSO report, the first victim parked her Honda Civic outside her home and left it unlocked. Sometime between 6:30 p.m. on Monday and 7 a.m. the following morning, someone attempted to steal the vehicle by breaking the steering column. The perpetrator(s) were unsuccessful, but stole approximately $5 in change and a pair of Oakley sunglasses. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. In a separate PBSO report, sometime between 10 p.m.

Monday and 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, See BLOTTER, page 18

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• Jewell June is a black male, 6’1” tall and weighing 1 85 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos.

His date of bir th is 07/18/77. June is wanted for violation of probation on charges of sale of cocaine, fleeing or attempting to elude a marked police car, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. His occupation is auto technician. His last known address was Morning Glory Driv e in Wellington. June is wanted as of 08/25/11.

Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc.com.

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The Town-Crier

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August 26 - September 1, 2011

Page 7

NEWS

Panel Discussion Puts Focus On Problems Created By Foreclosures

By Chris Felker Town-Crier Staff Report The Florida League of Neighborhood Associations hosted a public forum Monday at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center, featuring two panel discussions on the foreclosure crisis and how municipalities and neighborhood associations are dealing with the fallout.

FLNA President Joe Boyle introduced the subject to about 60 people who attended by saying the gathering was meant to allow participants to “learn from each other” how various municipalities and neighborhood association leaders are coping with the issues caused by vacant homes and abandoned properties.

Boyle stressed that the FLNA is committed to collaboration in a non-adversarial and nonpolitical way, mainly as a clearinghouse for information and networking.

The first panel’s members focused on how local communities are addressing the problems that come with banks foreclosing on properties and homes being abandoned by their owners, either because they’re evicted or decide to “walk away” from their mortgage and maintenance obligations.

Panel members were John Bonde, Wellington’s deputy village manager; Kurt Eismann, director of code enforcement for Palm Beach County; Michael Gauger, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy; Robert Hill, Royal Palm Beach’s community development director; and Doug Wise, construction services director for West Palm Beach.

Gauger started off by describing how the community policing concept he embraces has helped reduce crime and how it applies to neighborhoods coming together to keep communal property values up despite empty, neglected homes in their midst. Its two components, he said, are “partner-

shipping and problem-solving.”

As an example of how problems for the neighborhood progress when homes begin to be abandoned, he cited the example of The Acreage, where several homeowners have left their properties rather than work with lenders. Gauger said the homes “become a magnet,” attracting criminals when lagging maintenance becomes noticeable. Thieves come in and strip the houses of their air-conditioning units, appliances and other items that can quickly be turned into cash. Then when the property appraiser evaluates the neighborhood, values fall because these homes are worth much less and make the area less desirable. This, he noted, has had a ripple effect on governments because lower property values mean less tax revenue, and thus less money to deal with upkeep problems.

In response, Gauger said the county started a computer program and trained volunteers to help with identification of lending institutions and former owners, tracking down who’s responsible for these foreclosed and vacant properties, and securing affidavits of trespass so that intrusions could be reported to code enforcement authorities.

Hill said Royal Palm Beach was one of the first local communities to enact an ordinance requiring registration of foreclosed and abandoned homes.

“We feel that if we can hold the banks and lenders more responsible for these properties, then it pushes things along to help protect those adjacent property values around the neighborhood,” Hill said.

He noted that there are difficulties in searching public records to get accurate information for notification purposes, but the process starts with filings of public default notices with the county clerk. At

(Lef t) Florida League of Neighborhood Associations President Joe Boyle. (Right) Discussion participants (L-R) P alm Beach County Code Enforcement Director Kurt Eismann, RPB Community Development Director Rober t Hill, PBSO Chief Deputy Michael Gauger, Wellington Deputy Village Manager John Bonde and West Palm Beach Construction Services Director Doug Wise.

PHOTOS BY JIM BONGIOVANNI

that time, the village gathers information on who is responsible for the property and requires them to register, provide contact information and pay a $200 fee.

He said this practical approach appears to be working and that there are about 300 foreclosed properties on Royal Palm Beach’s list. “We have great hopes for this; we think it’s very effective,” Hill said. “And we feel like this also is going to give the neighboring residents the ability to then feel like we’re being responsive to their needs.”

Hill added that contact information is posted on the properties in a discreet manner to let neighbors know whom they can call to address issues.

Eismann said the county’s code enforcement approach to vacant properties in unincorporated areas has been fairly simple: When signs of neglect are reported, staff members immediately notify the owners of the problems and give them time to fix them; if they’re not taken care of, the department can go to a special magistrate and the owners can be fined for noncompliance.

Now, the county has a new or-

dinance, which allows staff to contact the mortgage holder when a notice of pending foreclosure (lis pendens) is filed. “We’re looking at a company to handle this,” Eismann said, “to notify banks and lenders of the responsibility to register the property within 10 days.”

If there are maintenance issues, code enforcement may come into play, and property owners can be subjected to a “super lien,” which affects not only the property in question but also encumbers their ability to sell other properties in the county. Eismann noted that if his department incurs costs, they can be recouped through a special tax assessment on the property.

Wise explained West Palm Beach’s ordinance, enacted more than a year ago, and said that early on, the city set up a “Distressed Property Registration” link on its code enforcement web site to make it easy for people to register.

“For us, it was a no-brainer, and we didn’t put any fee on it, because we wanted to encourage people to register,” Wise said.

He explained that with all the challenges the city was facing because of abandoned properties,

such as drug dealing, prostitution, break-ins and squatters, “we felt real strongly that we didn’t want to charge for it.” Wise added that this has allowed measures to be taken earlier than they might otherwise have been, “because if you’re a neighboring property owner, you don’t want to sit around and wait for lis pendens to be filed.”

Wise said about 600 properties are registered but that number is probably less than half the total of distressed properties in the city. He said the city is working on a master plan called the Chronic Nuisance Abatement Program, which will be coming up for a final reading before the city commission, and that it entails three pieces of legislation that will, among other provisions, let the city collect any money it spends on maintenance as an addition to the property tax bill. He said he believes that the city’s comprehensive approach is the first of its kind in Florida.

Bonde said Wellington decided to take a less harsh, more integrated approach and actually put people out on the street who were neither law enforcers nor code enforcers, but advocates, to find

out about people’s difficulties and try to facilitate communication between homeowners and their neighborhood associations and lenders.

“Pretty soon,” he said, “people started opening up because they realized that these advocates were neither the police nor code enforcement people, that they were actually there to try to help them with their issues.”

And Bonde said Wellington’s approach is paying dividends, with its measurements showing that property values have stabilized, code enforcement cases are down, and residents are feeling more secure.

Asked what he thought of the turnout for the forum, Boyle said, “I was very satisfied, because there were a lot of new faces, from new organizations that we haven’t seen before, and a lot of diversity.”

The second panel’s members described how property and homeowners’ associations are handling issues arising from foreclosures and abandoned homes.

Look for those presentations in a story next week. For more information, visit www.flna.org.

After Years Of Negotiations, RPB Approves Enclave Development

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report After two years of back-andforth negotiations that occasionally produced a meeting hall full of red-shirted opponents, the Royal Palm Beach Village Council approved a 268-unit multifamily residential development to be called the Enclave on Thursday, Aug. 18, with the blessing of neighboring Victoria Groves residents.

Richard Newman, treasurer of the Victoria Groves Homeowners’ Association, was one of few residents attending. He thanked Village Manager Ray Liggins, “because he got Comcast to move when we couldn’t, and now we probably have people at home watching these proceedings.” The community previously could not access Royal Palm Beach’s government channel.

The Enclave is a 29-acre parcel on the west side of State Road 7 adjacent to the single-family Victoria Groves community. Victoria Groves residents had opposed the multifamily project out of concern for increased crime, such as what they say emanates from the nearby Shoma Homes development.

However, the neighbors have received commitments from the developer that it will provide adequate buffers and security at a rental development designed to be more upscale.

RPB Senior Planner Bradford O’Brien said the development agreement satisfies village code.

An agreement is required whenever developers seek to reduce minimum floor sizes. The application seeks 800 square feet for

the one-bedroom apartment instead of 1,000; 1,000 square feet rather than 1,200 for the two-bedroom; and 1,250 square feet instead of 1,350 square feet for the three-bedroom model.

O’Brien said village staff recommended approval, reasoning that amenities outside the apartments made up for the floor footage. “When I looked at some of the amenities, the amount of open space, they have afforded additional living space outside the four walls,” he said.

Mayor Matty Mattioli said he was glad to see the two parties finally reaching an agreement.

“This thing has been before us for quite a long time,” he said, thanking Newman for his patience in working with Enclave attorney Ron Kolins to settle their disagreements.

Kolins, representing the architecture firm Cotleur & Hearing on behalf of developer ArchstoneFutura Enclave LLC, said all disagreements had been resolved.

“We worked diligently with your council as well as your professional staff to put this development agreement together,” he said.

Kolins said the agreement holds to all the settlements reached with the village and Victoria Groves.

He added that the reduction in floor space, as well as a new zoning classification of nine units per acre, were also necessary for the development to work financially.

“The size of the units that we’re proposing are very well accepted nationwide for luxury apartments,” he said.

Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas agreed that the settlement was a

long time coming and commended the developer, property owners and the neighbors for working together. “It did not get resolved as quickly as I had hoped, but I’m glad both sides were able to reach an agreement,” he said.

“This is a miracle,” Councilwoman Martha Webster added.

“You were so far out and that you together worked this out by yourselves, I think it’s just wonderful.

I commend you all.”

Councilman Fred Pinto said he was glad they had reached an agreement for the benefit of the current property owners, who number about a dozen. Once a rural area, they had seen development spring up around them as their property values increased to the point that they could no longer afford to pay the taxes.

“This was a situation not of their doing that they had not asked for,” Pinto said. “I’m glad we could address that. I think, hopefully, it’s going to be a win-win for everyone involved.”

Attorney Jeffrey Lynne, representing the Victoria Groves Homeowners’ Association, said Kolins and his clients were cooperative. “Mr. Kolins’ clients have worked closely with my clients,” Lynne said. “I really think you’re getting a fantastic joint venture developer in your village, and I think they have done everything in their power to provide a quality product.”

Lynne said that the site plan, which calls for 56 percent open space, represents exactly what Groves residents wanted. “The phenomenal open space and everything we have asked for and

more has been provided by Mr. Kolins and his client,” Lynne said.

“Victoria Groves, actually, should be commended for not only protecting their interest but the interests of the entire corridor to make sure a quality product was coming in.”

Valuntas made a motion to approve the development agreement, which carried 4-0.

The council also approved a site plan for the project, with variances including tandem parking that would allow parking behind another car, which under code is allowed only at single-family residences. This allows more green space by eliminating 60 parking spaces, consultant Donaldson Hearing said.

The site plan incorporates 4.2

acres of green space, including walking paths with exercise stations. It also includes a 6,000square-foot clubhouse with a community postal station, a walk-in pool, fitness center and tennis courts, and a dog park.

The applicant also asked for a one-to-one ratio for royal palms and canopy trees, where code calls for three royal palms in place of one canopy tree, O’Brien said. He added that the same variance has been granted for other developments because a fully mature royal palm will provide about the same canopy.

The applicant also asked for a waiver of a buffer wall on the east side of the property, which has a 5.2-acre lake that will be developed as a lakeside park and plant-

ed with cypress trees. O’Brien also pointed out that the shopping center to the east has a 20-foot buffer on the west side. The west side of the property, fronting Victoria Groves, will have a 147-foot-wide linear park that will serve as both an amenity and a buffer, with a 6foot wall built atop a 3-foot berm on the edge.

Hearing also pointed out that the developer had purchased two parcels on the west side of the property. “We had to pay some extra money, but this reduced the uncertainty of what in the future would be built there, and it enabled us to create a consolidated buffer all the way adjacent to our neighbor’s boundary,” he said.

Pinto made a motion to OK the site plan, which also carried 4-0.

ABC Seeks Audience Members For Show Filmed In Wellington ABC’S Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition is filming the big reveal of a Wellington resident’s year-long weight loss journey on the evening of Sept. 1 and is looking for people to be in the audience. Filming will take place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Wellington High School auditorium (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.), with check-in taking place in the cafeteria.

All participants are asked to dress nice/casual — no jeans and T-shirts, no logos, and don’t wear all black or all white.

If you’re interested in attending the filming, send an RSVP e-mail

to wellingtonfinale@gmail.com.

Include your full name, e-mail address, phone number and the number of people in your party, and you will receive an e-mail with all of the details for the attending the show.

Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition will document the amazing makeover of eight courageous, “super-obese” people who, in an unprecedented 365 days, set out to safely lose half their body weight, ultimately revealing an amazing metamorphosis. The show will present each participant’s journey in a standalone episode. Trainer and trans-

formation specialist Chris Powell (“The 650-Pound Virgin”) will guide each of the eight participants through their transformation process by moving into their homes with their families or loved ones.

All participants will be required to sign an appearance release to attend. Children under 14 will not be admitted. Anyone under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian present to sign the appearance release. For more information about the show, or to see some of the amazing stories from Season 1, visit http://abc.go.com/shows/ extreme-makeover-weight-lossedition.

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NEWS BRIEFS Wellington Hosting Swim Meet Aug. 27-28

Palm Beach County school nurses gather for Nurse Education Day held Aug. 17 at P alm Beach Gardens High School.

PBC School Nurses Begin The New Year As students in Palm Beach County public schools prepare to begin the new school year, more than 200 school nurses stand ready to deliver quality healthcare every hour of every school day.

Now in its 13th year, the Palm Beach County Health Care District’s School Health Program provides a full-time registered nurse in 164 public schools in Palm Beach County’s School District, the 11th largest school district in the nation. School nurses serve 170,000 students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade, treating everything from injuries and illness to chronic diseases.

“School nurses play a pivotal role in the academic well-being of students,” said Anne Hedges, the PBCHCD’s school health administrator. “If you don’t feel well, you’re not going to perform well in school. Having a trained health-

care professional on site who is prepared to address a variety of medical concerns can make a real difference in the academic career of a student.”

To prepare for the 2011-12 school year, school nurses gathered at Palm Beach Gardens High School’s auditorium on Aug. 17 for a day of training and collaboration. This “Nurse Education Day” provided an opportunity for the nurses to receive information on key health topics that could affect students this year.

Because school nurses work independently in school health clinics, the day also serves as a rare opportunity for all the nurses to be together.

For more information, view the video “Staffing Registered Nurses in Public Schools to Keep Students Healthy” at www.hcdpbc. org.

The Wellington Aquatics Complex will host a short course swim meet on Saturday, Aug. 27 and Sunday, Aug. 28 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The facility will continue to be open to the public during its normal operating hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m.

Sunday. Admission is $2 for swim meet spectators. Regular daily admission rates apply to the general public.

The Wellington Aquatics Complex is located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. The facility includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool, diving boards, slides, an aquatic spray ground and baby pool as well as locker rooms, restrooms and a concession stand. For more info., call Aquatics Supervisor Eric Juckett at (561) 753-2497.

Community Of Hope Program Series Return Beginning on Sept. 8, Community of Hope Church is offering its free 13-week GriefShare series on Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Royal Palm Beach’s Madison Green. Call for specific directions.

The death of a loved one brings pain and confusion. Bereaved persons often feel as though few people understand their feelings.

GriefShare is a faith-based seminar and support group for people

grieving the loss of someone close — a spouse, child, family member or friend. 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. Participants can join at any time during the 13-week series.

In addition, Community of Hope Church is holding its free DivorceCare series. DivorceCare is a special weekly seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced. It’s a place where you can be around people who understand what you are feeling, while hearing valuable information that will help you move on.

Videos of family counselors together with discussion guided by trained facilitators help participants heal from the hurt of a broken marriage. The free 13-week program will take place every Monday at 7 p.m. beginning Sept.

12 at the church office (14101 Okeechobee Blvd., just west of E Road in Loxahatchee Groves).

DivorceCare is a weekly seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced.

For more information about either program, or to register, call (561) 753-8883 or e-mail info@ gocoh.com.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day Sept. 16 September is national Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and to help bring awareness to this disease, the organization HOW

(Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper) is teaming up with C. Orrico Palm Beach for Palm Beach County’s first-ever Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day, a designated day to wear teal, Friday, Sept. 16.

HOW and C. Orrico Palm Beach (located at 336 S. County Road, Palm Beach) invite everyone in the community to shop C. Orrico Palm Beach on Friday, Sept. 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to benefit HOW. Shoppers will enjoy a 10 percent discount off their entire purchase that day. Shoppers who make a $10 donation to HOW will automatically be entered to win a Lilly Pulitzer beach cruiser valued at $450 or two tickets to the HOW luncheon on Jan. 30, 2012, featuring actress and model Andie MacDowell, valued at $650. All donations go directly to benefit women with ovarian cancer in Palm Beach County. The first 15 shoppers who spend $100 will receive a watch by Geneva, and there will be additional gifts with purchase throughout the day while supplies last.

HOW is a local nonprofit organization that raises money for ovarian cancer research and educational programs, and offers financial assistance through the Angel Fund to Palm Beach County women in financial need who are undergoing treatment.

For more information about HOW and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day, a designated day to wear teal, contact HOW Director Jennifer McGrath at (561) 837-2285 or jmcgrath@phfpbc.org.

For more information on C. Orrico Palm Beach, call (561) 659-

1284 or visit www.corrico.com.

2012 Artigras Now Accepting Applications The 2012 ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival, produced by the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, is now accepting artists applications online at www. zapplication.org.

The three-day festival in Jupiter, which is scheduled for Feb. 18-20, 2012, is listed as one of the top 50 festivals in the country, and expects more than 125,000 guests over the three-day period. Artists’ applications are being accepted for jury selection in 12 fine art categories, including ceramics, digital art, drawing and printmaking, fiber (wearable and non-wearable), glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture and wood. Entries are reviewed by an expert panel of five jurors for 270 fine art spaces.

In addition, the ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival offers the “Homegrown Artist” category for emerging artists. This program offers selected developing artists mentoring services, professional booth photos, complimentary tent rental and a profile in the ArtiGras program. Qualifications include artists who have never exhibited in a show and reside in the Palm Beach County area.

The deadline for artists to apply online for inclusion in ArtiGras is Friday, Sept. 2. Artists can e-mail info@npbchamber.com, call (561) 748-3946 or visit www. artigras.org for more information.

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August 26 - September 1, 2011

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NEWS

WELLINGTON AMPHITHEATER HOSTS CONCERT FEATURING THE STEEL PONY BAND Continuing its regular concert series at the Wellington Amphitheater, the village featured a performance by the band Steel Pony on Saturday, Aug. 20. The Brass Evolution is scheduled to perform Saturday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. as part of the village’s Patriot Day Weekend celebration. For more info., visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or call (561) 753-2484.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Steel Pony performs on the amphitheater stage.

Jill Fay and Lauren Cannon enjoy the music.

Elena Perez, Laura Liffiton and Mike Perez.

Steel Pony: Greg Bartolotti, Tim Raymond, Shar Lobsinger, Johnny Danger, Brian Shields and Pat Lobsinger.

Alicia and Alberto Loretdemola.

Debbie and Don Bruggeman.

WELLINGTON QUILTERS DONATE THEIR CREATIONS TO CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY

The Wellington Quilters Bee presented 64 quilts and 15 afghans to representatives from the Children’s Home Society on Thursday, Aug. 18. Wellington Quilters Bee founder Marietta Bowie handed over leadership duties to Shirley Siegel after 13 years of leader ship. It was also Bowie’s birthday, which was celebrated with a potluck lunch and birthday cake.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Wellington Seniors Club President Tony and Mary Alfalla, Children’s Home Society Adoption Specialist Christine Hirn and Volunteer Coordinator Jane Snell, Marietta Bowie, Shirley Siegel, Howard Trager and Estelle Rubin.

Wellington Quilters Bee members display their quilts.

Tony Alfalla of the Wellington Seniors Club presents Marietta Bowie with a letter of appreciation for her 13 years of service.

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August 26 - September 1, 2011

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August 26 - September 1, 2011

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ecurities and investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

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Page 13

NEWS

ANNUAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL BONANZA AT WHOLE FOODS MARKET IN WELLINGTON Whole Foods Market in Wellington held its third annual Back-to-School Bonanza on Saturday, Aug. 20. The event included vendor samples of school-related foods, free ID cards and fingerprinting done by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, a magician, tours of a fire-rescue truck and a PBSO vehicle, and an indoor barbecue. All proceeds went to providing school supplies for needy children.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Eric Peterman with his daughters Aalianah and Ariqah.

Camille Alarcon-Fernandez gets a fingerprinting and ID card made by PBSO Corporal Paul Rubino.

Valerie and Raul Rodriguez with sons Raul Jr. and Gabriel.

Skyla, Scarlet, Luke and Audrey Hadley.

Magician Chris Craft shows children a trick .

Cassidy Henghold colors while having a snack.

BUCKLER’S HOSTS 21ST ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR AT FAIRGROUNDS EXPO CENTER

Buckler’s Promotions held its 21st annual Buckler’s Craft Fair A ug. 20 and 21 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. The fair included arts and crafts from local and statewide exhibitors. Some of the crafts included were all-natural shea butter, wine bottle art, handmade beaded jewelry and Christmas items. For more info., visit www.bucklercraftfair.com. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Linda Windsor buys wine bottle art from vendor Heidi Caravetta.

Rae Kann and granddaughter-in-law Alyse Kulwin look at craf ts.

Hazel McGuire displays a tray of ar tificial food.

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NEWS

PALMS WEST CHAMBER HOSTS NETWORKING MIXER AT CARRABBA’S IN RPB The Palms West Chamber of Commer ce held a networking mixer Thur sday, Aug. 18 at Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Royal Palm Beach.

There were two-for-one drinks, free hors d’oeuvres and a 50/50 raffle. For more info., visit www.palmswest.com.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Eric Gordon, Michelle Haines and Mike Heitman.

Debra Middleton, Libra Pistella, Laurel Bennett and Claudia Camacho.

Carrabba’s proprietor Brian Jacobsen receiv es a certificate of appreciation from the chamber’s Mar y Lou Bedford.

William Brasmar with Jan and Ray Mamone.

Lawrence Morgan, Renee Savarese and Mario Bologna of Capitol Lighting.

April Abercrombie, William Brasmar, Marcia Berwick and Eric Gordon.

The American Cancer Society’s Teri Lane with the Sweets F oundation’s Raina Ruelle.

Elina Taheri-Cedeno and Des Romm of Iberia Bank.

Dottie DeMartino and Claudia Camacho enjoy hors d’oeuvres.

The Town-Crier

P.B. CENTRAL AWARDED $2,230 FOR CHEVY ‘DRIVE FOR PERFECTION’ PROGRAM

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SCHOOL NEWS

Libraries Making Student Life Easier As the new school year gets underway, students’ and parents’ lives can be simpler and their efforts more successful by using their local libraries. The Palm Beach County Library System provides electronic resources, books and assistance that can help students succeed in their schoolwork.

Now is the time to review the programs, events and services offered by the library.

• Computers and Internet Access — The library system offers computers with Internet connections, word processing software, printers and classes to help you use them. The library provides free WiFi so you can bring your laptop computer, tablet or eReader with you.

• Reader’s Advisory — Libraries are still in the business of helping readers find books to match their needs and interests.

When students need help finding the right book for that report, librarians are ready to help. The library has copies of the Sun-

shine State Reading list and other lists teachers use to guide students’ reading development.

• Help with Research for Reports and Assignments — Research can be an intimidating undertaking for students regardless of their grade level. Librarians help young students identify resources appropriate for their grade and help them get comfortable using them.

• Online Resources — Teachers generally require students to use reliable published sources, reference material, and magazine and journal articles. The library system provides the licensed material on the web site www.pbclibrary.org/databases that teachers require and that is not freely available on the Internet.

• Florida Electronic Library — The FEL provides a comprehensive collection of information on a wide range of topics for Floridians of all ages, includes re-

Bright Beginnings For Berean Bulldogs

Palm Beach Central High School recently participated in the Chevy Driv e for Perfection program. The t est drive program was offered to motivate students to attain perfect attendance. For its participation, PBCHS was awarded a check for $2,230 from Maroone Chevrolet. Shown above are (L-R) PBCHS Academy Coordinator Carl Rosenberg, Principal Dr. Butch Mondy, Maroone Chevrolet Fleet Manager Rick Gold and PBCHS Program Coordinator Donna Baxter.

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More than 570 Berean Bulldogs from grades K2 through 12 began a brand-new school year Monday, Aug. 15. Now in their third week, both new and returning Bulldogs have been able to take advantage of exciting upgrades at the school, including recently installed Smartboards in multiple classrooms, a wide variety of new on-campus student organizations, and core classes now offered in honors and Advanced Placement designations.

Sports are beginning as well; students can already be seen on the fields after school preparing for the football, cheer-

leading and volleyball seasons.

Berean’s early start allows not only a one-week fall break, but it also accommodates a much-anticipated event — the junior and senior high retreat. This offcampus event allows students to bond with each other and their teachers in a nonacademic setting for three days while participating in various sports, team-building and spiritual activities.

Berean is looking forward to a blessed and productive school year. For information about the school or enrollment, visit www.bereanwpb.org.

sources selected especially for K-12 students. FEL covers a variety of areas and reading levels making it accessible for all.

Some of the resources included are Florida history, general reference, health, newspapers, magazine and journal articles, photos, art, basic ebooks, and business and job/career resources.

• Ask a Librarian.org — This statewide service assists students with homework questions and research projects.

There are 117 Florida libraries, including public, college and university libraries, that collaborate to provide this free online reference service from 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Start with the Ask a Librarian link from the library web site www.pbclibrary.org/ aal.htm where you will be able to chat or text with a librarian. The librarian will direct you to the information you need and can even take you to the information on the library web site.

• Free Ebooks — The library system offers popular e-books, including books for young readers, that you can check out or download from library web sites to your eReader or computer. You can use this service without having to come to the library. Library staff can help you find ebooks compatible with your reader.

• Live Homework Help — This online tutoring service from Tutor.com allows students to connect to an expert tutor either in any library location or from your home computer with a library card. The service is available in English and Spanish, Sunday through Thursday from 3 to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 2 to 7 p.m. Students K-12, first-year college, and adult learners can get on-demand help in math, science, social studies and English at www.pbclibrary.org/live-homework.htm.

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Marshall Foundation Luncheon Salutes Summer Everglades Interns The Arthur R. Marshall Foundation honored its summer interns at a luncheon Aug. 4 at the West Palm Beach headquarters of the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

More than 80 supporters of the Marshall Foundation attended a luncheon. Among those attending were West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio, Palm Beach County School Board Member Jenny Prior Brown and Community Foundation President & CEO Leslie Lilly.

“To the extent possible, the 2011 summer interns calculated the total economic impact of the 2011 drought/water supply shortage, concluding that economic costs of water shortages would be significantly reduced by restoring the Everglades at less cost than the economic impacts of droughts over the next 40 years,” said John

Marshall, chairman of the Marshall Foundation and the Florida Environmental Institute Inc. Marshall said the costs of recurring drought and water shortages over the next 40 years were estimated to be between $8 to $11 billion.

“This begins to approach the cost of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan [CERP] implementation,” he said. “This cost range provides a conservative estimate, because there were many negative externalities that could not be calculated, such as soil loss.

Based on CERP total benefits and costs, including the benefit of drought/water supply shortage cost avoidance, the CERP return on investment or benefit to cost ratio was estimated to be on the order of $10 for every $1 spent.

So the message from our summer interns is this: Let’s get on with

MEMORIAL UPDATED FOR SCOTT WILSON’S BIRTHDAY AUG. 19

In honor of her late son Scott Wilson’s birthday, Wellington resident Lili Wilson recently updated the memorial that w as created for him at the corner of Lake Worth Road and 120th Avenue South. Wilson died Feb. 12, 2010 as the result of an accident at the intersection. International Polo Club Palm Beach owner John Goodman has been arrested and faces charges for his role in the accident. Wilson would have been 25 on Aug. 1 9.

restoring the Everglades and its historic River of Grass.”

The Marshall Foundation’s 2011 Everglades interns were Vanessa Aparicio, who recently graduated from Stetson University with a degree in biology and environmental science; David Diaz, a recent graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in environmental science and a minor in international studies in agriculture and life sciences; Judy Hartshorn, who graduated from the University of Miami in May with a major in marine affairs and minors in biology and communication studies; and Robert Hill, who is in his final semester at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he is majoring in environmental studies with a minor in biology.

“The purpose of this life-changing, career-enhancing summer program is to train the next gener-

ation of environmental leaders,” Marshall Foundation President Nancy Marshall said. “Our objective is to create knowledgeable professionals who can address issues like the Everglades from a multitude of viewpoints. I’m pleased to say that many of our graduates have gone on to achieve impressive things in the ecological sciences.”

Based in Palm Beach County, the Marshall Foundation champions the restoration and preservation of the greater Everglades ecosystem through science-based education and outreach programs.

Annually, more than 15,000 elementary and high school students in Palm Beach County actively participate in the Marshall Foundation’s various education programs.

Founded in 1998, the nonprofit organization has in recent years

(L-R) Vanessa Aparicio, Jody Hartshorn, John Marshall, David Diaz and Robert Hill.

PHOTO BY CORBY KAYE’S STUDIO PALM BEA CH

awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships and internships, planted nearly 100,000 native Florida trees in wetland areas, and

involved more than 5,000 volunteers in hands-on restoration projects. For more information, visit www.artmarshall.com.

Sheriff Bradshaw Receives Leadership Award The Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association (FPAA) has chosen Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw as this year’s recipient of the Criminal Justice Leadership Award.

The Criminal Justice Leadership Award was created in 1998.

Since the award’s inception, it has been presented to only one other recipient in 2002. The FPAA is a nonprofit corporation composed of the 20 elected state attorneys (the board) and the over 1,900 assistant state attorneys. The primary purpose of the association is education through seminars, written materials and electronic media.

Bradshaw, a career law enforcement professional, is responsible for leading the largest law enforcement agency in Palm Beach County. He has a successful track record of over 40 years in law enforcement. He rose through the ranks of the West Palm Beach Police

Department. In 1996, he was appointed as chief of police. Jan. 4, 2005, Bradshaw was sworn in as sheriff of Palm Beach County. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is composed of approximately 4,000 employees.

Bradshaw is the chairman of the Florida Sheriff’s Emergency Task Force for Region 7, a member of the executive board for the FBI’s Terrorist Task Force, executive board chairman of Florida’s Regional Domestic Security Task Force for Region 7, vice chair of Florida’s Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, a member of the statewide Medicaid and Public Assistance Fraud Strike Force and the new co-chair of Florida’s Prescription Drug Trafficking Task Force for South Florida.

Over the past three years, Bradshaw has been instrumental in the creation of the Palm Beach Coun-

ty Multi-Agency Sexual Predator Unit, the Prescription Drug Diversion Task Force, the Multi-Agency Public Corruption Task Force and the Multi-Agency Gang Unit.

All of these enforcement initiatives have been used by other entities in the state as models for cooperation and results.

Bradshaw has made ongoing and significant contributions to Florida through his statewide leadership and commitment to public safety.

Palm Beach County State Attorney Michael McAuliffe nominated Bradshaw for the FPAA Leadership Award.

“As the sheriff’s crime-fighting partner, I know personally how much Ric contributes to the community and the state,” McAuliffe said. “I am thrilled that my fellow state attorneys have recognized Bradshaw with our criminal justice leadership award. I am proud

Sherif f Ric Bradshaw of Ric and his office.”

The FPAA Leadership Awards were presented to Bradshaw at an awards luncheon on Aug. 8 in Naples.

RPB’s Jillian Collins Completes Cadet Basic Training At West Point Cadet Jillian Collins of Royal Pam Beach recently completed cadet basic training at the U.S. Military Academy.

Collins entered West Point on June 27 and has successfully completed six weeks of CBT. Also referred to as “Beast Barracks,”

CBT is one of the most challenging events a cadet will encounter over the course of their four years at the academy.

The initial military training program provides cadets with basic skills to instill discipline, pride, cohesion, confidence and a high

sense of duty to prepare them for entry into the Corps of Cadets.

Areas of summer instruction included first aid, mountaineering, hand grenades, rifle marksmanship, and nuclear, biological and chemical training.

Collins began classes Aug. 14.

The West Point curriculum offers 45 majors balancing physical sciences and engineering with humanities and social sciences leading to a bachelor’s degree.

A Royal Palm Beach High School graduate, Collins plans to graduate from West Point in 2015

and be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

The U.S. Military Academy is a four-year co-educational federal undergraduate liberal arts college located 50 miles north of New York City.

A pre-eminent leader-develop-

ment institution, its mission remains constant — to educate, train and inspire cadets for careers of professional service to the Army and the nation.

For more information, visit the academy’s web site at www.west point.edu.

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

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Pondiscio Serving As Community Teams Chair For The Heart Walk With more than 12,000 strong already participating in the American Heart Association’s annual Heart Walk of the Palm Beaches, the organization is calling on neighborhood developments, small companies and other organized groups to form community teams and participate in the Oct. 1 event.

These teams would join corporate teams as well as friends and family teams in the 5K (3.1-mile) walk to take place along Flagler Drive with festivities in the Meyer Amphitheatre in downtown West Palm Beach.

The community-wide event is

one of family, fitness and philanthropy, all in the name of heart health.

Community Teams Chair Ralph Pondiscio of Wellington has been leading efforts to recruit these teams and in turn, introduce them to the American Heart Association and its lifesaving mission. As a young heart disease survivor, he recently spoke at a preHeart Walk event about his passion behind the cause.

“I am involved with the American Heart Association because they save lives; more importantly, they saved mine,” Pondiscio said.

The Heart Walk will feature health screenings, a warm up Zumba session, music and entertainment, a kids zone and additional family-friendly activities.

Chairing the event is Dorothy Bradshaw, deputy director of procurement at the South Florida Water Management District. Natalie Morales, anchor of NBC’s Today show, is the grand marshal.

Prior to the Heart Walk, a 5K Run hosted by Lawyers Have Heart and chaired by Al LaSorte, partner with Shutts & Bowen LLP, will take place. A special survivor celebration to recognize those impacted by heart disease and stroke

will wrap up the morning of activities.

Funds raised at this signature event will go toward vital research, education and community programs to help combat heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 and No. 3 killers, respectively, of American men and women. The Heart Walk is presented nationally by Subway and locally by Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

To form a community team or for further information about the Heart Walk and 5K Run of the Palm Beaches, visit the event’s web site at www.palmbeachheart walk.org or call (561) 697-6626.

(L-R) Rileigh Favre, Stephanie Pondiscio, Heart Walk Community Teams Chair Ralph Pondiscio and Talia Pondiscio.

Two Wellington Doctors Leading New Palliative Care Program

Dr. Faustino Gonzalez

Dr. Richard Levene

Beginning Aug. 1, palliative care is more accessible in Palm Beach County with the opening of South Florida Palliative Medicine Specialists (SFPMS).

SFPMS is a palliative care consultation service with the largest group of board-certified physicians and nurse practitioners in South Florida. SFPMS offers expertise in relieving the symptoms, pain and stress of people affected by serious, life-limiting illness, providing practical support for patients and families in setting realistic goals, understanding treatment options, making complex decisions and planning for the most appropriate care settings.

Physicians, hospitals, managed care providers, skilled nursing fa-

cilities and assisted living facilities benefit from the support SFPMS provides to the healthcare team, enabling them to enhance patient/family quality of life and satisfaction, reduce complications, improve care coordination, and lower costs. “We are very excited about offering this service in our community,” said Dr. Faustino Gonzalez, who was named vice president of medical affairs for SFPMS. “Palliative medicine is about improving quality of life.

Recent studies have shown that patients who receive palliative care show improved quality of life and ultimately, live longer. By offering this service we are doing what we can to help patients in our community live life to the fullest.”

Gonzalez, a Wellington resident whose specialties are internal and palliative medicine, has provided palliative care to patients for more than a decade. He is certified by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine; the American Board of Internal Medicine; ABIM’s subspecialty in hospice and palliative medicine; and has been awarded the degree of fellow by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Also named to the leadership team are Dr. Richard Levene, a Wellington resident, and Susan Koff. Levene, who will serve as medical director, has an extensive background in palliative medicine. In addition to his role with

SFPMS, Levene is director of the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program in Palm Beach County. He is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine; the American Board of Osteopathic Family Practice; the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine; and has been awarded the degree of fellow by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Koff will serve as palliative care clinical manager.

SFPMS helps patients and families navigate the medical system and access community resources to meet their medical, emotional and spiritual needs. For more information, call (561) 494-2100 or visit www.sfpms.com.

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NEWS

RPB Council To Discuss Swift Vacancy At Sept. 8 Meeting

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report At its next meeting, the Royal Palm Beach Village Council will discuss how to go about filling the vacancy created by last week’s sudden resignation of longtime Councilman David Swift.

At its meeting Aug. 18, the council agreed to schedule an agenda item for its Thursday, Sept.

8 meeting to discuss whether to replace Swift, who resigned Aug. 16.

The council could decide to appoint a temporary replacement, or just leave the seat vacant until Swift’s term is up next March.

Swift, who served on the council 22 years, resigned due to a conflict between village service and his South Florida Water Management District retirement plan.

“Unfortunately, as we see, Mr. Swift is no longer on the council due to his retirement, and I would just like to say he did a good job,” Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas said. “He did a lot in our community, and he’s going to be missed.”

Valuntas asked that the subject of his replacement be put on the agenda for discussion. “We do our business here in the sunshine, and whether we’re going to fill his seat or have a special election should be an issue we deal with at our next meeting,” he said.

Mayor Matty Mattioli suggested that individual council members schedule meetings with the village manager so he could get a sense of the council’s opinion on the issue.

“Maybe we could make some kind of statement at the next meet-

ing,” Mattioli said. “That’s what I would suggest.”

Valuntas said he would prefer an election over the council exercising its option to elect someone to fill the remainder of the term.

“I think at the next meeting it would be good to have it as a listed item so the people can tell us what their thoughts are on it, because my thought is that people should elect us,” he said.

Councilwoman Martha Webster asked whether there is a time limit on appointments by the council in the charter, and Village Attorney Brad Biggs said there is no time limit and it is not mandatory that the vacancy be filled.

The council decided by consensus to have a formal discussion on the topic at its next meeting.

Former Wellington Councilman Paglia Files To Run For Election Longtime Wellington resident, community activist and former village councilman Al Paglia has filed to run for Seat 1 on the Wellington Village Council.

Paglia served on the council from 1998 to 2002 and was vice mayor from 2000 to 2002. He served as chairman of the Wellington Trolley/Transportation Committee, which fell short of sufficient council votes to implement in 2001.

Paglia is a member of St. Rita

RV Rules

Most Speakers Not In Favor

continued from page 1 allowed in the area south of Pierson Road and west of 120th Ave. South.

Flinchum explained that currently, property managed by Equestrian Sport Productions has temporary approval for recreational vehicles that would expire in the fall.

The proposed ordinance requires parcels to be at least 50 acres in order to apply for an RV park, with a maximum of two RVs per acre allowed. It also requires that the parcel include a permanent equestrian venue, have a 35foot buffer, be accessible by a bridle trail and allow only on-site participants, such as competitors, grooms and spectators.

Flinchum noted that the definition of an “equestrian venue” was added to the ordinance after the Equestrian Preserve Committee and the Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board had seen the proposed ordinance.

The parks would be a conditional use and would need to appear for approval before the Equestrian Preserve Committee, the Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board and the Wellington Village Council, Flinchum said.

During public comment, only one of almost a dozen speakers was in support of the ordinance.

Several speakers were concerned about the definitions of an equestrian venue proposed by staff.

Resident and announced council candidate Carol Coleman said she was concerned that the definition of an arena included uses for entertainment.

According to the staff report, an arena is defined as “a central area used for entertainment or competitive events and usually surrounded by seats.”

Staff also defined an equestrian venue as “a location of a large gathering for competitive equestrian events or entertainment.”

“A venue does not include entertainment,” Coleman said. “Entertainment does not exist in the

Crestwood

Building Opens

continued from page 1 teachers for each team closer together.

“We have small families within a larger family,” she said. “It gives us the ability to physically enhance the philosophy of having students in teams. In the portables, they were three ear-shots away, but now they are only one and a half ear-shots away. It brings more cohesiveness to the approach.”

Another benefit to the new building is its top-of-the-line science labs — three per floor.

But probably one of the most important additions has been the new covered walkways throughout the school, which help keep students dry. “We didn’t have them when students had to use the portables,” Nance said. “They are

Catholic Church Knights of Columbus, and a board member of the Wellington Boys & Girls Club.

He has served as co-chair for the Western Communities Relay for Life in 2007 and the annual “Tootsie Roll” drive for mentally challenged children.

As an early Wellington pioneer having moved to Wellington in 1978, Paglia served on the original Acme Improvement District “Huck Finn” committee, Wellington Little League coaches commit-

tees and Wellington High School Project Graduation committees from 1993 to 1997.

He and his wife Rosemary have three children — Dina, Paul and Michael — and two grandchildren.

After retiring from the Palm Beach County School District in 1998, Paglia opened Palm Beach Contract Furniture, an office furniture dealership in Wellington, which he sold in 2010 to Daniel Snyder of England.

United States Equestrian Federation rules. A stadium or an arena does not have anything to do with entertainment. This is for a horse show arena. It has nothing to do with entertainment, although it may be entertaining.”

PZAB Member Bob Margolis, an announced mayoral candidate, said that his board did not have the definitions to consider when it discussed the ordinance.

“It surprised me that the definitions were in there,” he said. “To me, this is a new ordinance. It surprises all those people who voted for or against it and had very passionate views on it.”

Margolis also said he felt that although a few residents may want RVs on their properties, it would open up too many enforcement issues. “Code enforcement cannot go out onto the properties and ask who is living there or how many people,” he said.

Others expressed concerns about crime brought by RV parks, that they would be an eyesore and that it could cause traffic problems.

Equestrian resident Victoria McCullough cautioned the council that their decision would impact the entire equestrian community. “You very loftily make decisions here that the communities then have to sustain,” she said. “In making this decision, you could set a precedent for everyone. I’m asking you tonight to think very carefully about what you’re doing.

There isn’t a lot of support for this.”

Michael Stone, president of Equestrian Sport Productions, supported the ordinance. He said that the he felt residents were misunderstanding the proposal.

“I think what village staff was trying to do was to allow for RV parks in Wellington,” he said. “We don’t actually have a proposal for one because anybody who wanted to do this needs this ordinance to go through. This is not approving an RV park… it is just allowing for it to happen in the future.”

Stone noted that the RV parks have to be attached to an equestrian venue, which is common for other areas with an equestrian industry.

“You can go blue in the face trying to define what an equestrian

arena is,” he said. “But the bottom line is that it is where you have horses competing. It would not allow a stand-alone RV park.”

Stone also said that with the 35foot buffer, an RV park would look to the outside like any other Wellington community. “You won’t be able to see into the place,” he said.

He also refuted claims that it would bring crime. “There are currently RVs on the former Littlewood show grounds,” Stone said. “They have been there for years, and we have no crime.”

Rather, Stone said crime is caused by illegal RVs. Coates said that he was concerned about accusations that the ordinance was being made to benefit one property owner. He pointed to the fact that a petition to stop the ordinance had been signed by many of those who own 50-acre parcels that would qualify for the parks.

“I am concerned, especially when the only support comes from the property owner that we’re alleged to be drawing an ordinance for,” he said.

Coates said he wanted to reject the ordinance rather than send it back to the Equestrian Preserve Committee.

“This ordinance has many fatal flaws,” he said. “I want to stop the process. I don’t think it was a wellfounded idea.”

He said he would have liked to see the community brought into the discussion before an ordinance was drafted.

“I would not consider making any change that is this significant without having any flavor of where the residents stand,” he said. “If tonight is any indication, then there is absolutely no support.”

Gerwig said she would support the ordinance because she did not want to restrict personal property use.

“This would allow something like this to occur,” she said. “It doesn’t mean that it’s guaranteed.

Each project has to come forward.

The RVs have to have an attachment to an arena or venue. This is not taking away someone’s rights, it’s changing and expanding.”

Gerwig noted that the proposal would solve the problem of unregulated RVs currently out there.

very nice to have, especially during inclement weather.”

Another important aspect of the renovation is that the school campus is completely closed, with only one entryway and exit, Nance said.

“It minimizes the opportunity for things to occur,” she said. “We are a secure campus from east to west and north to south.”

In addition to a single point of entry to the campus, the renovation also gave guests a single point of entry into the main building.

This helps to increase security, as well as provide better assistance to guests and parents.

“We used to have east and west double doors,” Nance said. “But now when visitors come in, they can follow the new walkway up to one set of double doors that leads to the main office. This has worked very well.”

Also meant to help parents, the school parking lot has been ex-

panded to allow more space for parents looking to pick up or drop off their children. “It is going to help to eliminate some of the traffic on Sparrow Drive going east and west,” she said.

Andrews

Promises To Work With RPB

continued from page 1 ly done at the time. State statute gives school districts the ability to issue their own building permits.

A vehicle repair compound located on the school grounds was one of several things the village took issue with, along with the late permit and parking spaces that do not meet village code.

Andrews said she has been working with school district transportation officials to get the repair compound removed as soon as possible — hopefully sooner than the five-year time frame promised.

“You are very much on target with that, and we need to fix it,” Andrews said.

She submitted a written report to the council of what the school district plans to do to correct deficiencies at the school. “You have been patient with us, and I want to thank you as a school board member … on behalf of the school board,” she said.

Andrews said the school district has bus compounds in several areas, including Belle Glade, Delray Beach and a site on Blue Heron Blvd., in addition to the main complex near Congress Avenue and Southern Blvd. All are operated by the school district’s transportation department. “This one at Royal Palm Beach is the worst,” Andrews said. “I’ve seen all of them because it’s up to me as a school board member to check it out.”

Andrews said she recognized other issues such as the parking spaces and parking on the swale outside the school grounds. “This utilizes an area that is not fit for that particular site,” she said.

“We’re trying to get into compliance. We’re trying to work with that so we can get into compliance as soon as possible.”

Andrews noted that Crestwood has been overlooked for a long time. In order to meet classroom-

Swimming

RPB Board Opposes Change

size reduction, the measures had to be put into place, she said. The new two-story addition replaced portables that had long been there.

“It was wonderful to know that something was happening,” she said. “So many of the schools are in need, I’m glad to see the needs of Crestwood are ended.”

Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas asked that in the future, if the school district has projects, that it apply before they commence. “I know I had driven through a bunch of times thinking, ‘Wow, they’re really doing a lot of work out there,’ thinking it was looking good, and then a couple of weeks before it was done, here comes an application saying, ‘Hey can we get approval three-quarters of the way through the thing?’” Valuntas said.

He pointed out that the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended not approving the project. “My suggestion would be to get us involved earlier in the process,” Valuntas said. “It is a great project, and I thank the school district for bettering the middle school in our community.”

Councilwoman Martha Webster thanked Andrews for coming to the meeting. “It’s a pleasure to have a school board member come and really talk about the issues,” Webster said. “I realize these are issues coming before you were there, and so thank you very much for picking it up.”

Webster said the residents around the school are glad to have the portables gone. “Those portables are really an eyesore, and they are really glad the school is going to look the way it is,” she said.

Webster said she would like to arrange a joint meeting with the school board, pointing out that the interlocal agreement the village had with the school district had expired in January.

“With the changes in growth management and concurrency, we probably all need to sit down at the table and see how that is going to affect us,” Webster said.

“I’m really encouraged by what you had to say tonight, and I look

continued from page 1 ple coming to your home,” Erwin said. “Obviously, if you have home swim instructions, you have to have people coming to your home. In addition, this particular instructor teaches infants that are very young, and as a result, they need to be taught to scream to draw attention to the fact that they have fallen into the pool. That was one of the reasons why we have in the code [proposal] that it is only allowed between 2 and 5 p.m., because that would be the time that school-age children would be out of school and available for instruction. Hopefully, people are not home between 2 and 5.”

Erwin added that the noise ordinance must be complied with at all times and said village code enforcement had done monitoring at Powers’ home and it did not meet the code.

Mark Grunow of Sand Pine Way, next door to Powers’ home, said he opposed the code revision.

“This is very painful,” Grunow said. “First of all, I just want you to know I have no malice toward Ms. Powers. From the time I got to know her, I know her to be a good and decent person.”

Grunow said he had tried originally to remain anonymous so he and the Powers family could remain friends.

“I value their friendship, so this is very difficult for me to do this, but this has become too much,” he said. “The situation has become unbearable. We just want to live in peace and quiet. I think it’s very unfair that we have to be the sacrificial lambs so that there can be

commercial swimming classes in Royal Palm Beach.”

Kate Leber, an attorney and mother of a child who took swimming lessons from Powers, said she offered her services when the village cited Powers. Leber said she would rather hear the screaming of a child than have a child drown.

“Drowning is the leading cause of death in children under age 4, and if this is not allowed to continue, children are going to suffer for it, and the community is going to suffer for it,” Leber said.

Leber added that there is not a public pool in Royal Palm Beach that allows swim lessons. “Ms. Powers has contacted all the public pools and the private pools in residential communities, and none of them will allow lessons for liability reasons,” Leber said, pointing out that Powers does have liability insurance for $300,000, which complies with the proposed ordinance.

Larson asked whether there are neighbors who support the activity, and Leber said the list had been submitted to the council and special magistrate, but she did not have a copy at the meeting.

Powers said she was in her ninth season giving infant self-rescue lessons. She said she has tried to work with code enforcement to come into compliance. She questioned the validity of the noise testing, however. “Sixty decibels is a conversation, so what about barking dogs?” Powers asked.

Powers stressed that she does not give traditional swimming lessons; she teaches infant survival.

“An infant who falls into the water can flip over and float by themselves,” she said, noting that Wellington and other municipalities allow the courses.

“I don’t think anyone here is denying that what you do is a valuable service,” Larson said. “You

Next on the list of items to make the school better than before is the track, Nance said. It is under construction and will have new surfacing.

“We’re all very excited for all

of the new upgrades and renovations,” she said. “It helps bring the Crestwood community even closer and helps provide the high level of academic excellence that we do.”

The new building at Crestwood Middle School, shown with one of the covered walkways.

Marcia Andrews forward to working with you.”

Andrews pointed out that the school district made no big administrative changes in Royal Palm Beach this year, although there have been more than 50 principal and administrative changes within the school district.

She noted that there is a new area superintendent, Dr. Matthew Shoemaker, formerly the principal at Palm Beach Central High School. “We no longer have Dr. Janis Andrews serving us,” Andrews said. “Working alongside him as the area director is Dave Alfonso. These are the two people who will have oversight of the entire western communities.”

Andrews urged officials to contact them as the first course of action when any issue comes up.

“They are at the top of the list to call before calling the superintendent because they have direct contact with the principals,” she said.

She also encouraged people to contact her if they have questions or issues to be resolved. “I am available 24/7, for parents or for students, because it is really all about the students,” she said.

Andrews emphasized that she is an RPB resident and intends to see that she has a positive influence on her community. “I live in Madison Green, and I love it,” she said. “I think we have a wonderful, wonderful village.” have been in code violation for nine years. We have to weigh what you have been doing with the given right of the neighborhood for quality of what they moved in there for.”

Larson questioned whether a private home is the best location for everyone, reiterating that the lessons had failed the noise meter test.

Commissioner Darrell Lange said he has three small boys whom he taught to swim and a swimming pool in the yard, and also has a friend whose child had drowned in a pool, but he was very concerned about redoing the code.

“Are we reacting to one company that has been out of compliance for eight-plus years?” Lange asked. “Do we have other companies in the area that do the same service?”

Erwin said he had found 10 other swim instruction companies that operate from their homes within 10 miles, none of them in Royal Palm Beach.

“I have a problem that we are reacting to one company, regardless of how admirable I think it is,” Lange said.

Commission Alternate Michael Newkirk was sympathetic to Powers’ request but was also concerned about changing the code for one person. “It isn’t this isolated incident; it is the code,” he said. “We need to think outside this isolated incident and think about the village.”

Larson agreed. “As much as I want to see the service rendered, I don’t see a need to change the code,” she said.

Newkirk said on a personal level he wanted to approve the request, but was going to make a motion to approve the request and vote no to avoid the confusion of a motion for denial. The motion to approve the code change failed 5-0.

Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission decisions are advisory in nature. The final decision is up to the Royal Palm Beach Village Council.

Blotter continued from page 6 someone stole the victim’s Suzuki motorcycle from its parking spot in front of the victim’s home.

There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 23 — A resident of Sugar Pond Manor called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday morning to report a burglary.

According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9:45 p.m.

Monday and 9 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the home by slicing the screen to the victim’s rear door and smashing the window. The perpetrator(s) stole an Xbox 360, valued at approximately $200, and $500 cash.

There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

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Acreage Horseman’s Association Offers New Circuit

For the first time, the Acreage Horseman’s Association will run an entire pleasure show circuit. The shows will run on the second Sunday of the month, Sept ember through February, (except for the January show, which will be the third Sunday).

Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 23

August 26 - September 1, 2011

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P.B. Central Football Has High Hopes For Season

The Palm Beach Central High School varsity football team is looking to go all the way to the state championships this year.

Coming off a 5-5 season last year, the Broncos’ head coach Rod Harris said his team is stronger and faster than ever before. Page 35

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business Enjoy A Taste Of The Old Country In RPB At Francesca’s Pizza And Restaurant

A trip to the Mediterranean is now a short driv e away at Francesca’s Pizza and Restaurant in Royal Palm Beach. With traditional southern Mediterraneanstyle food and wine, the restaurant, formerly Cappuccino’s Italian Restaurant, has transformed into a Mediterranean eatery. Owners and husband and wife Danielle Vallone and Tasos Kentimenos wanted to open up a restaurant that represent ed both of their cultural backgrounds. Page 29

Sports The Acreage Tackle Football League Kicks Off Its 2011 Season

Acreage Community Park was buzzing with activity early morning Saturday, Aug. 20 in preparation for the football season. Recent rains gave way to a sunny start to the opening day, and more than 300 kids signed up, according to League Commissioner Eric Jourgensen. Page 35

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES .......................23-24 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ..................... 26 BUSINESS NEWS .................................29-31 SPORTS & RECREATION ......................35-37 COMMUNITY CALENDAR .................... 38-39 CLASSIFIEDS ....................................... 40-45

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Page 23

FEATURES

Acreage Horseman’s Association Offers New Show Circuit Four years ago, some horse people got together and formed the Acreage Horseman’s Association. It was a no-brainer. The Acreage, after all, has a lot of people who moved there specifically so they could keep their horses in their own back yards. They held occasional barrel shows and fun shows, and this year, for the first time, they’ll be running an entire pleasure show circuit.

The shows will run on the second Sunday of the month, September through February, (except for the January show, which will be the third Sunday), from 9 a.m. until whenever they end. The 63 classes offered include Halter, Showmanship, Lead Line, Equitation, a variety of English, Western and Gaited Pleasure classes, Hunter Hack, Reining, Trail, Go As You Please and Jackpot. The shows will be held at Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park on Hamlin Blvd., and the premiere show will be Sunday, Sept. 11.

“Our barrel shows have been doing so well, we decided to give this a try,” said Linda Rainbolt, director of the Acreage Horseman’s Association. “Our group is nonprofit. We want to put any profit back into the shows and give back to the community. All the awards are useful things like halters and gift certificates, rather than trophies.”

The Jackpot class, which is open to English Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/ HorseTalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg and Western riders, pays back 50 percent to first place, 30 percent to second and 10 percent to third. “It’s based on the horse’s way of going, not equitation, and it’s open to any rider of any age or experience level,” Rainbolt said. “Eventually, we hope to add in more Jackpot classes and more Hunter Over Fences classes.”

Rainbolt enjoys riding at the host facility.

“The horse park is a really nice place to come and ride. People can school and practice there any time at all. We’ve had very good attendance at our barrel shows,” she said. “We held a warm-up show, and had a great response.

There were seven to ten riders in the English classes, and ten to 15 in the Western classes.

We’re also hoping to hold some one-day clinics later on in the year, after it cools down a little, on trail, horsemanship and reining.”

Rainbolt said that riders do have to join the Acreage Horseman’s Association in order to show, but the annual cost is very reasonable: $20 for an individual and $25 for a family.

The classes are $8 each, and there are no extra fees.

The Acreage Horseman’s Association shows are at Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park.

Jennifer Hoefs, 17, of West Palm Beach, is planning to show in some of the Western Pleasure classes. She rides her 24-year-old Quarter Horse Odie, but is planning to show Magic, one of Rainbolt’s Quarter Horses.

“I got involved through Linda,” Hoefs said.

“I’ve been riding and training with her. I’m going to enter Halter, Trail and Western Pleasure, maybe the Jackpot. I went to the warmup show, and it was very laid-back, a lot of fun. I liked that it wasn’t at all stressful. AnySee ROSENBERG, page 24

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FEATURES

The Search For A New Purse Is About To Take Over My Life Tomorrow is a very big day for me. Very big.

Tomorrow, I am going out to buy myself a purse.

Yes, in this little life of mine, an event as momentous as purchasing a pocketbook has to be documented for all time on the pages of my community’s newspaper.

But if you’re a woman, you understand. A pocketbook is special. You carry it with you every day, and it is 99-percent responsible for your being able to get through life. In it, you carry everything necessary for living.

When you get your first purse, here’s what’s in it — a handkerchief, a piece of gum and 10 cents.

When you discover boys, you throw in a Get your Sonic Boomer humor every day!

Follow Deborah Welky on Twitter at twitter.com/TheSonicBoomer. On Facebook, stop by “The Sonic Boomer” page and click the “Like” button.

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER lipstick, and it’s a slippery slope from there.

Pretty soon, you have every cosmetic under the sun in that munitions carrier of yours, because you never know when you may have to go from a boring morning at the office to lunch with your immediate supervisor to a blind date.

That requires makeup, people.

Then you marry the blind date and have a couple of kids. Suddenly, your pocketbook has gone from a personal accessory to the family’s knapsack. When my two children were small, we could’ve been abandoned in the forest for a week and we would’ve been OK

as long as I had my purse. Diapers, wipes, juice boxes, packaged crackers, mints, money, credit cards and two baggies with the same exact number of Cheerios in each one would have sustained us.

Now the kids are gone, so the juice boxes and Cheerios have been replaced with wrinkle eradicator cream that I apply throughout the day with a trowel.

And, for the past three years, I have been surviving with purses that my mother has given me as gifts. She knows what I like and they’ve been great, but the last one bit the dust six months ago, and its replacement was a disaster.

The replacement purse was too small even after I cut out all the middle compartments with a pair of scissors and hacked the zipper off with a Dremel saw in a fit of frustration two weeks ago. My wallet and eyeglass case have been sticking up out of there ever since, with the wallet waving a small sign that reads, “Steal Me.”

So I took on extra work last week with one goal in mind — to earn enough money to buy myself a purse. But it has to be a certain kind, and I will search every store in the area to get it if I have to. And I’m not picky, but I do know what I want.

This purse must be brown leather with a shoulder strap and no interior compartments.

It must have two exterior compartments, one on each side, to hold my glasses, sunglasses, keys and phone. It must zip in a “right-handed” way and not feature anything that will snag my clothing. It must not weigh too much.

And it must be large enough to carry all my junk but not so large that people notice it.

Oh. And I don’t want to pay more than $65 for it.

So I’ve set aside seven days and $50 in gas money to find this purse.

It is my quest, and I shall find it. If not, prepare to endure the scourge of my wrath in some future uplifting, lighthearted humor column.

New ‘Conan’ Film Has Lots Of Action And Plenty Of Killing We have a friend who is nuts about sword and sandal movies, and thus we went to see the new Conan the Barbarian movie. Based on a series of stories by Robert E. Howard written around 1930, the plot revolves around revenge, a search for immortality, witchcraft and all the other nonsensical things this genre focuses upon.

The fascinating element in sword and sandal films is that they are either brilliant (think Spartacus, Ben Hur or Gladiator), or they essentially just take up time. This film is of the second variety. Not terrible, but certainly not all that good. Unless, like my friend, you really love these kinds of films. And, because the theater was half-full, it is likely that the movie will not be a smash hit.

Conan himself (Jason Momoa) is actually born on a battlefield. His dying mother asks Corin, Conan’s father, to let her see the baby before she dies. Corin cuts her open, she sees the boy, and dies. With the start, could the boy be anything but a warrior? And he becomes a good one.

The evil Khalar Zym (Stephen Lang) conquers Conan’s village and, to punish him, makes him hold part of a foundry, the part

Rosenberg

Acreage Horseman’s Association Shows

continued from page 23 one can bring their horse out to the show and have a ball.”

Carrie Keen, 29, lives in The Acreage and has three horses: Max, a Thoroughbred gelding; Bella, a yearling Quarter Horse mare; and a companion pony.

“I attended the warm-up show in

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler with steaming metal, up over his father’s head.

“The cruelest thing I can do to you,” Zym says to the father, “is not killing you but know that your death will kill your son.” Once Zym and his men go, Corin kicks his son aside and is killed by the liquid iron in the foundry. And Conan goes after Zym and his henchmen for revenge.

The rest of the movie is essentially the grown Conan killing his enemies in all sorts of ways. That makes it simpler and more politically correct than earlier films.

Because simple slaughter would get boring after a while, the film focuses on Zym and his daughter, the witch Marique (Rose McGowan). Zym wants to use a mystical mask to bring his dead wife, an even more powerful witch,

Western pleasure, Trail and Equitation,” Carrie said. “I’m planning to bring along Bella for the halter classes, and Max in the English Pleasure, Equitation and Hunter Hack.”

Keen also enjoys the shows at the Hamlin facility. “I’ve shown at the other local shows, Posse and Horsemen’s. Some of them make me feel nervous, like everything’s in a big rush,” she said. “These shows are a lot more relaxed, a quiet atmosphere; plus, it’s close by. I’d recommend these shows to anyone who wants to spend a pleasant day out at a friendly horse show.”

For the class list and more info., visit www.acreagehorseman.com.

back from the dead so he can rule for a thousand years. Marique, while helping him, seems possibly a bit more interested in taking over her mother’s slot. McGowan gives another one of her weird but really interesting performances. In order to do the witchcraft, Zym needs someone from the “old blood.” The only one remaining in the world is the beautiful (naturally) Tamara (Rachel Nichols) who is holed up as a monk. When Zym attacks, she flees and winds up meeting Conan. Their early scenes bear a strange similarity to “me Jane, you Tarzan.” But he defends her, loves her and, when she is kidnapped by Marique, goes after Zym for the final battle.

The acting in the film is about as good as you’d expect it to be. The really good actors like Lang and McGowan chew up the scenery really well. Momoa is the right size and, when shot from exactly the right angle (from slightly below his face as he leans down and ponders, something done endlessly), seems appropriately furious. Nichols is pretty and does all the right things, but I would guess her work here will not open a lot of doors. Most of the other actors are hale and hearty, either grumbling or happy to kill someone.

The special effects are not spectacular.

There are huge, fancy sets, almost certainly built with computers. One scene with a giant sea monster (some form of squid) might have been interesting, but it came too late in the movie and too many other things were going on at the time to really focus attention.

Of course, Arnold Schwartzenegger also did a Conan movie years ago. This film is different — far more straightforward, less philosophy about enjoying crushing enemies and hearing the lamentations of their women. Conan, in this film, just wants the killers of his father.

We did enjoy ourselves. Of course, we did not expect much out of the film since we were going mainly because our friend was so desperate to see it (he actually paid for our tickets), and he thought the movie was excellent.

If you have seen most of the summer’s films, this one would not be high on your list of really good movies. On the other hand, if you only want a movie that will give you a reasonably entertaining time and won’t put you to sleep, this one fits the bill. It is a reasonably decent “B” movie, not really very good but somewhat entertaining.

Riders line up during one of the previous Acreage Horseman’s Association shows.

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Fairgrounds To Host The WPB Antiques Festival Sept. 3-4 The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival will continue its two-day summer show schedule with events Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3 and 4 at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

Festival owners Kay and Bill Puchstein were sweating out the imminent approach of Tropical Storm Emily to the South Florida area the week before the Aug. 6-7 event. The facility for the show at the South Florida Fairgrounds is used as an emergency American Red Cross shelter during hurricanes, and it was feared that the festival might have to be cancelled. But fortunately, the storm never made it here, and all concerns were allayed. Kay attributed their luck to her “guardian angel” who blew the storm out to sea.

After storm fears subsided, the entire weekend turned out to be very nice with no rain or wind as anticipated. Both Saturday’s and Sunday’s attendance was the largest ever for a summer show. The customers and the dealers were thrilled the show was so nice. Lots of very unusual and high-quality items were brought to the show and many of them went home with new owners.

Among the unusual items was an extremely rare Highwaymen painting by Sam Newton of a boat, a 36by-24-inch oil on original Upson board with a fancy frame from the 1970s offered by Janice Peters of Zephyrhills, Fla. None of the deal-

ers specializing in Highwaymen art had ever seen a painting like this one. It was the talk of the show. Also on display was a seldom-seen 1962 Gretsch hollowbody electric guitar, the Chet Adkins Tennessean model offered by Steve Paruta of Palm City, Fla. with an asking price of $2,500. There was also an early iron tricycle in very good condition offered for $450 by Anthony Angione of Miami.

One place to see a very high concentration of unusual and high-quality items at the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival is the booth of R.C. Hassell. Hassell’s background is a little different from many dealers. He has degree in economics from the University of Florida and an MBA from the University of South Florida obtained while in the management training program for GTE in Tampa. After that he served a stint as an assistant professor of economics at Indian River State College before becoming the senior manufacturing engineer at Grumman Aerospace in Stuart.

But during his entire professional career, Hassell was always interested in small, high-quality items and spent a great deal of time both as a visitor and as a dealer at flea markets in the area. He gradually picked up on antiques and the sense of value they possess, and while he admits it was steep learning curve,

he has now focused full time for the last 15 years on acquiring and selling high-quality items with an innate sense of value.

Operating under the business name Clayton Antiques, Hassell has set up at the festival for approximately 20 years and today shows an inventory of 300 to 500 items not commonly found in other booths at the festival. He is partial to American gold coins and sterling silver but has a broad range of merchandise, including unusual porcelain objects, fine crystal, exotic perfume bottles and small high-end furniture. Hassell’s rule of thumb is he doesn’t do “stuff.” He prides himself on the striking variety in his booth and claims to never have any “run-ofthe-mill” items. Hassell’s inventory is reasonably priced, ranging from $10 to a few hundred dollars, and it’s all interesting to look at.

The format for the entire summer season will be the two-day affair, Saturday and Sunday, instead of the normal three-day event during the regular season. Summer show dates will be Sept. 3 and 4, and Oct. 1 and 2 with a full day of setup for dealers on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Puchsteins have lowered dealers’ booth rent for the summer season. The popular early buyers admission feature will be continued in the summer starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday before the regular show

Some of the quality items at R.C. Hassell’s booth. opening time of 10 a.m. Summer show early buyers admission has been reduced to $10 and is good for both days of the show. Daily admission is $7 for adults and $6 for seniors, with a $1 discount coupon for adult admission available on the web site. Anyone under 16 is admitted free. There is no charge for parking at the fairgrounds.

The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival is held at the South Florida Fairgrounds located off Southern Blvd. just west of Florida’s Turnpike.

For additional information about the festival, call (941) 697-7475, email info@wpbaf.com or visit the festival’s web site at www.wpbaf. com.

The Phantoms Recommend ‘Greater Tuna’ At LW. Playhouse The Lake Worth Playhouse will present the hilarious Greater Tuna Sept. 1-11. The opening-night performance will take place Friday, Sept. 2 at 8 p.m.; preview night is Thursday, Sept. 1 at 8 p.m.

The minimalist show does not hold back on the jokes with its wild sense of humor and hilarious characters. Think you understood small-town America? Think again.

Greater Tuna will bring back to the playhouse a few favorites from last year’s The Complete Works of William Shakespeare…

Abridged, including Todd Caster and director Stephanie Haver. In addition, Stoan Maslev will be joining them as the second player after his break-out playhouse performances in Brighton Beach Memoirs and Biloxi Blues.

What do Arles Struvie, Thurston Wheelis, Aunt Pearl, Petey Fisk, Phineas Blye and Rev. Spikes have in common? In this hilarious send-up of small town morals and mores, they are all among the upstanding citizens of Tuna, Texas’ third-smallest town.

The long-running off-Broadway hit features two actors creating the entire population of Tuna in a tour de farce of quick-change artistry, changing costumes and characterizations faster than a jack rabbit runs from a coyote.

Greater Tuna is the first in a series of four

comedic plays (followed by A Tuna Christmas; Red, White and Tuna; and Tuna Does Vegas), each set in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas. The series was written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard.

The plays are at once an affectionate comment on small-town, Southern life and attitudes but also a withering satire of the same.

Of the four plays, Greater Tuna is the darkest in tone.

The plays are notable in that two men play the entire cast of over 20 eccentric characters of both genders and various ages. Greater Tuna debuted in Austin, Texas, in fall 1981, and had its off-Broadway premiere in 1982.

According to the play’s official web site, www.greatertuna.com, by 1985, Greater Tuna was the most-produced play in the United States.

Evening performances of Greater Tuna at the Lake Worth Playhouse will take place Sept. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. Matinee performances will take place Sept. 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 2 p.m.

Dinner & Show Night is Sept. 1 and includes a 6 p.m. pre-show dinner at Paradiso Italian Restaurant in downtown Lake Worth prior to the 8 p.m. performance. The all-inclusive dinner/show package price is $50, and includes a three-course meal and premium seats for the preview performance.

Tickets cost $26 and $30 for opening night and all regular performances. Preview performance tickets cost $23 and $27; opening night tickets cost $32 and include the opening night gala; and dinner and show tickets cost $50 and include a pre-show three-course dinner.

The Lake Worth Playhouse is located at 713 Lake Ave. in downtown Lake Worth.All tickets and subscriptions can be purchased through the playhouse box office at (561) 5866410 or online at www.lakeworthplayhouse. org. Valet Parking is available for $5. Street and lot parking is also available.

The Lake Worth Playhouse is a nonprofit community theater with a diverse array of offerings, including award-winning dramas, comedies, musicals, area premieres, Broadway favorites, children’s shows, ballets and operas on film, live concerts, improv comedy and alternative programming.

In addition to its main stage theatrical fare, the playhouse presents year-round independent and foreign films in the Stonzek Theatre, an intimate black-box style theater equipped with a large viewing screen and high-definition projection.

The playhouse is proud to offer a variety of educational programs for adults and children, as well as community outreach initiatives that bring cultural programs into the

neighborhoods of underserved youth and also make theater available free of charge for disadvantaged citizens in the community.

Joe & Kathryn, the Phantoms, are featured writers for the Town-Crier and www.yournews.com... Comments and recommendations are welcome at thephantomdiners@aol.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Server Cara Giarraputo with Francesca’s owners Tasos Kentimenos and Danielle Vallone.

PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Enjoy A Taste Of The Old Country At Francesca’s Pizza And Restaurant

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report A trip to the Mediterranean is now a short drive away at Francesca’s Pizza and Restaurant in Royal Palm Beach. With traditional southern Mediterranean-style food and wine, the restaurant, formerly Cappuccino’s Italian Restaurant, has transformed into a Mediterranean eatery.

With 26 years of experience in the pizza shop business, owners and husband and wife Danielle Vallone and Tasos Kentimenos wanted to open up a restaurant that represented both of their cultural backgrounds. “My family is from Italy, and my husband’s family is from Greece,” Vallone explained.

The restaurant’s name also embodies Vallone’s traditional family background.

“Francesca is my daughter’s name, and she was named after my mother, who is an Italian immigrant,” she said.

The menu is a combination of classic Italian and Mediterranean dishes. “We wanted to stick with things that are really popular and are old standbys,” Vallone said. “Some of the recipes go back to Arthur Avenue (Little Italy in The Bronx) or from an old Sicilian family tradition.”

The restaurant’s bar offers a worldly variety of exclusive and rare wines, beers and liquor. “You will see wines that are unusual.

Some are from Greece, Spain, Sicily and even some Mediterranean-influenced liquor,” Vallone said.

One of the most unique liquors available is blood orange liquor, which is an Italian version of Grand Marnier. “We wanted to introduce to this area some of the more interesting Italian imported liquor,” Vallone said.

Francesca’s specializes in making a New England-style pizza. “New England-style pizza, which is basically from Connecticut, is a

little different from New York-style pizza,” Vallone said. “It originates with freshly made dough every single day, with a little bit of a lighter crust that’s not real tough and chewy or heavy.”

The restaurant’s pizza is freshly made with locally grown herbs and specially imported extra virgin olive oil from Greece.

“We use San Marzano imported tomatoes, and many of our pizzas are topped with a fresh mozzarella made on the premises several times a week, and we use three different types of cheeses as a standard topping,” Vallone said.

Vallone believes that Francesca’s pizzas are not like any other in the community. “It’s just different and original,” she said. “You’re not going to find it just about anywhere. You’ll probably just find it only here.”

Originally from West Point, N.Y., Vallone and Kentimenos decided to open up a restaurant in Florida after many successful years of owning a pizza shop in New York. “In 1985, we first opened the doors of our West Point location, and I have a wonderful staff of over 20 people over there that help me run it,” Vallone said.

Vallone and Kentimenos chose to open up the restaurant in Royal Palm Beach because of the family-oriented community.

“The community reminds me so much of the community I came from back in New York,” Vallone said. “I knew there were more residential year-round people, as opposed to seasonal residents and tourists. I kind of like being part of a community with year-round residents, and I feel like Royal Palm Beach offers that.”

Francesca’s Pizza & Restaurant is located at 11452 Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 4220600.

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WYCLIFFE CHARITIES BENEFITS FIRE-RESCUE

On Tuesday, Aug. 16, Wycliffe Charities presented a $5,000 check to Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue for equipment and supplies. Since 1996, more than $46,000 of equipment and supplies have been donated to PBCFR by Wycliffe Charities. Wycliffe Charities is an organization of Wycliffe members dedicated to raising money annually for Palm Beach County charities only. Each year Wycliffe Charities host a series of fundraisers including a business-card-holder project, raffle and tribute cards. A March golf tournament, putting contest and luncheon are the largest of the fundraiser s. This year, Wycliffe Charities has raised over $100,000 to date for area organizations. Shown above are Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue personnel with Wyclif fe General Manager Steve Malvinni, Wycliffe Charities President Sue Webber and supporting members.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Webster Launches ‘Respect My Vision’ To Help Visually Impaired

To help motorists with limited sight navigate their environment safer and with more confidence, Wellington resident Ingrid Webster has launched Respect My Vision bumper stickers.

Webster, who suffers from low vision herself, designed a logo that will identify people with lessthan-perfect sight and make others aware of their need for consideration.

One of the main challenges of getting around is that others do not know when someone has low vision. People might not be mindful in a store, on a sidewalk or on the road, simply because they are not aware of another’s condition. They don’t know whether somebody can’t see well.

“The biggest challenge is operating a vehicle,” Webster said. “Many people with low vision have the legal right to drive, and there are many eye conditions that will allow them to navigate in traffic, but it is exponentially more difficult for obvious reasons.”

That is where the bumper sticker comes in. An easily recognizable symbol, it makes other drivers

aware that a car is driven by someone with low vision. It lets people know that this person could use more consideration while trying to find an address or leaving a parking spot.

People with low vision need more “elbow room,” and once they place the decal on their car, others will understand why their driving can’t be as perfect as they’d like it to be, Webster said.

This decal is not an invitation to neglect one’s eyes, and it comes with a clear warning that it will not replace regular eye exams and vigilance.

Webster said that according to Lighthouse International, some 61 million Americans are at high risk for serious vision loss. Because many of these people are still driving, it would make the roads much safer if other drivers are aware of it.

Webster’s work is not done by merely selling the decal. She sees herself deeply immersed in awareness campaigns and advocacy work, a calling that came three years after her own vision loss.

People anywhere are encouraged to share the symbol for low vision

Ingrid Webster and make it widely recognizable.

Once the general public has become aware of it, sharing the roads will be easier and safer for everybody.

The decal sells for $10 (plus $1.95 shipping and handling), and other products are planned to help those with low vision.

For more information, or to purchase a bumper sticker, visit www. respectmyvision.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Rittenberry Earns Certified Facilities Executive Designation Palm Beach International Raceway and Memphis International Raceway President and CEO Jason Rittenberry recently received the prestigious Certified Facilities Executive (CFE) designation. Rittenberry was one of 11 individuals to earn the certification from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) at the 2011 Venue Connect Conference in Phoenix this past July.

Founded in 1976 by IAVM, the CFE designation recognizes excellence in the professional development and competence of managers of public assembly facilities. In the

certification history, 255 individuals have earned the CFE designation. “I’m honored to be recognized by the International Association of Venue Managers and the certification board for the CFE designation,” Rittenberry said. “It is a privilege to receive the certification and be in an elite class of worldwide venue managers.”

Within the venue management industry, the CFE designation is an indication of demonstrated skill in leadership, activity in community affairs and expertise in management of public assembly facilities.

To obtain the certification, Ritten-

berry was rated on his experience and accomplishments in public assembly venue management. In addition, Rittenberry completed a comprehensive written and oral examination testing his knowledge of the public assembly venue management profession.

The Palm Beach International Raceway is a state-of-the-art venue and one of the most popular raceways in the country for racers and spectators alike. As a leader in its operating form and function, PBIR seeks to provide its drivers with a higher level of challenge, excellence and opportunity. PBIR boasts three

completely refurbished tracks, including a high-performance road course, an all-concrete drag strip and a .7-mile karting track and new karting center. The technologically superior two-mile road course features some of the fastest and most challenging corners and straightaways offered by any track in North America. PBIR is sanctioned by the International Hot Rod Association and is pending certification by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, the governing body for many major racing events.

For additional information on PBIR, visit www.racepbir.com.

Jason Rittenberry

Palm Beach Skate Zone Partners With Marketer Sports Image The Palm Beach Skate Zone has partnered with Sports Image to leverage the organization’s popularity, great demographics and high traffic to help generate revenue for their various hockey teams by offering high-quality signage throughout their two ice rinks and one roller rink. The signage and resulting revenue will go to the PBSZ absolutely free without any work or financial obligation on their part.

The Palm Beach Skate Zone is located in the heart of Palm Beach

County at the corner of Lake Worth Road and Florida’s Turnpike and is the home of the Palm Beach Hawks Hockey Club.

The marketing project started as an agreement between Director of Hockey John Ambrefe and Sports Image. Sports Image is responsible for securing the advertising for the ice and roller rinks. In years to come, the organization will receive revenue for their hockey and skating programs as a result of sponsorships at the rinks. “This is a tremendous

advertising opportunity for any business interested in marketing to the Palm Beach, Broward or Martin County community and/or supporting the ice hockey and roller derby teams,” Sports Image President Bill Wood said. “The Skate Zone averages over 1,000 visitors daily, so that’s well over 300,000 people who will see these ads, many of them being repeat customers there on a regular and consistent basis. These are exciting and unique marketing opportunities that will

definitely distinguish a business from the competition in this area, so we expect great results.”

In addition to being home of the Palm Beach Hawks Hockey Club, Palm Beach Skate Zone is home of the Palm Beach Blackhawks Hockey Club and the Palm Beach Roller Girls Roller Derby team, three roller hockey leagues, and high school ice and roller hockey teams; has more than 25 adult ice hockey league teams and more than 16 youth ice hockey league teams; and

hosts public ice and roller skating sessions, competitive figure skating, hockey clinics and camps, skating and hockey lessons, birthday parties and numerous special events.

For more information, visit www. pbskatezone.com.

Since 2002, Sports Image has been helping high schools and other grassroots organizations to obtain state-of-the-art equipment and much-needed revenue for their athletic programs. For more info., visit www.sportsimageinc.com.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Palm Beach Central Football Has High Hopes For Season

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach Central High School varsity football team is looking to go all the way to the state championships this year.

Coming off a 5-5 season last year, head coach Rod Harris said his team is stronger and faster than ever before.

“We’re getting really excited,” he said. “We had a tremendous off-season. We’re getting stronger in the weight room, and the team this year is one of the fastest we’ve ever had.”

Harris said his team has good overall speed, which he thinks will bolster the players’ performance on the field. He also has a talented group of players with several stand-

outs. Returning to the team this year is receiver Angelo Jean-Louis, who is committed to play college football with the University of Miami.

Also returning is receiver E.J. Sardinha and Edens Sineace.

“He’s a big tackle for us,” Harris said of Sineace. “He already has seven or eight Division I offers.”

Defensively, seniors Michael Maldonado and Danny Brown, both linebackers, return to the Broncos.

Although Palm Beach Central has several notable players this year, Harris noted that it will take hard work and playing as a team to bring the Broncos through the playoffs.

“You’re only as good as you’re weakest link,” Harris said. “Right now, we’re trying to get ready to

play [preseason opponent Northeast High School]. After that we will look at the film and see what we need to get better at.”

Though he is taking the season one day at a time, Harris said his goal is to take the district title, followed by the state championship title.

“Our goal is to make it last,” he said. “Our goal is to win the district title and make a good run at the state playoffs this year.”

And can the Broncos do it? Harris said there’s a good chance.

“We’ll see,” he said. “That’s why they play the games. We just have to put it all together and have a good season, stay healthy and play our best every Friday night.”

Palm Beach Central High School varsity football team members practice for the new season Monday at the school. The team opened the season Wednesday, Aug. 24 at home in a pre-season game against Northeast High School of Fort Lauderdale. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Acreage Tackle Football League Kicks Off 2011 Season

By Bryan Gayoso Town-Crier Staff Report Acreage Community Park was buzzing with activity early morning Saturday, Aug. 20 in preparation for the football season.

Recent rains gave way to a sunny start to the opening day, with

games scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We have over 300 kids signed up,” League Commissioner Eric Jourgensen said. “Our season lasts ten weeks, with playoffs leading to the Super Bowl the week of Nov. 12 at Seminole Ridge High School.”

Pro Division Buccaneers bring down a Patriot ball carrier.

There are four divisions broken down by age group: Prep (7, 8 and 9), Collegiate (10 and 11), Pro (12 and 13) and High School Prep (14, 15 and 16), which starts the first week in September.

For more information, visit www.acreagefootball.com.

Patrio t Zach Farmer gets off a punt after a bad snap.

The Collegiate Division Patriot offense looks to make a run.

PHOTOS BY BRYAN GAYOSO/TOWN-CRIER

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Krayeski Finishes 11th In Kids Golf Championship Twelve-year-old Kaely Krayeski of Wellington finished 11th at the U.S. Kids World Golf Championship Aug. 5-7 at the Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, N.C. Krayeski, playing in the girls age 12 division, recorded rounds of 8278 to go along with her superb final round two under par 70, for a three round total of 230, good for an 11thplace finish.

Krayeski’s outstanding play was rewarded with Kaely qualifying to compete on the prestigious U.S. World Cup Team, which selects the top six international girls and top ten international boy finishers, playing in a Ryder Cup-type format, against the top six American girls and top ten American boys.

“I am so proud of Kaely’s progress and hard work that we have done over the past two years that I have had the pleasure of working with Kaely,” said her golf coach Kevin Perkins, owner of Kevin Perkins Golf Academy at Palm Beach Polo in Wellington. “Kaely finished 43rd in the World Championships when we first began to work two years ago. Then she improved to 19th last year and to 11th this year, which is unbelievable satisfying to

Kaely Krayeski see how much we have come along, and making the U.S. World Cup team, is just a thrill and icing on the cake. Obviously, her parents Paul and Julie have also been instrumental in their commitment and sacrifices they continue to show Kaely.”

For more information about the Kevin Perkins Golf Academy, visit www.kevinperkinsgolfacademy.com or call (561) 301-3783.

Villari’s Team Displays Martial Arts Skill At Sun Life Stadium

On Aug. 6, Villari’s Self-Defense of Royal Palm Beach demonstration team the Five Elements were invited back to perform at the Florida Marlins home game versus the St. Louis Cardinals. The demo team, which is made up of select Villari’s students, was welcomed back by the Marlins after its demonstration on May 21. However, this time around, the Marlins requested that the team’s performance be twice as long.

The 25,000-plus fans showed their appreciation for the young martial artists’ exhibition and professionalism. In fact, the Florida Marlins executive office enjoyed the new program so much that immediately following the routine, Special Events Manager Charles Sano invited the demonstration team to return in 2012. He told the demonstration team members that due to their spectacular performance, energy, precision and skill, they get to select to do another exhibition at any home game in the new Marlins stadium for the 2012 season. Sano added that the youngsters kicked up their already high martial standard to another level of intensity from the May performance

A JumboTron view of Josh Scarborough (right) performing with teammates Jason O’Neal, Gia Giordano, Avery Mauri & Kirsten Vera. to the one in August, while making it look effortless.

The team members, coaches and owners of Villari’s Royal Palm Beach would also like to express their thanks to the Marlins organization, Sano and Special Events Coordinator Kathleen Massolio for inviting them back for future performances. They would also like to thank their parents and family members who bring them to practices and the performances with equal

commitment. The demonstration team is: Anissa and Avery Mauri, Danny and Gia Giordano, team captain Claire Salmon, Tyler Johnson, Ryan Erwin, Kirsten Vera, Josh Scarborough, Kelsie Gabriel, Jason O’Neal, Eda Kutsal and Logan Colman. They are coached by Katie Bowen, Matt Evers and Suzi Scarborough, and the dojo owners are Ken Smith and Carolyn PennSmith. For more information, visit www.villarisroyalpalm.com.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Movement Arts Dance Academy Begins Fifth Year In Royal Palm In celebration of its recent expansion and start of its fifth year of dance instruction in the western communities, Movement Arts Dance Academy in Royal Palm Beach will host an open house and grand reopening Saturday, Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Under the direction of owner and Artistic Director Kelly Grandusky, Movement Arts Dance Academy is located at 1241 N. State Road 7, Suite 10. The studio recently expanded by adding nearly 2,700 square feet to its previous 1,250 square feet of space. The expansion includes a large dance studio that will convert into two smaller studios, a small retail shop, dressing rooms, two music rooms and a birthday party/activity room.

The studio now offers a music program that includes private voice and piano lessons. Dance styles offered include ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, hip-hop, musical theatre, baton twirling and acrobatics.

Dance classes are offered for age 2 and older.

The Aug. 27 event will include door prizes, tours of the studio, and free classes for age 2 and up. For

ALYSSA BRANDER COMPETES IN NATIONAL DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Students from Movement Arts Dance Academy Performing Arts team before attending a performance. more information about the event, the free class schedule, or information on the 2011-12 school year

schedule, visit www.movement artsdanceacademy.com or call the studio at (561) 792-9757.

West Boynton Cobras Seek Players The West Boynton Cobras 12-U travel baseball team is currently seeking additional players for the fall season.

The team includes players from the western communities and is

looking to grow its roster. For more information, contact team manager Mike Zefiretto at wbcobras@aol. com or (561) 735-1170.

For more information about the team, visit www.wbcobras.com.

Alyssa Brander recently competed at the 2011 Summer Junior National Diving Championships in Knoxville, Tenn. She captured three top 20 finishes in the 1-meter, 3-meter and 5-meter platform events in the 11-U division. Brander had to qualify for the tournament by making it through the summer Region 3 Championships in Columbia, S.C. and the summer Zone B Championships in Ypsilanti, Mich.

She is a member of the Boca Div e Team and is a fif th-grader at Elbridge Gale Elementary School in Wellington. Shown above is Brander at the tournament in Tennessee.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, Aug. 27 • The Wellington Aquatics Complex (12150 Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a ShortCourse Swim Meet on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27 and 28 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The facility will continue to be open to the public during its normal operating hours.

Admission is $2 for swim meet spectators.

Regular daily admission rates apply to the general public. For more info., visit www. wellingtonfl.gov.

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will host a 7-mile hike in Apoxee in the West Palm Beach Water Catchment Area on Saturday, Aug. 27. Meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot off Jog Road approximately one mile north of Okeechobee Blvd. Call Joe at (561) 616-8790 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach) will feature “Writing the Novel” on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. for adults. Beginning to intermediate writer s will learn how to write a novel or improve what they’ve already written. Participants will discuss different methods for plotting, outlining and keeping your stor y on track. Call (561) 790-6030 to preregister.

• The Kids World Family Fun Fest will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center (9067 Southern Blvd.). Participate in hands-on educational activities, be entertained by one of two entertainment stages, meet your favorite sports mascots and television characters, or have fun bouncing in the Fun Zone filled with inflatables. Visit www.adayforkids.com for more info.

• In celebration of its recent expansion and start of its fifth year of dance instruction in the western communities, Movement Arts Dance Academy (1241 N. State Road 7, Suite 10, Royal Palm Beach) will host an open house and grand reopening Saturday, Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be door prizes, tours of the studio, and free classes for age 2 and up. For more info., visit www.movementartsdance academy.com or call (561) 792-9757.

• A Fundraising Event for Andrew Lott, who has Stage 4 brain cancer, will take place Saturday, Aug. 27 at noon at Cornerstone Fellowship Church in The Acreage (corner of Orange Blvd. and 140th Ave. North). There will be games, crafts, a barbecue, music and more. Donations in his

name will be accepted as w ell. They can be sent to the church at 13969 Orange Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33412. For more information, call event coordinator Carol McIlvin at (561) 301-7873.

• St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (100 N. Palmway, Lake Worth) will present “Imagining Argentina,” an evening of wine tasting and cuisine, Sunday, Aug. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and may be purchased by calling (561) 582-6609. For more info., visit www.standrewslw.net.

• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2007 (1126 Claire Ave., West Palm Beach) will host “Komedy Knight” Saturday, Aug. 27 as a fun way to support local veterans. The event is open to the public and will feature local comedians starting at 8 p.m., following dinner at 6 p.m. Drinks will have happy hour prices. The cost is $2 per person or $5 for two. For more info., call (561) 8330687.

Sunday, Aug. 28 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will host an easy walk in the shady pinelands of Frenchman’s Forest off Prosperity Farms Road in Palm Beach Gardens on Sunday, Aug. 28 at 7:30 a.m. Call (561) 586-0486 for more info.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will feature “Coffee Basics: A Journey of Great Taste” on Sunday, Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. Par ticipants will get to taste many different coffees from around the world and learn about the growing and harvesting process. There is no charge. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• Giselle’s Dance Studio (298 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.) will hold Auditions for The Nutcracker Sunday, Aug. 28 and Saturday, Sept. 3. Auditions are open to everyone age 4 and older. The performance will take place Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The participation fee is $120 due by Oct. 15. This includes 12 rehearsals, costumes, accessories and two tickets to the performance. For more info., call (561) 753-9543, e-mail gisellesds@ hotmail.com or visit www.gisellesdance studio.com.

Monday, Aug. 29 • Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “Health Starts Here Lunch and Learn: Freezer Pleasers” on Monday, Aug. 29 at 11:30 a.m. This class is designed to help today’s family cooks spend less time in the kitchen, save money See CALENDAR, page 39

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 38 and still serve nutritious, homemade foods.

Cheryl Kobal will teach how to stock up the freezer using “now and later” and “made for later” recipes. There is no charge. Preregister at customer service or call (561) 904-4000.

• Free Cholesterol and Diabetes Screenings will be offered Monday, Aug. 29 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Winn-Dixie pharmacy (1135 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach). No appointment is necessary. For info., call Cholestcheck at (800) 713-3301.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive, Wellington) will feature “Legos” on Monday, Aug. 29 at 4 p.m. for age 8 and up. Builders create their own vehicles or buildings out of Legos. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Tuesday, Aug. 30 • The Palm Beach County Commission will host a workshop meeting Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 9:30 a.m. at the government center’s Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers (301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www.pbcgov.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive, Wellington) will host “The Better to See You With” on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 3 p.m. for ages 5 to 8. See what a difference eyeglasses can make in these stories. Design your own eyeglasses to bedazzle your family and friends. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach) will feature “Fall Leaves Story Time” on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 3:30 p.m. for ages 6 to 9 featuring stories about autumn. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “Block Party: Teams’ Choice” Tuesday, Aug. 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Enjoy free samples around the store and vote for your favorit e department sample. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will feature “Are Your Hormones Getting on Your Nerves?” Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m. Learn natural solutions to hormonal problems with Dr. Tim DeCanio, a board-certified chiropractic neurologist. There is no charge, but pre-registration is required at customer service or by calling (561) 904-4000.

Wednesday, Aug. 31 • As part of its Women in Business series, the Palms West Community Founda-

tion will host a luncheon Wednesday, Aug. 31 at noon at the Madison Green Golf Club (2001 Crestwood Blvd., Royal Palm Beach).

WPEC NewsChannel 12 anchor Liz Quirantes will be the speaker. The cost is $25 for chamber members and $35 for non-members. RSVP t o Maureen Gross at (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palmswest. com for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach) will host “Fibercraft: Macrame” on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 4:30 p.m. for ages 8 to 12. Learn how to make knotted creations out of yarn.

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

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach) will feature “An Evening With Royal Palm Readers” on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. This will be a lively and informal book discussion. New members are welcome. Sign up at the information desk and check out the book. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info.

Thursday, Sept. 1 • The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics will meet Thursday, Sept. 1 at 1:30 p.m. at the Government Center Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers (301 N. Olive Ave., Sixth Floor, West Palm Beach).

For more info., visit www.pbcgov.com.

• The Women of the Western Communities will hold their first meeting Thursday, Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the new MarBar Grille at the Madison Green Golf Club (2001 Crestwood Blvd. North, R oyal Palm Beach).

The annual membership is $195 and includes eight monthly dinners and exciting programs. The guest fee is $30. To RSVP, e-mail mair@wwc-fl.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold a Writers’ Critique Workshop for adults Thursday, Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m. Share, of fer and accept constructive criticism and comments to improve your fiction, nonfiction and poetry in a supportive atmosphere led by Mark Adduci. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Friday, Sept. 2 • Wellington will present a free screening of X-Men: First Class (PG-13) Friday, Sept.

2 at 8 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Bring your own seating. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

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

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JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. —Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "W e are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225.

Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted LARRY’S AIR CONDITIONING — Air purification and service. Air Purifier, RGF, REME Air purifier. Commercial & Residential service and inst allation. Servicing Western Communites and Palm Beach County. 24 Hour Emergency Service. CA CO49300. 561-996-5537

AUDIO PLUS ELECTRONICS — for all your electronic needs, home theater, stereo, plasma TV, satellite, security systems, computer systems. 561-471-1161

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER in Wellington needs CERTIFIED P/T TEACHERS new and experienced elementary & secondary teachers wanted to instruct K-12 in Reading, Math, SAT/ACT Exam Prep. No lesson plans or homework, paid training and flexible hours.

Please e-mail resume to marlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com or call 561-594-1920 leave msg.

VOLUNTEER NEEDED — 14 years and over for community service. Have fun with animals & kids 792-2666 WINDOW INSTALLERS W ANTED Lic. & ins. subcontractors only. Top Pay. No Brokers. Call Matt 561714-8490 CHRISTY’S BAKERY NEEDS — Counter help. Experienced only.

2 shifts 5:30am - 1:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Drop of resume.

The Pointe@Wellington Green.

10160 Forest Hilll Blvd.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED — Available for flexible 20 hours Monday, Thursday, Friday work week. Proficient in Quickbooks, Excel, and Word. Please email resume with salary history and work references to SJOHNOH1@GMAIL.COM PART-TIME BOOKKEEPER/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT — Needed with flexible weekday availability. Must be reliable and have dependable transportation. Skill requirements: must be highly proficient in all aspects of quickbooks, payroll, excel and word. Detail oriented and excellent organization and communiciation skills. Seeking Western Community resident only!

No agencies, please! Located in Acreage. Fax resume to 561-8282379 WELLINGTON CAB HIRING — part-time dispatcher. Dispatcher experience, computer literate, telephone etiquette. Pro-active self starter individual looking for career.

Some days - mostly nights & weekends. 561-333-0181

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Sof tware setup, support & troubleshooting w w w.mobiletec.net.

561-248-2611 D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jef f 561333-1923 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach. We accept major credit cards.

Experienced and local Content/ Copy Writer available for websites, marketing collaterals and more.

Specialize in SEO content writing.

Rates vary depending upon the project. For more information call 561-247-2605 or email hello1930@live.com.

ENTRY LEVEL RECEPTIONIST — Computer literate. Heavy phones & filing. Fax resume 561-333-2680 LAKE FOUNTAIN TECHNICIAN — Looking for motivated person to service and maintain water features, ie, lake fountains, waterfalls, aeration systems, etc. Must have clean and valid DL Will train but electric and plumbing knowledge is a plus Salary negotiable, Benefits Please send resume to fax 561-790-7220 or email to lpalermo@pbaquatics.com Or call 561-756-1011 MATURE COUNTER PERSON & DRIVERS — looking for full-time & part-time. Apply in person Pizzano’ s Pizza 601 RPB Blvd. Royal Palm Beach (Southern & RPB Blvd) PART -TIME MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST NEEDED — for busy pediatric office. Medical Manager experience preferred. Bilingual is a plus. Please email your resume to: Isabelamina76@yahoo.com IMMEDIATE OPENING — Customer service representative needed to handle telephone, clerical and data entry responsibilities Monday - Friday. Skill requirements: must be highly proficient in all aspects of excel, word and internet.

Detail oriented and excellent organization and communiciation skills.

Previous experience required.

Please e-mail resume including salary history and work references to halliy@aisolinc.com for consideration.

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DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates.

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

ANMAR CO.—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back!

Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528

JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. W ater heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded and Insured. CFC1426242. 561601-6458

HOME INSPECTIONS — Mold inpections, air quality testing, US Building Inspectors mention this ad $20.00 Off. 561-784-8811

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Est ablished 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, p atios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior p ainting.

Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references.

Shopping available. 561-572-1782 HOUSECLEANING AND MORE — affordable high quality work. Flexible, honest reliable, years of experience with excellent references.

For more info call 561-319-7884

HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACTORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777

BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE Auto • Home • Life • Renters • Motorcycle • RV • Golfcart • Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/ rCavanagh LANDSCAPE & DESIGN — Commercial & Residential. We meet your needs. Free Est. Tree Trimming, Landscape & Maintenance, Small & Large Gardens. 954-4718034

MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS Air Quality Testing, leak detection.

US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811.

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102 J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established in 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 visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

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

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood rep air, door inst allation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets / countertop s, wood flooring.

Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 791-9900 or 628-9215

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

PLACE YOUR AD

www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS DON HARTMANN ROOFING — Roof painting, Carpentry. Lic. #U13677 967-5580 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 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 ROBERT CHERRY ROOFING INC Reroofing - Repair Waterproofing 561-791-2612 or 954-741-4580 State Lic.& Ins. #CCC-1326048

SECURITY — American owned local security comp any 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 ST AN’S SCREEN SERVICE — Pool and Patio since 1973. Call for a free estimate. 561-319-2838 Lic. & Ins. CLASSIFIEDS CALL 793-7606

ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, sof fits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985.

U-17189 561-791-9777

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 SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980.

Quality you expect, service you deserve. Lic. bonded & Ins. U21006 561-662-9258

HERE CALL 793-3576 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/Exterior, residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666.

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

FURNITURE FOR SALE — Dining Room Pedestal Table ; with 54” round glass top, 4 upholstered parsons chairs, Curio Cabinet; glass shelves & interior lighting, Coffee table; cream colored base with square glass top, also (2) White Modern Counter Stools.

Call 561-523-0324

PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Inst allation,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

APARTMENT WANTED: For single working person $600, a month or less. Non-smoker. References available. Please call 561-572-1782 HOME WANTED TO RENT: Executive Family seeking a minimum 1800 sq.ft. 3 bedroom 2 bath(or larger) pet-friendly house to rent with oversize lot in country atmosphere. Willing to sign 2 yr lease with reasonable rent. Send details & any pics to tjsailen@aol.com

WELLINGTON HOME FOR RENT — 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 car garage, Single Family home in pleasant neighborhood. Large screened in patio, fenced yard. Great schools!

561-790-4852 ROOM FOR RENT — 1 bedroom, 1 bath, good condition, Single working person, non-smoker, $600 monthly. References Required call 561-985-4910

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