Town-Crier Newspaper January 10, 2014

WELLINGTON TRASH TRUCKS GO GREEN SEE STORY, PAGE 3

SEVEN50 PLAN FACES AN UPHILL BATTLE SEE STORY, PAGE 7

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TOWN - CR IER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

Your Community Newspaper

Volume 35, Number 2 January 10 - January 16, 2014

WCS Community Seeks To Save High School From Closure

INSIDE Hundreds Attend County Meeting On Big Developments

Several hundred people from the western communities, including a number of elected officials, attended a meeting with Palm Beach County planning staff Tuesday regarding the proposed Minto West development and other large-scale projects. Page 3

On hand to discuss the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival and the Adequan Global Dressage Festival were (L-R) Rodrigo Pessoa, Michael Stone, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Gérard Manzinali, Mark Bellissimo, Havens Schatt, David Marcus and Thomas Baur. PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Gathering Time Back In Wellington Jan. 16

Gathering Time, the Long Islandbased folk-rock harmony trio best described as a rocked-up Peter, Paul & Mary or a co-ed Crosby, Stills & Nash, will return to the Wellington Amphitheater on Thursday, Jan. 16. Page 5

Wellington Garden Club Receives Check From Whole Foods Market

The Wellington Garden Club held its monthly meeting Monday, Jan. 6 at the Wellington Community Center. At the meeting, Whole Foods Market presented a check to be used for junior garden club programs. Page 11

Western Academy To Launch New STEAM Program

Western Academy Charter School in Royal Palm Beach will launch a new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Academy in August. Page 15

OPINION Contested Elections: Good For Communities

Election season has begun to heat up across the western communities. Candidates have just a few short weeks to declare their candidacies for the Tuesday, March 11 municipal elections. There are elections scheduled in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves. However, right now, less than half the races that could be on the ballot have contested elections. Will voters have a full ballot to consider? We’ll know soon enough. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 11 OPINION .................................4 CRIME NEWS .........................6 NEWS BRIEFS........................ 8 PEOPLE ............................... 13 SCHOOLS .....................14 - 15 COLUMNS .....................16, 25 BUSINESS .................... 26 - 27 CALENDAR .......................... 30 SPORTS ........................ 31 - 33 CLASSIFIEDS ................ 33 - 37 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Serving Palms West Since 1980

Jumping, Dressage Festivals Bigger And Better This Season By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The 2014 equestrian season is in full swing with the opening of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival and the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Both kicked off this week with high-level jumping and dressage competition. Show promoters Equestrian Sport Productions held an opening press conference Tuesday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center to usher in the new season, which runs through March 30. “This is going to be an exciting year for us,” CEO Mark Bellissimo said. “We’ve gone through some major transitions over the last few years, and I think this venue and this event has become one of the top in the world.” Bellissimo was joined on the panel by top equestrians, including Canadian Olympic gold medalist Eric Lamaze, Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Rodrigo Pessoa, FEI World Cup Finals winner Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, world champion hunter rider Havens Schatt and Olympic dressage rider David Marcus. Bellissimo noted that both festivals have grown thanks to the Wellington Equestrian Partners, a group of equestrian families who invested in the shows. “I think we have the infrastruc-

ture now that can support a truly world-class show,” he said. “All in all, we are very excited about where we are and the future. I think that is a real testament to the energy and the passion for the sport, as well as the strong team we have assembled here. I think we will see equal growth in dressage.” Bellissimo said he expects the two festivals to continue to grow. “We think both of these circuits will establish themselves in the next couple of years,” he said. “The third phase of our development is to turn these venues into a world-class setting for both sports and entertainment.” Returning as title sponsors this year are FTI Consulting and Adequan, but the Winter Equestrian Festival also boasts a new sponsor in Rolex. “We have a new relationship with Rolex that I think is going to take us to a different level,” Bellissimo said. “Thank you to Rolex for their unbelievable faith in us. I think this will be a turning point in Wellington across all of the disciplines that we have here. We will continue to work hard and invest in those things that will make us better.” Pessoa said having Rolex as a sponsor will improve the level of competition at WEF. “It’s a wonderful thing, the arrival of Rolex in Wellington,” he said. “They are a brand that needs

no presentation. They have been very big in equestrian sports and other sports. They will definitely attract new sponsors to this show.” Lamaze said Wellington has grown from a place where you bring your horse to train to a competitive environment that attracts the top riders and horses in the world. “I’ve been coming to Wellington for more than 20 years,” he said. “Now we actually train all summer and make a plan to compete our best horses here.” Michaels-Beerbaum said her top horses Shutterfly and Checkmate got their feet wet at WEF before returning to compete in high-level competition. “This has been a wonderful place to bring up horses, but it’s not just that now,” she said. “It’s an amazing event with tremendous prize money. We can bring along our young horses and also compete against the best in the world, get world-ranking points and prize money. It’s absolutely ideal for all of us.” WEF has also boosted hunter competition, offering more prize money for top hunter riders than ever before. This year, hunters will be able to compete for $100,000 in the USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular on Saturday, Feb. 15 as part of the Saturday Night Lights events. “The [number] of classes ofSee WEF, page 18

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Christian School community is asking for help to save its high school after church leaders announced last month that financial strain could cause the school to close grades 9 through 12 at the end of this school year. But a student- and parent-led effort to save the school has taken shape, and Wellington Christian School will host a fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m., with music and entertainment featuring The Voice’s Michaela Paige and country singer-songwriter Emily Brooke, along with others to be announced. “We want to bring people to our campus and show them what a worthy cause this is,” said Lainie Guthrie, a WCS parent and former parent-teacher organization president. “It’s a parent-led effort. We always say that Wellington Christian is the best-kept secret in Well-

ington, but we don’t want it to be a secret. We want people to know what a great program we have here and what the community could be losing.” Students, faculty and parents were shocked to receive a notice Dec. 12 from Headmaster Dr. Tim Sansbury that the high school could close. “I was devastated when I heard the news,” said Bill Mitchell, a 10year educator at WCS who teaches high school history, government and economics. “It was like I was punched in the gut.” There is still a glimmer of hope: if the community can raise $1.6 million by the end of January, the high school could remain open. “We would be happy to have [the high school] continue if the money is raised,” Sansbury told the Town-Crier Wednesday. “Our target is $1.6 million, which represents our cash reserves. We want to make sure we have the ability to See WCS, page 7

IPC OPENS SEASON

The International Polo Club Palm Beach kicked off 16 weeks of high-goal polo last weekend, offering the community the opportunity to see top athletes compete through April 20. Shown here is Zacara patron Bob Jornayvaz with IPC President John Wash. SEE STORY, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Yard Sale Aims To Cover Medical Groves Implementing Expenses For Acreage Woman Ordinance Allowing Golf Carts On Roads

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Friends and family of an Acreage woman are asking for the support of the community as they raise money for a procedure that doctors say could change her life. On Saturday, Jan. 25, family and friends of Dana Reeves will hold a yard sale at Citrus Grove Park in The Acreage to raise money for an operation that could help her breathe easier. Ten years ago, Reeves was an active mother of four children who found herself in the hospital for what doctors believed to be asthma. Soon, she was unable to maintain her active lifestyle and, with no history of asthma or other illness, found her condition worsening. “Originally she thought she was getting sick from working too

much,” said Brittany Yorke, Reeves’ daughter. “She hasn’t been able to work for a while now. It has been really rough watching her go through this.” Reeves’ condition worsened over the past several years, landing her in the hospital on a near monthly basis. She has been on prednisone to treat the asthmatic symptoms, and steroids have caused serious muscle and nerve damage. At only 49 years old, Reeves needs the assistance of a cane or wheelchair to move about and faces extreme pain because of the nerve and muscle damage. If she goes outside, she risks being exposed to smoke, dander, pollen and other allergens that can worsen her condition. “Her body shakes uncontrollably,” Yorke said. “She has vitamin

bone deficiency. She’s in a wheelchair now and can’t drive.” Yorke said her mother’s condition and hospital stays have been hard on the family. “My younger brothers have to help her and drive her places,” she said. “My dad is working as much as he can, and then he has to come home and cook dinner. It’s hard enough for her to get out of bed, let alone take care of the house.” Reeves’ doctors believe that a relatively new procedure called bronchial thermoplasty could help her condition. The procedure puts a small catheter into the bronchial tubes to apply heat to the smooth muscle, minimizing constriction of the airways. The procedure would lessen the need for Reeves to take steroids, saving her from further nerve and See YARD SALE, page 18

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Residents of Loxahatchee Groves can use golf carts on most roadways now that the town has signs in place regarding the rules operators must follow. The council gave final approval to an ordinance authorizing golf cart use on roads last month, but Town Manager Mark Kutney asked for additional time to put up the signs required by state law. “We ordered the signs and received them,” Kutney told the Town-Crier on Wednesday. “Our public works vendor is in the process of putting them all up. I think he’s almost done putting them up on the roadways that require the signage.”

Kutney said the ordinance took effect upon passage, but that the council gave him until the first of the year for implementation. “We were in that process during the holidays, determining which roadways needed a sign,” he said. “Then we got the signs ordered, and then moved forward with the installation.” Kutney said there have been no problems or complaints, but he did get reports that some of the signs had been tampered with. “We do have that from time to time, and that’s not necessarily particular to the golf carts,” he said. “We do find signs that are missing or pulled out. I don’t know if it’s going to become a problem that See GOLF CARTS, page 18

Laurel Bennett Brings RPB Mayor Candidates To Four

Laurel Bennett

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The March mayoral election in Royal Palm Beach became a fourway race this week when a third candidate came forward to challenge two-term incumbent Mayor Matty Mattioli. Businesswoman Laurel Bennett joins former Councilwoman Martha Webster and community activist Felicia Matula, an alternate of the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission, in challenging Mattioli, who has been a fixture in Royal Palm Beach politics since 1994. Bennett, a 15-year resident of the village, owns PHR Solutions, a personal health records company. She is active with the Central Palm

Beach Chamber of Commerce, serving on the Economic Development and Government Affairs committees. Bennett believes that Royal Palm Beach’s government could be run more efficiently. “I think I can do a better job than the other candidates who are running,” Bennett told the Town-Crier on Monday. “Fiscal and moral accountability is something I really want to watch, and nobody is watching it. They’re spending for all the wrong reasons.” As an example, she cited council members’ recent debate whether to ante up $5,000 to the Western Communities Council to hire a lobbyist in continuing support of the State Road 7 extension, when

it also budgeted $90,000 for the development of another dog park in the village. “It doesn’t make sense when you have 256,000 residents who use State Road 7, versus how many people will use the dog park,” Bennett said. “All you need is a map to show where all these developments were supposed to connect to it, and how they need it to get out of here.” The economic advantages of the SR 7 project are also clear, giving many more people easy access to Wellington and Royal Palm Beach. “Think how much money you would save the residents traveling this way in gas alone, not to mention the mileage,” she said. The economic impact to local

businesses would also be significant. “Now you have even more impact with Christmastime,” Bennett said. “All the shopping that could have been done instead of at the Gardens Mall. How much more of it would have been done down here [if the extension were completed]?” She is also concerned about the effect on property owners of the recently released Federal Emergency Management Agency draft flood maps that stand to raise insurance rates significantly. “That’s going to impact us $3,000 to $5,000, some say $6,000 per year, if we don’t get the correct data,” Bennett said. “People can’t afford that. We should be fighting that more See BENNETT, page 4

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January 10 - January 16, 2014

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January 10 - January 16, 2014

Page 3

NEWS

Hundreds Attend County Meeting Focused On Minto West

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Several hundred people from the western communities, including a number of elected officials, attended a meeting with Palm Beach County planning staff Tuesday regarding the proposed Minto West development and other largescale projects. The meeting at the county’s Vista Center office was organized by County Commissioner Paulette Burdick. Minto Communities Florida recently purchased the 3,900acre former Callery-Judge Grove property for $51 million. The land, located off Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, has a future land-use approval for up to 2,996 homes and up to 235,000 square feet of non-residential uses. Minto is requesting the necessary land-use changes for up to 6,500 homes and about 1.4 million square feet of workplace and community-serving commercial uses. Palm Beach County Principal Planner Bryan Davis, project manager for the Minto West application, explained in detail the county’s planning process, which dates back to 1972. The goal of the idea was to curtail the piecemeal development of projects on an ad hoc basis. It was in response to many large-scale subdivisions that had been done in the preceding decades. “There was a lot of development out there effectively approved, but there wasn’t necessarily all the cor-

responding infrastructure,” Davis explained. “A lot of planning is simply timing your impacts of development, accommodating the systematic needs.” In 1989, the first comprehensive plan was adopted, which has been amended ever since and has elements prescribed by state statute to do regional and local planning to incorporate future needs. A major revision was made in 1999, when the “managed growth tier system” was instituted. “The comprehensive plan establishes the goal for the county, which is to maintain a high quality of life,” Davis said. “We began to acknowledge different parts of the county that were a little bit different than other parts, and you couldn’t have one set of rules that talked about how things were countywide.” The tier system attempts to account for more dense urban development on the east coast, acknowledges the Glades development on the lake, addresses a transition to lower densities, and established an urban service area boundary. Outside the boundary, there could be lower density and levels of service, fewer roads, schools and other services. The 1989 plan also established a study area encompassing a swath of the county extending from Jupiter Farms and Palomar down through The Acreage and Loxahatchee Groves and what is now western Wellington and the Agricultural Reserve, where a different set of circumstances exist. “It was the first real systematic

study of those areas in a planning sense,” he said. “We understood that there was something more unique about those areas that warranted further study.” In response, communities such as Loxahatchee Groves, The Acreage and Jupiter Farms developed neighborhood plans that recognize the uniqueness of their respective areas. The county established five different tiers with characteristics specific to those areas. The urban suburban tier is where 90 percent of the county’s population lives, has a full complement of urban services and is intended to be where most development is to occur. The exurban and rural tiers have much lower densities and unique characteristics that the county needs to take into consideration, Davis said. The Sector Plan was introduced in 1999, using state comprehensive planning laws in an attempt to allow innovative development strategies while respecting unique characteristics of the areas, and addressing impacts holistically before development occurred. The Sector Plan boundary adopted in 2005 encompassed virtually all of The Acreage, and what was later incorporated as Loxahatchee Groves. CalleryJudge Grove was in the middle of it, as well as the GL Homes land and Palm Beach Aggregates to the west. “It was a very wide-ranging area that was looked at, and it was identified with a number of strategies to look at those large parcels

and how they developed relative to the existing residential neighborhoods,” Davis said. However, the state found the Sector Plan did not comply with statutes. The county continued to look at revising the Sector Plan, but it was ultimately repealed in 2007 in order to avoid a lawsuit. In its place, the Palm Beach County Commission directed staff in 2008 to look at an overlay that employed many of the concepts of the Sector Plan but did not guarantee any particular development outcome. That concept was also dropped in light of many of the developments already having approval and the lack of development pressure due to the economic downturn. “The idea was that the looming pressures of 2005 and 2006 were no longer there, and the effort was discontinued,” Davis said. “That was the end of the Sector Plan.” Meanwhile, Callery-Judge Grove put forward its 10,000home Development of Regional Impact in 2007. “That was considered to be a new town, and the county commission in the end denied the project,” Davis said. “However, Callery-Judge had a backup plan.” In 2006, the state legislature approved the Agricultural Enclave Act tailored specifically to CalleryJudge, which said agricultural areas are entitled to densities similar to those around them. “That was the backup plan,” Davis said. “The following year, the owner applied for and received

County Commissioner Paulette Burdick greets residents attending Tuesday’s meeting.

PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

an approval from the county commission under the Agricultural Enclave Act, and that’s where the parcel exists today.” Under the Agricultural Enclave Act, Callery-Judge has a future land-use approval for up to 2,996 homes and up to 235,000 square feet of non-residential uses. “It’s a provision where these can come in and they get a different review process from any other comprehensive plan amendment to effectively secure the right to develop,” Davis said. The Agricultural Enclave Act provides development avenues different from any other in the planning process. The application must be transferred to the state regardless of whether the local

government approves it. “There is nothing else quite like that in the planning world,” he said. However, the Minto proposal adds density well beyond the confines of the Agricultural Enclave Act. Davis said the county has received the request from Minto for a density increase, and county staff will spend the next several months negotiating the application. “Once we have a better understanding, we will bring it forward to the Palm Beach County Planning Commission in February,” he said. “That will be the first discussion in an official capacity.” In March, it will go to the county commission for the first time. “That will be the board’s first See MINTO WEST, page 18

Wellington’s Garbage Trucks Will Soon Run On Natural Gas

Waste Management will soon be using trucks powered by compressed natural gas.

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington will soon become the first municipality in Palm Beach County to have garbage trucks that run on clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) rather than diesel fuel. “Waste Management is working in partnership with Wellington regarding our trash and recycling,” Wellington Chief Financial Officer Tanya Quickel told the Town-Crier this week. “Trash will now be picked up with trucks that use compressed natural gas. This is important because it will

allow a much cleaner alternative to gasoline and diesel fuel.” Quickel said the change is in keeping with Wellington’s designation as a Gold Certified Green Local Government. “It’s an important step in our commitment to environmental sustainability,” she said. “Wellington is the first municipality in Palm Beach County to take advantage of this green technology in conjunction with Waste Management.” Quickel said CNG-powered trucks have important environmental advantages.

“Each CNG-powered truck saves, on average, 8,000 gallons of diesel fuel from being used per year, and it reduces annual greenhouse gas emissions by 22 metric tons. That’s per truck, each one,” Quickel explained. “The other benefit is they are very quiet, much more so than trucks fueled by diesel.” Eleven CNG trucks will serve Wellington, with each truck reaching 147 houses per hour, ensuring that trash pick-up will remain quick and efficient. “That will keep us on our schedule,” Quickel said.

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January 10 - January 16, 2014

The Town-Crier

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OUR OPINION

Contested Elections: Good For Communities... And Democracy

Election season has begun to heat up across the western communities. Candidates have just a few short weeks to declare their candidacies for the Tuesday, March 11 municipal elections. There are elections scheduled in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves. However, right now, less than half the races that could be on the ballot have contested elections. Will voters have a full ballot to consider? We’ll know soon enough. The official qualifying period opens Tuesday, Jan. 28. In Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, the qualifying period ends Tuesday, Feb. 11. In Loxahatchee Groves, the period is a week shorter, ending Tuesday, Feb. 4. But candidates can declare their intent to run well before the official qualifying period, and already we have begun to see a few contested races emerge. Royal Palm Beach currently has four candidates in its mayoral race. Two-term incumbent Mayor Matty Mattioli is seeking re-election to his seat and faces challenges from former Councilwoman Martha Webster, community activist Felicia Matula and businesswoman Laurel Bennett. Seats 1 and 3, held by Vice Mayor Jeff Hmara and Councilman Richard Valuntas respectively, are also up for grabs, but no challengers had come forward at press time.

There are also two seats available on the Wellington Village Council: Seat 4 held by Vice Mayor Howard Coates and Seat 2 held by Councilwoman Anne Gerwig. Though Coates had not drawn a challenger at press time, resident Sharon Lascola filed late Tuesday to run against Gerwig. In the Town of Loxahatchee Groves, Councilman Tom Goltzené is also facing re-election. At press time, no challenger has come forward to seek the seat. Although candidates would certainly prefer uncontested elections, we at the Town-Crier believe that the public is best served when candidates are challenged by opponents who may offer a different perspective. We have long encouraged community activism, and it is important as ever to see residents step up to serve the community’s interests. Everyone has something to offer the community, whether it’s a unique perspective or an area of expertise. The time to get involved is now. We hope to see voters given the opportunity to have a voice come election day, and for candidates to discuss the issues that will shape our communities in the coming years. Democracy is best achieved through discourse and consideration for all sides, and it would be a shame to miss the opportunity for meaningful discussion by leaving elections uncontested.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WCS Mission Is Important To The Community

Our family started at Wellington Christian School a year and half ago. We now have two children attending WCS; one daughter in PK-4 and another daughter in PK2. Our youngest will be in the PK-2 program starting next school year. When our first child was born, my husband and I had just moved into our house in Wellington. Shortly thereafter, we began considering education options for our children. We decided that we wanted to find an institution that they could start in pre-K and ultimately graduate from the very same institution. We also wanted the school to have a strong academic basis, as well as a strong Christian foundation. We found the culmination of all these things in WCS and were very excited for our children’s educational future. In the short time we have been enrolled at the school, our expectations have been exponentially exceeded. We have discovered that WCS is so much more than what we initially thought. The friends/ bonds our children have developed, as well as the friendships we have made ourselves amongst other parents, teachers and staff have been remarkable. It truly is a family environment that is an honor to be part of. Needless to say, my husband and I were devastated to learn of the financial situation and the deficit facing the school. Again, we wanted our children to have a “one stop shop” for their entire primary and secondary education process. To learn of the high school closing was extremely disappointing. Nonetheless, it is only a part of the wonderful things that make up WCS. We are still very happy and proud to be part of the school and value the education our children will receive through the eighth grade. However, we still would like to see the high school return in the near future once the financial specifics can be worked out. We are joining the rest of the WCS family in a campaign to try and save the high school for the immediate future. The WCS family is such a great part of this community and gives so much back in the form of a solid, moral educational foundation for its students. WCS is also somewhat of a hidden gem, as most residents in the area are not aware of the school or the wonderful things associated with it. We encourage anyone reading this to visit the campus and interact with some of the students, parents and/or staff. Perhaps they will then discover why everyone associated with WCS is so passionate about

it and are equally as disappointed with the current financial situation. It is this same passion that has prompted the WCS family to reach out to the community in a fundraising campaign in an effort to save the high school. Any contribution is greatly appreciated and will go toward the education of children who will be future leaders in this community and many others. Please consider learning more about WCS and the WCS family and making a contribution that will be so beneficial to so many. Jessica Duncan Wellington

Minto Project Will Be Bad For The Area

Editor’s note: The following letter is in reply to article “ITID Board Hears Minto Plans For Former Callery-Judge Land” published last week. Three years ago my husband and I decided to move from Wisconsin to Florida. After accepting a position in West Palm Beach, our search was on for a home. Our real estate agent informed us about the various communities, and we opted to look within the Acreage/ Loxahatchee area. The choice of driving a distance for shopping and to work was our decision. After living in a city all our lives with continuous noise and traffic, we jumped at the chance to live in an area where one can experience the quietness of a country setting, gaze at the stars and see horses galloping down a road or canal. A couple of months ago, I received a postcard in the mail from Minto indicating their proposed development. Going to their web site, www.mintoinfo.com, I wanted to see where this development would be and how it would look. As of today, I could not find any links to any conceptual plans, nor did it indicate they are proposing 6,700 homes in an area originally approved for 2,996. Nor did I find the increase for non-residential area going from 235,000 square feet to 1.4 million square feet. During the December meeting, Minto displayed their conceptual plan with their representative Donaldson Hearing indicating they are being transparent with their plans. Transparent? Why, yes, they are. They are so transparent you cannot see their conceptual plan on their web site. How are the residents who live close to, and travel the route along Seminole Pratt, between Sycamore Drive and 60th Street, to know the 1.4 million non-residential space will become a driver’s nightmare with school, business and increased residential traffic?

If this increased usage gets approved, Acreage/Loxahatchee residents can say goodbye to the quietness, gazing at the stars or riding their horses. Please do not let this happen. Get involved. Tracy Grudzielanek The Acreage

Keep WCS High School Open

I am sitting here with my two children, Matthew and Lauren, as they help me compose this letter to you. We live in The Acreage and have chosen to take the drive out to Wellington Christian School for the past 8 years because we value the education and the values WCS helps to instill in our children. The thought of the high school closing due to finances saddens me. WCS reaches out to our local community and abroad with parental assistance to provide for those less fortunate. This is a behavior that has become learned. For that, I am grateful. Yes, I could take my children elsewhere, another private or public school. But it would not be the same. The community would suffer from the lack of generosity and support it is accustomed to if the high school does not get the support it needs. I learned of this only recently, so I can imagine many others not knowing what is at stake. With our society and economic health being so vulnerable for so long, it is important that we, as a community, assist where we can. I ask those of you who can, assist our school in keeping the high school open and, therefore, continuing our community efforts to do so. Anita Garib-Sankar The Acreage

Save Wellington Christian School

As parents, we always look for the best for our children. That is why we moved to Wellington, which has some of the best-rated schools in all of Palm Beach County. We chose Wellington Christian School, but at that time, WCS didn’t have the program for my son, who was ready for pre-K then, so we decided to put both of our children in a public school, a great school, but not Christian. Then the re-zoning came, and my kids had to go to another school, and then another. In a short period of time they were moved more times than we liked, so then we decided to try again at WCS. My daughter is now in ninth grade and my son is in sixth. This is our third year in WCS, and our family has seen the positive changes in our kids. Although in

a public school, they could have more stuff, more programs and, of course, more classmates, Wellington Christian School provides our kids with a quality education. WCS doesn’t have a lot of the things that the public schools have, but the programs we found there have made a difference in our community and in our kids’ lives and future. I believe this is a time where the community has to step up and ask how they can help. We need to save this school, a school that even with financial problems has never stopped helping others with programs such as the SWAP Team, which helps people in this community and others in need of service. What happens if WCS closes? What is going to happen to all of the quality students, from decent families, and the great businesses which WCS attracts to Wellington area? For us it is too much to lose, and I am not just talking about all of the money we’ve already invested in our children’s education, but also the dreams and all of the plans they have. We are proud parents of Wellington Christian School students, and we are doing everything possible to save the school. What are you going to do as a community? Marco Fabian Duque Royal Palm Beach

Stop Wasting Money On Projects

Your Jan. 3 edition reported on numerous, expensive construction projects in Wellington planned in 2014. It is about time for the hardworking (or hardly working) Wellington resident taxpayers to rise up in loud and persuasive objection to many of these plans. Of particular note is the plan to let a contract for the construction of a new community center and new tennis center. I am about to make some fairly controversial comments, so before I do, let me qualify myself. I retired at age 55 after 35 years in the telecommunications industry, including top management positions in some of the nation’s largest and most-profitable private companies. Since “retiring,” I have passed difficult examinations and have qualified as a registered investment adviser and financial planner. I play tennis at least six days a week at the existing Wellington Tennis Center and am old enough to be covered by Medicare. At least five years ago, a plan was initiated to build a shiny new tennis center at another location to make room at the current site for a new community center building and additional parking.

It was claimed that the existing community center building was obsolete and needed extensive repairs. In reality, there was a lot of pressure from the Wellington senior community that finds the current building less convenient than they would like, due to the hill at the entrance, no immediately adjacent handicapped parking, and a slow, single elevator. Estimates made at the depths of the recession indicated that these plans might be accomplished for about $10 million. Now, entirely predictably, after four years of robust recovery, the bids have come in 40 percent to 90 percent higher. The fact is that the expenditure of this hefty amount of $14 to $20 million is largely for the benefit of a small percentage of Wellington’s taxpaying residents: the seniors and the tennis players. Again, I qualified myself as both a senior and a tennis player. If I see these planned expenditures as unnecessary and wasteful, then the majority of Wellington residents who are neither seniors nor tennis players should certainly turn out in mass at the next council meeting, and yell and scream until this project is cancelled. The argument in favor of the existing project is that the current community center is functionally obsolete. This is simply not correct. A building of this size and quality, having survived a number of years and a number of hurricanes, can be updated and improved for a fraction of the cost of a new building. Even spending $4 million to update the current building (a fraction of the cost of a new building) will equate to just $8 per year per Wellington resident even if it only extends the useful life of the building by 10 years. Moreover, the council, in the stealth of night, suddenly purchased the adjoining Lake Wellington Professional Centre for $5 million from an owner who probably couldn’t find a private buyer at anywhere near that price. As current tenants of the office park vacate, the space in that complex can be made available to senior activities with ease of access and convenience of parking... As far as the tennis center, granted a shiny, new facility, with 24 courts would be wonderful. However, certainly for less than $2 million, the existing 16 courts could be resurfaced, the fencing

and walkways replaced, and drainage improved. This would extend the useful life of the current tennis facility for many more years. Anyone reading this, who lives here and pays taxes here, even seniors and tennis players, the principal beneficiaries of the planned $14 to $20 million expenditure, should be seriously questioning the need to spend this amount of money. Even if improvement of the existing facilities only buys 10 years of additional usefulness from these existing facilities, Wellington will look much different 10 years from now, just as today it is entirely different from what it was 10 years ago. Wasting money today, by guessing what might be needed in 10 or 20 years is wasteful, foolhardy and irresponsible. The council should be forced to look at a plan for $5 million that updates and improves the already fully functional facilities. Roy Daniel Rosner Wellington

WCS Senior Supports School

I am a senior at Wellington Christian School and have been going there since I was in the first grade. WCS, for me, is a learning environment where you are free to express your opinions and beliefs. Not only does Wellington Christian School provide students with this freedom, but also offers a unique teacher-student relationship that most other schools cannot provide. This makes Wellington Christian School a loving environment that provides one of the best educational experiences that a student can ever have. So when I heard that my high school was shutting down, I became worried about my underclassmen not being able to obtain this unique educational experience. I have been lucky to be a student at WCS for most of my life and want others to have the same opportunity as I did. The academic and moral standards set by Wellington Christian School are some of the most critical parts to a successful education. Please help Wellington Christian High School maintain its mission to provide students with spiritual and academic excellence. Kaden Connolly Royal Palm Beach

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NEWS

Bennett

Four Mayor Candidates continued from page 1

diligently than we are right now.” Bennett also criticized the development of the new Royal Palm Beach Commons Park, which she said could have been more organized. “We spent $23 million on Commons Park [but] we didn’t put the kitchen in, so we had to allocate another $100,000,” she asserted. “That’s a huge mistake.” She also cited a problem closer to her home in Huntington Woods,

where she is the homeowners’ association treasurer, and a protracted paving project on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. that she believes resulted in contamination of the community’s lake from stormwater runoff. She said the problem is the result of mistakes when the curband-gutter system was installed, explaining that Royal Palm Beach Blvd. had swales before, which allowed stormwater to percolate into the ground rather than be directed into their lake. “You have all the waste that comes off of cars, the oil and gasoline and everything now runs into our lake. It’s additional water, too,

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which will back up in the event of a flood. The larger pipe that was promised was never put in,” Bennett said, adding that several other developments along Royal Palm Beach Blvd. are also affected by stormwater runoff. She also expressed concern about the number of times Royal Palm Beach Blvd. has been retrofitted. “How many times does Royal Palm Beach Blvd. have to be repaved?” Bennett said. “It’s now called ‘Patch Boulevard’ by the communities, because as soon as it’s fixed, it’s repatched, and I’d like to stop that. Let’s get it done right the first time.” Bennett said she is not so much

dissatisfied with the current government as desiring to do some good. “I like everyone who is running or is in office, but I think I can do a better job,” she said. Bennett said one of the things she has asked for in the village is free community-wide wireless Internet. “Why don’t we have free Wi-Fi?” she asked, pointing out that several municipalities are working on or already have the service. “I’ve asked for it for over a year. If we can spend $23 million on a park when we already have two parks in that area, why can’t we do something for the residents?” She added that Commons Park

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was also plagued with delays due to changes, and will now face annual expenses for upkeep. Bennett said she would favor amenities that are of greater benefit to residents, such as a senior center or a community swimming pool. “Something like a community swimming pool would bring in income, because if you keep spending like this, eventually you’re not going to have any money and taxes are going to go up,” she said. Bennett holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in business administration with a specialty in healthcare. She has worked for several

Fortune 500 companies, including Pratt & Whitney, McKesson and Sun Microsystems. In addition, she has taught computer programming classes at two universities and has been an analyst and project manager at several area hospitals. For more information, visit www.electlaurelbennett.com. The official qualifying period for the March 11 election opens at noon Tuesday, Jan. 28 and closes at noon Tuesday, Feb. 11. Aside from the mayor’s race, Seat 1 held by Vice Mayor Jeff Hmara and Seat 3 held by Councilman Richard Valuntas are also up for election. No challengers have come forward yet for those seats.

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2014 Will Be An Exciting, Competitive Year At Wellington’s IPC

Tony Coppola shares his insight as to what makes IPC so successful.

Zacara patron Bob Jornayvaz is impressed by the level of polo played at IPC.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The International Polo Club Palm Beach kicked off 16 weeks of high-goal polo last weekend, offering the community the opportunity to see top athletes compete through April 20. This year, the biggest tournament in the country will be broadcast on national television, giving the world a chance to see the gem of polo in Wellington. “We’re really excited about this season,” IPC President John Wash said. Director of Polo Operations Jimmy Newman said there is a schedule of fierce competition lined up over the season. “This is going to be another great year,” he said. “I’m so happy that we have 14 teams in the 20-goal tournament — the same as last year. We had 11 teams in the 26-goal tournaments last year, and hopefully we’ll have more this year.” Also returning this season are top sponsors Piaget, Maserati, Veuve Clicquot and Belvedere Vodka. Wash noted that the entire world will get to see polo in Wellington when NBC broadcasts the finals of the Maserati U.S. Open Championship. Tony Coppola, longtime IPC announcer and regarded as “the voice of polo,” pointed out that last year the U.S. Open was broadcast on NBC Sports Network, but this year it will be shown on the main channel. “It’s a big step up from where we were last year,” he said. “People knew it was on last year and were flipping the channels looking for it. It will be on a major network this year, and that’s a big plus for us and a big plus for the sport of polo.” Bob Jornayvaz, patron of the Zacara team, said he wants the world to see what

a great venue IPC is for polo. “As someone who plays polo all over the place, this is one of the best venues to play polo at,” he said. “I just can’t describe the level of the 20-goal and 26-goal tournaments played here. It’s better than the 22-goal polo we play in Argentina, better than what they play in Britain or Spain. It’s incomparable to anything else in the world.” Coppola agreed. “The highest-rated polo played in the U.S. is 26 goals, and the three most prestigious tournaments — the Gold Cup, the C.V. Whitney and the U.S. Open — are held right here at the International Polo Club,” he said. “The next highest level played anywhere in the U.S. is 20-goal, and in the summer, you will see four or five teams at other polo clubs. Here we have 14 teams. That just gives you an idea of the magnitude and amount of polo played here.” Jornayvaz said it’s not just the number of teams, but their quality, that separates IPC from other venues. “There’s not a weak team on that list,” he said. “It’s amazing that you can attract that many teams as good as these are.” Newman said IPC has seen an uptick in competitive teams over the years. “Four or five years ago, you could look at the list of teams and see maybe one or two that you knew you could do better than,” he said. “That’s not the case anymore. You have a tough match no matter what bracket you’re in.” Coppola noted that games are played throughout the week at IPC, and guests can observe for no cost except on Sunday afternoons. “We don’t just play polo on Sundays,” he said. “There is a lot of polo played throughout the week, including medium goal and also some junior polo. IPC is

very interested in bringing new players and young players along. You can call the polo hotline to find out when matches are.” Wash said that IPC has been reaching out to those in the community who might not be familiar with polo, offering the opportunity to come and see the sport. “It’s a very inexpensive sport to come to,” he said. “For $10 on Sundays you can get in the door. We’ve made a major marketing effort to make the sport more accessible.” The club also hosts Wellington school children, as well as inner-city and underprivileged youth, to teach them about the sport. “This is the 11th year we will host our fourth-grade polo day,” he said. “We will introduce more than 1,600 students to the sport of polo. We’ve opened our doors to a lot of other organizations, including innercity youth and underprivileged children. The patrons have really given their time to teach the sport and show them the horses.” Newman agreed. “We do a lot for young players and to bring community awareness,” he said. “We have a lot going on here.” Coppola encouraged the community to come see for themselves. “Most people, once they come out and see a match, they keep coming back,” he said. Although the official kickoff to the polo season was rained out last Sunday, the Herbie Pennell Cup finals were rescheduled for Monday, when Lechuza Caracas defeated Villa del Lago/Casablanca 14-11 to take the win. High-goal polo continues each week through April 20. For tickets or more information, visit www.internationalpolo club.com.

Folk-Rock Harmony Trio Gathering Time Returns To Wellington Jan. 16

Gathering Time, the Long Island-based folk-rock harmony trio best described as a rocked-up Peter, Paul & Mary or a co-ed Crosby, Stills & Nash, will return to the Wellington Amphitheater on Thursday, Jan. 16. In addition to the popular songs from the 1960s by the likes of Simon & Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell and the Byrds, the concert will feature original material from the group’s new CD, When One Door Closes, its first since welcoming new member Gerry McKeveny on guitar and vocals last March. Showtime is set for approximately 7 p.m.

The concert will be the trio’s fourth annual appearance at the amphitheater and will cap off Wellington’s popular Food Truck Invasion earlier in the evening. The group has been touring, primarily in the eastern U.S., since 2008. Three days after the Wellington concert, Gathering Time will headline the South Florida Folk Festival in Fort Lauderdale. All three members rotate on lead and harmony vocals. Stuart Markus and McKeveny switch off on bass guitar, with the latter taking most lead guitar duty, and Hillary Foxsong contributes hand percussion. All three play guitar.

The South Florida mini-tour caps a year of accomplishment for the trio, which played at the renowned Falcon Ridge Folk Festival last summer, having been voted one of three acts “most wanted to return” out of the 24 in the festival’s 2012 Emerging Artists Showcase. The trio also was voted “Best of Long Island” for 2011 by the Long Island Press and had a coveted formal showcase at the 2011 Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) conference. Famed New York City folk DJ John Platt is a fan. “I consider them among the finest performers in the New York metropolitan area,”

Platt wrote. “Whatever the size of the venue, from a house concert to an outdoor festival, Gathering Time has harmonies that can charm the birds out of the trees, strong original songs, and a savvy repertoire of cover songs, ranging from traditional folk to classic rock. They appeal to audiences of all ages.” For more on Gathering Time, visit www.gathering-time.com. Video clips can be viewed at www. youtube.com/gatheringtimetrio. (Right) Gathering Time’s Gerry McKeveny, Hillary Foxsong and Stuart Markus

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PBSO Investigating Suspicious Car Fire On Southern Blvd.

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report JAN. 4 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to the scene of a fire on Southern Blvd. last Saturday night. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a vehicle caught on fire on Southern Blvd. between Palms West Hospital and F Road. According to the report, when the deputy arrived, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue was attempting to put it out. A witness told the deputy that he was exiting Palms West Hospital when he heard a loud bang. According to the report, the witness said he observed an unknown male walking away from the vehicle carrying a jug. He said the suspect got in a white vehicle resembling a Nissan Quest and fled. According to the report, the suspect is described as an Hispanic male, approximately 5’7” and weighing 140 lbs. wearing blue jeans and a dark shirt. There was no further information available at the time of the report. ••• DEC. 29 — A resident of Royal Pine Estates called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach on Sunday, Dec. 29 regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim noticed last July that her wedding and engagement rings had been stolen from her home. On Sunday, Dec. 29, the victim went to a pawn shop on Okeechobee Blvd. and believes she located her rings. According to the report, the victim said there was a similar engraving on the rings, but she could not be sure they were hers. The stolen rings were valued at approximately $4,000. There was no further information available at the time of the report. DEC. 29 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was called Sunday, Dec. 29 to the Homegoods store on Southern Blvd. regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim was in the store shopping at approximately 5:42 p.m. when an unknown Hispanic male asked her a question. The victim turned toward the man, and when she turned back, her wallet was missing from her purse. According to the report, the victim believed someone else stole the wallet from her purse, but she had not seen another person at that time. The victim’s wallet contained her driver’s license, bank card and credit cards. There was no further information available at the time of the report. DEC. 30 — A resident of La Mancha Avenue called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach on Monday, Dec. 30 to report a burglary in progress. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 9:45 a.m., a witness observed an unknown black male suspect exit from the rear of the victim’s home and enter a gold Jeep being driven by an unknown black female suspect. According to the report, the Jeep fled the area. When the deputy arrived at the home, he observed that the suspects attempted to gain entry through the rear garage door but were unsuccessful because of an alarm that was activated. There was no further information available at the time of the report. DEC. 30 — A Port St. Lucie woman was arrested Monday, Dec. 30 on charges of theft after she was caught stealing from the Super Target store on Okeechobee Blvd. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was dispatched to the store on the afternoon of Monday, Dec. 30 after

an employee was caught stealing from the store. The employee was identified as 54-year-old Kathleen Carlson. According to a PBSO report, the company claimed Carlson loaded $100 onto a Visa gift card without paying for it. Carlson was arrested and issued a notice to appear in court. JAN. 4 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to the Burger King on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road last Saturday afternoon regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim was eating at the restaurant at approximately noon when she placed her purse hanging off the back of the chair. The victim left the restaurant and realized she did not have her purse. According to the report, the victim returned to the restaurant, but the purse was missing. The victim’s purse contained $400 cash, a bank card, checks, credit cards and her driver’s license. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. JAN. 4 — A Royal Palm Beach man was arrested last Saturday afternoon on charges of shoplifting after he was discovered to have stolen from the Sunglasses Hut store inside the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, 22-year-old Edwin Morlu stole a pair of black Clubmaster sunglasses with green lenses valued at $244.95 from the store on Sunday, Jan. 1. Morlu returned last Saturday at approximately 3 p.m. to exchange the stolen glasses for another color. According to the report, the manager recognized him and contacted the PBSO substation in Wellington. Morlu was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where he was charged with retail theft. JAN. 4 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched Monday afternoon to a farm on Pierson Road regarding a case of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 3 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday, someone attempted to force open the gate to the farm, causing approximately $500 in damage. The deputy did not believe the perpetrator(s) gained access to the farm. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. JAN. 4 — A resident of 41st Court North contacted the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last Saturday evening to report a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., someone stole the victim’s homemade trailer from his property. The victim said the trailer’s tires were disintegrated and the trailer would have to be dragged off the property. According to the report, the victim said several weeks ago an unknown person came to his house and asked if the trailer was for sale. The deputy observed marks where it appeared the trailer had been dragged. There was no further information available at the time of the report. JAN. 4 — An employee of Starbucks in the Mall at Wellington Green called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Saturday to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim left his Apple iPhone 4 on a table at approximately 9 p.m. when the store was closing. The victim was cleaning tables and later noticed his phone was missing. The stolen phone was valued at approximately $200. According to the report, the victim used the GPS feature on his phone to trace it to a home nearby, but there was no further information available at the time of the report.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding this wanted fugitive: • David Elsworth, alias Matthew Searles, is a white male, 5’5” tall and weighing 172 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos. His date of birth is 01/25/79. Elsworth is wanted for violation of probation on charges of burglary while armed and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. His last known address was Valencia Blvd. in The Acreage. He is wanted as David Elsworth of 01/02/14. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www. crimestopperspbc.com. THE INFORMATION FOR THIS BOX IS PROVIDED BY CRIME STOPPERS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY. CRIMESTOPPERS IS WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT SHOWN HERE.

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NEWS

Southeast Florida 50-Year Plan Faces Rocky Road To Approval

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Southeast Florida’s Seven50 Plan — which aims to plan for the next 50 years across a sevencounty area — faces a hard road to approval, with opposition mounting from those who think the plan will bring just more, bigger government. Three of the seven counties originally participating in the plan, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin, recently pulled out of the project, leaving only Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Vice Mayor Jeff Hmara, the Royal Palm Beach Village Council’s appointee to the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, attended a December meeting, where the Seven50 Plan was

discussed. The plan is described as a “blueprint for ensuring economic prosperity and the best possible quality of life for Southeast Florida.” It describes what the counties anticipate looking like in 50 years, utilizing many concepts from the former Department of Community Affairs, now the Department of Economic Opportunity. “It is nearly complete,” Hmara said at a December council meeting, explaining that it was a threeyear regional study financed by the federal Department of Housing & Urban Development. The final version will come before the planning council on Wednesday, Jan. 15. One of the presentations was given by HUD Senior Advisor for Fair Housing Janet Hostetler.

“She gave a brief overview of the study from a HUD perspective, which was an interesting insight, since it is a national-level series of studies that are being conducted,” Hmara said. Hmara noted that Hostetler also pointed out that there is a lot of what she classified as “misinformation” about the study. “She explained that the real intent of the study was to get the South Florida planning councils, counties, municipalities and the public involved in a brainstorming activity to identify options for future growth, looking 50 years down the road,” Hmara said. “That’s a bit of a stretch, to say the least, but the activity of identifying good sources for such information seems to be worthwhile.”

Hmara noted that the draft document is available online at www.seven50.org. “We may want to visit it when we revisit our strategic plan for an update,” he said. Councilman Fred Pinto said he was not sold on the merits of the Seven50 Plan. “I have attended several presentations, and the tone and focus of those presentations about this all tell me that there is a notion in place that says down the road, we should give up home rule, that we should give up planning our own communities and turn that over to a small group of people who will do it on a regional level,” Pinto said. “I am not at all happy so far about what I have heard about this Seven50 movement.” Pinto added that there are a host

of political issues in play at both the state and federal levels that the council and residents need to become aware of. “We need to do our homework,” he said. “From a staff standpoint, the Seven50 Plan ensures that they will have a place to work for the next 50 years, but doesn’t ensure at all to me that the citizens will still have a say over what happens in their communities.” Pinto said he had expressed his concerns recently to Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council Executive Director Mike Busha, an advocate of the plan. Hmara said Pinto’s concerns were addressed several times during the meeting. “It’s a valid concern, and it’s interesting because he used the same phrase, which is ‘home rule,’ and that’s a

near and dear possession of ours, and we choose to hang on to it. We fight to hang on to it,” he said. Hmara agreed that there is a notion that the concept is a highly orchestrated effort to take away decision-making at lower levels of government. However, he added that his research suggests otherwise. “What I did was talk to a number of different individuals about their understanding of the Seven50 Plan,” Hmara told the Town-Crier this week. “I got input from people who I trust and have reason to be looking at this, people at the League of Cities, people in the offices of our state representatives, and the response that I got unanimously was this looks like a credible, large-scale, long-range plan.”

Business Group To Gather Jan. 16 For Season’s First Mixer

The Western Communities Business Group will hold its first mixer of the year at the Wellington Equestrian Gallery & Mall on Thursday, Jan. 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. The Wellington Equestrian Gallery & Mall is located at 13889 Wellington Trace, Suite 44 in the Wellington Marketplace, next to Wellington Florist. The Western Communities

WCS

Rallying To Save High School

continued from page 1 meet future needs and also invest in marketing to bring in more students and make the school sustainable.” Wellington Christian School, located on Wellington Trace, first opened its doors in 1981, offering preschool and kindergarten classes. It later expanded to a full elementary school, with its first class of fifth-graders graduating in 1987. The school added sixth through eighth grades in 1993, and the high school in 1999, with its first graduating seniors in 2003. Sansbury said that the recent economic downturn, along with a change in church leadership, caused enrollment numbers to drop. “The single biggest issue is that private schools saw a major decline in enrollment during the economic downturn,” he said. “The recovery has been very slow. The school went through an unfortunate period with a shift in leadership. With the recession, it was a tough time to be trying to fix things. We faced some challenges.” He noted that the school lacked the money to market to new families, and also had to pay the cost of running a high-school program. “Running a good high-school program is by far the most expensive part of the school,” Sansbury said. “One of the key pieces is our philosophical commitment. We could cut back on some of that, but it would cut so much value out of the school. It wouldn’t be fair to our kids.” Students, teachers and parents agree that the education students receive at WCS is invaluable. “We really want our students to become thinkers,” said science teacher Mark Witwer, who has taught at WCS for eight years. “We’re less interested in telling them what they ought to think, and more interested in teaching them how to think.” Students have a challenging course schedule. Juniors must

Business Group is composed of leading, local, community-rooted businesses and business owners who have banded together to build strong, lasting and rewarding relationships with the equestrian community and other local business owners. The goal of the organization is to be responsive to the needs of local businesses and to provide the members with the tools and programs that will help

their businesses thrive. The Western Communities Business Group was established last year with more than 150 members. This year, the group plans to expand its membership base and increase the programs and benefits offered each business. Last year, the group started by offering its members common advertising options, business promotional programs and creative

write a 10- to 12-page research paper and present it in front of faculty members. Each senior must write and defend a thesis — a process usually reserved for graduate schools. “These must be properly footnoted, and they have to present to us what they have learned,” Witwer said. “By the time our students graduate, they have written two significant papers. That’s the kind of thing we don’t want to lose. We’re asking our kids to do academically what no other school in the region is doing, and they are rising to meet the challenge.” Sansbury agreed, noting that the school provides a good, Christian education, but does not necessarily require students to hold the same beliefs. “We focus on producing thoughtful learners,” he said. “Not every student who leaves here agrees with us on our religious background, but we hope to teach them how to thoughtfully disagree and prepare them to be a part of society. We teach them to research, to read and write, along with science and mathematics, to prepare them not only for college, but for life in the real world.” Alumnus Michael Metzner said WCS is to thank for his academic success in college. He is in his second year of medical school at the University of Central Florida after graduating from WCS in 2008. “If it wasn’t for WCS, I wouldn’t be here today,” he said. “They really promote critical thinking and observational skills. A couple of weeks after I graduated WCS, I was hired at the Scripps Research Institute, just from the experience I had in high school. I was there four years.” Metzner recalled the day he learned WCS could close its high school as a “horrible day.” “It was like a shot to the heart,” he said. “It’s a place we cannot afford to lose.” Metzner said Wellington could be losing not only a great school, but a close-knit community of teachers, parents and students. “My WCS teachers are my mentors,” said Metzner, who attended WCS since sixth grade. “I still call them. We have dinner when I’m home. Because it’s such a small

school environment, you really get one-on-one help. I think that mentorship is invaluable.” Senior Justen Hunter experienced the benefits of a close-knit school after coming from a large public high school. “I was surprised that the teachers were personal and friendly,” Hunter said. “They took the time to relate to me and offer one-onone help. Even though I’ve only been here two years, I have a lot of school spirit. It truly is one of the best places I’ve been.” Mitchell, the 10-year teacher, said his WCS colleagues truly love their jobs and their students. “The teachers are highly relatable,” he said. “It’s just a tremendous school. You can feel the connection here. We’re not here for the money. We’re here for the school and for the kids.” Hunter said his classmates have been distraught over the news. “There has been a lot of crying over the subject,” he said. “A lot of these kids have been here their whole lives — preschool through their junior year — and they don’t know what to expect anywhere else. This school has done so much for me in two years, I can’t imagine how the kids who have gone here their whole lives are feeling.” The entire WCS community has rallied around the cause, seeking donations to support the high school. “I hope we’re able to band together and raise some funds,” Hunter said. “I hope it does pan out. It would be a disservice to the Wellington community to lose this school.” Sansbury called the response from the community “humbling.” He said a wave of support has come not only from within the school, but also from alumni and former parents. “It’s truly humbling,” he said. “It makes it even more devastating to know that it could possibly close. I was humbled to see how many people truly care about the school and desire to see it kept open.” Guthrie said that although there have been donations and pledges from several sources, the school is still fighting to raise $1.6 million before the deadline. Sansbury explained that the

marketing to reach out to people of the western communities, including members of the equestrian industry that call Wellington home during the equestrian season. This year, membership will also include monthly group activities, such as mixers, luncheons and informative business development seminars. Any business person located in the western communities is invited to stop by the Wellington Eques-

trian Gallery & Mall on Thursday, Jan. 16 to network with fellow business leaders. While there, get information about the Western Communities Business Group’s member benefits or share thoughts on future programs. Guests will be able to either renew their current membership or sign up as a new member this year at a cost of $150 per business membership. Members signed up

by Thursday, Jan. 16 will be listed in the first issue of the Western Communities Business Group directory, which will be widely distributed at area shops and equestrian venues. For more information about the Western Communities Business Group, e-mail wcbusinessgroup@ gmail.com, call (561) 333-3100 or visit www.wellingtonequestrian business.com.

(Above) The Wellington Christian School campus on Wellington Trace. The high school has been operating since 1999. ( L e f t ) WC S H i g h School students assist children in Belle Glade. Community service is a key part of the WCS mission. (Below) WCS science students pose with the school’s logo showing its eagle mascot.

tight deadline is because most private school enrollment begins at the end of this month. “People are going to have to make a decision in the next three weeks for their school,” he said.

“If we don’t have a clear decision by then, families could miss out on other programs.” You can donate by visiting www.wellingtonchristian.org and clicking “Support WCS.” Those

wishing to make a large donation can contact the school office at (561) 793-1017. For more information about the fundraiser, or to help, e-mail Guthrie at lainiebrian@yahoo.com.

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January 10 - January 16, 2014

Gauger Earns Fourth Paul Harris Award

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Michael Gauger recently received his fourth Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow award. Gauger, who has been a member of the club since 1994, has volunteered countless hours to

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NEWS BRIEFS the community. Anyone who contributes $1,000 or more to the Annual Programs Fund or has that amount contributed in their name may become a Paul Harris Fellow. The Annual Programs Fund makes it possible for Rotary clubs to transform lives around the globe. The APF supports worldwide humanitarian, educational and cultural exchange programs. The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club meets Thursdays at 7:30 a.m.

(L-R) Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club President Selena Smith, honoree Michael Gauger and Foundation Chair Eric Gordon.

at Friendly’s on State Road 7. Visit www.rpbrotary.org for more info.

CAFCI To Honor MLK Jan. 20

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) and the Village of Royal Palm Beach will present the 12th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Monday, Jan. 20 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). This year’s celebration theme is “A Dedication to Our Youth.” The program will feature a wide variety of performances from local youth. On stage will be Tamyla Fisher, Biana Pinchuk, the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches, Soleil Rowe, Jade and Demi Master, Tehya Morris, Amanda Ng and more. A continental breakfast will be served from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m. The program will start promptly at 10 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. The MLK celebration is a great opportunity to reflect, participate and enjoy an inspiring morning with friends and family. For more information, call Elet Cyris at (561) 791-9087.

Wellington Cares Delivers Gift Cards To Needy

Wellington Cares, along with Kathy Foster, the nonprofit’s executive director, are proud to announce that they successfully delivered 140 $25 gift cards to needy senior citizens for the holidays. Foster and Wellington Cares’ volunteers reached out to local pastors and senior service organizations to identify needy seniors in Wellington, the western communities and throughout the Glades area. The gift cards were purchased with donations made to Wellington Cares from business partners and the community. Wellington Cares is a nonprofit organization that provides a means of empowering persons 65 years of age and older to be in control of their own lives by offering free short-term services, provided by volunteers, when a little extra help is needed to maintain their independence. For more about Wellington Cares, visit www.wellingtoncaresorg.com.

Jewish Center Lecture Jan. 29

The Wellington Jewish Center will host the next segment of its Jewish Perspectives public lecture series on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m. The event will focus on a uniquely Jewish perspective on the topic: “Is there a Jewish Satan?” There will also be a discussion on the role of angels and otherworldly spectrals. The Wellington Jewish Center is located at 13860 Wellington Trace. To RSVP, contact Rabbi Mendy Muskal at (561) 333-4663 or rabbim@bellsouth.net, or visit www.wellingtonjewishcenter.org.

Learn How To Not Waste Food

The Fourth Annual Growing Green Communities event hosted by Slow Food Glades to Coast will take place Saturday, Jan. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The focus of the event will be “$aving the 30%: Using the Food We Grow.” People are hungry and the United States throws away more than 30 percent of its food. “Food waste is a critical environmental and humanitarian

issue,” SFGC Education Director Scott Lewis said. “We hope that everyone attending will come away with some understanding of the scope of the problem and new ideas for taking action to reduce food waste.” Attendees will be able to choose between two tracks of workshops throughout the day with live demonstrations on topics including canning, dehydrating, composting, and shopping and storage tips. A panel discussion on “Avoiding Waste in Businesses” will cover practices in restaurants, markets and farms. Lunch will be provided and is sponsored by Whole Foods Market Wellington. Also, Disco Soup will show how food that would otherwise be wasted can be an edible and delicious soup. Other local groups and businesses related to food saving will also have booths providing information. The event will take place at the Pine Jog Environmental Education Center at 6301 Summit Blvd. Online tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12. Tickets are available now at www.slowfood gladestocoast.com. For more info., contact Lewis at (954) 801-7170 or scottlew@aol.com.

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NEWS

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WELLINGTON GARDEN CLUB RECEIVES CHECK FROM WHOLE FOODS MARKET

The Wellington Garden Club held its monthly meeting Monday, Jan. 6 at the Wellington Community Center. Whole Foods Market presented a check to be used for junior garden club programs. Jan Everett also gave a presentation on butterflies and what to plant in gardens to attract them. For more info., visit www.wellingtongardenclub.org. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

President Twig Morris with Camp Wekiva scholarship recipients Anna Louise Cavaleri, Amir Mohaideen, Wolfgang and Emily Oschmann, Noah Groves and Lynn Gunnels.

Jan Everett shows the life cycle of a butterfly.

Twig Morris and Tim Hadsell accept a check from Whole Foods Marketing Team Leader Lauren Belinsky.

Mary Drexler discusses plans for a “Sunset Social.”

Maureen Baxter, President Twig Morris and Mary Drexler recently became master gardeners.

Mary Ellen Chesnut gave Susan Hilson her Certified Flower Judge pin.

YOUNG AT HEART CLUB HOSTS MAGICAL LUNCH AT RPB CULTURAL CENTER

The Royal Palm Beach Young at Heart Club held its monthly luncheon Friday, Jan. 3 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Magician Dyke Stabler, provided magic tricks that left guests wondering. A delicious lunch was catered by Butterfields. For more about PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER the club, call (561) 790-5149.

Decorating committee members Roberta Hennessey, Maryann Robinson, Berit Hogan, Lenora Messina and Iris Levin.

Bella Wissing helps Dyke Stabler with a card trick.

Newly installed Secretary Phyllis Katz, Vice President Gloria Ferrara and President Margie Bonner with Mayor Matty Mattioli.

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Battle Sexes of the

Saturday, January 11, 2014 Gates open at 6:00 PM Three phases of thrilling competition to determine the winning team!

Speed Rounds:

Horse and rider must be the fastest, without bringing a rail down, to win a point for their team.

Match Races:

Men and women competing side-by-side over identical courses at the same time.

Six-Bar Competition:

Riders jump six fences set in a straight line, each subsequent fence is higher than the one before.

Don’t miss the Wonderama Band! They’ll be playing live and with a DJ during “Saturday Night Lights”, and then move on for post-competition dancing at The Gallery! Free General Admission. Parking $20 per carload. Valet Parking $30 per carload.

Will the undefeated women’s team retain their title?

It’s Women versus Men! Pink versus Blue! Support Your Team and Wear Your Colors! Main Grounds at PBIEC | 3400 Equestrian Club Drive, Wellington, FL 33414 | www.equestriansport.com | 561.793.JUMP (5867) EquestrianSportProdTCRD1_10.indd 1

12/31/13 3:44 PM

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

McLain And Lauren Ward To Chair Jump For Homesafe Event At PBIEC

HomeSafe recently announced that two-time Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward and his wife Lauren will co-chair Jump for HomeSafe, set for Saturday, Jan. 11 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington. Hannah Patten, an up-and-coming teenage equestrian, is the event’s junior chair. The family-friendly fundraiser takes place ringside in the Wellington Club tent during the Battle of the Sexes equestrian competition. Jump for HomeSafe provides attendees with exceptional indoor and outdoor viewing of equestrian competition, as well as cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and a silent auction. The event also offers younger attendees an assortment of kid-friendly activities. “We’re truly honored to have McLain and Lauren as the event’s co-chairs, and Hannah as the junior chair,” said Matthew Ladika, HomeSafe’s CEO. “Jump for HomeSafe is a unique event that demonstrates the equestrian community’s strong support of HomeSafe’s mission.” All proceeds from Jump for HomeSafe will benefit HomeSafe,

a nonprofit organization helping victims of child abuse and domestic violence. Each year, the charity serves more than 16,000 infants, children and families through comprehensive and results-driven intervention and prevention programs. “We’re so pleased to aid the efforts of HomeSafe,” Ward said. “As event co-chairs of Jump for HomeSafe, we’re securing the support of the equestrian community to help HomeSafe, an amazing charity helping an incredible number of infants, children and families. We’re looking forward to providing attendees with an exciting and memorable event, all to support a great cause.” “I’m proud to serve as junior co-chair of Jump for HomeSafe,” Patten added. “HomeSafe is a wonderful charity and deserving of the equestrian community’s support. I’m a big advocate of HomeSafe because I know it’s making a positive difference in so many people’s lives.” The event has compiled an impressive list of dedicated, well-respected community leaders to serve as event co-chairs, including

McLain and Lauren Ward Georgina Bloomberg, Paige Johnson and Clara Belden. To date, Jump for HomeSafe has raised almost $200,000 for HomeSafe. Sponsorships and tickets are available at www.helphomesafe. org or by calling (561) 383-9842. In existence since 1979, HomeSafe is a nationally accredited

nonprofit organization protecting Palm Beach County’s and South Florida’s most vulnerable residents — victims of child abuse and domestic violence. Through its results-driven approach, HomeSafe is a leading provider of comprehensive prevention and intervention services.

KidSanctuary Receives Special Christmas Visit From Nam Knights

The foster children at KidSanctuary Campus got an early Christmas surprise when more than 30 members of the Nam Knights visited their home right before the holiday. Each Nam Knights member raised money and donated gifts to fill the girls’ Christmas list. “For our children, Christmas is both a happy and sad time,” House Dad Gary Kitchings said. “Because the children are separated from their biological family and realize they may always be separated from them, this can be a very difficult time of year. This outpouring is beyond amazing.” Tony Schebel, president of the Nam Knights, said they pick a children’s charity each year, and this year they knew they wanted to help the area’s most vulnerable kids at KidSanctuary Campus. “The kids think they are getting the gifts, but the joy and happi-

ness we see on their faces today is a much bigger gift to us.” Each girl opened one gift, and the rest were put under the Christmas tree for Christmas morning. KidSanctuary Campus Inc. in Palm Beach County assists children who have been removed from their home because of neglect and abuse. With land donated by Palm Beach County, and a capital campaign currently in place, the five-acre residential facility broke ground with its first home on Oct. 5, 2011. The J.M. Rubin Foundation sponsored the first house, which was named the Rubin Cottage. Groundbreaking on the second home, Dodero Cottage, was in October 2013. That home is expected to be completed this spring. The capital campaign, led by attorney Edward M. Ricci, will continue to raise the necessary funds for the construction of two additional homes and an

January 10 - January 16, 2014

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MOSELEY, ANDREWS TO WED IN JUNE

Edward and Victoria Moseley of Royal Palm Beach recently announced the engagement of their daughter, Amanda Lauren Moseley, to Derek James Andrews, son of George and Patti Andrews of Boynton Beach. The couple graduated from Royal Palm Beach High School in 2008, where they were high school sweethearts. They then went on to the University of North Florida, where Amanda graduated with a bachelor’s degree in health administration and Derek with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. They currently reside in Jacksonville. Amanda works at the Mayo Clinic and is pursuing her master’s degree in business administration at Jacksonville University, and Derek is employed through Bank of America. The wedding will be held in St. Augustine on June 7.

NG AND SAEMMER VISIT P.W. HOSPITAL NURSES

Nam Knights Santa leaves presents at the KidSanctuary. enrichment center. Visit www.kid sanctuarycampus.org or call (561) 653-8274 for more information. The Nam Knights Motorcycle Club’s core mission is to honor the memory of American veterans

and police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, to assist veterans and police officers in need, and promote community awareness through participation in fundraising events.

Keely Saemmer and Amanda Ng visited Palms West Hospital on Christmas Day with Rainbow Loom bracelets representing Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to pass out to the nurses working on the holiday. “It’s nice to know that we are appreciated,” one nurse said. Shown here are (L-R) Keely Saemmer and Amanda Ng.

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January 10 - January 16, 2014

NEW HORIZONS COLLECTS ITEMS TO HELP NEEDY FAMILIES

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SCHOOL NEWS

Area Schools To Learn About Holocaust

Through the sponsorship of the Holocaust Learning and Education Fund Inc., K-12 Holocaust Studies is hosting Jan Malecha from Monday, Jan. 6 through Wednesday, Jan. 15. Malecha is an historian and highly experienced guide from the Buchenwald Concentration Camp Memorial in Weimar, Germany. Malecha is traveling to the U.S. as part of an educational interchange to speak in classrooms at the district’s high schools. The Holocaust Learning and Education Fund is an educational charitable organization founded

by Mr. and Mrs. Craig Weiner of South Florida. This organization is dedicated to the expansion and enhancement of Holocaust education programs with the goal of teaching young people greater tolerance and respect for others. The organization raises funds strictly for the purpose of providing Holocaust education. Malecha will be spending five months in Florida speaking in schools in Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, Broward and Orange counties. While in Palm Beach County, Malecha met with teachers on

Monday at an in-service program at the Fulton-Holland Educational Services Center, at which time he discussed the presentations he will be conducting with students. Some of the high schools Malecha will visit include Suncoast, Olympic Heights, Seminole Ridge, Wellington, Palm Beach Central, William T. Dwyer and West Boca high schools. For more information about the program, visit www.holocaust educationfund.com or contact Maureen Carter at maureen.carter @palmbeachschools.org or (561) 434-8933.

Jan Malecha

WHS Senior Among Poetry Prize Winners

The New Horizons Elementary School Student Council and Guidance Department recently sponsored a drive to collect new toys, books and sweatshirts. More than 350 items were collected and given to needy families in the area. Families were touched by the students’ generous acts of kindness. Pictured here are student council members, teacher sponsor Pat Klammer and parent helper Melanie Stepp with some of the donated items.

ROYAL PALM STUDENTS DONATE TO PLEASANT CITY ELEMENTARY

Miles Coon, director of the Palm Beach Poetry Festival, and Blaise Allen, the festival’s director of community outreach, recently announced the winners of the annual Palm Beach County High School Poetry Contest. This year’s prize poets are two seniors and a sophomore from the Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, a junior at the Riviera Beach Maritime Academy and a senior from Wellington High School. The first-place prize, winning two passes to the festival and $100, was awarded to Abigail Miller, a Dreyfoos senior, for her poem, “Crescent Moons.” The next four winners, who will each receive two festival

passes and $25, are: Kenneth Haliburton, a junior at the Riviera Beach Maritime Academy, for his poem, “Handbrake Turn;” Juliana Diatezua, a senior at Wellington High School, for her poem, “Ways to Disappear;” Tessa Bravata, a Dreyfoos senior, for her poem, “Rebel Gum;” and Tiffany Abreu, a Dreyfoos sophomore, for her poem, “Wisps.” Open to Palm Beach County public and private high school students, a pre-selection committee of Lorraine Stanchich-Brown and Adele Alexandre reviewed 366 entries, narrowing the list to 25 finalists, and the winner was chosen by Dr. Jeff Morgan of Lynn University. In addition to the festival pass-

es and cash prizes, the winning students will have their poems published on the festival’s web site (www.palmbeachpoetryfestival. org). The five winners will make an appearance on Monday, Jan. 20 at 4 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts. Finally, the Palm Beach Poetry Festival Annual High School Performance Poetry Project will host a special appearance Friday, Jan. 24 by award-winning poets Taylor Mali and Glenis Redmond, at both Spanish River and Wellington high schools. The 10th annual Palm Beach Poetry Festival will be held Jan. 20-25 at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts. The festival will once again feature more than a dozen

top poets at numerous ticketed public events. Tickets are now on sale to the public through the festival web site and at the Crest Theatre Box Office at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, located at 51 N. Swinton Avenue, or by calling (561) 243-7922, ext. 1. The Palm Beach Poetry Festival is sponsored by Morgan Stanley, the Windler Group of Morgan Stanley’s Atlanta Office; the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County Tourism Development Council and the Board of County Commissioners of Palm Beach County; The Palm Beach Post; WLRN 91.3FM; and Murder on the Beach, Delray Beach’s independent bookseller.

School District Offering New GED Programs

Royal Palm Beach teens Alex Ng, André Ferreira and Devin Wallace have once again made their annual toy drive to Pleasant City Elementary School. They made the first donation back in 2006 and enjoyed seeing the faces of many happy kids, and therefore continued their efforts to give to the less fortunate. As always, they bring their younger siblings and friends along so that the tradition will go on long after they go off to college in 2015. Pictured here are Alex Ng, André Ferreira, Sergio Fedele, Kiara Fedele, Gabriela Ferreira, Darien Wallace and Austin Wallace with students.

The School District of Palm Beach County is now offering several programs to help adult students take and pass the newly revised GED test. The new GED 2014 test has been overhauled to better prepare adults to earn a high school diploma, paving their way to enter higher education programs and access better jobs with better wages. Some of the new features students can use when they register for the GED 2014 test include: • A one-stop resource for test registration, test preparation and more. • Tools to develop personalized study plans and find study materials or in-person classes. •A skills assessment to help

test-takers match skills with possible careers and focus on career plans to get to better jobs with better wages. • Access to information and resources to help test-takers apply for college or training programs and fill out financial aid forms. • An official practice test that shows test-takers their strengths and where they need to improve, including specific pages to study in their training materials at home and online. The GED 2014 test is entirely computer-based with multiple choice, short answer and essay questions. It consists of four test modules: Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science and Social

Studies. Each test costs $32 and can be taken separately. The total cost for all four test modules is $128. The GED test is available in Spanish. Testing is now available. Although the test is computer-based, it is not done through the Internet. Students must take the test at an authorized testing center. The Department of Adult and Community Education (ACE) of the School District of Palm Beach County is the official GED testing center for Palm Beach County. Additionally, ACE offers GED classes to prepare students for the new GED test. GED classes are conveniently available online and on-site at more than 30 locations. Tuition fees cost $30 for each

semester for Florida residents and $120 for non-Florida residents. Students enrolled in GED or ESOL classes receive free Career Pathways counseling. The next semester of GED classes begins Monday, Jan. 13 and runs through to April 17. Class registration began Monday, Jan. 6. The GED test is the only high school equivalency program fully aligned to state college and career readiness standards. More than 18 million people have passed the GED test since its inception in 1942. Studies show that people with a high school credential earn $568,000 more in a lifetime than people without a high school credential.

Send school news items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.

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Page 15

SCHOOL NEWS

Western Academy Charter School To Launch STEAM Academy In August 2014

Western Academy Charter School in Royal Palm Beach, recently ranked in the top 20 percent of all schools in Florida, will launch a new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Academy in August 2014 as a special academy within the current middle school program. The STEAM Academy will begin with sixth grade and roll up each year into a full middle school program. When complete, the program will consist of two classes at each middle school grade level, for a total population of approximately 120 students. STEAM education prepares students in competencies and skills in the four disciplines of science, technology, engineering and math. The program brings the arts into these areas to foster the creativity, ingenuity, and innovation necessary for creating new jobs and industries in the future. “STEAM creates 21st century

learners, explorers and inventors,” explained Linda Terranova, principal of Western Academy Charter School. “Our STEAM Academy will take students who are interested in and excited about math, technology and science, and further develop their skills and talents.” The school’s high scores in math and science make the new academy a natural area for an expansion. Western Academy Charter School was designed as an innovative alternative to traditional public school education. It opened its doors on Sept. 2, 2003. Designated by the Florida Department of Education as a High Performing Charter School and a 5 Star School, it has been an “A” school since 2006. It is also “A+” rated by the Florida Consortium of Charter Schools. The school currently serves 385 students in kindergarten through eighth grade who reside in Wel-

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lington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee Groves, The Acreage, western Lake Worth and Lantana. The school’s mission is to equip all children with the skills necessary for success on both an educational and social level. It addresses the whole child through a multi-sensory approach to learning. The school’s program includes both the family and the community as essential participants in the education of children, with the goal of creating socially adept individuals with self confidence, self respect, compassion and respect for others and the community. Western Academy Charter School is located at 650 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Suite 300. For more information about the new academy and criteria for eligibility, call (561) 792-4123 or visit www. westernacademycharter.com. An open house event is scheduled for March 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the school.

WES CLUB RUNS THE HOLIDAY MILE

More than 50 members of the Wellington Elementary School Runner’s Club took part in the Wellington Holiday Mile race on Dec. 8. All the members of the club completed the mile-long run. The club meets every Monday and Friday at the PE field before school begins. The members try to run a mile each time. The club is run by Ms. Ronda Wayne, a kindergarten teacher at the school. Up next, the club will participate in the South Florida Fair Read, Run & Recycle Kids Mile Program on Jan. 18. Endorsed by the School District of Palm Beach County, participants are encouraged to read 15 minutes a day on topics such as nutrition and fitness. Club members will then run a mile through the South Florida Fairgrounds. The fair has partnered with the Southern Waste Systems and Adopt-A-Family to implement “Sneakers 4 Shelters” for this year’s recycling program component. The runners will bring gently used sneakers to the event. The goal is to collect 1,000 pairs of sneakers to be distributed to needy families in Palm Beach County.

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January 10 - January 16, 2014

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FEATURES

Before Fixing Our New House, We Have To Fix Previous ‘Repairs’ So, as I mentioned a few weeks ago, we bought a house. We hadn’t intended to buy anything else three days before a fairly expensive holiday, but a five-bedroom, three-bath home for $50,000 is hard to pass up. So, on Dec. 23, we signed the papers. For most people, getting the keys to a house is exciting. Unfortunately, we’d bought “fixer-uppers” before. We accepted our keys with a fearful smile and a prayer. The guy who had owned this home had obviously been watching too many of those remodeling shows — you know, the ones where they show 25 minutes of high-dollar commercials, 10 minutes of selecting finishes, five minutes of unexpected problems, 15 minutes of hired help whizzing through the actual work and five minutes of a huge payoff.

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER Our house looks like it’s going to be zero high-dollar commercials, five minutes of selecting whatever is on sale, 10 days of unexpected problems, no hired help and doubling our money somewhere down the road if we’re lucky. In the meantime, every available minute is spent simply making it worthy of a renter. Let me detail the “remodeling” we’re working feverishly to undo:

• Woodwork that has been painted white, brown, blue and tan (all in one room). • Kitchen cabinets that have been similarly painted and also antiqued (but only every other one). • A dishwasher that has been painted tan but not around the instructions (thoughtful). • One major appliance each in white, stainless steel, cream and the aforementioned tan (with a black microwave for good measure). • Walls that have been painted tan (except where the previous owner couldn’t reach). • And my personal favorite, an unfinished kitchen floor with smashed tiles glued down to look “just like flagstone” (which they most decidedly do not).

On the plus side, we got a complimentary barometer and 16 bottle caps by freeing them from between the window and screen where they had been trapped for years because the window latch had broken off. A screw and a few nails had been put in, you know, for security. The two kitchen windows are cute. They feature those six-over-six panes like all the English cottages have. You know what six-over-six really means? It means you’re going to need 48 strips of blue tape on them before you paint — times two. That’s 96. I took down the curtains in all the rooms before I did anything because the stench was unbelievable. If you’ve been smoking for 30 years, you really need to bury your face down inside this batch of curtains and take a deep breath. You’ll

never need another cigarette. You’re set for life. None of the toilets worked, so our remodeling genius tried to replace them. When he couldn’t get them unscrewed, he just bashed into the porcelain with a hammer. Nothing good comes of that, and we have the water stains to prove it. Ditto the showers. If Mr. Fix-It encountered a leaky faucet, what better way to discern the problem than to crawl into the adjoining linen closet and attack the problem from the backside? Hammers are fun! You guessed it: more water stains and a bathtub full of broken tiles to boot. That’s the downstairs. I’m afraid to go upstairs, but our renter is slated to move in Feb. 1. Do you hear that loudly ticking clock? I do.

DiCaprio Is Excellent In Scorsese’s Film ‘Wolf Of Wall Street’

Martin Scorsese’s new film The Wolf of Wall Street is a fun ride. Its motto is more or less “nothing succeeds like excess,” although in the end, the central characters have failed. While the plot is meandering, Scorsese provides enough chunks of entertainment to keep viewers engrossed throughout the film. Some reviewers called this film a “satire,” but that style usually means changing reality to mock reality. Here, events are so extreme that reality goes beyond satire. And that is the real problem of the movie; things were so wild that satire would fail. The story is based on the autobiography of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), a stockbroker who made a fortune in the 1980s. We first see him on his first day of work, meeting with Mark Hanna (Mat-

‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler thew McConaughey), a veteran trader, who explains that the only way to get through the stress of the job is cocaine and hookers. Belfort gets his broker’s license on the day the stock market crashed and was soon unemployed. His first wife encouraged him to stay in the business, and he wound up working for a penny stock broker in a real boiler-room type

of operation. He was so effective, using the skills he learned at the more upscale place, that he soon went into business for himself, picking up goofy Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill) as a partner. He upgraded the company’s image and soon was making enormous amounts of money, pouting that he only made $49 million one year, missing a million dollars a week by only a small amount. And great wealth brought all the distractions that had been previously discussed. We get to see dwarf-throwing contests (including a discussion by the top company execs that dwarfs were “built for that kind of thing” and could not be hurt) and hookers by the dozen. Belfort uses drugs and hookers and never holds back. Finally, he meets Naomi Lapaglia (Margot Robbie),

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an incredibly beautiful woman, and falls madly in love. He divorces his first wife (a very good Cristin Milioti) and marries Naomi, but still carries on like crazy. After a while, however, he becomes the target of the government. The second half of the film deals with his efforts to launder his money and avoid arrest. His pride, however, gets in the way, and, indulging himself as he had done for years, he engineers his own downfall. The cast is great. DiCaprio handles a role that should have been remarkably unsympathetic (regular drug abuse, cheating on two wives with hookers, ruining the lives of thousands of people who believed in him, betraying his own supporters) but manages to appear as a charming man/child, somehow rising

above all the dirty dealings. The film uses the device of his own narration of events, including talking to the audience while in the middle of scenes, and he becomes a more complete character. There is a lot of humor, and DiCaprio handles the comedy element as well. The rest of the cast is excellent. Robbie as his second wife is not only beautiful, but a fine actress. Although from Australia, she sports a fabulous Brooklyn accent and creates an interesting character, a really good foil for DiCaprio’s Jordan. Hill is over the top as the sidekick. My own opinion is that he portrayed such an ass that he weakened the movie; why would anyone with a brain in his head as well as secrets want a total ass as a partner? Rob Reiner See WECHSLER, page 18

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January 10 - January 16, 2014

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NEWS

Broadway Favorite And New Production Coming To Dolly Hand

Two great productions are visiting the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center in Belle Glade this month: Godspell and Flipside: The Patty Page Story. Prepare ye for Godspell, the beloved musical by Stephen Schwartz. Enjoy all the good gifts of one of the most enduring shows of all time in a new, inti-

mate, one-of-a-kind production. Raise your spirit with the Tonynominated score filled with the popular hits “Day By Day,” “Light of the World” and “Turn Back, O Man.” Godspell is a timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love that has touched the hearts of countless theatergoers all over the world. Stir your soul, raise your spirit

and sing along with Godspell at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Flipside: The Patti Page Story, winner of 18 National Awards at the Kennedy Center Honors, is a musical celebration of Page’s rise to stardom. The performance takes audiences on a well-conceived

journey to 1965 in a show featuring stunning costumes. Written from interviews with Page, Flipside: The Patti Page Story features 28 of the singer’s greatest hits, including “Tennessee Waltz,” “(How Much Is That) Doggie in the Window” and “Mockingbird Hill.” It will be presented at Dolly Hand on

Young Singers 5K Walk/Run Set For Feb. 1

The Young Singers of the Palm Beaches is proud to announce its inaugural Mary Murray Scholarship 5K Family Walk/Run. The

event will benefit the scholarship fund named for Mary Murray, a.k.a. Memaw. Who is Mary Murray? She is the

Mary Murray (a.k.a. Memaw) with her daughter Melanee Blankstein, a Young Singers staff member.

WEF

New Season Underway

continued from page 1 fered for hunters, and for every level of horse and rider, is just amazing,” Schatt said. The 12 weeks of the Global Dressage Festival are bigger than ever, offering seven CDIs along with the Nations Cup, Bellissimo said. Marcus said the Global Dressage Festival has been the answer to a void in world-class dressage facilities in the United States. “We didn’t really have a worldclass venue that compares with what has been done with the jumpers,” he said. “To have that now is a real asset in our preparation. Combined with the CDI schedule we have this year, it has been really exciting to have this venue, where we know we have the best footing in the world, the best stabling and real, world-class venues that make us able to do the best job we can.” Bellissimo also announced a new partnership with the worldfamous Jumping Chantilly in France. Chantilly hosts some of

the top shows in Europe, and with the new partnership, competitors of both WEF and Chantilly will have the opportunity to compete across the world. Bellissimo explained that the winner of the Jumping Chantilly Grand Prix class in France will be invited to compete at WEF in 2015. Meanwhile, the winner of the Artisan Farm Young Rider Grand Prix Series at WEF will be given a free wild-card entry to the Chantilly Jumping CSI 2* class in France. President of Jumping Chantilly Gérard Manzinali was on hand to discuss the partnership. “Wellington and Chantilly are considered the equestrian capitals of their respective countries,” he said. “It was natural for Mr. Bellissimo and I to create a partnership with our shows.” The Winter Equestrian Festival continues this year with its Saturday Night Lights competition, featuring family fun and top equestrian events under the lights in the International Arena. The series kicks off Saturday, Jan. 11 with the popular Battle of the Sexes at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.equestriansport.com.

Rodrigo Pessoa discusses showing at WEF as Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum looks on.

mother of a Young Singers staff member, Melanee Blankstein, and grandmother to three young men who have been members of or volunteers for the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches for more than seven years. Over the last few years, Murray came to Florida from her hometown of Shreveport, La., to attend Young Singers concerts and watch her grandsons perform. She was always so proud and impressed with all of the amazing singers. Additionally, Murray enjoyed lending a hand with preparations the week before a Young Singers’ concert and watching it all come together. Unfortunately, in December 2012, days after the YSPB Winter Tapestry concert, Murray suddenly fell ill and passed away. In struggling to find a way to make sense of the sudden loss of Memaw, her family decided to honor her memory by helping others — something Murray did on a daily basis. The Mary Murray Scholarship Fund was formed to help children who have an interest

in singing and a desire to train and perform with the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches but are unable to financially do so. Murray herself was a musician and knew how music could shape young lives. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to reach their goals with unconditional love and positive encouragement. Now, through this scholarship in her name, she will be able to touch even more children. The public is welcome to come out and join YSPB on Feb. 1 and run or walk to ensure that every child has a chance to experience Young Singers regardless of their financial situation, and to ensure that YSPB can continue their mission of changing lives through music. The 5K Walk/Run will take place at Okeeheelee Park. Online registration is now open at www. yspb.org/5K. All registrants receive a complimentary event day t-shirt, and a family registration discount is available. For more info., call the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches at (561) 659-2332.

Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m. The Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center is located at 1977 College Drive on Palm Beach State

Yard Sale

Supporting Dana Reeves

continued from page 1 muscle damage. But to have the procedure, she will have to travel to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, with the procedure being done in three stages three weeks apart. “The doctors think this could really help her,” Yorke said. But Reeves’ insurance company will not pay for any part of the costly procedure. Her family and friends hope to raise $25,000 to offset the cost of the procedure, as well as travel expenses. To do this, they are holding a yard sale fundraiser at Citrus Grove Park (8501 Avocado Blvd.) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25. “We’re trying to get donations of items from the community that we could sell to raise money,” Yorke said. “We also have a general fundraiser on our web site.” Yorke said she is also looking for volunteers to help on the day of the event, as well as those looking to come out and support Reeves by purchasing items in

College’s Belle Glade campus. For tickets, call the box office at (561) 993-1160 or visit www.dolly hand.org.

the yard sale. “Anything helps,” she said. Yorke, along with friends and family, will be at Citrus Grove Park to collect items on Saturday, Jan. 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. Anyone wishing to donate items can also bring them on the day of the sale before it opens. “We’re hoping people can bring items the morning of the sale,” Yorke said. “One of the challenges we are facing is running out of room to store everything beforehand.” Yorke said anyone who wishes to donate items can contact her online at www.hopefordana.com. Donations are also being accepted, and already the community has raised almost $9,000. Reeves said she was thankful for the support. “On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to thank everybody for their kind words and generous donations,” she said. “I have faith that because of all of you and others, we will reach the amount we need. Everybody’s kindness will allow me to get the procedure I need at Shands Hospital. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts.”

The Jan. 25 yard sale will benefit Dana Reeves, who needs expensive surgery in Gainesville.

Minto West

County Meeting

Gérard Manzinali of Jumping Chantilly and Mark Bellissimo of Equestrian Sport Productions celebrate their new partnership.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Golf Carts

Driving On Town Roads

continued from page 1 I’m going to have to get with the sheriff’s office on, if it’s just malicious mischief or what the case may be. We’ll monitor that and see what’s happening. Hopefully, it’s not as a result of the golf carts. I haven’t had anybody complain to me personally.” The council was split 3-2 in its approval of the ordinance, with Vice Mayor Ron Jarriel and Councilman Jim Rockett expressing concerns about safety. Rockett told the Town-Crier Wednesday that at the council’s next meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14, he intends to bring up concerns he has seen since the ordinance was implemented. Under the ordinance, operation is prohibited on Okeechobee and Southern boulevards and Folsom Road, which are not under the town’s jurisdiction, but provisions

will be made for carts to cross at designated areas. Also, Florida statutes require that signs be posted throughout the community noting that golf carts are permitted, with language informing the public of local rules that are not in the statutory guidelines for golf cart operation. The privilege is restricted to golf carts and does not include dune buggies or ATVs. Under state statutes, the ordinance only permits operation of golf carts on public roads designated by the town, and they must be with consideration to the vehicle speed limits, traffic volume and character of the vehicle traffic within the town. The number of riders is restricted to the number of seats in the golf cart. The council determined that its roads are already traveled on by agricultural vehicles, bicycle traffic and pedestrians, which historically has been done safely. It was also determined that under state-required standards for golf cart equipment, they were safer than most agricultural vehicles.

continued from page 3 chance to offer real feedback on the proposal,” Davis said. “There will be public information meetings probably larger than this one sometime in mid-April, and in early May, we will bring it back to the planning commission for their formal recommendation.” It will go back to the county commission in late May for an initial public hearing. “This is the one that automatically has to go to the state for review,” he said. The final hearing, and approval or denial by the county commission, is scheduled for August. “This is still very early,” Davis said, adding that the best way to track the project is on the county’s web site at www.pbcgov.com/pzb/ minto.htm. “We will update this

Wechsler

‘The Wolf Of Wall Street’

continued from page 16 as Belfort’s father was good as the moral center of the action. Jean Dujardin (star of The Actor) was wonderful as their crazy Swiss banker, who often dropped into French while talking with the partners. This is definitely a movie for adults. Do not bring the kids

methodically as we have more information.” Former Indian Trail Improvement District Supervisor Mike Erickson asked about Minto using a 5-mile radius to find examples of surrounding development, which would include not only The Acreage and Loxahatchee Groves, but portions of Royal Palm Beach, too. Palm Beach County Assistant Attorney Bob Banks said the statute is not clear on that. James Woods, who grew up in Palm Beach County and lives a half-mile east of the Minto property, and said his and many neighbors’ primary concern is the density. “I think Minto’s a quality builder,” Woods said. “I’m OK with the currently approved approximately 3,000 homes. I’m not OK with taking that any further. That was a recent increase. With the density comes the traffic and all the other problems.” along. There is extensive drug use of a variety of illegal products, and there are hordes of naked hookers. Nothing is left to the imagination. There seemed little point in the film aside from the idea “pride goes before a fall.” DiCaprio’s merry outlaws were vulnerable because they could worship only the money they made. The lack of a real point weakens the movie, but it still provides for a pleasant few hours. It is a good, not great, film.

The Town-Crier

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January 10 - January 16, 2014

Page 19

HEALTH & FITNESS SPOTLIGHT

Take It To The Next Level By Using Metabolic Training In 2014

By Lynette Laufenberg Special To The Town-Crier It’s 2014! Did you make it through the month of December without gaining weight? If you didn’t manage to skate through without a few extra pounds, consider the latest research on metabolic training. Proven to produce faster results for muscle gain and fat loss, this style of training is sure to get you on the right path to a fitter you in 2014. What is Metabolic Training? The short definition of metabolic training is completing structural and compound exercises with little rest in between exercises in an effort to maximize calorie burn and increase metabolic rate during and after the workout. Something known as EPOC (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption) will enable you to continue to burn additional calories long after you have com-

pleted your workout. Your metabolism (a.k.a., your metabolic rate) is how many calories your body burns at rest. Metabolic Training Uses Large Muscle Groups Structural and compound exercises are types of exercises that require the maximum amount of energy, because multiple joints are involved. An example would be a squat with a press. Sitting down and doing a biceps curl is the exact opposite of hard-core metabolic training. Metabolic Training is High Intensity Metabolic training is highintensity anaerobic exercise that makes you breathless. If you are completing a metabolic workout and you are not breathing hard and sweating, something is wrong. Ideally, you should be lifting as heavy as you can and resting as little as possible between sets.

Metabolic Training Makes You Feel the Burn A metabolic workout should help create a burning sensation in your muscles as you are working out. While the depth of the muscle stimulation from metabolic training is not as deep as a bodybuilding program where you hit one muscle the entire workout, it’s still significant. It’s not clear exactly what causes muscle burn (the old theory of lactic acid build-up has since been debunked). We do know that along with an increase in muscle burn comes a favorable hormonal response to help the body burn fat and/or build muscle. I’m a big believer in working muscles intensely and going for that muscle burn. Metabolic Training Benefits 1. Improved cardiovascular capacity — While metabolic training is not aerobic, like going for a jog, some studies have shown

anaerobic exercise such as HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) can cause an increase in maximal oxygen consumption beyond that experienced by exercisers following an aerobic program. 2. Improved hormonal profile — Several studies have shown that hormones that promote lipolysis (the technical term for fat loss), namely testosterone and HGH, increase as a result of high-intensity strength training. I don’t want to bore you with all the studies, but strength training in general has been shown to help improve hormonal profile, and metabolic training is debatably the best type of strength training to elicit the most powerful hormonal response. 3. Serious calorie burn — While calorie burn studies come to different conclusions as to the total calorie burn of metabolic training, it certainly burns a ton of calories. The calorie burn during a workout

is easily around 500 calories for a 30-minute workout, but it also increases metabolic rate from anywhere between 10 percent to 25 percent for up to 48 hours, with some studies showing an increase in metabolic rate for up to even 72 hours. This equates to hundreds of extra calories, which over the course of a few workouts can become significant. Intuitively, I think the “after burn effect,” as it’s called, makes sense, because you are shocking your body, creating an oxygen debt (i.e., excess postexercise oxygen consumption) and causing muscle damage (in a good way), which the body needs to repair to become fitter and stronger. This extra repair to get your body back to homeostasis requires a lot of extra energy. From my prac-

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Would your spa/salon like to become involved with our Indulge yourself contest? Call Publisher, Dawn Rivera (561) 793-7606 today! Contest Rules: You must be 18 years or older to participate. We choose the spa/salon. No one may win the contest more than once in 12 months. The decision of the selection committee is final. Employees of Wellington The Magazine, all affiliated companies and their family members are not eligible to enter. Accepting your Spa Experience package includes the agreement that we may use of your image, take photos of you at the spa and publish information about your Spa Experience in Wellington The Magazine.

tical experience, the metabolic effect of intense strength training is real and powerful. I think making your workout more metabolic is worth a try. Our BCx Boot Camp program follows this regimen specifically and does it all within a group setting with our highly qualified BCx trainers to guide you. If you need assistance in creating a metabolic workout program for you personally, speak with me or one of our certified personal trainers. Here’s to a fitter you in 2014! Lynette Laufenberg, a certified personal trainer, is program/ fitness director at Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do. Ultima is located at 12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 795-2823 or visit www. ultimafitness.com.

Page 20

January 10 - January 16, 2014

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The Town-Crier

NEWS

TAILWAGGERS HOSTS AKC AGILITY TRIALS DOG COMPETITION AT JIM BRANDON

Tailwaggers held an American Kennel Club agility trial from Saturday, Dec. 28 through Tuesday, Dec. 31 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. Agility is a sport where a dog and handler negotiate an obstacle course while racing against the clock. For more info., PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER visit www.tailwaggers.org.

Beau takes a practice jump with direction from owner Jo Bruner.

Bill Becker gets kisses from his rat terrier, Maggie.

Ali-oop, a papillon, waits to compete.

Hendrix does tricks for owner Heidi Suarez.

Flex gets a massage from pet massage therapist Ray Mashler.

Jiro, the malinois, does a curtsy for owner Tracy Hanna.

WELLINGTON CIRCUS CAMP STAGES EXCITING PERFORMANCE FOR FAMILIES

The Aerial Trapeze Academy held a circus performance for family and friends of the Wellington Circus Camp on Saturday, Jan. 4 at Village Park. Children had a one-week camp to learn the basics of performing on the single trapeze, hammock, silks and other equipment. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Valentina Villamil and Francesca Calamari on the single trapeze.

Laura Ealy watches while Shannon Branson, Madison Turner and Bianca Delgado do their routine.

Madison Turner and Augustina Villamil perform on the hammock.

The Town-Crier

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January 10 - January 16, 2014

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Page 22

January 10 - January 16, 2014

The Town-Crier

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The Perfect Match Polo and Brunch

Experience the energy of world-class polo and brunch at the International Polo Club. Delicious food, champagne, celebrity sightings, music, fashion and, of course, polo. Every Sunday at 3 p.m. through April 20 The Pavilion opens at 2 p.m.

Join us at The Pavilion for the after-party from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For ticket options, please visit InternationalPoloClub.com or call 561.204.5687.

3667 120th Avenue South Wellington, Florida 33414

Photography by LILA PHOTO

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Brandon Gager: A Third Generation Equine Dentist

For most of us, our teeth are in our mouths, but for Brandon Gager, you could say that teeth are in his blood. “I’m the third generation of equine dentist in my family,” he said. “We’ve been doing this as a profession since 1958, but it actually goes back much further than that.” Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25

January 10 - January 16, 2014

Page 23

Cheerleading Squad Third At Nationals

The Pop Warner Royal Palm Beach Wildcats Midget Cheer Squad represented the community at the 2013 Pop Warner National Cheer & Dance Championships at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Page 32

Shopping Spree A Town-Crier Publication

inside

Business

Nurse Patti Gilliano Puts Wellness Into Practice At LaVida Massage

Patti Gilliano has seen the traditional side of healthcare through nearly three decades as a nurse. In all those years, she has also maintained a keen appreciation for the holistic approach to wellness. Today, she puts both into practice as owner of LaVida Massage, where the focus is on wellness, as well as healing. Page 27

Sports

Area All-Stars Help Florida Top Georgia 28-21

Looking for the BEST CUSTOM JEWELER? Visit either of our modern workshops and showrooms and let our expert jewelers and designers create a beautiful piece especially for you.

• Realistic Prices • Very Quick Service • 80 Years Experience

William T. Dwyer High School was the host venue for this year’s Florida vs. Georgia Clash of the Scholar Athlete All-Star Game held Jan. 4. Florida defeated Georgia 2821 in a football thriller that went down to the final whistle. Several athletes from Royal Palm Beach and Palm Beach Central high schools were chosen to participate on Team Florida. Page 31

THIS WEEK’S index Tails from the Trails............................. 25 BUSINESS NEWS....................................26-27 COMMUNITY CALENDAR............................. 30 SPORTS & RECREATION.........................31-33 CLASSIFIEDS..........................................33-37

JEWELERS

Wellington Courtyard Shoppes

(Between Sam Jon’s and Kon Tiki)

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Page 24

January 10 - January 16, 2014

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welcome to tHe fti consulting winter equestrian festival held at the Main Grounds at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center

January 8 - March 30, 2014 Join Us Every Wednesday through Sunday to Experience Equestrian Sport at Its Best! Watch The Equestrian Action Visit WEF during the day from Wednesday through Sunday, take in the exciting scene of several thousand horses and riders competing in 12 arenas. Stroll the grounds at your leisure, grab a bite to eat and shop till you drop at our unique boutiques, art galleries, jewelers, high-end fashion and so much more.

Shopping Around the Show Grounds You are invited to shop in a variety of locations throughout the PBIEC, including the Vendor Village, Hunter Hill, and The Bridge Deck, the outdoor courtyard oasis filled with exquisite shops and boutiques offering fashion, jewelry, home design, fine art, photography, horseware and more. Visit a new Vendor area each week!

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A variety of Food Vendors are located throughout the property, including: Tito’s Tacos: Margaritas, Tacos, Burritos, Chips, Salsa Tiki Hut: Grilled Chicken, Variety Burgers, Grilled Fish, Salads Olis Fashion Cuisine: in the Vendor Village

Take a Lunch & Tour See the world-renowned equestrian competition, vendors, stables and various venues that Palm Beach International Equestrian Center has to offer, followed by a catered lunch with your group. Your tour will allow you to explore twelve of the competition rings, the stabling area where horses prepare for competition, and a stroll through Vendor Village. The tour will be both exciting and informative, and there is a good chance you will see some Olympic riders gearing up for competition! Equestrian Lunch & Tours are available by appointment Wednesday through Sunday during the WEF season. Main Grounds at PBIEC 3400 Equestrian Club Drive, Wellington, FL 33414 561.793.JUMP (5867)

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features

Page 25

Brandon Gager: A Third Generation Equine Dentist

For most of us, our teeth are in our mouths, but for Brandon Gager, you could say that teeth are in his blood. “I’m the third generation of equine dentists in my family,” Gager said. “We’ve been doing this as a profession since 1958, but it actually goes back much further than that in my family, to the turn of the last century.” Gager grew up in New Jersey and, early on, worked at Fox Chase Farm, a Thoroughbred breeding facility. His uncle Edmund worked on many horses in the area, and Gager apprenticed with him, going out on calls starting when he was 13. “Uncle Ed knew everything there was to know about equine dentistry,” Gager said. “He worked on many of famous horses, Kentucky Derby winners and Olympic horses. He even wrote a book used at veterinary colleges called Sound Mouth, Sound Horse: The Gager Method of Equine Dental Care.” About five years ago, Gager got a call from a friend who lived in Palm City who had snapped a tendon in his arm. “He asked if I could help him out while he had surgery and healed, since he couldn’t physically do the work,” Gager recalled. “I came down for what was supposed to be 10 months, only I never left, which didn’t make him too happy, but there are enough horses in

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 this area for everyone.” There was another big reason for Gager to stay. One day he was working on some fox hunters and met Andrea Stoll, now Andrea Gager. They married this past September and live on D Road in Loxahatchee Groves. Andrea runs Equus Oasis, where she boards retired show horses and hunters, and still hunts with the Palm Beach Hounds. In his career, Gager has worked with tens of thousands of horses. “The Gager Method is traditional hand floating,” he said. “It’s more natural, sedation free, and we don’t use power tools or a speculum to keep the horse’s mouth open. We use a lot of horsemanship, which is more comfortable for the horse. Floating teeth is a very physically demanding job. I’m 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, and I’m the smallest one in my family doing this. It’s hard work.” Floating teeth means using a small rasp to file down the sharp edges horses develop on their 24 molars as they chew. Gager said that 90 percent of his work is regularly floating teeth.

Brandon Gager uses traditional methods of equine dentistry. “Typically, I start working on horses when they turn two years old,” he explained. “That’s when I remove their wolf teeth, small premolars which many horses have, especially in their upper jaws. These teeth serve no real function and can become painful or inflamed by the bit. I can pop them out with-

out sedation, but it’s really hard if the horse hasn’t been handled a lot. It can get pretty wild. Most horse owners have the wolf teeth removed by a vet if the horse was a stallion. During the gelding operation, most vets go ahead and remove the wolf teeth as well while See ROSENBERG, page 33

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January 10 - January 16, 2014

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Business News

Resource Depot Celebrates Relocation To WPB Jan. 14

Resource Depot will host a RE-Location Celebration on Tuesday, Jan. 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the nonprofit’s new location on Florida Avenue in West Palm Beach. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. The event will connect Palm Beach County’s creative arts community, city officials and business leaders with the members, teachers, supporters and volunteers who are a daily part of life at this local nonprofit. Resource Depot’s recent move from Riviera Beach to their new their facility at 2510 Florida Avenue in West Palm Beach allows an expanded focus on reuse and repurposing for environmental, artistic and financial sustainability for the community. With over 8,000 square feet to house donated materials for reuse, Resource Depot will host creative workshops and exhibits of the artistic transformation of mundane items

into creations of beauty and function in the coming year. Visitors can also tour the exhibition gallery and Eco-Chic Boutique, both full of creative ideas of reuse and repurposing, in addition to purchasing a bin of reusable materials to take and “do try this at home.” “Resource Depot is not simply an outlet for ‘stuff,’ but a creative hub where people of all ages, interests and skill levels can gather to create, share inspiration and partake in a resourceful lifestyle in their own individual way. It is a place where the commonality is a love of art, education and the environment,” says Sue Kadenbach, Resource Depot’s board of directors representative from Florida Power & Light. “We are thrilled to finally realize our dream of sharing Resource Depot with the community in so many new ways.” Refreshments will be offered, as well as a gallery exhibition by EG2, “The Art

of Recycling,” and tours of the EcoChic Boutique, cREate Space and the Warehouse Wond3Rland. Resource Depot is a Palm Beach County nonprofit, founded in 1999, which promotes sustainable communities through creative reuse, giving new life through arts and educational programs to thousands of pounds of materials each year, which would otherwise be destined for landfills. Through the dedication of staff, volunteers, donors and members, in the last year alone, Resource Depot’s programs provided almost 750,000 kids in schools and families the opportunity to explore creatively through using reusable materials deferred from the waste stream to be used as learning resources. In keeping with its green marketing philosophy, Resource Depot encourages those interested to join the creative reuse movement online via their web site and social media

to share learning and inspiration. For more information, visit www.resourcedepot.net or call (561) 882-0090.

Women’s Chamber Seeks Giraffe Award Nominations

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2014 Giraffe Awards, presented by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County. The Giraffe Awards will be presented in March 2014 during Women’s History Month. The awards are given annually to honor extraordinary women from

Palm Beach County who have made a credible impact on the lives of others; women who have “Stuck Their Necks Out” selflessly and contributed to the business and social fabric of the community. March was officially designated as Women’s History Month by Congress in 1987. The Women’s Chamber will host a month-long cel-

ebration to recognize current Giraffe nominees and past honorees. Last year’s awardees were Author Minx Boren (Coach Minx Inc), Businesswoman Julie Reiser (Made in USA Certified) and Attorney Siobhan Helene Shea (Siobhan Helene Shea Appellate Practice). This year’s Giraffe Awards is the 19th annual event. Nominees will

be announced in February, and the luncheon celebration will be held at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion on March 26. The Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County is a leading women’s business organization promoting professional and leadership opportunities, business growth strategies, and legislative

awareness for its membership. Persons interested in nominating a Palm Beach County woman for this prestigious award should visit the Women’s Chamber web site at www.womenschamber.biz or call the chamber office at (561) 6844523 to obtain a nomination form. Nominations must be received by Wednesday, Jan. 22.

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Business News

January 10 - January 16, 2014

Page 27

Nurse Patti Gilliano Puts Wellness Into Practice At LaVida Massage

Patti Gilliano has seen the traditional side of healthcare through nearly three decades as a nurse. In all those years, she has also maintained a keen appreciation for the holistic approach to wellness. Today, she puts both into practice as owner of LaVida Massage, where the focus is on wellness, as well as healing. The philosophy of preventive care and wellness is something she has incorporated in her own life, even while attending nursing school. “I’ve always believed that a healthy lifestyle can prevent serious health complications, and a focus on wellness is better than relying on medicines and surgeries,” she said. Gilliano began her work in this area by teaching aerobics and doing personal training. “At some of the hospitals where I worked, I started wellness programs so the hospitals could take care of their employees. I started an aerobics program at North Penn Hospital in Landsdale, Penn,” she recalled. “At the time, I had gotten massages, using them more for healing. But massage is not just a treat. It can be very therapeutic,

especially when you incorporate it into your regular routine.” Gilliano, a Wellington resident, always has practiced preventive care as a part of her personal lifestyle. “A one point, I had a herniated disc in my back. Because of all my years working in the operating room, I knew I didn’t want to have back surgery if I could avoid it. I found holistic methods of healing, including chiropractic care and massage,” she said. Gilliano saw another benefit of natural methods of healing after her third son developed allergies as a toddler. While doctors prescribed medicine to stop his vomiting, getting him healthy was accomplished only through a diet of natural meats and vegetables. Gilliano believes in starting a healthy lifestyle from childhood, including good nutrition, exercise and stress relief. “I worked extensively with children at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia. Kids don’t get unhealthy as adults. It starts early on,” she said. “Taking care of yourself also works to prevent injuries, especially if you

have a child who plays sports.” While massage plays a part in injury prevention for the young athlete, Gilliano also has seen its benefits for special-needs children. “For some kids with autism or Tourette’s, when you incorporate these practices, it helps them to feel calm,” she said. “Massage does have its place as part of an overall care plan.” Upon moving to Florida, Gilliano worked at Palms West Hospital for three years, followed by five years at St. Mary’s Medical Center as administrative director of surgical services. Opening LaVida Massage in 2013 fulfills her lifelong dream of helping people focus on wellness. This year, Gilliano plans to begin offering regular seminars on other aspects of wellness. Topics will include nutritional counseling, pain management and stress relief. The first seminar will take place Thursday, Jan. 30 and will cover massage’s role in digestion and weight loss. For more information about the wellness seminars or LaVida Massage, call Gilliano at (561) 790-7755.

Patti Gilliano of LaVida Massage in Royal Palm Beach.

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January 10 - January 16, 2014

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January 10 - January 16, 2014

Saturday, Jan. 11 • The Audubon Society of the Everglades will hold a Birding Workshop at Pine Jog Environmental Center (6301 Summit Blvd.) on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit www.audubon everglades.org for more info. • The Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service will offer a Free Vegetable Growing Workshop on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mounts Botanical Garden (559 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach). To register, contact Melissa Allman at mallman@pbcgov.org. • The Wellington Green Market will take place Saturday, Jan. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex. Call (561) 2835856 for more info. • The Solid Waste Authority will host a Green Team Volunteer Orientation Session on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. at the Solid Waste Authority’s administration building (7501 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach). Volunteers help educate residents about waste prevention and recycling programs. Call Linda Moreno at (561) 697-2700, ext. 4717 for more info. • Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host Coffee Basics: A Journey of Great Taste on Saturday Jan. 11 at 11 a.m. Participants will get to taste different coffees from around the world. There is no charge. Call (561) 904-4000 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will offer Froggy Fun for ages 2 to 6 on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 11 a.m. Leap into a good time with stories and crafts. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) will host an Owl Pellet Dissection for age 8 and up Saturday, Jan. 11 at 1 p.m. Meet the nature center’s live owls, learn what an owl pellet is, dissect one and learn about what owls eat. For more info., call (561) 233-1400. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Lego Builders Club on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. for ages 6 to 12. Meet fellow builders and work on creative projects. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host Kiss Alive, a Kiss tribute concert, on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Call (561) 753-2484 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info. Sunday, Jan. 12 • The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority will host the Supercars Supershow on Sunday, Jan. 12 on Clematis Street and Flagler Drive from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call (561) 833-8873 for more info. • The Royal Palm Beach Green Market & Bazaar will take place Sunday, Jan. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park (11600 Poinciana Blvd.). For more info., visit www.rpbgreenmarket.com. • The Acreage Green Market will take place Sunday, Jan. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Acreage Community Park (6701 140th Ave. North). Buy

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community calendar

locally grown produce, organic goods and locally made crafts. For more info., visit www.shopgreen markets.com or call (561) 929-0237. • The International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington) will continue its 2014 season Sunday, Jan. 12 with Joe Barry Memorial Cup action. For tickets, visit www.internationalpoloclub.com or call (561) 204-5687. • Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host Pint-Sized Personal Pizzas for ages 6 to 14 on Sunday, Jan. 12 at 1 p.m. Little ones learn how to roll their own dough and pick out their favorite healthy toppings. The cost is $25 per child. Register at www.cooking experienceclub.org. Monday, Jan. 13 • The Wounded Warrior Golf Tournament will take place Monday, Jan. 13 at the Madison Green Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach. Contact Marc Oliveri at ltcoliveri@aol.com or (561) 753-7565 for more info. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Lego Building Crew for ages 7 to 11 on Monday, Jan. 13 at 3:30 p.m. Play with Legos and make your own creation. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host an Art Club Meeting for age 8 and up Monday, Jan. 13 at 4 p.m. Dress to get messy. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. Tuesday, Jan. 14 • The Palm Beach County Commission will meet Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 9:30 a.m. in the government center’s Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers (301 N. Olive Ave., Sixth Floor, West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www.pbcgov. com. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Groundbreaking Reads: Adult Book Discussion Series on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. Barbara Harnick will discuss Last Chance Book Club by Hope Ramsay. Sign up and check out the book. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Pizza Chat for ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 5:30 p.m. Bring what you’re reading, a book, comic, short story, fan fiction or manga to discuss with the group. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will offer Pokémon League for ages 6 to 12 on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 6 p.m. Bring your DS or Pokémon cards and get ready to battle, trade and make new friends. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host Perfectly Portable: A Lunch in a Jar for Busy Families on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Learn how to layer a healthy salad in a jar. The cost is $5 per person. Call (561) 904-4000 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will offer the Groundbreaking Reads: Adult Book Discussion Series on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 6:30

p.m. Sara Harris will discuss Another Piece of My Heart by Jane Green. Sign up and check out the book. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. Wednesday, Jan. 15 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Gamerz Nite for ages 12 to 17 on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 5:30 p.m. Join a game of Yu-Gi-Oh!, play Smash Bros. or other Wii games, or try a new board game. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Safety Council of Palm Beach County will host a Basic Driver Improvement Course on Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Wellington High School (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.) Visit www.safetycouncilpbc.org for more info. • The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce will host a Networking Mixer on Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at World of Beer (2465 State Road 7, Wellington). For more info., call Tony Zapata at (561) 5784820 or e-mail tony@cpbchamber.com. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Groundbreaking Reads: Adult Book Discussion Series for adults Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. Staff will discuss While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax. Sign up and check out the book. Call (561) 681-4100 for more info. • Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host a Healthy Road Map Cooking Class on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m. There is no charge. Call (561) 904-4000 to pre-register. • Shulamit Hadassah will host God, Israel and the Heart: A Tu B’Shevat Seder on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. at PBCFR Station 30 (9910 Stribling Way, Wellington). Light refreshments will be served. There is a $5 donation for members, $10 for non-members. RSVP to Lorna at (561) 689-4137 or e-mail ldubinsky2@aol.com. • The Kravis Center for the Performance Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will host Chris Botti on Wednesday Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. With his uniquely expressive sound and soaring musical imagination, Botti has become the world’s top-selling jazz instrumentalist. (561) 832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org for more info. Thursday, Jan. 16 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Nursery Rhyme Time for ages 4 to 7 on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 3 p.m. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • Wellington’s Food Truck Invasion will take place Thursday, Jan. 16 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 753-2484 or visit www. wellingtonfl.gov for more info. • The Safety Council of Palm Beach County will offer a Motorcycle Rider Course on Thursday, Jan 16 from 6 to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 18 and 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wellington High School (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.). The course is required for motor-

The Town-Crier cycle endorsement. For more info., visit www. safetycouncilpbc.org. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will offer Pajama Tales for ages 2 to 6 on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. Wear your jammies and bring your teddy bear to wind down for the evening with bedtime stories on the theme of foxes. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host a Get Saucy Cooking Class on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. The recipes will add life to salads, wraps and veggies with their creamy textures and depth of flavor. The cost is $35 per person. Register at www. cookingexperienceclub.org. • The Oxbridge Academy (3151 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will hold a free seminar for families preparing for the college application process Monday, Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Call (561) 972-9600 for more info. • Long Island-based folk-rock harmony trio Gathering Time will return to the Wellington Amphitheater on Thursday, Jan. 16 for a 7 p.m. concert. For more on Gathering Time, visit www. gathering-time.com. • The Kravis Center for the Performance Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will host the Indigo Girls with Orchestra on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. For the first time ever, the Indigo Girls have embarked on a national symphony tour. Call (561) 832-7469 or visit www. kravis.org for more info. Friday, Jan. 17 • The 2014 South Florida Fair will take place Jan. 17 through Feb. 2. For more info., visit www. southfloridafair.com or call (561) 793-0333. • The Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will feature Arbor Day Tree Treks on Friday, Jan. 17 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Enjoy a guided tour of Mounts Botanical Garden’s most magnificent trees on Florida’s Arbor Day. The event is free for members and $5 for non-members. Call (561) 233-1757 or visit mounts.org for more info. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host the Cool Creative Kids Club on Fridays, Jan. 17 and 31 at 3:30 p.m. Experience an afternoon of creativity using a variety of art materials and techniques. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The 11th annual JustWorld International Gala will take place at Belle Herbe Farm in Grand Prix Village on Friday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. For more info., visit www.justworldinternational.org. • The Kravis Center for the Performance Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will host Engelbert Humperdinck on Friday, Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. For more than five decades, Humperdinck has been a legend in the international music industry. Call (561) 832-7469 or visit www. kravis.org for more info. Send calendar 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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Sports & Recreation

January 10 - January 16, 2014

Page 31

Area All-Star Athletes Help Florida Top Georgia 28-21

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report William T. Dwyer High School was the host venue for this year’s Florida vs. Georgia Clash of the Scholar Athlete All-Star Game held Saturday, Jan. 4. Team Florida defeated Georgia 28-21 in a football thriller that went down to the final whistle. This marks the second year of the contest between the two states. Florida won last year’s game 29-7. Several senior athletes from Royal Palm Beach and Palm Beach Central high schools were chosen to participate on Team Florida. Both teams closed out the first quarter tied 7-7. It was Georgia that would take the lead 14-7 early in the second quarter, but Team Florida clawed back to tie the game 14-14 with four minutes to play in the first half when Palm Beach Central senior running back Jhnard Dorestt crossed the goal line from one yard out. Florida later recovered a Georgia fumble, but could not convert the turnover into points, and the half ended 14-14. Georgia regained the lead on a 21yard touchdown pass, and settled in on a 21-14 advantage five minutes into the second half. Florida tied the game again on a 40-yard touchdown pass to close the third quarter 21-21. Minutes into the fourth quarter, Florida was forced to punt. On Georgia’s first play, Royal Palm Beach senior defensive back Jimmy Moreland produced the pivotal play of the game when he leaped over the Georgia receiver to intercept the pass on the Florida sideline. “We were in man-to-man coverage and, when I heard everybody say ‘ball,’ I just went for it,” he said. The interception gave Florida possession on the Georgia 49 yard line. Three plays later, Florida converted the turnover into the go-ahead touchdown on an 8-yard run. Florida was able to hold off a late Georgia rally by creating two more interceptions, winning its second consecutive all-star game against Team Georgia 28-21. The game was intense in the trenches, boasting some of the most talented linemen in the Southeast. “Georgia brought some big linemen down, but we’re used to seeing big linemen here, so we were prepared,” said Kyle Thies, a Royal Palm Beach senior lineman. “I knew this was my very last high school game, so I was going to go out there and play as hard as I can,” added Royal Palm Beach lineman Junior Pierre. Local players made impact plays contributing to Team Florida’s victory. Dorsett’s touchdown run and Moreland’s key interception changed the momentum of the game. This unique contest gave the

seniors one more opportunity to showcase their abilities on the field, in hopes for drawing attention from college coaches from around the country. Area athletes that participated in the game were Jimmy Moreland,

Kyle Thies, Josh Wilson, Junior Pierre and Anthony James from Royal Palm Beach High School, and Jhnard Dorsett, Rudolph St. Germain, Trinton Hanson, Joe Guthrie and Alex Coren from Palm Beach Central High School.

PBCHS running back Jhnard Dorsett runs for a big gain.

Royal Palm Beach defensive back Jimmy Moreland makes a tackle on the Team Georgia running back.

RPBHS lineman Junior Pierre blocks a Georgia pass rusher.

RPBHS defensive lineman Josh Wilson keeps pressure on Georgia.

Palm Beach Central defensive back Trinton Hanson makes a big hit on the Georgia ball carrier. Photos by Gene Nardi/Town-Crier

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January 10 - January 16, 2014

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sports & recreation

Royal Palm Cheerleading Squad Takes Third At Nationals

The Pop Warner Royal Palm Beach Wildcats Midget Cheer Squad represented the community at the 2013 Pop Warner National Cheer & Dance Championships at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, competing for the title Friday, Dec. 13. The squad earned third place in the nation in their division. The local cheerleaders were also one of the three squads recognized out of more than 50 squads for the Best Spirit Award. On top of that, the Wildcats were the only squad chosen to be in a fashion show that session for the Team Cheer Company, which

supplies many associations with their uniforms. It was a great honor for the girls, who practiced for months in order to achieve the goal. They won first place at both the local and the regional competitions, including being named grand champions at the local level. The Wildcats scored higher than more than 30 other teams to qualify for the national championships. Some team members have been working toward a national title for years. There are 21 girls on the squad ranging from 12 to 15 years old. Squad members include: Paola Aguilera, Kaeli Besseries, Kara Bishop,

The Pop Warner Royal Palm Beach Wildcats Midget Cheer Squad with the trophy they won last month in Orlando.

Maria Castro, Brooke Champagne, Mia Fusca, Cassidy Gard, Skylar Gray, Juliana Gutierrez, Kaitlyn Hartigan, Derricka Johnson, Cayleigh Pino, Chloe Pino, Lizzi Quinn, Carlee Ramos, Savannah Reynolds, Darian Schwarz, Jensen Sleek, Ashley-Ann Thompson, Karly Tillman and Stefani Vassalotti.

each

Men’s Business Shirts Laundered,Pressed & On Hangers With a Minimum of $10 of Dry Cleaning

Must present coupon with incoming order. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 12/31/13 *Envi Fee

2

The Okeeheelee Indians 12U baseball team stepped up to the plate on Christmas Eve and delivered a home run in the form of Christmas presents to the pediatric ward at Palms West Hospital. The Indians filled up two large wagons of gifts and merrily visited children in the hospital on Christmas Eve. “Playing baseball is just a small part of the big picture, and doing things like this helps the boys understand how fortunate they are,” team manager Dave Epstein said. “Hopefully, we helped a few children have a better holiday season.” The Indians are headed to Cooperstown, N.Y., this June for the trip of a lifetime. Fundraising is currently underway, and the team will be hosting a golf tournament and silent auction to raise the money needed to get the team to New York. The outing will

$ 99 each

*

Pants / Slacks (Some Restrictions Apply)

Must present coupon with incoming order. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 12/31/13 *Envi Fee

561-798-2228

12020 S. Shore Blvd. #400 • Wellington, FL 33414 (Located in the Shoppes of Chancellor next to CR Chicks)

Mon-Fri 8am - 7pm • Sat: 9am - 3pm

Pop Warner Little Scholars is the only youth sports organization in the United States that requires its participants to maintain academic standards in order to be eligible for participation. Pop Warner strives to work with school systems around the country to prepare children for the guidelines that lie ahead of them.

Baseballers Deliver Gifts To Kids At PWH

All Equestrian Gear • Leather & Suede • Tailoring & Alterations Comforters & Linens • Wedding Gown Preservation • Draperies • Cocktail & Formal Gowns *

The squad is led by coaches Jessi Sleek and Wendy Gard. The Royal Palm Beach Wildcats Football & Cheerleading Association have been a part of the community for seven years, and this is the first time that any of the cheerleading squads have advanced to the national level.

take place Sunday, Feb. 9 at Palm Beach National Golf Club. The cost is $100 per player or $400 per

foursome. Contact Judy Nichols at (561) 215-4311 or at jnichols415@ bellsouth.net to sign up or donate.

(L-R) Carter Gustafson, Justin Epstein, Jonathan Amonica, Zach Epstein, Stephen Passaggiatta, Cameron Faurot, Vincent Ramil, Griffin Lampton and Charlie Nichols.

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John Prince Golf Center Named A Top 50 Range

For the second year in a row, the John Prince Golf Learning Center has been selected by the Golf Range Association of America as a Top 50 Range in the standalone category. Winners in each golf category will appear in the January 2014 issue of Golf Range Magazine as well as at www.golfrange.org. John Prince Golf Learning Center was selected for its wide range of amenities, such as grass and mat tee areas, 3-hole practice course, short game practice area, well-marked and measured targets, full golf shop and covered hitting areas. In 2013, the learning center increased the size of the driving range tee by 25 percent and added a greenside bunker in the short game area. Another important aspect of the award is the wide variety of programming available at John Prince Golf Learning Center, such as adult education classes, the Get Golf Ready initiative and several junior programs, such as Little Linkers, the Junior League and Start Smart. All of the John Prince instructors

sports & recreation

have received numerous section and national instructional awards. Events held at various times of the year were also instrumental in the Top 50 selection. Some of the events include the One Club Championship, the PBC Putting Championship, Demo Days, Glow Golf, Patriot Golf Day, the spring scavenger hunt and parent-child events. Another area that sets the facility apart is its Audubon International Certification, which all Palm Beach County-owned courses have achieved. This reinforces the county’s commitment to keeping the environmental impact of its golf facilities to a minimum, and to improve and maintain the health and abundance of native plants, wildlife and connecting water bodies. The John Prince Golf Learning Center is operated by the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department and is located at 4754 S. Congress Avenue in Lake Worth. For additional information, visit www.pbcgov.com/golf.

PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

Rosenberg

Brandon Gager

continued from page 25 the horse is out, which makes things a lot easier.” Gager recommends that horses age 2 through age 5 be seen by an equine dentist twice a year, as this is the time when horses shed their baby caps. After age 5, they have all of their adult teeth and should be checked once each year. Problems in the mouth may result in problems under saddle. “A horse who is always throwing his head or strongly objecting to the bit may have a bad tooth,” Gager said. “Many head problems and even bucking can be a horse trying to tell you he has a toothache. A horse who is not chewing well, called quitting, is another sign of dental problems.” Interestingly, Gager has noticed a similarity between horses’ teeth and their hooves. He said horses with softer teeth tend to have softer hooves, while horses with harder teeth have harder hooves. “Thoroughbreds, as a breed, often have softer teeth and hooves, so they’re easier to float. Quarter Horses and Arabians often have tougher teeth and hooves. Warmbloods are

January 10 - January 16, 2014

usually easy to do because they’re handled so much. Tennessee Walkers are my favorites because they’re so sweet, like big Labradors. They just want to please people. Spotted breeds, like Appaloosas or blue-eyed Paints, can be tough. They see things differently and can be obstinate. You’ve got to be on top of your game, doing them. Drafts and draft crosses are sweet and easy.” Brad Gaver, owner of Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue, has used Gager for several years. “He has helped us out with all sorts of horses,” Gaver said. “I like that he doesn’t use any drugs. The horses react well to him. I’ve recommended him to other horse owners. He and his wife are good people.” Jan Magee, owner of High Point Stables, agreed.

Page 33

“I’ve used Brandon for about four or five years, for both my clients’ and my own personal horses,” Magee said. “He is very gentle and knowledgeable. I like that he takes time to explain what he’s doing and how it’ll help. One time we had a horse who somehow got a broken jaw and couldn’t eat. Brandon came right out and did him, and almost immediately the horse was able to chew again. He healed up fine.” Gager is proud of his traditional methods of equine dentistry. “I do teeth the old-fashioned way,” he said. “It’s a traditional method, which works well for me, for the horses, their owners and their pocketbooks. It’s not fancy; it just works.” For more information, call Gager at (609) 207-8070.

Brandon Gager works with a client.

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

New Location! New Showroom!

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE!

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

WE DO NOT SELL CHEAP FLOORING CHEAPER

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

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

Page 34 January 10 - January 16, 2014

PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

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WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

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

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January 10 - January 16, 2014 Page 35

HERE’S MY CARD

Don’t Fret...

Call Hi-Tech Plumbing Residential & Commercial

Lic & Insured CFC057392

561.203.6205

hitechplumbingservices.com

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ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE CALL THE TOWN-CRIER 561-793-7606 FOR INFORMATION

Page 36

January 10 - January 16, 2014

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HERE’S MY CARD

Dr. Richard Sabates, C.M.E. - CLS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

P: 561.204.5858 F: 561.204.5877

www.eclipsesalonwellington.com Lawn Maintenance • Landscape Design • Stump Removal

3975 ISLES VIEW DRIVE • WELLINGTON, FL 33414

FREE ESTIMATES

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

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

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

DRIVEWAY REPAIR D R I V E W AY S — F r e e e s t i m a t e s A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. L i c.& In s. 1 0 0 0 4 5 0 6 2 5 61-667-7716

HANDYMAN 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 repair, door installation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets/countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 791-9900 or 628-9215

HOME IMPROVEMENTS ANMAR CO.—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC1327426 561-248-8528

HURRICANE SHUTTERS 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

PAINTING

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PRESSURE CLEANING

FOR RENT - GREENACRES ROOMMATE TO SHARE — 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment - Purdy & Jog Road. $550 per month. Lookingfor under 35 years old. 954-296-3748

ROOFING MINOR ROOF REPAIRS Don Hartmann R oofing — R o o f p a i n t ing, 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 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC-0067207

COSTA RICA RENTALS ENCHANTMENT OF COSTA RICA — is less than 3 hours away. Home, Villa’s & Condo Rentals in Popular beachside area’s. f o r i n f o v i s i t w w w. b a h i a c u l e b r a . c o m email:info@bahiaculebra.com . Local agent number 561.628.7177

FOR SALE FINE CHINA & SILVERWARE WITH CHEST — Service for 12. Really beautiful. Best offer 561-790-5653

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

SHUTTERS/PANELS ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777

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

TAX PREPARATION E X P E R I E N C E D TA X P R E PA R ER— with expertise with individuals and small businesses . Hack and Tax Accounting Services LLC. 561-214-6171

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

PLUMBING

HOUSE FOR SALE - WEST PALM BEACH HOUSE FOR SALE BREAKERS WEST — 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 3 car garage. Pool. Gated upscale - Golf Country Club. Available $895,000 by owner. 561-795-0533

SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600

JOHN 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

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

PRIVATE FURNISHED ROOM & BATH — with private outside entry & small kitchen area, gated community, utilities included. No smoker, No pets. 1st month, & 1 month security moves you in. 1 person only. $650 per month. Call 561-790-2326

FOR SALE

SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980. Quality you expect, service you deserve. Lic. bonded & Ins. U21006 561-662-9258

TRIPLE QUALITY PAINTING, INC. — The finest materials, service & price. Painting Exterior & Interior, Pressure Cleaning, Roof, & Patios, Roof Cleaning, Wood Repair & Faux Finishes Lic. # U21140 7 5 4 - 2 4 5 - 0 8 5 9 o r 5 6 1 - 5 5 7 - 3 11 3

WELLINGTON

SECURITY

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit ourwebsite at www. jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

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

REAL ESTATE

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painti n g c o n t r a c t o r. L i c . # U 2 1 5 5 2 C a l l Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www. jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com D R I V E W AY C L E A N I N G — S t a r t i n g at$59. $50 Off House Exterior Wash, Free Sidewalk Cleaning (up to 50 Ft.) with roof cleaning.Pressure Pros of Palm Beach, Inc. 561-718-9851 Lic. & Insured.

TILE / CERAMICS

TREE SERVICE

WALLPAPERING PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Installation,Removal. Repair of Paper. Neat, Clean & Reliable. Quality work with a woman’s touch. 30 years experience. No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS

GET RESULTS CALL 561-793-7606 TODAY

J January 10 - January 16, 2014 Page 37

GARAGE SALE WELLINGTON SATURDAY, JANUARY 18th 8 a.m. - 12 Noon — 1907 Tulip Lane. Near Wellington High School. TV’s, Kitchen Items, Furniture, Appliances, Clothing, Misc. Items, Glassware. Too many items to list.

EMPLOYMENT BOOKKEEPER NEEDED — part-time, experienced in QuickBooks, flexible hours. Please fax resume to 561-791-0952 HUNINGTON LEARNING CENTER IN WELLINGTON — Now hiring certified teachers.$10-$15/hour. Call 561-594-1920 E-mail: MarleneGiraud@hlcwellington.com WELLINGTON TOWNCAR DRIVERS & DISPATCHERS — retirees welcome. Call 561-333-0181. Full-Time Part-Time. DRIVERS: $5,000 Sign-On Bonus! — Great pay! Consistent Freight, Great Miles on this Regional Account. Werner Enterprises: 1-855-517-2488

OFFICE SPACE

PT/FT SALES HELP WANTED — For local flooring store expanding. Sales experience a plus. Will train the right person. 561-333-2306 buyithere7@gmail.com

LAW OFFICE TO SHARE: — Royal Palm/ Wellington. Two furnished executive offices plus two secretarial work stations, use of conference room, reception, kitchen. Utilities included. $1,450 month. 561-793-1200, ext. 1 or 561-386-7307

CARPENTER NEEDED— for residential remodeling.Experienced in all remodeling phases- must have tools, truck and Florida Drivers License.Must pass background check Email resume to: Kevin@Rhodesremodeling.com

Page 38

January 10 - January 16, 2014

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