Town-Crier Newspaper January 6, 2012

WEPA ON ‘EQUESTRIAN VILLAGE’ PROJECT SEE OPINION COLUMN, PAGE 4

ABRUZZO HAS BIG PLANS FOR SESSION SEE STORY, PAGE 7

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

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INSIDE Community Center Project Highlights Wellington Plans

Volume 33, Number 1 January 6 - January 12, 2012

MEET THE HOLIDAY SMILE WINNER

Wellington residents can look forward to the completion of the Town Center project in 2012, as well as the beginnings of other projects, additional road improvements and reinvestment in the community. Page 3

Busy Lox Groves Year Ahead Starts With Joint Meeting Jan. 14

As 2012 begins, leaders in the Town of Loxahatchee Groves look forward to the arrival of Palm Beach State College, the long-planned paving of some roads and the beginning of projects that were on hold until the town’s comprehensive plan issues were resolved last year. Page 3 Dr. Farokh Jiveh and his staff at Smiles by Jiveh recently announced that Barbara Phillippi has been selected as the winner of this year’s Holiday Smile Giveaway. Sho wn here are Christi Hetzel, Hilary Pierson, Debra Middleton and Dr. Farokh Jiveh with winner Barbara Phillippi. SEE STORY, PAGE 7

Acreage’s 2012 Kicks Off With Jan. 7 Kidscape Park Opening The South Florida Fair Celebrates Centennial

The 2012 South Florida Fair, running Jan. 13-29, will celebrate 100 years of the fair with a tantalizing blend of customer-favorite shows, events and activities together with new promotions to more fully involve the public in the centennial celebration. Page 12

OPINION The Town-Crier’s 2012 New Year’s Wish List

The New Year is a time for tradition, and here at the TownCrier, we’re welcoming 2012 with our traditional list of lighthear ted New Year’s wishes for our community leaders and institutions, as well as other important people throughout the state and nation who have an impact on our lives. The past few years have brought many challenges to local government, businesses and individuals alike, and 2011 was no different. For the past 12 months, we’ve offered serious discussion of these issues. So now, we invite you to join us as we have a little good-natured fun in doling out our wishes for 2012. We kid because we care, and we wish everyone the best as we forge ahead into 2012. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 13 OPINION ................................ 4 CRIME NEWS ........................ 6 NEWS BRIEFS .......................8 SCHOOLS .....................14 - 15 PEOPLE................................16 COLUMNS .................... 23 - 25 BUSINESS ...................27 - 29 ENTERTAINMENT ................30 SPORTS .......................35 - 37 CALENDAR...................38 - 39 CLASSIFIEDS ...............40 - 44 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report In the upcoming year, residents of The Acreage have much to look forward to as several anticipated projects wind down and other large community improvement projects begin to take shape. Indian Trail Improvement District President Michelle Damone told the Town-Crier on Wednesday that ITID would continue this year to improve the community’s infrastructure, chiefly noting the grand reopening of Kidscape Park this weekend. The park, she said, will be a model for other parks across Palm Beach County. “Back in 1998, when we first opened it, we were ahead in the recreational technology,” Damone said. “People from afar came to our playground, and now it will again be our showcase playground and a model for others in Palm Beach County.” With new equipment specially designed to be accessible to children with special needs, Kidscape Park will let kids from all walks of life play together.

“It has a lot of recreational technology that supports children with disabilities,” she said. “They can easily move around and access the playground equipment. Additionally, it has playground equipment that will stimulate the children.” Damone said the park will be a model for future park redesigns in The Acreage. Kidscape Park is located at 15970 74th Street North. The grand reopening celebration will take place Saturday, Jan. 7 at 9:30 a.m. There will be a ribbon cutting, sign dedication, refreshments, face painting, a clown and more. Another project that will be completed in 2012 is the Acreage branch of the Palm Beach County Library System, which Damone said will bring a much-needed resource to the community. “We expect it to be open in late spring or early summer,” she said. “It looks like a library now. It has been painted and there’s a lot of outside architecture.” Damone said the addition of the library would help to not only provide resources but also to boost

property values. “Having this building in our community is very important,” she said. Though the whole project won’t be complete until 2014, Acreage residents will see the expansion of Acreage Community Park this year, including a community center and possibly a splash park. “This year we’ll begin the expansion of the park and building the community center with an outdoor amphitheater,” Damone said. “If there’s funding, we’ll also be building the splash park.” Damone said that ITID would not borrow money for the project but would seek grants. “The rest of the project will be built as we get funding for it,” she said. One of the biggest issues facing The Acreage is the extension of State Road 7 to Northlake Blvd., giving the community a much-needed reliever road. Damone said residents could expect a decision from the Florida Department of Transportation this year. “It’s decision time,” Damone said. “I have been personally goSee ITID 2012, page 18

Decision On Project At Folsom And Okee Postponed Until April By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council postponed a final decision Tuesday regarding the future use of property at the corner of Okeechobee Blvd. and Folsom Road. At issue was whether to change the land use of the Day property from residential to commercial. A vote on the matter was postponed in April at the request of the property owner after several council members and residents spoke against the plan. Attorney Marty Perry, representing petitioners Willie H. and Frankie J. Day, asked for the time in order to sufficiently answer questions, including inquiries to the county and school district regarding a traffic light at Okeechobee and Folsom. Residents complained of congestion in the area, especially during morning and afternoon rush

hours around Royal Palm Beach Elementary School. There were also concerns raised about the commercialization of Okeechobee Blvd. The proposal is for a small-scale amendment to the town’s comprehensive plan to change the land use on the 9.3-acre parcel at the southwest corner of Okeechobee and Folsom from residential low to commercial in order to allow a maximum of 4.96 acres of commercial retail and a maximum of 4.34 acres of commercial office and accessory uses. Town planning consultant Jim Fleischmann noted that the Loxahatchee Groves Planning & Zoning Board had recommended approval by a 3-2 vote. Fleischmann said the Day property has unique qualities that would prevent the project’s approval from leading to a “domino effect” of commercialization

along Okeechobee, including almost 20 acres of vacant land to the north. Fleischmann recommended approval because the location is unique, being at the intersection of two arterial roads. He pointed out that Folsom ends northbound as an urban road at Okeechobee, which would put the 20-acre site to the north under different consideration. “Okeechobee is considered a collector road, and Folsom is designated urban local,” Fleischmann said, pointing out that Okeechobee and Folsom are the only roads in town assigned those designations. To the south of the Day property is a commercial nursery, and to the west is the Red Barn, which the applicant’s agent, Kerry Kilday, said would probably be connected to minimize traffic on See DAY PROJECT, page 18

Serving Palms West Since 1980

Wellington Zoning Board Approves ‘Equestrian Village’ By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board gave its approval this week to the controversial “Equestrian Village” project at the corner of South Shore Blvd. and Pierson Road. A standing-room-only meeting Wednesday, Jan. 4 brought out residents both for and against the project. Discussion stretched over six hours and did not finish up until the early hours of Thursday morning. Equestrian Village is the current name given to the old Palm Beach Polo stadium property. The 96acre parcel is seen as the gateway to Wellington’s equestrian community. The property is owned by Wellington Equestrian Partners and will be the sister site to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. It is slated to house a covered arena and world-class equestrian venue that will host high-level dressage competition. However, accompanying plans

to build a hotel and commercial retail space on part of the site have drawn opposition from some equestrians. Last month, the project won support from Wellington’s Equestrian Preserve Committee. Now that the zoning board voted to recommend approval of several amendments to the Equestrian Overlay Zoning District to accommodate the project, it heads to the Wellington Village Council for consideration. “I understand the fear factor and the fear of the unknown,” PZA Board Chairman Carmine Priore III said, “but I’m confident that they will be addressed as we go through the process with this project.” The changes alter the allowed building height on the property, increase allowed building coverage from 10 to 15 percent and allow for a hotel, restaurants, retail and office space as conditional uses. “We have been concerned See PZA BOARD, page 18

A CAFCI NEW YEAR

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) held its annual New Year’s Eve party Saturday, Dec. 31 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Shown here are (seated) Mauvline and Gladston Johnson; (standing) Dwinette Johnson and Mike Muhammad. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

RPB In 2012: Finish Park, Cut Budget By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Bringing the budget into balance, finishing Commons Park and filling gaps in the road network are among the primary concerns for Royal Palm Beach leaders in 2012. Councilman Fred Pinto said the village’s ample reserves from the sale of its water utility will diminish if Royal Palm Beach keeps borrowing from it to balance the budget. “At the top of my list is to come up with ways of closing the gap in our budget, which is about $1.5 million, and that’s the difference between what we’re spending and what the revenue streams look like they’re going to be coming in based on current conditions,” Pin-

to said. “My philosophical approach is that we should not continue to rob from our reserves.” The village sold its water utility to the county in 2006 for $60 million. “A lot of people don’t realize that the earnings that are coming in are accounting in the budget for about $1.2 million to $1.4 million, money that we were getting when we were in the water business,” Pinto said. “If we continue to take away from the principal, we’re going to erode the rate of return that we have coming in.” Pinto said people keep talking about when the economy recovers. “Guess what? It’s going to take years for that to happen,” he said. “We’ve got to make a strateSee RPB 2012, page 7

Polo Season Opens This Weekend At Wellington’s IPC

Michelle McFaul, John Wash, Tony Coppola, Julio Arellano, Kris Kampsen, Lauren Duffy and Jimmy Newman at Wednesday’s season-opening press conference. PHOTO B Y LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report With Wellington’s high-goal polo season set to begin at the International Polo Club Palm Beach this weekend, the club is readying itself for a bigger year than ever before with more teams and renovated fields. “We’re getting ready to start our season this week,” President of Club Operations John Wash told a crowd gathered at the club Wednesday. “We’re galloping into our ninth season of high-goal polo, and we’re really excited for 2012.” This year, Wash said a recordsetting 17 teams were entered in

high-goal polo between the opening four tournaments of the season: the Herbie Pennell Cup, the Joe Barry Memorial Cup, the Ylvisaker Cup and the C.V. Whitney Cup. “We continue to strive to maintain our position as the premier high-goal polo club in the world,” he said. Director of Polo Operations Jimmy Newman said that the Ylvisaker Cup, with 16 teams, had the most participating teams this year, including several new ones. “We have five teams who have not played with us before,” he explained, noting that several of

them come from up north. “It’s great to have sponsors from other parts of the country step up and say, ‘We’re going to Wellington. We’re going to IPC, and we’re going to compete with the best.’” Three of the teams have moved up this year to play high-goal polo, including Villa de Lago, Circa and Metaltek, he said. “It’s always great to have new teams,” Newman said. “They played the last couple of years in our medium goal, and they are now stepping up to the 20-goal tournaments. That makes me feel good because they’ve come in See POLO, page 18

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NEWS

Community Center Project Highlights Plans For Wellington In 2012 By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington residents can look forward to the completion of the Town Center project in 2012, as well as the beginnings of other projects, additional road improvements and reinvestment in the community. Also front and center will be several key decisions that could change the face of the equestrian community. Deputy Village Manager John Bonde said that the biggest Wellington project this year will be the tearing down and subsequent rebuilding of the Wellington Community Center. “It’s the last piece of the puz-

zle,” he said of the overall Town Center plan. “We’re going to replace it with a state-of-the-art, new community center.” Bonde said that the building would be demolished only after the council has gone through its approval process so that residents can continue to use the space. “We’re currently working to get the council’s vision for the building,” he said. “Then, over the next few months, we will work to find a contractor who can construct that vision.” Bonde said that the process would be much like that of building the municipal complex. “We’ll put out a request for proposals for

services, space and programs,” he said. “Then, once we get a team on board, we’ll be working through the design and then take it back to the council, show them pictures and models, and then put it out to the public.” Once everything has been approved, Bonde said he expects construction to take about a year. “We hope to have it open as early in 2013 as possible,” he said. At the same time, Wellington will be building its brand-new, larger Boys & Girls Club on Wellington Trace. “It will be under construction almost simultaneously,” Bonde said. “It’s going to be a much big-

ger facility that can handle a lot more children. Everyone is very excited about it. I don’t think most cities would try to tackle two projects of this size in one year, but we’re looking forward to the completion of both.” Other construction projects include the long-awaited completion of Forest Hill Blvd. and three other landscaping projects, Bonde said. “Forest Hill will be completed,” he said. “Most of the trees have been put in, but there are more shrubbery areas that need to be attended to. It will be winding down in the next couple of weeks.” The Wellington Village Coun-

cil recently approved an $800,000 landscaping project for portions of South Shore Blvd., Greenview Shores Blvd. and Wellington Trace. “Those three roadways will be re-landscaped,” he said. “We’ve invested in trees and greenery to show off our landscaping.” Wellington will also build turn lanes at the intersection of Forest Hill Blvd. and Stribling Way, Bonde said. “Finally, we’ll see some extra turn lanes there,” he said. “We’re going to put turn lanes both on Forest Hill and Stribling to help improve circulation at that intersection.”

Bonde said one project that will begin to come together is the Medical Arts District, which has been several years in the making. “There could be construction on the project,” he said. “We have the hospital expanding and landowners who are coming to Wellington wanting to be part of the project.” In a program that began last year, Bonde said that residents will see the good results of work by the Landlord 411 program and the Wellington Landlord Association. “It’s a very good program,” he said. “We’re working closely with landlords in Wellington to give them the tools they need to be betSee WELLINGTON, page 18

Busy Lox Groves Year Ahead Starts With The Joint Meeting Jan. 14 By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report As 2012 begins, leaders in the Town of Loxahatchee Groves look forward to the arrival of Palm Beach State College, the longplanned paving of some roads and the beginning of projects that were on hold until the town’s comprehensive plan issues were resolved last year. “In the next year, I see us finalizing the deal with the state college,” Mayor David Browning said. “I think they will be a great part of our community. I look forward to working together with the water control district as far as putting the OGEM [paving] down on some of our roads and, basically,

kind of keeping on keeping on.” Browning said he is glad that the town’s comprehensive plan has been finalized. “Hopefully, we can just get to work doing the things we need to be doing,” Browning said. “We’re going to be dealing with some of the requests for land-use changes along Okeechobee. Hopefully, that can be resolved in an equitable way.” Browning said he believes that Underwood Management Services Group, which took over dayto-day operations for the town late last year, is doing a good job and will get better in the year to come. “They’re kind of learning what’s going on, so there is a

learning curve, but they’re doing a fine job,” he said. “I’m very pleased with what they’re doing.” Browning looks forward to the results of a joint meeting scheduled for Jan. 14 between the council and the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District board. “I hope that the results of that meeting will be a better understanding,” Browning said. “I am not one to feel that the district needs to be dissolved. I think they’re doing a great job, and if something’s not broke, why fix it? I really do not see where we are going to save a whole lot of money if we combine the two, and if anything, some of the people will not get a fair say in what’s going

on. I really like what we’ve got.” The question of combining district and town roads so they are under one jurisdiction will be addressed at the meeting, but Browning said he does not see an advantage to changing the system. “I think the water control board is run as efficiently as anything can be,” he said. “I really do not see any fat there.” While some say legal fees might go down, Browning said that both the town and the district pay lawyers by the hour, and approximately the same amount of work will need to get done. However, because the town is under contract management, Browning said that for Under-

wood to take on additional district responsibility, they would have to renegotiate their price. Councilman Jim Rockett said he sees 2012 being out from under the encumbrances of the Callery-Judge lawsuit, which hamstrung operations under the town’s new comprehensive plan and delayed several planned projects. “I think we’ve got a very capable manager and service, which will help move us through the year,” Rockett said. “There’s a lot of things that we can do now that we’re out from under all the other things that we were trying to get through and accomplish.” Rockett said changes will only be made that residents want.

“We’ve got a couple of things we were looking at as far as helping out the community with paying for OGEM on roads as they want them built, but only as they want them built,” he stressed. “I’m not thinking that we’re going to tell the whole town that they have to have paved roads.” Rocket said he, too, is excited about PBSC’s decision to put its fifth campus on Southern Blvd. “I know the council is very much in favor and looking forward to starting,” Rockett said. “That’s a big thing that will take some time to do.” He said he looks forward to other capital projects that have been See GROVES 2012, page 7

ROYAL PALM BEACH INSTALLS NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AT WILLOWS PARK The Village of Royal Palm Beach recently finished installing new playground equipment near the Bob Marcello Baseball Complex at Willows Park. Two separate sets of equipment are for ages 2 to 5 and another for ages 5 to 12. Both of the playground sets are covered with a canopy and have soft, cushioned artificial turf and are handicapped accessible. Shown here are pictures of the new equipment. PHOTOS BY R ON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Page 4 January 6 - January 12, 2012

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OUR OPINION

The Town-Crier’s Annual New Year’s Wish List, 2012 Edition The New Year is a time for tradition, and here at the Town-Crier, we’re welcoming 2012 with our traditional list of lighthearted New Year’s wishes for our community leaders and institutions, as well as other important people throughout the state and nation who have an impact on our lives. The past few years have brought many challenges to local government, businesses and individuals alike, and 2011 was no different. For the past 12 months, this space was dedicated to the serious discussion of these issues. So now, we invite you to join us as we have a little goodnatured fun in doling out our wishes for 2012. We kid because we care, and we wish everyone the best as we forge ahead into 2012. Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen: A Medical Arts District that comes together as he actually imagines it could. Wellington Vice Mayor Matt Willhite: Standing room only on an issue that’s not either equestrian or sports related. Wellington Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore: A new position heading up an advisory board with veto authority over those “youngsters” on the Wellington Village Council. You know, to protect the community. Wellington Councilman Howard Coates: Supreme authority over the scoring of all contract bids. Wellington Councilwoman Anne Gerwig: A designated time at the end of each meeting for “family story time.” Wellington Village Manager Paul Schofield: Control over the “mute” button at council meetings. The Wellington Village Council: A charter change that actually changes Wellington from a “village” to a “city.” Oh wait… that stands no chance with the voters. Wellington Attorney Jeff Kurtz: Wellington immunity from the inspector general. Wellington Staff: An attractive nurse with warm hands in their new employee health clinic. Wellington: Yet another year with no

“car surfing” injuries and completed landscaping on Forest Hill Blvd. Wellington Seniors: A new community center building designed to their exacting standards. Wellington Culture Czar Joe Piconcelli: A theater in the new community center. Wellington Planners: Another building to knock down and rebuild. Wellington Equestrians: Just one year without a civil war. Wellington Horse Show Pr omoter Mark Bellissimo: More equestrians that buy into his grand vision. Wellington Equestrian Preservation Alliance: Two more council votes and gated entryways to the Wellington Equestrian Preserve. Wellington Shoppers: Another five large chain stores like hhgregg to fill empty spaces. hhgregg: Proper capitalization. Palms West Chamber: A new building tall enough to see the western communities from downtown Lake Worth. Palms West Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda: More chambers to take over. Royal Palm Beach Mayor Matty Mattioli: An easy re-election bid. Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas: No new surprise assessments from Indian Trail. Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Martha Webster: Progress on just one of the road projects she’s been lobbying for. Royal Palm Beach Councilman Fred Pinto: An “easy” button to help balance the budget. Royal Palm Beach Village Manager Ray Liggins: A way to plug budget holes without tapping reserves or cutting services. Former Royal Palm Beach Councilman David Swift: A way around Florida Retirement System rules. Stay tuned… Royal Palm Beach Council Hopefuls: An election that features turnout of more than a few hundred. The Royal Palm Beach Village Council: Free swim lessons for all.

Royal Palm Beach: A special task force to decide all village issues. Royal Palm Beach High School: A quick start to its new science, mathematics and engineering academy. Royal Palm Beach Commons Park: A less common name… and an on-time opening. Royal Palm Beach: Another five announcements like Aldi. Grocery Chain Aldi: That its planned Royal Palm Beach headquarters is the start of something big. Indian Trail President Michelle Damone: A Mayor Jeri Muoio voodoo doll. Indian Trail Supervisor Ralph Bair: Quick completion of his prized community center. Indian Trail Supervisor Carlos Enriquez: A personal helicopter to get to meetings. Indian Trail Administrator Tanya Quickel: That her board would lighten up on the honeymoon-style praise now that she’s been there more than a year. Seminole Ridge High School: Traffic that actually obeys the new speed signs. Seminole Pratt Whitney Road: A road that actually connects to Pratt & Whitney! The Long-Awaited Acreage Library: An on-time opening. Loxahatchee Groves: That Palm Beach State College officials will take a course in “rural lifestyle.” Loxahatchee Groves Mayor Dave Browning: More time opining and less time moderating. Loxahatchee Groves Councilman Ron Jarriel: A groundswell of grassroots support calling for him to seek re-election. Loxahatchee Groves Councilman Tom Goltzené: A linear park to call his own. Loxahatchee Groves Councilman Jim Rockett: Some more American flag shirts. Underwood Management Services Group: A little more focus on “contract form of government” and little less on “government lite.” The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council: One meeting a month. (Yeah, right!)

The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District: Being able to solve problems without resorting to a special act. Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Administrator Clete Saunier: A paved parking lot. LGWCD Supervisor John Ryan: No more pesky referendums. County Administrator Bob Weisman: A magical machine that changes red ink to black. County Commissioner Jess Santamaria: Commission colleagues that trust him enough to give him a gavel. County Commissioners Karen Marcus and Burt Aaronson: A Florida Supreme Court decision making them commissioners for life. County Commissioner Priscilla Taylor: Her own personal retreat on her half of Peanut Island. Palm Beach County Inspector General Sheryl Steckler: 15 fewer roadblocks in her quest to clean up local government. The 15 Municipalities Suing Over the Inspector General: A copy of the county charter. Former Schools Superintendent Dr. Art Johnson: Job interviewers who can’t figure out how to use Google. School Board Member Marcia Andrews: Another rallying point now that Art Johnson is gone. Palm Beach County School District: An interim superintendent who sticks around and a permanent superintendent that wants to deal with a school board at each other’s throats. The Florida Public School System: A governor and state legislature that don’t view it as “non-core” budget item. Gov. Rick Scott: Mandatory drug screening for all Democrats. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio: That allimportant phone call from the Mitt Romney campaign. U.S. Senator Bill Nelson: The most bitter and divided U.S. Senate primary that the Republican Party can muster. Florida Democrats: Representation that reflects population.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater: A sudden realization by Rick Scott that he needs to be governor like he needs a hole in the head. State Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto: The Gulf Coast state senate district of her dreams… and a previously undiscovered cache of photos that prove she graduated from Fort Myers High School! State Rep. Mark Pafford: More clout in Tallahassee… and a part-time job with the Town-Crier so he can help write this list next year. State Rep. Joe Abruzzo: The all-clear from other Democrats for an easy State Senate run. Former State Sen. Dave Aronberg: A surprise decision by Congressman Ted Deutch to retire and gift Aronberg his congressional seat. If not… Aronberg and StateAttorney Michael McAuliffe: Well-padded gloves for the coming battle royale. State Rep. Pat Rooney: Slots at the dog track! The Redistricting Process: That the legislative mapmakers don’t interpret “fair districts” to mean what gets them reelected. Congressman Tom Rooney: A redistricting map that doesn’t throw him under the bus. Congressman Allen West: A really large yacht so he can personally help solve America’s unemployment woes. The U.S. Congress: An electorate with a very short memory. President Obama:A GOP primary battle that continues all the way to the floor in Tampa. The Foreclosure Crisis: That it won’t be enough of an issue to make next year’s list. South Florida: That the rainy season starts on time (and doesn’t go overboard). “Occupy” Protesters: A federal law forgiving all student-loan debt. The “One-Percenters”: Tax breaks for all yachts longer than 79 feet. Everyone: That the Mayans were wrong.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Protect The Equestrian Preserve I recently had the pleasure of visiting Wellington and learned of the battle over preservation of the equestrian lands, which has been heating up and for good reason. A lot is at stake. What may be perceived by many as a battle between the “haves” and the “have mores” has greater stakes than may be evident on the surface. Wellington becomes the equestrian capital of the world during the winter months, attracting riders of all styles and their fans and families from across the nation and the globe. This industry includes a wide range of jobs required to care for the horses, the facilities needed to house them, and the hospitality services that host visitors that flock to Wellington to enjoy the polo matches, jumper and hunter championships, dressage and other equestrian activities. This industry is valued at $120 million each year in direct economic impact.

What makes Wellington special, and draws thousands of visitors and residents to this community, is the equestrian industry. Another commercial development is just another commercial development, for which there is little demand as evidenced by the many vacant commercial properties found throughout the state. If plans for commercial encroachment into the Wellington Equestrian Preserve move forward, the associated increase in traffic will begin to erode the community’s horse-centric environment. Obviously cars and horses do not mix well. Back in the 1970s, an area in Wellington was designated as an equestrian preserve in an effort to protect open space for equestrian uses. The Village of Wellington recently adopted a zoning overlay district to preserve the equestrian lands needed to support this economic engine. Unfortunately, the preserve is under attack and some folks seem eager to promote development, any development, at any cost. If the preserve is not, in fact, preserved, a multimilliondollar industry that generates

many jobs for Floridians may be lost. Thomas Herrera-Mishler Buffalo, N.Y. Editor’s note: Mr. HerreraMishler is a landscape architect and regional planner. He is CEO and president of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy.

Langer Responds To Rep. West In an opinion piece “Why South Florida Needs More One-Percenters” (Dec. 16), the local politician, Congressman Allen West, expressed his support for the increasing gap in wealth between the filthy rich and the rest of us, claiming among other things: “Rich people did not get our country into its fiscal mess.” It’s interesting to know that a leading Tea Party conservative believes Lehman Brothers, Goldman-Sachs and others who speculated with trillions of dollars and received billions of dollars as bonuses into their private pockets had nothing to do with the financial meltdown that brought the mighty USA to her knees and re-

quired a massive bailout, the reason for the emergence of the Tea Party movement. So, who does he blame for the “mess” instead? He is not specific about it but he attacks the occupiers — the “Occupiers of Wall Street” and the “Occupier of the White House,” thus indicating their guilt in the matter. Of course, nothing can be further from the truth. However, Mr. West is right in one half-truth: The filthy rich are able to spend a lot of money, among other things for multimillion-dollar yachts and their maintenance, but the people they might employ will receive wages that will never make them rich themselves. They will have some income just like other people who work in factories producing cars, machines, bombs, guns or whatever. They also could dig holes into the ground, as John Maynard Keynes once suggested, and fill them up with the same dirt afterward. To the workers it doesn’t matter, but what about the still unemployed or underpaid? A society that is centered toward the needs of the filthy rich will drift further apart and eventually will

destroy the middle class. This is the trend of the last few decades... In the footsteps of Republican contender Ron Paul, some conservative and libertarian voters, like my favorite fellow letter writer Frank Morelli, believe in Austrian economics, a theory of non-intervention in economic affairs by the state. Its main academics, Ludwig von Mises and Friedrich Hayek, claim that their policies would be to the benefit of everybody, the rich and the poor, avoiding the widening gap in the distribution of wealth. We would fool ourselves if we wouldn’t see that this is the opposite of what Mr. West propagates. So, we can conclude, Mr. West is not a fan of Austrian economics; he is not a libertarian. People should think twice before voting for him again.

Other self-proclaimed conservatives who write letters to the TownCrier bother neither with theories nor with facts. The latest examples are Mr. Thomas Euell and Mr. Phil Sexton. They both responded to my previous letters. Mr. Euell confused me with Mr. Sexton, and after I clarified that mistake publicly and added a few remarks with regard to Mr. Sexton’s stated question about taxes, the same Mr. Sexton blames Mr. Richard Nielsen for my arguments about taxes he himself dislikes. My intention is not to argue for liberalism, conservatism or any other creed. I just don’t like rants against anyone based on false facts or on no facts at all. People who can’t read correctly usually don’t write correctly either. I really See LETTERS, page 18

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

OPINION

Will Wellington Rubber Stamp A Connected Developer’s Plan? We’ve all heard the lyrics: “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” After insider dealings and promises of profits over preservation, that’s exactly what’s happening behind the curtain in Wellington. As executive director of the Wellington Equestrian Preservation Alliance, a group of concerned residents and business owners, I have seen what can happen when developers driven by profits begin to take away precious resources and green space. One project at a time, they are changing beautiful, rural, open horse country into what most of the rest of South Florida looks like — mixed-use developments of various sizes without appropriate thought and planning. The Wellington Equestrian Preserve was established to keep that from happening. Later this month, the Wellington Village Council will consider whether to disrupt the lives of thousands of residents by permitting a commercial development that is larger than America’s biggest Walmart, features the tallest building in Wellington and attracts an additional 3,296 vehicles per day to the Equestrian Preserve. Despite claims to the contrary, our alliance supports the development and enhancement of dressage and other eques-

POINT OF VIEW By Mat Forrest Executive Director, Wellington Equestrian Preservation Alliance

trian disciplines here in Wellington and in the preserve area — in fact, we encourage it. The alliance also supports the creation of a state-of-the-art dressage facility within the preserve. What we oppose are massive commercial developments that threaten the sustainability of the preserve, place our equestrian-based economy at risk and crowd out the rural lifestyle of the area — like the “Equestrian Village” commercial development. The Equestrian Village project at the corner of Pierson Road and South Shore Blvd. is the largest commercial development ever proposed in the history of the Wellington Equestrian Preserve. The proposed development calls for shopping, office space, storefronts and condos. We agree when the developer says that this

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will change and transform the Equestrian Preserve, but we think it is a change for the worse. At 295,000 square feet, the commercial development is bigger than America’s biggest Walmart, which is 260,000 square feet, located in Albany, N.Y. The commercial part of the development alone is more than five times — five times — the size of Wellington’s new municipal complex. The developer of “Equestrian Village” has friends in high places. The developer is one of our mayor’s largest campaign contributors and was one of a few select guests to celebrate election night at the mayor’s home. In May 2011, the mayor and other governmental officials officially broke ground on this proposed development — seven months before the project had even been considered by the Wellington Village Council. Campaign coffers should not be enriched at the expense of the residents of this community. The transformation of your neighborhood and the Equestrian Preserve into a commercial and entertainment area is well underway. See for yourself. Check out what’s happening at Pierson and South Shore in Wellington. There are mountains of dirt and debris, and dozens of dump trucks, bulldozers and earthmovers. Last

month, the Wellington Village Council approved longer and later event and party hours, along with an increase in the allowable noise levels in the neighborhoods surrounding the proposed development. Ask yourself why. Most residents bought property, established homes and invested resources in Wellington on the promise that the preserve would be maintained as just that, a preserve. The Wellington Equestrian Preserve is a community resource planned by the founders of our community to provide a unique quality of life for residents and economic stability for our community for generations to come. It is not some commercial tract to be exploited by developers. Its future is in grave danger. From the 1995 plan to widen Pierson Road, to stopping the bulldozers from tearing up the Big Blue Preserve, to rejecting the 2007 plan for office buildings and an assistedliving facility, the residents of Wellington have proven time and time again that they will not tolerate over-development in the Equestrian Preserve. But the plans to ruin the preserve keep surfacing — like this plan for a shopping mall, timeshares and 295,000 square feet of commercial space — and it must meet the same fate. The effects of this massive commercial

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EDITORIAL STAFF/ Chris Felker • Denise Fleischman Jessica Gregoire • Lauren Miró

development will be felt throughout the area neighborhoods, the equestrian community and the Village of Wellington for generations to come. That is why we have asked the mayor and council to hold a public workshop on the project where presentations from the village staff, proponents and opponents could be given equal time. With an issue that has this type of impact on the entire community, the citizens of Wellington deserve to be educated by their representatives in government, not simply the developer proposing the project. We repeat our call to the mayor to schedule a workshop and give the project its rightful day in the sunshine. Meetings where the project is being reviewed and voted on should happen after Wellington, not the developer, has discussed the project with the citizens. We encourage our friends and neighbors in Wellington to speak up and be heard before this precious community resource is exploited beyond repair and shopping centers, timeshares, office space, excessive noise, constant construction and millions of new vehicles are a permanent fixture in our lives. The founders of our community and generations to come are counting on us.

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NEWS

TAILWAGGERS HOSTS AKC AGILITY TRIALS AT JIM BRANDON EQUESTRIAN CENTER Tailwaggers Learning Center sponsored AKC Agility Trials Dec. 29 through Jan. 1 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. A gility demonstrates a dog’s willingness to work with its handler while negotiating an obstacle course consisting of jumps, tunnels, weave poles and more while being timed. For more info., visit www.tailwaggers.org. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Kim Clancy with Feather, Phyllis Dobrick with Ranger and Linda Stoddard with Itty.

Mary Beck and Phoebe cover the agility course.

Barbara Holbrook guides Sassie through a practice jump.

Jada, owned by Marjorie Oster, with some of her ribbons.

Gail and David Leavitt watch the trials with Bess.

Legend gets a massage from Ray Mashler.

TRAIL ASSOCIATION GATHERS FOR MEETING AT OKEEHEELEE NATURE CENTER The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association held a meeting Monday, Jan. 2 at the Okeeheelee Nature Center. The association has several hikes set for the months of January and February. For more info., contact Sherr y Cummings at (561) 9639906. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

Shellie Crews, Bobby Sergeant, Bea Rogers and Margaret Brabham.

Rick Byrnes, Winnie Lo, Be tty Schwerin and Linda Byrnes before the meeting.

Sherry Cummings and Trudy Winsberg enjoy cake.

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January 6 - Januar y 12, 2012

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CRIME NEWS

Suspect Flees After Aggravated Assault At Seminole Palms By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report DEC. 28 — A Royal Palm Beach resident called the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach last Wednesday to report a case of aggravated assault. According to a PBSO report, the victim was at Seminole Palms Park at approximately 4:32 p.m. when an unknown black male walked up to him, pulled a gun from his waistband and said he would shoot the victim. According to the report, PBSO deputies arrived on scene, and the suspect fled toward the Southern Palm Crossing shopping plaza. The suspect was described as a black male, about 5-foot-7 and wearing military camouflage pants, a gray hooded sweatshirt and high-top faded sneakers. According to the report, it appears the suspect entered Stein Mart, where surveillance video showed he changed clothes and then exited the store wearing a black shirt. ••• DEC. 27 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to a home on 61st Place North last Tuesday evening regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim left his home at approximately 9 a.m. and returned to find that his HP Pavilion laptop computer was missing. The victim searched his home and asked everyone in the house if they knew where it was, but could not find it. According to the report, the victim left the laptop on top of his counter before leaving the home. The laptop was valued at approximately $529. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. DEC. 29 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched last Thursday to a car dealership on Southern Blvd. regarding a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, someone stole a black 2001 Nissan Sentra from the property. The victim said the missing vehicle was discovered during inventory. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. DEC. 30 — A Greenacres woman was arrested last Friday night on charges of carrying a concealed weapon without permit while at Wellington Regional Medical Center. According to a PBSO report, the deputy arrived at the hospital after 30-year-old Jessica Genduso was caught shoplifting. The deputy said that upon placing Genduso under arrest, he recovered a black set of metal brass knuckles from her purse. According to the report, Genduso said they were the buckle to a belt, but she was not wearing a belt. Genduso was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where she was charged with a concealed weapons violation. DEC. 30 — Two men were arrested last Friday night on drug charges following a traffic stop on Kensington Way in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was on patrol at approximately 11 p.m. when he observed a black Hyundai Sonata driving on the wrong side of the road. The deputy initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, 19-year-old Anthony Simon of Wellington, and the passenger, 22-year -old Keokuk Herring of Royal Palm

Beach. According to the report, the deputy discovered about 7 grams of marijuana in the vehicle, along with a multi-colored glass pipe. Simon and Herring were arrested and taken to the county jail, where they were charged with possession of marijuana under 20 grams. DEC. 31 — A resident of Counterpoint Estates called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Saturday to report a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 2 and 8 a.m. last Friday, someone entered the victim’s home through an unlocked rear sliding glass door and removed a drawer from a wooden table, as well as a purse. The victim said the drawer contained $150 cash and several gift cards, and the purse contained about $80 cash and several credit cards. The stolen items were valued at approximately $430. There was no further information at the time of the report. DEC. 31 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to a home on 42nd Road North last Saturday afternoon regarding an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 11 p.m. last Friday and 1:45 the following afternoon, someone tore the passenger side mirror off the victim’s Grand Marquis and scratched the sides of the car. The estimated damage was approximately $1,000. JAN. 1 — A Royal Palm Beach man was arrested last Sunday on charges of grand theft of an automobile following a traffic stop in the Cruzan Amphitheatre parking lot. According to a PBSO report, a resident of Counterpoint Estates called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Sunday morning to report a stolen vehicle. Sometime between 4:30 and 7:30 a.m., someone stole her black 1993 Saab 9000 from her driveway. The victim said she left her keys in the vehicle overnight. According to the report, the victim said she saw the vehicle driving on Belvedere Road in Royal Palm Beach early that morning. When she returned home, she discovered that her grandmother’s Chevrolet Cobalt was now missing. According to the report, a deputy later observed the stolen Cobalt being driven through the amphitheater parking lot while occupied. After initiating a traffic stop, the deputy made contact with the driver, 26year-old Kyle Malenick. Malenick was arrested and taken to the county jail, where he was charged with grand theft auto and driving on a suspended license. JAN. 2 — Two Greenacres residents called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Monday night to report a robbery. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 10 p.m., the victims went to pick up a friend from the clubhouse at Wellington’s Olympia community when two black males came up to the car and demanded their personal belongings, including two cell phones and $40 cash. One of the victims said that one of the men pointed a gun at his chest. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. JAN. 3 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched Tuesday to Scott’s Place playground in the Wellington Town Center after an employee reported a fire in the bathroom. According to the report, the employee said that he went to lock up the bathroom at approximateSee BLOTTER, page 18

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in f inding these wanted fugitives: • Joshua Brooker is a white male, 5’10” tall and weighing 155 lbs., with red hair and blue eyes. His date of bir th is 09/09/88. Brooker is wanted for dumping of litter. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was 83rd Lane Nor th in The Acreage. Brooker is wanted as of 01/05/12. • Kristina Br yant is a white female, 5’5” tall and weighing 190 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes. Her hair may be dyed blond or red. Her date of birth is 09/08/ 69. Br yant is wanted for public assistance fraud. Her occupation is secretar y. Her last known address was 87th Road Nor th in The Acreage. Br yant is wanted as of 01/05/12. 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.

Joshua Brooker

Kristina Bryant

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

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Page 7

NEWS

Barbara Phillippi Wins Smiles By Jiveh’s Holiday Smile Giveaway By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Caught by surprise and at a loss for words, Barbara Phillippi was on the verge of tears as Dr. Farokh Jiveh and his staff at Smiles by Jiveh presented her with a bouquet of flowers and announced, “You are this year’s Holiday Smile Giveaway winner!” Sitting in the waiting area of the office just before Christmas, Phillippi was expecting another interview to see if she qualified, but to her surprise, she received a life-changing gift. “We could not have chosen anyone more deserving,” Jiveh said. “We are so honored to have her as a winner and to give her a wonderful smile.” Getting Phillippi into the office was a challenge for office manager Debra Middleton, who called her the day before and told her to come in for a visit. “She told me that she had to check her schedule and that she was not sure if she could make it,” Middleton recalled. With Phillippi’s busy schedule, it was difficult for her to arrange a last-minute appointment. “I told her I was not sure if I could make it because I would be wrapping toys for Wellington’s toy giveaway,” Phillippi said. Jiveh and his staff spent weeks looking for the ideal Holiday Smile Giveaway

candidate, and Phillippi hit all the marks. “She is someone who is not only deserving, but who gives so much of herself with all of her volunteer and community service hours,” he said. Phillippi has been volunteering her time to various community organizations. Locally, she has been an extremely active Wellington volunteer, helping out at the municipal complex, during its Thanksgiving food distribution program, Christmas toy drive and distribution, and at many special events. She also has volunteered at the St. Peter’s United Methodist Church fair exchange coffee project, Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control and the CROS Ministries food pantry in Lake Worth. A member of Rotary International, Phillippi is a Paul Harris Fellow. She has also participated in fundraiser walks such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and CROS Ministries walk. Phillippi has taught computer literacy to the elderly and poorly educated, and taught Sunday school, to name some of the many areas in which she has volunteered. It was Phillippi’s willingness to help others that set her apart from other nominees. “We had a lot of deserving people, but we felt that she was the one who really fit what we were looking for in a winner,” Middleton said. “She has turned

volunteering into a full-time job, and we think that’s amazing.” For Phillippi, giving of her time to the community is her duty. “I have had a wonderful life and I don’t lack anything, and I think that paying it forward is why we are here on this Earth,” she said. “I also believe everyone’s life has value, and if you can make it easier or better for someone else, then that’s what you are supposed to do.” Jiveh was happy to have the opportunity to give back to Phillippi for all that she has done for the community. “We are changing someone’s life, and we are making their days, holidays, years and the rest of their lives better,” he said. “We are not trying to save the world, but we are using our profession to give back to someone by making their life better.” Through the Internet, more than 130 people indicated interest in the Holiday Smile Giveaway, and close to 50 submitted completed applications. The Smiles by Jiveh staff spent weeks narrowing it down to one winner. “It was hard to choose a candidate because we know everyone has been through hardships, but Barbara really stood out from all the others because of all of the service she has done,” Jiveh said. “We wish we could do this for everybody, but we just can’t.”

Holiday Smile Giveaway winner Barbara Phillippi with Dr. Farokh Jiveh. SEE VIDEO ACCOMPANYING THIS STORY AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM “I’m at such a loss for words, and I still Jiveh estimated that the work he needs can’t believe it. I’m just so thankful to to do on Phillippi’s teeth will be completDr. Jiveh and his staff for choosing me ed by the middle of 2012. and to my daughter for nominating me,” “This is not a simple procedure bePhillippi said. cause she needs a lot of work done, and Jiveh began working with Phillippi as it’s going to take a bit of time,” Jiveh soon as she calmed down from the ex- said. “It’s a full mouth reconstruction, citement. “We are going to get her roll- but shortly she will be put in temporaring today and get some of her procedures ies, which will look pretty much like started by the first of the year,” he said. the final look.”

Abruzzo Has Big Plans For Session About To Start In Tallahassee By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo (DDistrict 85) plans to file 16 bills this legislative session, including six local bills. The 2012 session, which gets underway next week, will be the fourth session in Tallahassee for Abruzzo, who holds the freshman record of 11 bills passed in his first session. The most important bill Abruzzo said he will be championing this year is the “T. Patt Maney Veterans’ Treatment Intervention Act,” now in the Criminal Justice Subcommittee. It would give veterans convicted of a criminal offense who suffer from psychological problems related to combat the opportunity to have a hearing prior to sentencing that would allow treatment in addition to or as an alternative to sentencing. “This bill is extremely important to me,” Abruzzo said. “When a veteran comes back from war and has post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury or other sickness, when they are convicted of a crime, there is nothing in the law right now to send them to treatment. They just go to jail

RPB 2012

Commons Park Work

continued from page 1 gic adjustment. We should not spend more than we’re taking in.” Pinto said he also wants to ensure that the village has Royal Palm Beach Commons Park ready for the Fourth of July celebration, as planned. “There’s a lot of work still to be done,” he said. “We still need to get third-party vendors in there and really get it ramped up to meet the target date.” Another issue to address is the evaluation of a study done on the need for an assisted-living facility tentatively planned for a strip of land at the front of Commons Park. “To me, the key thing is whatever we put in place needs to be something that we are able to control who gets to go in there and not be dictated to by the state or federal government,” Pinto said. Councilwoman Martha Webster is optimistic about 2012. “I think it’s going to be a very good year for Royal Palm Beach,” she

without any treatment. This bill will give the judge an extra hearing to sentence them to treatment in addition to the jail time, or in some cases as replacement of the jail time.” This bill would put traumatic brain injury into the Florida Statutes for the first time, which Abruzzo said will allow him to introduce follow-up legislation in subsequent years to broaden provisions for veterans with PTSD. “It helps returning troops with their difficulties, and Florida will finally recognize traumatic brain injury within our laws,” he said. The “Animal Rescue Act,” currently in the Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee, would require animal control agencies or shelters to maintain a registry of animal rescue groups that are willing to accept animals that otherwise would be euthanized. “Some counties have this in place already,” Abruzzo said. “In counties where they have some standards of how they reach out for adopting their animals, the euthanasia rate is between 50 and 60 percent; where they do not, it’s over 90 percent.”

Abruzzo has also introduced a War on Terror memorial bill recognizing the death of Osama Bin Laden as a strong step forward in the War on Terror and commends the U.S. Navy SEALs and the U.S. government for their action. “I passed this through all its committee stops, and it’s set for the house floor,” he said. Somewhat of a companion to the War on Terror bill, Abruzzo has introduced a public school instruction bill that would require staff at public schools to provide instruction to students about events surrounding the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and the impact off those events on the nation. “This bill will require public schools to teach our children about 9/11, similar to what many of us have learned as far as Pearl Harbor,” he explained. “It will be state-mandated that children must be taught what happened on that day.” A bill on thermal efficiency standards would provide incentives to developers who use lightreflective pigments on roofing. “If developers decide to use light material in construction rather than dark material, which will sub-

stantially reduce the urban heat island effect, they will get some expedited permitting,” Abruzzo said, explaining that the incentive would be given because thermally reflective surfaces are more costly than blacktop roofs, but have environmental benefits. Abruzzo is introducing three separate bills on pensions, including two local bills for the West Palm Beach firefighters and police, as well as cosponsoring a statewide bill that would roll back the retirement age to 55 for first responders. “Last year, the legislature raised the retirement age for state employees to 60, which I voted against,” he said. “This will roll it back for first responders, police and fire, so it will bring them back to 55 for them to receive their retirement.” Abruzzo is also sponsoring two gaming bills that could amend the state’s compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. “I sat on the Seminole Tribe Compact Committee, so I helped write it, and at the time, I actually wound up voting against it because I thought we were getting a bad deal,” he said. “We only got $150 million a year, and the Seminoles are grossing over $2

billion a year, so we did not do what is best for Floridians.” Abruzzo’s current bill would authorize the governor to go back and renegotiate with the Seminoles, giving them two additional games, craps and roulette, while greatly increasing Florida’s revenue share. “This bill has really opened up many discussions in Tallahassee as far as moving forward on gaming legislation this year,” he said. On a similar topic, another Abruzzo bill supports Palm Beach County’s referendum to add slot machines at local pari-mutuel facilities. “It will be up to the voters to decide,” he said. “If [the bill] passes, the state will accommodate the will of the voters.” Abruzzo explained that authority over gambling is a state right and that if the county referendum passes without his enabling local bill, it will likely wind up in court. “If this bill passes, it will pretty much be set and be 100 percent legal,” he said. He is also sponsoring a local bill mandating that the Health Care District of Palm Beach County come under the Palm Beach County Office of the Inspector

General’s jurisdiction. “There have been plenty of news reports about how the health care district spent $4 million on land owned by its own real-estate agent when the county offered land for free,” said Abruzzo, who sits on the district’s board. “It’s its own governmental board with little oversight, and it’s extremely important to me that we have the inspector general in. I’m trying to get that mandated.” Another local bill would put a portion of the Lake Worth Drainage District now in the Wellington Medical Arts District into the Wellington-controlled Acme Improvement District, and still another local bill submitted by the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District would enable one supervisor to be directly elected, in accordance with a referendum that passed last year. Finally, a bill filed last week would provide drivers more options for voluntary donations. “When you go on to renew your license or registration, you would now have the option to contribute to the Support our Troops organization or autism organizations,” Abruzzo said.

said. “We’ve got some projects in the works that we’re looking at coming to completion.” At the top of Webster’s list is also the completion of Commons Park. “It’s certainly going to be an extraordinary park,” she said. “It’s going to have some very nice passive elements, and it’s going to pull together the older section of town… The new park will be an asset to everyone village-wide and certainly to the residents who border it.” Webster also looks forward to seeing the groundbreaking of the 500,000-square-foot Aldi food store distribution center west of State Road 7 near the Regal Cinemas, which is anticipated to bring more jobs and new tax revenue. “We were able to get a plan to move ahead when they chose us,” she said. “It has been a long process for the staff and the village and the council to work with Aldi and the seller of that property, but we managed to get that done. Now, with a lot of excitement, we’ll be looking forward to the beginning of the process of site planning and construction. That is

truly an economic asset to this village, and I think it’s a very good indicator of the potential of the village.” Webster said there are unsolved, ongoing road challenges that affect not only RPB, but the entire region. “Wellington, Loxahatchee Groves, The Acreage — we are still involved in standing up to get our roads finished, and by that I mean State Road 7, Roebuck Road, and even though the extension of Jog Road between Roebuck and Jog isn’t within [RPB], it does make a huge difference.” The unfinished section of Jog Road is between Florida’s Turnpike and 45th Street, and all traffic, including trucks going to the landfill from the west, have to go out onto Haverhill and come back in, Webster said. “If we’re going to continue to be able to attract new places like Aldi, we need to get these solved in some way or another,” Webster said. “We continue to be stonewalled and delayed, but our growth and the health and safety of our communities are the road-

ways, and we are so far behind the eastern communities.” Webster also looks forward to the election in March. “With the resignation of David Swift, we have the opportunity to have a new member on our council,” she said, “and I look forward to working with someone new.” Mayor Matty Mattioli said he also is optimistic about 2012. “I sincerely believe, hope and pray that the economy should show

some improvement for this year,” he said. Mattioli said the biggest challenge for 2012 is finding financing to operate Commons Park, anticipated to be around $500,000 a year. “We recouped some of that by refinancing our bonds at a lower interest rate,” he said, adding that he hopes some grants will become available. Like Pinto, Mattioli is also concerned about borrowing from re-

serves to balance the budget. Aldi’s decision to locate its distribution center in the village was heartening, he said. “It’s the most tremendous thing that has come to the village in my 20 years,” Mattioli said. The anticipated revenue from the distribution center could be a few hundred thousand dollars a year, he said, although it won’t be forthcoming in the coming year and possibly not even in 2013.

put should be the vision of our residents for the future of the Groves, how well we are doing as elected officials, both in a negative and positive aspect,” Jarriel said. “This will be one of our most important meetings to start the year off right by finding out what our residents want for the future of Loxahatchee Groves.” Other goals he has for 2012 are to take $1 million that the town had set aside for capital improvement projects and use it to make the town a healthier and safer place to live. Projects he would favor includ-

ing putting speed bumps on as many roads as possible to combat speeding and make the roads quieter. Jarriel also would like to create a multipurpose trail about 12 miles long through the town that would serve bicyclists, hikers and equestrians. He’s looking to get a grant from the state for that. He also wants to establish a master plan for Okeechobee Blvd. to make it safer and more attractive in the form of a rural parkway. His first priority is to get a traffic light put in at Okeechobee Blvd. and D Road.

Groves 2012

The Year Ahead

continued from page 3 talked about, including linear parks and equestrian trails. “There’s a number of things that we now have the opportunity to address,” Rockett said. Councilman Ron Jarriel looks forward to the Jan. 14 joint meeting, which he feels will set the tone for 2012. “We are looking for as many attendees as possible, and the in-

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January 6 - Januar y 12, 2012

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NEWS BRIEFS Wellington Garden Club To Meet Jan. 9 The Wellington Garden Club will meet Monday, Jan. 9 at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), with a business meeting at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a program at 12:15 p.m. presented by Paul Craft. Craft is a horticultural consultant with over 30 years of experience in the nursery, landscaping, and landscaping design industry. Craft’s presentation is titled “The Amazing World of Palms.” Palms have been his passion. He has worked with more than 1,500 species and traveled extensively to learn about their native habitat. Craft’s books include All About Palms and An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms, which he coauthored. His program will be a journey through what a palm really is, the uses and products of palms, unique characteristics of some species and alternatives to the species most commonly used in landscapes. Guests are welcome and there is no admission fee, but seating is limited. To reserve a seat, RSVP to Jayne at (561) 791-0273.

Next Wellington Art Society Meeting Jan. 11

compelled to make art. “I am inspired by everything, most specifically, nostalgia for places that I’ve visited as well as places where I’ve never been,” she said. The Wellington Art Society will Segall has had several shows of hold its first meeting of 2012 on her work throughout the county. Wednesday, Jan. 11 at the WellThe Wellington Art Society is ington Community Center (12150 open to artists of all mediums and W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Light re- patrons of the arts, providing both freshments will be served at 6:30 local and regional artists the platp.m., with the general meeting form to share their work, learn beginning at 7 p.m. more about their craft and serve Following the general meeting the community through their art. is a presentation by Liz Ghitta Se- Membership forms will be availgall, who will offer a demonstra- able at the meeting for anyone intion workshop on “Process: Ab- terested in becoming a member. straction and Expressionism: The A nonprofit charitable organiBeginning, Middle & End of a zation, its mission is to educate and Painting.” Members and guests encourage originality and producare invited to participate and tivity among its members and area should bring their own water or youth through programs designed oil-based media and water or oil- to further the advancement of culbased surface (paper, canvas, tural endeavors in the western wood, etc.) with which to work. communities. Segall, who now lives in North The Jan. 11 meeting is open Palm Beach, was raised to the public. A donain New York and spent tion of $5 per person is most of her life in requested to help supFrance. She received a port the Wellington Art bachelor’s degree from Society’s youth scholSarah Lawrence Colarship fund. lege, studying art and art For info., visit www. history, and she also atwellingtonartsociety.org tended L’Ecole Nationor call President Sual des Beaux Arts in Parzanne Redmond at (561) is. Segall said she is Liz Ghitta Segall 791-2194.

CAFCI To Host MLK Celebration In RPB Jan. 16 Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) and the Village of Royal Palm Beach will present the 10th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Monday, Jan. 16 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach). This special 10th year’s celebration theme is “Living the Legacy.” The program will feature a variety of local professional artists including Avery Summers, the Delray Community Choir, Iona Gamble, Copeland Davis, Jade and Demi Masters, Beyond Blind and many more. A brief recap of the past ten years will be presented through a slide show. A continental breakfast will be served from 9 to 9:45 a.m. The program will start promptly at 10 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. CAFCI’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is a great opportunity to reflect, participate and enjoy an inspiring morning with friends and family. For more information about the

event, contact Elet Cyris at (561) 791-9087 or CAFCI at (561) 7904002.

Property Appraiser Scholarships Available Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits has announced that his office is now accepting applications for its 2012 college scholarship program. The Property Appraiser’s Office presents $1,000 scholarships each year to five college-bound students. Since 1993, the Property Appraiser’s Office has awarded $99,000 in college scholarships. The application can be downloaded from the Property Appraiser ’s Office web site at www. pbcgov.com/papa. The deadline to submit the 2012 application is March 31. An employee scholarship committee will select the five winners. To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must be a resident of Palm Beach County, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. The college or junior college they plan to attend must be accredited. Funds are raised through vol-

unteer employee donations from participants in Friday Casual Dress Day. For more information, call (561) 355-3230.

Aquatics Complex Shut Jan. 17-20 The Wellington Aquatics Complex will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 17 through Friday, Jan. 20 for maintenance and will reopen on Saturday, Jan. 21. The facility’s winter and spring hours of operation are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through May 28. The Wellington Aquatics Complex is located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. and features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, diving boards, water slides, an aquatic spray ground, baby pool, concession stand and locker rooms. For information about upcoming aquatics programs, including swimming lessons, diving lessons, water aerobics and more, visit the Parks & Recreation page at www.wellingtonfl.gov. For more information, call Aquatics Supervisor Eric Juckett at (561) 753-2497.

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Page 9

NEWS

PLENTY OF LATE-NIGHT FUN AT CAFCIS NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY IN ROYAL PALM Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) held its annual New Year’s Eve party Saturday, Dec. 31 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Caribbean food and music filled the night. Attendees also enjoyed a 50/50 raffle PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Clifton Reid, Marlene Reid, Sharon Anderson and Karl McCarthy.

Percival Wood, Vivica Todd, Paulette Cameron and Jannett e Sharpe-Paul.

(Seated) Rose and St eve Spencer; (standing) Lenny Davis and Laura Berumen.

Andrew, Colleth and Nikki Dennis.

Elaine and Ronald Bowra with Inez McCallum.

Bob and Lee Greene enjoy the evening.

Eugenie Baxter with Sheila and Jerry Wright.

Marlene and Clifton Reid toast the new year.

Junette Powell, Rhonda Ferrin-Davis and Genieve White.

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NEWS

The South Florida Fair Celebrates Its Centennial Year Jan. 13-29 The 2012 South Florida Fair, running Jan. 13-29, will celebrate 100 years of the fair with a tantalizing blend of customer-favorite shows, events and activities together with new promotions to more fully involve the public in the centennial celebration. The first of these is a countdown to the opening that launched Oct. 5, 100 days before the opening of the fair on Friday, Jan. 13. The Jeans and Jewels “Party of the Century” is set for Saturday, Jan. 14. Tables or individual seats are now on sale with proceeds going to scholarships and Ag Camp. A kids mile, sponsored by Steinger, Iscoe & Greene, will take place on the South Florida Fairgrounds the morning of Jan. 14. More than 3,000 youngsters are anticipated. The South Florida Fair may be turning 100 years old, but the centennial celebration is loaded with new and thrilling entertainment offerings certain to be a hit with fairgoers of all ages. Here’s a sampling of some of what is new and free with your fair admission ticket: • Dale Scott & Ana the Future of Magic — Award-winning illusionists who provide an exciting journey through space and time that you’ll never forget on the Ford Stage. • Sea Lion Show Splash — The only traveling show for beached sea lions unable to be returned to the wild due to age or injuries. • Robinson’s Racing Pigs & Paddling Porkers — One of the top fair attractions in North America, the little piggies swim four at a time as the crowd cheers the porkers on to victory. • Extreme Canine Stunt Dog Show — Hair-raising, spine-tingling and thrilling for all ages, rescue dogs and teams perform the most innovative tricks and stunts in the world. • Mitchell Showboat Marionettes — For over four decades, the Mitchell Marionettes have delighted audiences at fairs throughout North America, entertaining millions. • Divas Through the Decades — Take a journey through time as divas present a musical tribute to some of the most influential female vocalists from the 1960s through today. • Fair Centennial Expo — The South Florida Fair celebrates 100 years with a unique 70,000square-foot exposition. Walk the

red carpet to a giant sand sculptured birthday cake, 50 years of rock ’n’ roll, a Florida Cattleman’s display, a rain forest, popular TV game shows, a 100-year newspaper headline display, the Flagler train, Sea Lions Splash and community exhibits from schools, Palm Beach County and Girl Scouts. • National Recording Acts — From country to classic rock, the fair once again presents a number of concerts free with your admission ticket. Colt Ford, Grand Funk Railroad, New Found Glory, John Anderson, Aaron Lewis, John Michael Montgomery and Eli Young play the Bennett Auto Supply Party Pavilion on the Pepsi Stage. • Yesteryear Village — Ever wonder what the first South Florida Fair was like? Be sure to walk through historic Yesteryear Village, where the clock will be rolled all the way back to 1912 with period re-enactors depicting the lifestyles of the Flagler era. Bring the kids because there will be oldfashioned games and contests. • Kubota Agriplex — It isn’t often you get to experience and appreciate the marvels of the American farm. Don’t miss the wide variety of livestock and farm animals from throughout the Sunshine State that will be housed in the fair’s sprawling Kubota Agriplex. Check out an authentic milking parlor, look over the aisles of feathered friends, and be sure to take in blue ribbon horse shows and competitions. • Motorsports Experience — Get a taste of the action and excitement only racing provides. See motorcycles, racecars, collector cars and muscle cars. The fourth annual Palm Beach Fairgrounds Speedway Reunion will take place Monday, Jan. 23 at 5 p.m. at the Bennett Auto Supply Party Pavilion. • Florida Match Play Championship — It’s a nonstop weekend of action Jan. 28-29 in a fantastic atmosphere. It will be a highenergy cheerleading and dancing event like no other. • South Florida Fair Parades — Dancers, Shriners, marching bands, cars and horses march their way through the fairgrounds Sundays at noon, and Tuesday and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. • The Miss South Florida Fair Pageant — In the Miss Florida and Miss America qualifier, offi-

Fuel performs Jan. 20 on the Pepsi Stage.

There will be more than 200 rides, games and attractions.

Colt Ford performs Jan. 24 on the Pepsi Stage.

The Eli Young Band performs Jan. 25 on the Pepsi Stage. cial judges will select a winner from a number of young ladies on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 14. • Starz of the Future — Starz of the Future features an incredible showcase of aspiring and local talent who sing, dance and entertain their way to what they hope will be a career under the bright lights. • Free Parking in the Ford Parking Lot — There are more than 6,000 parking spaces at the fair, as well as adjoining surface street parking. The vast majority of spaces are free. Preferred paid parking is available. Want more? Returning “fair favorites” include sensational hyp-

A DIFFERENT KIND OF ‘BRAINSTORM!’ REGISTER NOW FOR

THE MAX PLANCK FLORIDA INSTITUTE

BRAIN BEE CHALLENGE 2012 SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2012

The inaugural Max Planck Florida Institute (MPFI) Brain Bee at FAU’s Jupiter campus is open to Palm Beach County high school students in grades 9-12. Similar to a spelling bee, students in the competition must answer a series of questions based on the book “Brain Facts” published by the Society of Neuroscience. The top three finalists will receive cash prizes!

For more information, contact MPFI’s Head of Education Outreach, Dr. Ana Fiallos at ana.fiallos@mpfi.org.

Larry Hernandez performs Jan. 22 on the Pepsi Stage.

Scan this code with your smart phone

or visit MaxPlanckFlorida.org /BrainBee

notist Mark Yuzuik, South Florida Fair Hall of Fame entertainer Dennis Lee, the petting zoo, Lloyd Mabrey, Ron Davis, high roller Wade Henry, 60s band Yesterdaze, Sha Boom, the Hurricane Harmonizers, a classic rock tribute band competition, and a bevy of terrific regional and local musical and entertainment acts, all free with your fair admission ticket. For more information, visit www.southfloridafair.com, sign up for the fair’s Facebook and Twitter pages or call (561) 7930333. The South Florida Fairgrounds is on Southern Blvd. one mile west of Florida’s Turnpike.

The Divas through the Decades show takes place Jan. 23-29 on the F ord Stage.

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NEWS

Palm Beach Polo Announces Several New Development Plans Palm Beach Polo announced plans last week to develop several new mixed-use projects on five Wellington parcels. With the Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s endorsement of the 96-acre Equestrian Village last week, Palm Beach Polo submitted an application to Wellington’s Planning & Zoning Department to develop congruous facilities on five of its real estate properties. Plans include mixed-use boutiques and residences, luxury apartments, professional offices, and a hotel/condo that will support the growing ecosystem of riders, spectators and professionals that call Wellington home not just three months a year, but year round. The portfolio company, which owns other holdings on Palm

Beach island and in St. Lucie and Martin counties, expects to make a $400 million investment integrating its existing properties with those planned for the five Wellington parcels. The development efforts will enhance the reciprocal privileges currently available to members of Palm Beach Polo Golf & Country Club, the Tesoro Club and Martin Downs Country Club, as well as those in development at Palm Beach Polo & Hunt Club, Equus Equestrian Center and the Palm House hotel. “Our property alliance provides the kind of amenities package you won’t find anywhere else in the State of Florida, if not the country,” Palm Beach Polo President Glenn Straub said. “Members will be able to golf a championship Arnold Palmer course one day, go

to a rodeo with their kids that night, play a pick-up game of polo the next day or hit the spa and take a swim in the ocean.” This month, Palm Beach Polo opens its newest property, the 150acre Hunt Club off South Shore Blvd., located at the site of the former Greenview Cove Golf Course. Designed as a gathering place for recreational riders and a spectator-sporting complex to catch family-friendly entertainment, it fills a void for those seeking a more casual environment to enjoy equestrian sports. Attractions include rodeos, outdoor and arena polo, driving and dressage exhibitions, and for non-riders, a flexible, affordable golf course that allows for shorter games will be available, as well as practice fields for local sports clubs.

“Wellington has always been a tight-knit community centered around an immense passion for horses, and we want to keep it that way,” Straub said. “Our focus at the moment is on the unparalleled membership experience of being a part of the Palm Beach Polo brand. We want to make sure we push the envelope in terms of making this place truly unique and giving the hospitality and resort market the legs it needs to create stable, quality jobs in this challenging economic climate. However, we will have one eye on the exclusivity, privacy and security of our residents at all times.” Straub has been actively acquiring and constructing new properties over the past two years in anticipation of the 2018 World Equestrian Games, which he and

fellow business owners in the area — as well as many residents and community leaders — would like to see hosted by Wellington. The development plans, which encompass 1,200 acres across southeastern Florida, are scheduled to be completed in 2016 and will closely align with the proposed Equestrian Village project. In the Dec. 30 Town-Crier, Wellington Equestrian Partners Managing Partner Mark Bellissimo said, “[Equestrian Village] will elevate the real-estate market, which enhances the tax base that supports community services; reduce the seasonality, which strengthens and supports local businesses; create a common gathering spot to engage, educate and entertain the community; and position Wellington to attract more

world-class equestrian events such as the 2018 World Equestrian Games, thus firmly establishing Wellington as the No. 1 equestrian destination in the world.” Palm Beach Polo is excited by the prospect of evoking a “Main Street” feel in Wellington, Straub said. Traditionally known as a town of self-contained neighborhoods, he said Wellington currently lacks the kind of cohesion Straub hopes additional shops, restaurants, offices and common areas for farmers markets and art shows will bring to the area. “We’ve been somewhat of a lone wolf fighting to see this town reach its potential over the years,” Straub said. “It’s really great to see the community coming together right now to help us push these plans through and get to work.”

Palm Beach Wine Auction Set For Jan. 25 At Breakers Palm Beach The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will host its celebrated annual Palm Beach Wine Auction on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at the Breakers in Palm Beach. More than 140 friends and supporters are expected to attend this invitation-only event that sells out every year and raises funds for the Kravis Center’s award-winning education programs. Auction founder and chair Ted Mandes, who is also a member of the Kravis Center Board of Directors, emphasizes that the event’s mission is to “share the cultural wealth” by further advancing and broadening the scope of the educational experience of local youth. “It is not just a cause, but an ongoing obligation,” he said. “The annual Palm Beach Wine Auction provides us the opportunity to involve the entire community and create awareness of the Kravis Center’s education programs that are so vital to our youth today. The

secret behind our event’s considerable appeal is the simple fact that we stay true to our original vision — to remain small and high-end no matter how great the pressure to do otherwise. Truly, our upcoming 2012 Palm Beach Wine Auction, our fifth anniversary celebration, will be every bit as glamorous as previous editions, only more so because this year we have a lot to celebrate!” “Whether you call it élan, cachet, panache, esprit or je ne sais quoi, I can tell you from first-hand experience there’s something indisputably unique about the Palm Beach Wine Auction,” said event supporter and longtime Palm Beach resident David Hamilton. “Redolent with good cheer — and here I’m not referring to the effect of the delicious wines — the Palm Beach Wine Auction rivals a glowing evening right out of La Belle Époque.” Hamilton is the brother of well-

tanned movie actor George Hamilton, who is starring in the Kravis On Broadway production of La Cage Aux Folles, which runs Feb. 14-19. “The Palm Beach Wine Auction is an unbelievable opportunity to wine and dine in a sumptuous environment, purchase unbelievable wine values, and walk away with the satisfaction of knowing you’re doing something to improve the lives of young people throughout the Palm Beaches,” he said. The wine auction will once again be under the direction of Michael Troise, the retired auction director for NY Wines/Christie’s Fine & Rare Wine Department and an expert with more than 40 years experience in tasting, buying and brokering wines from vintages dating as far back as the late eighteenth century. The 2012 Palm Beach Wine Auction on Jan. 25 will start with a reception in the Tapestry Bar at

the Breakers from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by an elegant fivecourse dinner and wine auction in the Circle Room. The ticket price is $750 per person. For additional information, visit www.palm beachwineauction.org. The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a not-for-profit performing arts center whose mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality; by offering comprehensive arts education programs; by providing a Palm Beach County home in which local and regional arts organizations can showcase their work; and by providing economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County. For more information, call (561) 832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org.

Michael Troise and Ted Mandes

PNC Bank ‘Women In Power’ Series Event Jan. 18 In West Palm PNC Bank has announced that its “Women in Power” speaker series will benefit the YWCA of Palm Beach County for the fifth consecutive year. Headlining the opening luncheon of the 2012 series on Jan. 18 will be Gahl Hodges Burt, former social secretary to the Reagan White House. PNC’s “Women in Power”

speaker series was created in 2007 to raise awareness and support for programs that encourage, promote and provide development for girls and young women in Palm Beach County. Nationally acclaimed women are brought to the area to present their personal and professional journey to success.

“We are intensely committed to building strong communities and helping individuals, families and businesses achieve their financial goals,” PNC Bank Regional President Craig Grant said. “We are pleased to offer the ‘Women in Power’ series in Palm Beach County to give local residents the opportunity to meet and hear from

prominent women in their respective fields of endeavor from across the country.” In addition to the post of social secretary to the Reagan White House, Burt has held positions in the U.S. State Department, including personal assistant to Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and later assistant chief of protocol.

Other speakers and luncheon dates include noted journalist Laura Ling on Feb. 8, and bestselling author Jeannette Walls on March 6. All events take place at the Palm Beach Photographic Centre (415 Clematis St., West Palm Beach). Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., and the luncheons

begin at noon. YWCA of Palm Beach County will handle guest payment and direct all proceeds to fund their programming needs. Reservations for the Jan. 18 luncheon are $50 and can be made by calling YWCA of Palm Beach County at (561) 640-0050, ext. 134.

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NEW HORIZONS CELEBRATES READING AT BARNES & NOBLE

New Horizons Elementary School students enjoyed a night of literacy events at their annual Barnes & Noble Book Fair. Students performed Reader’s Theater, recited poems they created, read poetr y written by famous authors, sang holiday songs and made bookmar ks. Guest readers included Principal Betsy Cardozo, Assistant Principal Mickey Simmel, speech teacher Margie Avilla, America’s Miss Teen Trisha Prill and Miss Teen Florida Ashlhea Lewis. Lewis encouraged students by telling them that “every life is a story — make yours a best seller!” Pictured here are New Horizons chorus members with Lewis.

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SCHOOL NEWS

TKA’s Elementary Choir Entertains Seniors The King’s Academy’s King’s Kids elementary choir recently visited the senior residents of the Classic and entertained them with a musical performance. The audience was appreciative of the performance, and many conveyed that it is their favorite yearly event. Following the group’s performance, the singers went into the crowd and sang Christmas carols with individual audience members. Huge smiles spread across the students’ faces as well as the faces of the audience as the entire room enjoyed singing the songs together. The King’s Kids members had a hard time saying goodbye after such an enjoyable experience. “This is always such a sweet performance for our kids,” King’s

Kids director Robin Phillips said. “While the students are blessing this wonderful audience with their God-given talents, they are blessed in return by the audience’s heartfelt appreciation and kindness. We are thankful to be able to share Christmas with them every year.” The King’s Academy is a nationally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool through 12th grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. More information about the King’s Academy is available online at www.tka.net.

Matthe w Brown sings with one of the residents.

King’s Kids members sing along with the seniors.

Chris Pappas and Kyle Martin perform a song.

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SCHOOL NEWS

WHS Project Graduation Golf Tournament Raises More Than $8,000 By all measures, the first-ever fundraising golf tournament in support of Wellington High School’s Project Graduation was a tremendous success. The event brought in more than $8,000, which will help offset the cost of a graduation-night party for seniors at Wellington High School. The winning team, with a score of 58, consisted of Larry Bennett, Kaci Bennett, Jeffrey Greer and Joe Pauldine. The winners of the closet-to-the-pin contest were Ann Abadessa (women’s) and Milko Castellanos (men’s). The men’s and women’s longest-drive champions of the day were Sy Kotalik and Allison Parssi, respectively. Both Bennett and Parssi were members of the WHS girls golf team, which advanced to the state finals this year. The honorary chair was WHS Principal Mario Crocetti, and the co-chairs were Susanne Bennett and Jeannette Parssi. The planning committee members were Donna Baxter, Missy Cheatham, Lili Jochem, Anne Kimmey, Sheri Hayward, Cindy Lutz, Milagros Rivera, Robbin Roscigno and Annette Sheehan. “We want to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who helped make this happen,” Bennett said, “including all of our golfers, sponsors, auc-

tion contributors, volunteers and Binks Forest Golf Club, for helping make this event a success. We hope it will continue to grow in the years to come.” The 2012 senior class will soon graduate and move on to college and careers, and the WHS Project Graduation committee would like to send them off with a fun and safe party on graduation night. Following a longstanding tradition, the committee invites all graduating seniors to Project Graduation, a safe, alcohol-free graduation night party that ensures a fun and safe time for all graduating seniors. The cost to attend is $10 per student, and parents are being asked to help defray the cost of the event by donating $20.12 to the cause. Donations, along with payment for event tickets, can be sent to Wellington High School 2012 Project Graduation, P.O. Box 1453, Loxahatchee, FL 33470. Unfortunately, each April and May, teenage alcohol and drugrelated accident fatalities spike, largely as a result of unsupervised graduation celebrations gone bad. A parent-supervised, all-night, alcohol-free/drug-free party is the committee’s attempt to combat those scary accident statistics. The

BINKS FOREST SHARES DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Binks Forest Elementar y School has an active and giving student council. In November, student council members collected multiple carloads of food items for the Thanksgiving Food for Families drive. The food benefits many local families in the community. In December, the student council collected hundreds of toys to donate to Binks Forest’s sister school, Gove Elementary in Belle Glade. The toy drive is an annual event for the student council. Pictured here are 2011-12 Binks Forest Elementar y School Student Council members in grades three through five.

The winning team of Larr y Bennett, Kaci Bennett, Jeffrey Greer and Joe Pauldine.

Closet-to-the-pin winners Ann Abadessa (women’s) and Milko Castellanos (men’s). Project Graduation party starts at around 10 p.m. on graduation night and the fun continues until almost 5 a.m. WHS graduates will be entertained all night by a DJ, huge inflatable games/rides, a hypnotist, casino games and much, much more. Food and refreshments are served throughout the night.

The Project Graduation team invites everyone to join them for a food tasting Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Whole Foods Market in Wellington. Tickets will be sold in advance for $10 each. For more info,, visit the WHS Project Graduation 2012 page on Facebook, or e-mail wellington projectgrad@gmail.com.

Longest-drive winners Allison Parssi and Sy Kotalik.

Poinciana Hosts Pre-K Holiday Performance Under the direction of Kerri Peifer and Nancy Agosto, 3- and 4year-old students at Poinciana Day School recently presented their Winter Holiday Performance in front of classmates, parents, grandparents and friends. Students were dressed in costumes that depicted the winter holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa and sang songs for each of the holidays. After the performance, everyone was invited back to the classroom for a holiday party. The students did a great job memorizing the various songs and holiday information. Each student colored and decorated their own costumes, which were created by Poinciana Day School alumna Marissa Ullman, a computer animation student at Ringling College of Art and Design. The students and their costumes were as follows: Dreidel, Anaiah Bowens (West Palm Beach); Candy Cane, Gavin Carr (West Palm Beach); Kwanzaa Cup, Rebecca

Fox (Lake Clarke Shores); Wreath, Brianna Garrow (West Palm Beach); Gingerbread Girl, Summer Krakow (Lake Worth); Menorah, Lily Rizzardi (Boynton Beach); Bell, Katelyn Hoffman (Boynton Beach); Christmas Tree, Timothy Murphy (West Palm Beach); Bow, Rheanna Rigaudon (West Palm Beach and Jupiter); and Stocking, Leo Vought (Delray Beach). Other special assistance was provided by Stephanie Margolis who helped with costume decoration and Jennifer Murphy who helped with overall organization of the performance. “The pre-kindergarten program will be expanding next year and adding another classroom,” Head of School Ann Simone said. “We will have one classroom for 3year-olds and one classroom for 4-year-olds. Each classroom will have a maximum of 15 students. The 4-year-old classroom will continue to accommodate the VPK program.”

Brianna Garrow, Gavin Carr, Timothy Murphy, Leo Vought and Rheanna Rigaudon during the performance. The pre-k program is yearround and will offer a summer program after the completion of the regular school year. Registration for the summer program and

the 2012-13 school year will open in January. For more information, or to schedule a personal tour, call (561) 655-7323 or visit www. poincianadayschool.org.

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Aspiring Racecar Driver Timothy Humphrey Seeks Local Sponsors There were no racecar drivers in Timothy Humphrey’s family. but it all started when he was 2 years old. Timothy was trying desperately to climb out of his crib. So when his mother saw the blue Little Tikes racecar bed at a garage sale, it was perfect for him. Timothy fell in love with that bed. During the day he placed his car seat steering wheel in the bed pretending to race, and at night dreamed of winning races in that “blue streak.” Race ahead 13 years. Though Timothy had been watching auto racing for years on television, in the spring of 2009, he began researching what it takes to reach his goal of become a champion racecar driver. He determined that almost every professional driver begins in kart racing and then continues to kart during their off season to remain in practice. He ap-

proached his mother, Eleanor, and father, David, with his dream. After making some inquires at the Palm Beach International Raceway (PBIR), the Humphreys attended a major race at the track and absorbed as much knowledge as possible in one day. After speaking with several drivers and teams, a plan was set in motion to get Timothy his first race kart. Eleanor sold her beloved Volkswagen Beetle to raise the money to purchase a used Arrow Kart with a Rotax motor and a few accessories. David bought a used Ford pickup truck to haul the kart and widened the driveway to make room for the truck. Timothy was on his way. Though Timothy received some initial instruction from local instructors, inquiries were made at PBIR to receive advanced instruction. It was during that time that

Timothy began receiving instruction from current Indy car driver Jay Howard and Howard’s driving coaches. After several months, as Timothy was approaching his 15th birthday, he entered his first race at PBIR and finished in fourth place. Hard work and practice continued. As 2010 arrived, Timothy was able to practice and enter races at PBIR, Homestead and Jacksonville as finances allowed. These races resulted in two firstplace trophies, and 2011 continued his success on the podium with second- and third-place finishes. Timothy is currently a junior at Wellington High School and a member of the Advanced Karting Team of Riviera Beach, one of the best in the country. He is in immediate need of sponsors to continue pursuit of his dream. Timo-

Timothy Humphrey off track (left) and leading the pack in k art No. 824 (right). thy recently constructed a web site at www.timothyhumphrey.net to help potential sponsors learn more about him and his dream. He may

be contacted through his web site or at warp8motorsports@hotmail. com. Timothy’s favorite quote is from Steve McQueen, from the

movie Le Mans: “When you’re racing, it’s life. Anything that happens before or after is just waiting.”

Kravis Dress Circle Enjoys Dec. 5 Dinner Dance

Julia Govier holds her trophy high.

Ethan Govier with the kingfish he caught last June.

Julia Govier Wins Big At Fishing Classic Wellington resident Julia Govier, 5, caught a 4 lb., 4 oz. fish to take first place at Wellington’s 21st annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic held Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Wellington Community Center dock. She won in the Minnow Division (age 6 and under). Julia’s father, Brian Govier, is an avid fisherman who learned how to fish at a very early age. His mother Judy used to bring him to

local lakes and eventually fish on party boats. Brian now dedicates his free time to teaching his children to follow in his footsteps. In addition to Julia’s big win, her brother Ethan caught a 50 lb. kingfish back in June, and he now holds the International Game Fish Association’s junior world record kingfish. At the age of 40, Brian has yet to win any trophy and does he hold any records, but he noted that his kids are doing just great.

The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts honored its Dress Circle members at an exquisite dinner dance Dec. 5. Nearly 300 Dress Circle members and guests attended the event that began with a cocktail reception in the Harris Pre-Function Hall, followed by a scrumptious three-course dinner in the Weiner Banquet Center’s Gimelstob Ballroom. Fitting with the evening’s theme of “A New York State of Mind,” the room’s décor included zebra-style table settings and a behind-the-band backdrop of a sparkling Manhattan skyline. Following a video packed with special 20th anniversary congratulations from a variety of stars and celebrities, William Meyer, the Kravis Center’s chairman of the board, welcomed guests as they dined on herb-roasted Chicken Manhattan with a cherry compote over a bed of spinach. Dessert was New York cheesecake, of course. The Dress Circle Dinner is an annual event in recognition of donors who contribute $1,000 or more to the annual campaign. “Our fundraising goal is higher this year, but we are confident our programming and your continued generosity will help us to have another successful year,” Meyer told the culture-loving crowd,

which included many Kravis Center board members and life trustees such as Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Alec Flamm, Herbert Gimelstob, Barbara Golden, John E. Jenkins, David I. Kosowsky, Lee Wolf and Judith B. Goodman. “Think about this: We bring over 42,000 students from Palm Beach County schools to the Kravis Center each year,” Meyer said. “In most cases, we have to pay the busing as well. This is part of our annual expense budget. Is it worth it? You bet it is. For most of these kids, it is the first time they have ever seen a live performance with professional actors and scenery. You should see how their faces light up when being exposed to live performing acts for the very first time. Who knows how many future actors, dancers, singers or lighting technicians had their first spark in Dreyfoos Hall?” After the delicious dinner, attendees danced the night away to the sophisticated, Frank Sinatra– style sounds of Mark Fernicola and his band. Martin Axman and Phylis Fogelson generously sponsored the annual Dress Circle members’ annual dinner. For more information on becoming a Kravis Center donor, call (561) 651-4320 or visit www. kravis.org/membership.

Alexander and Renate Dreyfoos. PHOTOS COURTESY CORBY KAYE’S STUDIO PALM BEA CH

Martin Axman and Phylis Fogelson.

Denise and Bill Meyer.

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

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NEWS PZA Board

‘Equestrian Village’ Approval

continued from page 1 about the mass and the height of the hotel,” Wellington Planning & Zoning Director David Flinchum told the board. Currently, buildings in the Wellington Equestrian Preserve are limited to 35 feet tall. Comparatively, Flinchum said that the Hampton Inn near the Mall at Wellington Green is 54 feet tall, as is the new auditorium at Wellington High School. “The 35-foot [limit] has been a very specific limitation set by the council,” Flinchum said. However, the proposed hotel would be six stories, including a low-level parking garage. “Most hotels are not viable if they aren’t at least three or four stories,” Flinchum explained. Wellington Equestrian Partners Managing Partner Mark Bellissimo said that the hotel would be structured so that it would taper.

“We’re staging it so that the average height of the hotel is a lot less than the five stories,” he said. “We don’t want it to be a block. We want it to be a very nice architectural landmark in the community. We want it to look more like the Ritz and not a Walmart.” Another concern was whether approving the project would open the floodgates for more hotels in the equestrian area. However, Flinchum said that the language had been written so that the old stadium property would be the only one that would meet the criteria. Board members were also concerned whether the definition of a hotel should be included and whether the project was a hotel, condominium units, or a combination of both. Flinchum said that the approval was for a hotel, though it had been discussed that units could be sold and then rented out. “We don’t have a definition distinguishing a hotel or a condo,” Flinchum explained. “A traditional hotel is open to the public, it’s unrestricted and anyone can make reservations. There are some re-

strictions to the duration.” However, Flinchum noted that during equestrian season, there is a lot of demand not only for hotel rooms, but also condominiums where people can stay for a long duration of time. “We recognize the financial benefit of a condo,” he said. “People very often find those types of facilities located at equestrian venues, recreational areas or areas with entertainment.” Bellissimo said that plans have been clear that it could be a condo and a hotel. “We discussed that from day one,” he said. “We were told there was no distinguishing feature between a hotel and a condo.” Bellissimo explained that the goal of the Equestrian Village project is to expand the worldclass equestrian facilities to include dressage, which has been overlooked. “I think it’s a very important issue for this community,” he said. “I think our intentions are being misunderstood. This isn’t just about a hotel. It isn’t just about a corner. It is about an engine for growth in this community.”

PZA Board Member Elizabeth Mariaca asked about the cost and time frame of the project. Bellissimo said it would cost an estimated $50 to $80 million. He said construction could begin as early as this year and would take between 18 months and two years to complete. “We would try to put the shovel to the ground as quickly as possible,” he said. Though members of the public were largely in support of the high-level dressage facility on the property, whether to include a hotel and retail space polarized residents. Tom Panza, an attorney representing the Wellington Equestrian Preservation Alliance, said that while his organization supports dressage, it is concerned that the hotel project had not been defined. “They haven’t described if it would be a hotel, a condominium or a time share,” he said. “There was no definition of it then, and there’s no definition of it now.” Victor Connor, representing the Wellington Chamber of Com-

Run For The Animals This Saturday At Okeeheelee The fifth annual Run for the Animals and Family Fun Day will be held Saturday, Jan. 7 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Micanopy Pavilion at Okeeheelee Park. The 5k run and the 5k walk will begin at 8 a.m. (with registration at 7 a.m.), and the 1-mile family/dog walk will begin at 9 a.m. This event is presented by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office to benefit Animal Rescue Force, Paws 2 Help and Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue. Sponsors are the Palm Beach Kennel Club, WPEC News Channel 12, Sunny 104.3 FM, WIRK 107.9 Country Radio, Petco, Sergeants Pet Products, VIP Dog Boarding/Day Care and Grooming, and Kenny Mondo’s DJ and Productions.

Dog contests will be held at 1 p.m. Categories include cutest, largest, smallest, most original costume and dog/human lookalike. The contest entry fee is $5 per dog per category. There will be pets for adoption from local shelters and breed rescue organizations. For the children there will be a bounce house, rock wall, entertainment and face painting by Cookie the Clown. Captain Cartoon will sketch caricatures of dogs and their owners. Activities will continue throughout the day. They will include demonstrations of animal CPR by Pet Tech First Aid and CPR, dog agility by the Tailwaggers, performances by Amos the Wonder Horse and the PBSO

chaplain will conduct a blessing of the animals. The PBSO Mounted Unit will make an appearance, as will the PBSO bloodhounds. Animal Care & Control will display the Neuter Commuter and will offer vouchers for reduced-fee rabies shots, tags and microchips for sterilized pets. In addition, there will be petrelated vendors and lots of raffle and silent auction items. Food vendors will be on hand. Pre-registration is encouraged and may be done by credit card at www.accuchiptiming.com. Registrations are still accepted at the PBSO Animal Kindness Unit, 3228 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406. Make checks payable to PAL. The cost is a $30

for the 5k run, $25 for the 5k walk and $20 for the family/dog walk. Admission to the event is free, but donations would be appreciated. For further information, contact Barbara Masi with the Animal Kindness Unit at (561) 688-3981 or animalkindness@pbso.org.

nity, which not only brings these noble creatures to our community but gives them endless miles of trails and bends over backward to assist them. It is almost as if the entire village is a welcoming committee, and in return the equestrians support our local businesses and the economy. Sadly, things are changing, not unlike our national economy, and the great disparity of the haves and the have-nots fueled by greed is now visiting us. For years our equestrian community has survived with housing shortages for its workers, but most of that has been resolved by a hotel and many vacant houses. Now some big-business equestrian entities are seeking to despoil our equestrian commu-

nity by putting up a large hotel, parking areas and other commercial aspects. Think of the term “equestrian preserve,” most especially the word “preserve.” This negates more commercialism as commercialism is contrary to the very nature and character of the preserve. This intrusion is about money, bucks, profits and greed, not horses. I hope that the Wellington Chamber of Commerce is not involved with this issue as they have been as of late, allowing more commercialism, larger signage, etc. throughout our village, which does nothing for the residents and only makes Wellington look like all the cites and places we have left in our past. I am not interested in lining the pockets of a few

at the expense of the many (our citizenry). Please keep our equestrian community green with grass, dotted by barns and houses. Leave out hotels, strip mall stores, and that which will ruin the aesthetics of our magnificent community and possibly create more traffic. The equestrians are a culture. Let’s not pervert it for commercialism and subvert something pristine into something commonplace. As I stated earlier in this letter, it will be people from the equestrian community who will ruin the rest of our community. So please do not allow developertype interests to ruin the real horse community and all the beauty that we now can behold. George Unger Wellington

continued from page 1 ing to Tallahassee to meet with representatives regarding the issue, and I’m confident we’ll be successful once all the powers that be hear our story. The facts are on our side.” In February, FDOT will conduct its last public hearing on the issue before deciding whether the road project remains in its fiveyear plan. Residents of the Ibis community, emboldened by West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio, have opposed the project. “From the developer’s agreement to the promises the City of West Palm Beach made to us to use our capacity on Okeechobee, the facts are there,” she said. “Once the story is out, I believe we will be successful.” No matter what decision FDOT makes, Acreage residents will see the extension of the road to 60th Street North, providing a bit more relief. That project, Damone said, has come in under budget, costing $4.7 million rather than the anticipated $5.3 million. “The county is doing its part to move the road onward,” she said.

property in town where two roads intersect with urban designations,” Fleischmann said. “Each applicant has the ability to make their own argument, but this site has characteristics that are unique.” He also pointed out that future applicants would have to show justification why more commercial use is needed in the area. Mayor Dave Browning was concerned about development along Okeechobee Blvd., pointing out that the Red Barn property was developed by the Days. “There was a lot of outcry because it was developed to the max,” Browning said, adding that more commercialization would make the widening of Okeechobee Blvd. inevitable. Kilday said they were requesting the land use amendment only, although he talked about plans for the site, which include a sit-down restaurant, green market, shooting range and office space. He asserted that there is a need for commercial on Okeechobee Blvd. because more Loxahatchee Groves residents live north of Okeechobee than south. “In terms

of location, it is in the middle of town,” Kilday said. “The success of the Red Barn suggests that it is a good location.” Kilday noted that at a workshop last year on the future of Okeechobee Blvd., residents were divided on commercial development, and that he had modified the plan presented a year and a half ago to comply more closely with what he thought he heard residents expressing. For example, Kilday pointed out that he moved a stormwater retention area that had been at the rear of the property to the front, on the northeast corner, and set it up as a design element and entrance feature for the town. Parking was moved to the interior, and heavy landscaping was planned along the outer edges. Kilday added that the development would add to the town’s tax base, pointing out that most of the other nearby uses, which include churches and nonprofits, do not pay taxes. “We believe we do meet your plan guidelines,” Kilday said. “We think we have a unique property and unique design.”

Councilman Tom Goltzené asked whether the Days plan to develop the property or sell it, and Kilday said he anticipated the family would follow through with development. “I’ve worked with Mr. Day on 20 other projects, and he developed them all himself,” Kilday said. Councilman Ron Jarriel said he liked the plan, including the indoor gun range. He added that he thought the Okeechobee-Folsom intersection is getting to be dangerous and that he’d like to see a roundabout there, but Kilday was not sure that idea would work. “I would have to look into it,” he said. Browning was concerned about the density and about possible future commercial development along Folsom Road, adding that he thought Red Barn was not a good example of commercial development. He said that 60,000 square feet of building footage is too much for the Day property, in his opinion. During public comment, Planning & Zoning Board Member Lawrence Corning said steps must

be taken to provide guidelines for commercial development along Okeechobee Blvd. if it is to be allowed. “We need to really look at it before it gets out of control,” Corning said. Fellow Planning & Zoning Board Member Dennis Lipp, also a former councilman, said that while Fleischmann does a good job as a planner, the project itself is problematic. “When you pick somebody to plan, they plan,” Lipp said. “They don’t plan not to have anything.” Lipp pointed out that limited commercial had been allowed on Okeechobee Blvd. in the Loxahatchee Groves Neighborhood Plan by the county before the town incorporated. “We got it in the neighborhood plan because the county had a gun to our head,” he said. “That was also one of the reasons we became a town.” Jarriel made a motion to approve the first reading of the application, but postpone the second reading and public hearing until April. The motion passed 3-2, with Councilman Jim Rockett and Browning opposed.

a handful of 10-goal players in the world, and we have several of them playing at IPC this year.” Players include Adolfo Cambiaso, Facundo Pieres, Pablo Macdonough, Sapo Caset, Juan Martin Nero and Eduardo N. Estrada. The season will also feature some of Wellington’s own talent, including Julio Arellano, Kris Kampsen and Nic Roldan. Arellano said he was glad to have the opportunity to play at such a great club. “I grew up in Wellington,” he said. “It’s great to be here. I played in my first tournament here 30 years ago, and I haven’t missed a season since. I’m looking forward to a great season.” Kampsen said he was looking forward to the season, noting that there are more people at the club this year than ever. “It’s going to be a great season,” he said. “I’m excited to be here.”

One of the reasons for the increase in people, he said, is IPC’s dedication to maintaining its fields. Last year, IPC upgraded several of its fields, improving the footing and providing additional landscaping. “In the off-season, we revitalized our fields,” Wash said. “Hopefully it will make spectators and competitors enjoy it a little more.” In addition to polo, IPC has a lot in store for Wellington, with the return of the World Dressage Masters and the second annual International Weekend, Wash said. “We offer more than just polo,” he said. “Once again, we’re stepping forward to present the Palm Beach leg of the World Dressage Masters competition at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center from Jan. 26 through Jan. 29. We will also host the second annual International Weekend in March,

Registration For Acreage Softball Registration for the spring season of the Acreage Athletic League’s recreational softball program starts this weekend at Acreage Community Park. Registration will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28. Visit www.aalgirlssoftball. com for more information.

Letters continued from page 4 feel sorry for them. Worse, I am afraid they might vote against their own interests based solely on their falsely biased emotions. Guenter Langer Royal Palm Beach

Don’t Put Development In Equestrian Preserve Long ago, during the Village of Wellington’s incorporation, I stated that the equestrian areas should remain solely equestrian, and I predicted that only the equestrians could ruin that. Our village has done much to preserve this wonderful commu-

Day Project

Postponed Until April

continued from page 1 Okeechobee. To the east is the Crestwood neighborhood in Royal Palm Beach, which is not connected to Folsom Road. Traffic analysis found the application to be consistent with traffic standards as long as Okeechobee Blvd. is widened to four lanes, which is in the county’s traffic plan. Fleischmann also pointed out that the town’s plan, which directs future commercial development toward Southern Blvd., has no language that supports or prohibits commercial development along Okeechobee. The application would allow 21,606 square feet of commercial and 37,810 square feet of office space and related support uses. The applicant would incorporate the town’s “Rural Vista” guidelines in the development as directed by the council. “This is the only instance of

Polo

Season Opens

continued from page 1 through our farm system, so to speak.” Newman said that four teams, which have consistently played 26-goal polo over the past few years, returned to the 20-goal tournaments this year: Audi, Piaget, Pony Express and Orchard Hill. “It’s great to have those teams come back,” he said. “It’s really going to be great.” In addition to new and returning teams, the season will feature some of the highest-ranked players in the sport. “For those of you that don’t know about polo,” announcer Tony Coppola explained, “players are given a handicap between one and 10 goals. There are only

merce, said that the chamber believes that the project will benefit residents as well as the business community. “On bed-nights alone, Wellington gives up 80 percent of the economic impact of the equestrian industry,” he said. “That money is being spent outside of Wellington. People come here because of the equestrian industry, yet we know the majority of that money is spent outside of Wellington.” But equestrian Cynthia Gardner said she felt that the commercial uses should be limited to those that support the equestrian lifestyle. “The purpose of commercial [recreational] zoning was to provide ancillary support to recreational uses,” she said. “That’s not the same as having 295,000 square feet of commercial development.” Olympic dressage rider Robert Dover, who helped spur the project, said that the hotel is a necessary component. “I have been to the major shows around the world,” he said. “I believe in this, and I believe it’s what we need to have.” PZA board members were largely in favor of the equestrian elements of the project, but some were concerned with the commercial development and hotel. “I’ve lost sleep over this issue,” PZA Board Member Mike Drahos said. “People have said we are at a crossroads, and I agree. I believe the decision we make could change the character of this town forever. Ultimately, I feel it’s in the

ITID 2012

Road Projects Crucial

best interest of the entire community.” PZA Board Member Bob Margolis said that for many years he has felt Wellington needs more hotels, but he could not support changing the rules to allow a hotel in the Wellington Equestrian Preserve. He also said that the added retail space could harm other shopping centers. “There’s not one shopping center where people aren’t hurting,” he said. “This would be adding in additional commercial development in a place where people are already suffering.” PZA Board Vice Chair Craig Bachove said that he does not support the hotel, but largely agreed with the project. “Otherwise I really don’t have a problem,” he said. “The hotel needs to be tweaked and pushed into a different area, but I believe that the retail space goes hand-inhand with the equestrian facility.” The board voted 5-2 to approve the hotel and commercial space with Bachove and Margolis opposed. Earlier in the evening, the board also voted to recommend designation of the property as a commercial equestrian arena as well as add three entrances to the property off South Shore Blvd. and Pierson Road, those measures passed 7-0 and 6-1 with Margolis dissenting. The council is expected to hear the issue Tuesday, Jan. 31. It will take a community effort to convince FDOT that the road is needed, Damone said. She noted that the project has support from all local municipalities and several organizations throughout the area, from the Acreage Landowners’ Association to the Palms West Chamber of Commerce. “I have to emphasize that it will take the entire western communities,” she said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the response we have seen.” Another issue that has Damone looking toward Tallahassee is Gov. Rick Scott’s efforts to curtail the powers and financing of special districts. “I want to make sure that Indian Trail is the poster child for the positive reasons of having a special district,” she said. “I don’t believe special districts like Indian Trail are truly on his radar, but I need to make sure we are at the forefront and that we consistently observe what the governor is doing. Without local government in Palm Beach County, I think The Acreage would suffer.”

Wellington

Outlook For 2012

continued from page 3 ter landlords, maintain their properties and use best management practices. We want them to have the types of tenants they wish to have, and it appears to be productive.” But the year will not be without its controversies, Bonde cautioned. One of the major projects expected to come before the council is the Equestrian Village, a world-class dressage facility along with hotel and commercial space, which has divided the equestrian community. “It’s quite a controversial proposal,” Bonde said. “It’s an issue that will be going on for at least a few months while all the details are worked out. It still hasn’t gone to the council, and it’s likely to be an issue that goes on until April or May.” Ultimately, he said, Wellington residents might not see as much activity in 2012 as they did last year, but he added that Wellington would be continuing to improve the community. “We did so much in 2011,” he said. “It’s going to be a hard year to follow, but we expect 2012 to be a very successful year for Wellington. We’re going to have additional facilities for residents to enjoy and continue to make improvements in infrastructure to make this a great place to live for the long run.”

Blotter

Polo player Kris Kampsen discusses the upcoming season. where we’ll have seven great sports in one location.” Ultimately, Wash said it will be a year to remember, and he encouraged everyone to come out and enjoy the activities. “We look forward to all we have

to offer this year,” he said. The International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. For more info., visit www. internationalpoloclub.com or call (561) 204-5687.

continued from page 6 ly 8:30 p.m. and could smell smoke. When he checked inside the bathroom stalls, he found that the toilet paper dispenser had been set on fire, causing approximately $50 in damage. According to the report, a witness said he went to use the bathroom and smelled something funny. He said he observed three young boys between the ages of 6 and 9 years old run from the area of the bathrooms when he asked them to help put the fire out. According to the report, another witness said he believed one of the children was a known troublemaker who lived nearby.

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Big Plans For Horse Tent At The 2012 S.F. Fair

The opening of the annual South Florida Fair is only a week away. This year’s theme is the fair’s 100th anniversary, so organizer s and fairgoers will celebrate a century of fairs. Naturally, the horse tent has some special events planned. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 23

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Komen Flag Football Tourney Concludes Jan. 8

This weekend, more than 700 flag football players and fans will rally together in support of the fight against breast cancer during the fif th annual Susan G. Komen Flag Football Tournament at Acreage Community Park. The tournament began Jan. 4 and will continue through Sunday, Jan. 8. Page 35

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business Stocked N Loaded Food Truck A Popular Jaunt Around The Western Communities

Bringing specialty gourmet food to the western communities, the Stocked N Loaded food truck is the newest craze. Opened in June 2011 by owner and classically trained chef Da ve Rashty, Stocked N Loaded is not your average food truck. Rashty uses his training from world-renowned chefs to create an eclectic blend of worldly foods. His culinary expertise is represent ed in Stocked N Loaded’s constantly e volving menu. Page 27

Sports Riders Compete In Hunter/Jumper Event At Jim Brandon Center

Equestrian athletes came out to the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center on Dec. 31 for the Hunter/Jum per Series hosted by American Hor se Show Association judge Mark Wonderly. Hor ses and riders w ere judged on eq uitation and time over fences on the flat and over a course of jumps. Page 35

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES ...................... 23-25 BUSINESS NEWS .................................27-29 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ..................... 30 SPORTS & RECREATION ......................35-37 COMMUNITY CALENDAR .................... 38-39 CLASSIFIEDS ....................................... 40-44

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FEATURES

Big Plans For Horse Tent At The 2012 South Florida Fair The opening of the annual South Florida Fair is only a week away. This year’s theme is the fair’s 100th anniversary, so organizers and fairgoers will celebrate a century of fairs. Naturally, the horse tent has some special events planned. Charlie James, along with his wife, Pam, return for their third year co-chairing all of the equine doings. “I guess we’re somewhat experienced at this by now, certainly not experts,” James said. “Every year is different. We have an excellent, dedicated, hardworking horse tent committee. They’re really the backbone of the whole thing. They start working on it in April.” James said that he and his committee invite the local equestrian community to get involved. “We solicit clubs, groups and volunteers,” he said. “The response this year has been excellent. Everyone’s been hit hard by the economy, especially horse people. But we need to move forward, roll that around to better times.” They’ve planned a variety of different riding demonstrations: reining, cutting horses and jumping. The Gold Coast Arabian Club will present demonstration rides. The South Florida Mustang Club will be conducting diGet 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 versity classes, which can help you bombproof your horse, on Jan. 20 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and Jan. 26 from 6 to 9. Anyone can sign up, bring their horse and join in for free. The drill team competition is on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 11 a.m. “This year, we’ve also added in a youth committee to plan things which will interest young people in the community, introducing them to horses,” James said. “Kids who get involved in horses have less opportunities to get involved in other, less wholesome activities. We want kids to see how they can get involved with horses and the equestrian world.” They’re bringing back Kids Time, which proved popular last year. There will be a variety of kid-friendly events, designed to engage youngsters in horse-related activities. One is bowling, utilizing real bowling balls, pins and a bowling alley. A rider on a horse and a child from the audience bowl against each other to see who gets the highest score. “Last year, this went over like gangbusters,” James said.

The South Florida Fair’s Horse Committee. Another is Mutton Bustin’, from 2 to 4 p.m. “These classes are for very, very, very on Jan. 16, in which youngsters who weigh well-trained horses and riders,” James less than 40 pounds can sign up to try riding stressed. “It’s a really difficult course, insheep. These are all free events. credibly challenging. The winners in the This year, they’re also bringing back, and Sub-Junior and Junior divisions each get enhancing, an Extreme Trail event. There will $100, and the winner of the Senior class be three divisions: Sub-Junior, Junior and gets a $200 cash prize. No one’s permitted Senior. See ROSENBERG, page 25

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FEATURES

How My Kiddie Circus Attempt Taught Me A Life Lesson I had a wonderful holiday; thanks for asking. Perhaps because both Christmas and New Year’s Day fell on Sundays, there were a lot of extra “days off” thrown in there, and for the first time in years, I feel relaxed and refreshed. We’ll see how long that will last. I’m going to try to stretch it out. I have two jobs I love — writer and antiques shop owner — and that will help. And I’ve always had a good work ethic. In our family, you had a good work ethic or else. The way I came to understand it, “work ethic” meant you work long and hard and you like it, with no complaining. I have that. It started the summer I was 12, when my best friend Bonnie and I decided to earn some extra money by putting on a circus in my back Get your Sonic Boomer humor every day! Follow Deborah Welky on Twitter at twitter.com/TheSonicBoomer. On Facebook, stop by “The Sonic Boomer” page and click the “Like” button.

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER yard. I knew from experience that there were dozens of kids in the neighborhood who needed babysitting — even if just for an hour or so — and that their parents were more than willing to pay for this service. A circus would babysit them all at one time! With ticket prices of 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for kids ages 11 and under (12 being the cutoff for adulthood, obviously), Bonnie and I figured we’d make nearly $20! We spent weeks building props and painting backdrops. Finally, the big day arrived. The weather cooperated (a factor we’d never

even considered), and all the neighbors were there. We took in a lot of admission money because the parents didn’t drop off their kids but stayed and talked with mom. If we’d have known that was going to happen, we’d have put her in a booth and charged extra! In addition to lion taming (Bonnie had two house cats), “tightrope” walking (we stretched mom’s clothesline out on the grass) and lots of clowning around (which came naturally), we held a sideshow inside the garage. It cost an extra 10 cents, but everybody wanted to see it. Bonnie played her flute and “charmed” a rope out of a basket. I knelt down on the floor with my legs hidden behind a backdrop and became a “little person” (unsympathetically known as a “midget” back then). My brother had been coaxed into showing off his “tattoos,” shakily drawn on with a Bic pen at the last minute. We also sold concessions because, in the nick of time, I realized we’d almost overlooked

this major source of income. There was only one problem. Having exhausted my setup capital ($5 or so), I had to ask dad for money. “I think I can make another $3 by selling butterscotch candies,” I told him, then added, “I just need a dollar to buy them with.” Always one to support small business, dad reached into his pocket and pulled out a buck. In short, the circus was a resounding success. By 4 p.m., I was sitting at the kitchen table counting coins. “Wow, dad!” I exclaimed. “We did better than I thought! We made $20.70!” “Nineteen dollars and seventy cents,” he answered. “You owe me a dollar for the candy — cost of goods sold.” When I tell this story now, dad shakes his head sadly and apologizes for being so hard on me. But he shouldn’t. This year I’m celebrating the 10th anniversary of my store, and it is a success because I always keep one thing uppermost in my mind — cost of goods sold.

‘The Artist’ Is A Terrific Film That Everyone Must Experience Sometimes you just fall in love with a movie. When we went to see The Artist, I had not expected it to be brilliant. A lot of critics had raved about it, but I expected it to be too clever by half: a black-and-white, basically silent movie in 2011? It had to be a gimmick. I walked away convinced. This is a superb film, one that uses the lack of dialogue (there are a few spoken lines, and they make sense in context) and color to enhance a fascinating although deliberately derivative story. It has something we almost never see any more in films: style. The story has elements of A Star is Born, Sunset Boulevard and Singing in the Rain as models. Actor George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is the biggest actor in Hollywood during the silent era. People flock to see his movies, and everyone adores him. At a premiere he meets, or is bumped into by (shades of Singing in the Rain), a young actress, Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo) who gets her picture taken with the star, leading to headlines demanding to know who she is. The next day she is an extra on his set, and they wind up dancing together, very well. Al-

Rosenberg

South Florida Fair continued from page 23 to know what the obstacles are — it’s top secret.” The Sub-Junior and Junior Extreme Trail event will take place Sunday, Jan. 15 at 2 and 4 p.m., respectively. The Senior Extreme Trail event will be Jan. 28 at noon. There are no entry fees. “Trust me, these classes will really test both the riders’ and the horses’ abilities,” James said. “They’re open to any riders — but be prepared. Come in, shut up, buckle up, stay upright, and hang on tight.” There will also be a barrel racing show on Jan. 29, starting at 10 a.m. The entry fee is $35, and it’s open to the first 100 people who sign up: 50 junior riders and 50 open. Winners split 80 percent of the entry fees.

‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler though it’s clear she has a crush on him, he is married. So he settles for being charming and using a makeup pencil to give her a beauty mark on her face. “You need something none of the other girls have,” is his line shown on the printed titles. It becomes a point of interest as she becomes a star. Then the talkies come in, and he refuses to act in them. “People do not come to the movies to hear me act,” he pronounced. That dooms him. He uses his own money to finance a silent movie that opens the same day as a new Peppy Miller talkie, and it bombs. As he begins to sink, even his wife deserts him. His only true friend is his Jack Russell terrier that stays loyal and even winds up savOne event about which James is very excited, but also very close-mouthed, is something called the Wild Horse Race — which involves large inflatable (rather than actual) horses. The first race will be Friday, Jan. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m., and the public is welcome to give it a try. “We’re going to have a few different races, some match races, and some involving the public,” James said. “I’m not going to say too much about it. I don’t want to ruin the surprise. It’s a lot of fun.” I guess I’ll be finding out exactly how much fun it is: I’ve been challenged to a match race by Bettye Thompson, the head of the South Florida Fair’s agricultural complex, Friday evening at 6 p.m. Naturally, I accepted. I have absolutely no idea what to expect. What have I gotten myself into? See you at the fair! For more information and actual schedules, visit www.southfloridafair.com or call (561) 7930333.

ing his life in a sequence that could have come straight from Lassie. (Uggie, the dog who plays the role, deserves his own Oscar for his performance — he steals many of the scenes.) The sequence, a total delight, would probably never work in a regular film in today’s world, but as part of a silent film, it fits beautifully and is delectable. Peppy is now the really big star, but she never forgets Valentin. When his world collapses, she is ready to do anything to help him, including using extortion to get him a starring role opposite her. But he refuses to speak. And things go from there. Director Michel Hazanavicius has created a delightful pastiche, a blending of actors from different countries (what difference does language matter in a silent movie?), using techniques from different eras. Somehow it all works. The supporting cast — John Goodman as the blowhard studio chief, James Cromwell as the loyal valet/chauffeur and Penelope Anne Miller as the not particularly loyal wife — are staples of American movies and blend seamlessly with the French stars. And the stars are fabulous. It takes a special technique to carry

a silent movie. Both Dujardin and Bejo are well-known in France, and any language problems are handled by the fact that between them they have only one spoken line. But both have faces that are wonderfully mobile and bodies that they can use to show feelings as well as to dance. The story is pure melodrama; Hazanavicius said in interviews that they are the movies that work best over long periods of time. And it fits in beautifully with the mythical world of old Hollywood. We have already seen, and loved, so many great films with the same elements: rise of the talkies, decline of the stars. The people in this film clearly love movies and have been able to bring an old art form back to glorious life. In a year of not very great movies, this one shines. Its technique, its love of filmmaking, its heart are all magnificent. Just about every critic I’ve read loves the tale, a rare unanimity for a movie this different from the rest. I fell in love with it, too. This is one movie you can see and even take the kids along to. It’s a great history lesson in moviemaking as well as a grand experience in viewing.

Play For P.I.N.K. Event Jan. 24 At Wycliffe Golf & Country Club On Tuesday, Jan. 24, Wycliffe Golf & Country Club will host the annual Play for P.I.N.K. golf outing and charity luncheon. Breast cancer awareness is very important to the Wycliffe membership because many of the members who will participate have known someone or been directly affected by the disease. More than 350 members are expected to participate in both tennis and golf events, as well as a silent auction, with all proceeds to benefit Play for P.I.N.K. The stickball event is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 17, and the tennis event is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 20, with the golf event and luncheon on the following Tuesday, Jan. 24.

The closing P.I.N.K. Luncheon will be held in Wycliffe’s Grande Dining Room. Five distinguished guests, members of the Play for P.I.N.K. National Board of Directors, will be in attendance. They include Laura Lassman, president and founder of Play for P.I.N.K.; Stephanie Hamburger, Play for P.I.N.K. executive director; and Leslie Friedland, Roberta Server and Carol Ermel, Play for P.I.N.K. national board members. Friedland will be the luncheon’s keynote speaker. For more information about the event, contact Play for P.I.N.K. Chair Judy Fish at (561) 641-3635.

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The Stocked N Loaded food truck goes where it is requested.

Stocked N Loaded Food Truck A Popular Jaunt In The Western Communities By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Bringing specialty gourmet food to the western communities, the Stocked N Loaded food truck is the newest craze. Opened in June 2011 by owner and classically trained chef Dave Rashty, Stocked N Loaded is not your average food truck. “I use all French techniques,” he explained. Rashty uses his training from world-renowned chefs to create an eclectic blend of worldly foods. His culinary expertise is represented in Stocked N Loaded’s constantly evolving menu, which gives customers a variety of options to try. One of the most popular specialty food dishes is Banh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich made of pork loin. It is served with a pork rillette made with pickled carrots and green papaya marinated in Nuoc Cham, a Vietnamese fish sauce, with a mint, cilantro and lime mayo on a French baguette. Stocked N Loaded also carries traditional menu options such as pulled-pork sliders. Soon Rashty will be adding chicken (or beef) shawarma — a Mediterranean-inspired dish — to the menu. “It’s quality food with quality ingredients prepared well,” Rashty said. “I try to cook with the seasons, and everything is made fresh on a daily basis.” Originally from New York, Rashty received his culinary training from the French Culinary Institute in New York City. He trained with some of the top chefs in the industry, interning at Jean-Georges, a three-star Michelin-rated restaurant in New York City. “I have been cooking my whole life,” Rashty said. “It’s something that I truly enjoy doing.” In 2010, Rashty decided to move to South Florida, where he worked with Michael Schwartz at Michael’s Genuine on South Beach. He then worked as chef de tournant at Café Boulud on Palm Beach. After working at some of the top-rated restaurants in the country, Rashty realized he wanted to create his own style of cooking,

and decided that a gourmet food truck would be a great way to accomplish that goal. He first started out in the Boca Raton area before moving to the western communities after receiving a following from the locals. “People here understand the food a little better,” he said. “It’s not really Chef Dave Rashty street food. It’s a more complex flavor.” Although there are other gourmet food trucks around, Rashty said there is nothing like Stocked N Loaded. “There are a couple of trucks out there making some really good food, but there is nothing that has as many complex flavors as my truck,” he said. Because it is a mobile food truck, Stocked N Loaded will go wherever it is requested; people just have to ask. “I have many people on Facebook and Twitter who are requesting for me to come to an area,” he said. “And wherever we are requested, we will go.” Stocked N Loaded is now available throughout the western communities for events and catering. It can also be found at the Wellington Green Market every Saturday morning until April at the Wellington Amphitheater. For future events and truck locations, customers are advised to check the Stocked N Loaded web site, Facebook and Twitter for updates and food truck schedules. Stocked N Loaded will be participating in a variety of upcoming events such as the Wellington Jazzfest set for Feb. 10-11 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, where it will be an event sponsor. For more information about Stocked N Loaded, visit www.stockednloaded.com or call (561) 372-9252.

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Eliminate Credit Card Debt In 2012 Topping the list of New Year’s resolutions for many consumers will be paying off credit cards and getting out of debt. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average cardholder will struggle with $5,400 in credit card debt in 2012. If you have an interest rate of 18 percent and make just the minimum payment toward this debt each month, it will take you 11 years to pay it off. Just like every other resolution on your list, eliminating credit card debt requires focus and commitment. CredAbility offers the following tips to help consumers: • Stop using credit cards — Before you make any purchase, ask yourself, “Do I really need this? Can I pay for it with cash?” If you answer no to either question, skip the purchase. • Resist credit card offers — Open your mailbox on any given day and there is likely to be another offer for another credit card. Shred these offers without opening them and you will be less likely to be tempted by teaser interest rates or offers to consolidate your credit card bills. • Create a repayment plan —

Look at all of your credit card debt and make a plan for how you will pay off the balances. While you need to make at least the minimum payment on all of your cards, prioritize the order in which you will pay the cards off. • Pay more than the minimum — When you make a purchase with a credit card and make only minimum payments, repaying the debt can take years, and even decades. On a $5,400 debt, if you pay $135 a month, it will take you five years and two months to pay off the balance and you will pay $2,908 in interest. Increase your payment to $175 per month and you will pay it off in just three years, six months and pay $1,905 in interest. • Don’t hesitate to seek help — Remember, you don’t have to solve your financial problems alone. CredAbility has trained and certified credit counselors who offer budget and credit counseling confidentially and free. CredAbility is a nonprofit, community-based organization and a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. For more info., call (800) 251-2227 or visit www.credability.org.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Downtown Development Authority Names New Executive Director

After serving as interim director of the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority for more than a year, Raphael Clemente has been officially promoted to the position of executive director. On Wednesday, Nov. 30, the DDA’s board voted to appoint Clemente as the executive director. The DDA is an independent special taxing district that serves the downtown West Palm Beach area. Its mission is to make downtown West Palm Beach a great place to live, work and play through the strategic implementation of plans and programs that enhance and promote the area. “Creating a vibrant, successful downtown for residents, business owners and visitors has been my focus for the past several years, and it’s encouraging to know I have the support and confidence of the board going forward,” Clemente said. “Downtown West Palm Beach has all the qualities of a great city, and the DDA will capitalize on those to continue the momentum that has been built over the past few years.” Clemente, who holds a master’s degree in urban planning, first

joined the DDA in early 2006 as its urban planning and services director and was quickly promoted to associate director. In August 2010, he assumed the role of interim executive director due to the prolonged illness of Executive Director Melissa Wohlust, who had held the position since 2006. DDA Chairman Bruce Lewis said that Clemente had done an outstanding job and proved himself as more than capable of assuming a leadership role in the 18 months since he stepped in for Wohlust, who officially resigned in November after being on long-term disability. “Raphael has displayed a consistency, a sense of purpose and a passion for this job that has never wavered, and that is something that has really stood out to me,” Lewis said. “Those are intangibles that you can’t get a sense of by looking at a piece of paper; you have to work with someone and get to know them.” For more information about Downtown West Palm Beach, contact the DDA at (561) 833-8873, or visit www.wpbgo.com or www. westpalmbeachdda.com.

Raphael Clemente The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant downtown for residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Wellington Chamber Names Small Business Committee Chairs The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Donna Broder and Laura Jaffe as 2012 chairs of the Small Business Committee. The Small Business Committee will be composed of a diverse group of dynamic individuals who will share the common goal of providing education and assistance to small business owners/entrepreneurs looking to locate, expand and maintain their business in Wellington. In addition, this committee will provide educational seminars that focus on the needs of the small business owner, promote the awareness of the Wellington Chamber as a value-added service for the business community of Wellington, as well as establish special events and networking opportunities that will attract consumers to the Wellington Chamber business community in order to cross-sell products and services that will improve sales growth and reduce expenses. “I volunteered to help head

the Small Business Committee in the hope of seeing the Wellington Chamber become more involved in its members’ business development,” Broder said. “We plan to offer business programming and tools with the goal of attracting new small business owners to our chamber for all of the knowledge and experience we are offering them while growing their own businesses. The Wellington Chamber is very fortunate to have successful and knowledgeable business owners among our members. Our committee plans on tapping into this pool of members to share their successes and failures in order to help build individual startup businesses and assist established businesses in the Wellington area.” After graduating from Indiana University, Broder started her 20-year career in upper-level management in the retail industry. For seven of the 20 years, Broder was a district sales manager and retail advisor for 72 retail fran-

chise stores. This professional experience was a perfect segue to her new career as a credit card processor. She and her business partner Jay Broder have been married for 24 years. They are extremely active in many of the local business and philanthropic community organizations. Jay previously was the CFO of a small manufacturing businesses. The Broders opened their credit card processing agency in 1996 and soon became one of the industry’s leading merchant service agencies. As the industry entered the Internet, Card Solutions International was chosen as a beta agency in 1997 for one of today’s leading e-commerce gateways. The firm specializes in the small- to medium-sized businesses, open-door retail, homebased, mobile and Internet businesses. “Having been an ambassador to the chamber for the past year, I know how powerful the chamber can be for its members,” Jaffe said. “I

also know that there are many small business owners in the area who don’t understand the value of the chamber to them and the tools that it offers for their growth and development. This new committee, of which I am honored to be co-chair, will provide a platform for these businesses to voice their concerns, and a venue for them to find answers to their business questions. In this economy, understanding your business and how to develop it profitably has never been more important.” Jaffe is often referred to as the “brain box” of the Jaffe Realty Group. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Jaffe waltzed out of college with a degree, a Phi Beta Kappa key, and an extreme enthusiasm to hit the ground running. A career with her family’s jewelry business in the Washington, D.C., area was her first stop before opening her own clothing and accessories store. Retailing gave Jaffe insight and background in dealing with peo-

Donna Broder

Laura Jaffe

ple, negotiations and customer satisfaction. But the four walls of a store confined her, and finding a career that opened doors led to real estate. Originally licensed in Maryland, Jaffe achieved outstanding results, which were noted by the company she was with. She earned the coveted CRS (certified residential specialist) designation in 2004. Additionally, she has earned the designation of certified buyer representative and is E-pro certified by the

National Association of Realtors, indicating an achievement in using the Internet for real estate transactions. Jaffe was one of the early Realtors to earn the designation of certified distressed property expert, which is essential to properly handling transactions involving foreclosures and/or short sales. To learn more about becoming a member of this new chamber committee, or for general information about the Wellington Chamber, call (561) 792-6525 or visit www. wellingtonchamber.com.

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show In WPB Feb. 17-21 The Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show — one of the most anticipated events of the season — will make its annual return to the Palm Beach County Convention Center over Presidents Day weekend, Feb. 1721. With the collections of more than 180 international exhibitors to choose from, the 2012 show will boast an enviable selection of art, antiques and jewelry, and will draw

Trimming Her Sunday Hat by Daniel Ridgeway Knight.

tens of thousands of private collectors, museum curators, investors and interior designers who are eager to view and purchase some of the most unique and coveted treasures in the world. Items at the show will span every genre, including fine art, antique and estate jewelry, furniture, porcelain, Asian art, American and European silver, glass, textiles, sculpture and more, ranging from the antiquities to the 20th century. Guests will have access to aisle after aisle of extraordinary collections offered by returning exhibitors such as Arader Galleries, Betteridge Jewelers, Camilla Dietz Bergeron, Danish Silver, Drucker Antiques, Erik Thomsen Asian Art, Fred Leighton, French Country UK, Gavin Spanierman, Hancocks, Hyland Granby Antiques, Lillian Nassau, M.S. Rau Antiques, Macklowe Gallery, Mark J. West, Michael Pashby Antiques, T.K.Asian Antiquities and Vallejo Gallery. “What makes this year’s Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show so unique is the amount of highcaliber exhibiting dealers and the diversity of the art, antiques and jewelry that they bring,” said Scott Diament, president and CEO of the Palm Beach Show Group. An exclusive opening night preview evening benefiting the Hope for Depression Research Foundation will kick off the show Friday, Feb. 17. The Hope for Depression Research Foundation was founded in April 2006 by Audrey Gruss in memory of her mother, Hope, who suffered from clinical depression. The organization’s mission is to fund

A silver top yellow gold diamond Sevigne bow brooch by Kochert. innovative, international research into the origins, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of depression and its related mood and other emotional disorders with the ultimate goal of finding a cure. Further enhancing the show, a daily educational lecture series will feature industry experts offering their extensive knowledge on a variety of captivating topics. Free and open to the public, the lectures will be headlined by industry experts such as Edward Faber of Aaron Faber Gallery New York and John Atzbach of John Atzbach Imperial Russian Antiques & Art. The ninth annual Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show will take place Feb. 17-21

A Marquetry Escroitoire, circa 1700. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, Sunday, Feb. 19 and Monday, Feb. 20; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21. Tickets cost $15 daily and $25 for a four-day pass. For more information, visit www.palm beachshow.com.

P.B. Poetry Festival Will Return To Delray Beach Jan. 16-21 Miles Coon, director of the Palm Beach Poetry Festival, is reminding everyone that the eighth annual festival is returning to Old School Square in Delray Beach for six days, Jan. 16-21. “Eight of America’s most gifted poets will be in Delray Beach to teach workshops for qualified writers of poetry, once again offering a great learning opportunity to both local poets and those from around the globe,” Coon said. “Two extraordinary performance poets will bring their powerful voices to our latenight coffee house on Jan. 21 and to two Palm Beach County high schools. I’m particularly proud that Charles Wright, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, will be our special guest poet. He will read his work at the gala reading on Jan. 18, following the festival gala. “In addition to serving the writing community through our professional workshops, the Palm Beach Poetry Festival will once again offer numerous opportunities for the public to hear truly great poetry, written from and for our time, read by poets who engage and enthrall the audience,” Coon said. “They are a diverse group, ethnically, demographically and aesthetically. When people hear them, they will hear America singing.” The upcoming Palm Beach Poetry Festival has scheduled the following readings and events for poetry fans: • Tuesday, Jan. 17 — There will be afternoon craft talks with Thomas Lux and Eleanor Wilner (2 p.m.), and Kickoff Reading by Kim Addonizio and Cornelius Eady (8 p.m.). • Wednesday, Jan. 18 — There will be af-

ternoon craft talks with Claudia Emerson and David Kirby (2 p.m.); a festival gala in Old School Square’s Vintage Gymnasium ($250 per person, 5 p.m.); and an evening reading by special guest poet Charles Wright, winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and a National Book Award (8 p.m.). • Thursday, Jan. 19 — There will be afternoon craft talks with Kim Addonizio and Gregory Orr (2 p.m.), and Midway Reading by Thomas Lux and Chase Twichell (8 p.m.). • Friday, Jan. 20 — There will be afternoon craft talks with Cornelius Eady and Chase Twichell (2 p.m.), and a TGIF reading by David Kirby and Eleanor Wilner (8 p.m.). • Saturday, Jan. 21 — There will be a panel discussion on beloved and influential poems with Eleanor Wilner, Chase Twichell, Gregory Orr, Thomas Lux, David Kirby, Claudia Emerson, Chase Eady and Kim Addonizio (2 p.m.); final reading by Claudia Emerson and Gregory Orr (7 p.m.); and late-night coffee house and party/performance poetry with Vanessa Hidary and Jamaal May followed by a DJ dance party (9 p.m.). Wright, the special guest poet, was born in Pickwick Dam, Tenn., in 1935 and was educated at Davidson College and the University of Iowa. His books include Outtakes (Sarabande, 2010); Sestets: Poems (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2010); Littlefoot: A Poem (2008); Scar Tissue (2007), which was the international winner of the Griffin Poetry Prize; Buffalo Yoga (Farrar, S traus and Giroux, 2004); Negative Blue (2000); Appalachia (1998); Black Zodiac (1997), which won the Pulitzer Prize and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize;

Chickamauga (1995), which won the 1996 Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize; The World of the Ten Thousand Things: Poems 1980-1990; Zone Journals (1988); Country Music: Selected Early Poems (1983), which won the National Book Award; Hard Freight (1973), which was nominated for the National Book Award; among others. Wright has also written two volumes of criticism: Halflife (1988) and Quarter Notes (1995) and has translated the work of Dino Campana in Orphic Songs (Oberlin College Press, 1984), as well as Eugenio Montale’s, The Storm and Other Poems, (1978), which was awarded the PEN Translation Prize. His many honors include the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award of Merit Medal and the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize. In 1999, he was elected a chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. He recently retired as Souder Family Professor of English at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. The Palm Beach Poetry Festival is sponsored by Morgan Stanley, Smith Barney, the Windler Group of Morgan Stanley, and Smith Barney’s Atlanta office; the Palm Beach County Cultural Council and the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners; The Palm Beach Post, WXEL Channel 42, WPBIFM (Classical South Florida Radio), and Murder on the Beach, Delray Beach’s independent bookseller. All events take place in the Crest Theatre and Vintage Gymnasium at Old School Square in Delray Beach. The seventh annual Palm Beach Poetry Festival was underwritten, in part, by an Arts Challenge Grant in 2010 from the John S. and James L. Knight

Charles Wright will be the special guest poet Jan. 18. Foundation. General admission ticket prices per event are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for students. Special student group rates are available. Tickets are on sale to the public through the festival web site and at the Crest Theatre box office at Old School Square (41 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach). Call (561) 243-7922, ext. 1 to purchase tickets. For a complete list of the public events, visit www.palmbeachpoetryfestival.org.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Komen Flag Football Tourney Concludes Jan. 8 In The Acreage By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report This weekend, more than 700 flag football players and fans will rally together in support of the fight against breast cancer during the fifth annual Susan G. Komen Flag Football Tournament at Acreage Community Park. The tournament began Wednesday, Jan. 4 and will continue through Sunday, Jan. 8. Saturday morning kicks off with a check presentation at 11 a.m., followed by the games. The tournament, which is presented this year by title sponsor Dr. Kathleen Minnick, was started by the Acreage Girls Flag Football League as a way to give back. “Some of the people involved in the league decided to put on a tournament to benefit the Komen foun-

dation,” tournament treasurer Mike Chase recalled. “We’ve been doing it for five years now, and it’s great.” In its five years, the tournament has raised more than $50,000 for the foundation and has grown to more than 70 teams with 700 individual players. “Our goal this year is to raise $20,000,” Chase said. “It has grown so much. Last year alone we had 52 teams and 525 players, and this year we’ve expanded even more. I think it’s a good cause and it’s something people really respond to. We don’t have a lot of those opportunities in The Acreage, so we wanted to create something that the community could rally around.” Not only are people from the community coming out, but also teams from across the state. “We have teams from as far away

Tournament Director Keith Shivers and Tom Geraine present a check for $13,000 to Tina Jacobs of the South Florida affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure at last year’s tournament.

as Melbourne and Fort Lauderdale,” Chase said. “It really began to gain momentum.” Though ultimately the goal is to raise money for a good cause, the tournament is competitive. “It’s high-level competitive flag football,” Chase said. “The Seminole Ridge High School girls flag football team won the state championship last year, and this is the program where they got started.” The tournament has teams for age 10 and younger all the way up to 30 and older, with teams from each age group being pitted against each other. “We actually have 13 30-plus teams this year,” Chase said. “We have nine women’s teams and two men’s teams. All of the moms and dads who have come out to watch their children play all these years are now out there playing.” Chase explained that teams from each bracket are drawn randomly to play two games. Based on the results, they are seeded into brackets and face off in single-elimination games. “If you win, you stay,” he said. “If you lose, you go. Each team is guaranteed three games, but then it’s single-elimination.” Though registration for new teams is closed, Chase encouraged everyone to come out to the park and support the tournament. “You can come out and make a donation,” he said, “or have lunch. All the proceeds benefit the charity.” For more information about the tournament, how to register a team next year or how to donate or become a sponsor, visit www.flags forthecure.com.

Ray Collett pulls a flag during last year’s flag football tournament.

Summer Schofield of the Green Machine runs the ball down the field during last year’s tournament. TOWN-CRIER FILE PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ

RIDERS COMPETE IN HUNTER/JUMPER EVENT AT JIM BRANDON CENTER

Equestrian athletes came out to the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center on Saturday, Dec. 31 for the Hunter/Jumper Series hosted by American Horse Show Association judge Mark Wonderly. Horses and riders were judged on equitation and time over fences on the flat and over a course of jumps. For more information about the show, visit www.ahsajudge.com. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

Horses and riders line up in the center of the ring to await results.

Allie Watson keeps her eye on the next jump aboard Bailey’s Irish Cream.

Meg Boyer and Dexter take the jump.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

WAVE U-13 GIRLS WIN AT ORANGE INTERNATIONAL

South Florida hosted one of the largest competitive girls soccer tournaments in the country Dec. 28-30. More than 280 teams ages 9 to 19 from across the country competed and over 100 collegiate coaches attended the 2011 Orange International Girls Soccer Tournament. First-year coach Hassan Jaddaoui took the Wellington Wave 98/99 white U-13 girls soccer team to its first Orange Classic Tournament. The girls won in their age group, with a record of 5-0, outscoring their opponents 18-1. The next major challenge will come in 2012 when they travel across the state and compete in their first State Cup Tournament. (Front row, L-R) Jacqueline Marshall, Megan Cebollero, Brittney Oh, Analisa Garraputa, Amanda Forero and Hannah Blandon; (back row) Olivia Mattessich, Christina Carroll, Kayla McKenzie-Edmonds, Bryle Barrameda, Emma Thomas, Victoria Campanale, Juliet Fern, Samantha Grebinar and coach Jaddaoui.

Wellington Wild 97 Qualifies For 2012 ASA/USA Nationals

The Florida Amateur Softball Association (Florida ASA) has hosted two of three fall national qualifiers for Florida teams. The Wellington Wild 97 captured the championship in the second 14 and Under ASA Qualifier held in West Palm Beach and will represent Florida in Sioux Falls, S.D. for the ASA/USA 14 and Under national championship finals in August. With 17 teams competing in the tournament, the Wellington Wild went undefeated and only gave up a total of five runs in six games. The Wild defeated Windamere Wildfire 1-0, Coral Springs Panthers 5-2, Pines Thunder 4-1, Miami Wildcats 2-1, Tsunami 2-1 in the semifinal game, and Tsunami in the championship game 3-1. “The victory was a total team effort by a team that truly plays with all heart and determination,” manager Jenny Schmidt said. The Wellington Wild 97 also made it to the finals in the first ASA qualifier tournament held in October in Cape Coral. Strong defense, solid pitching and catching, and consistent hitting earned the Wild runner-up to the West Pines Dia-

Wellington Wild — (Front row, L-R) Kaylin Kramer, Sinead Korvela, Jessica Onega, Veronica Terrero, Cristina Teems and Toni Pancione; (back row) coach Jeff Teems, coach Caitlin Bouschet, Hannah Kelly Britney Schmidt, Kelsey Lay, Molly Hughes, Michaela Fallon, Becky Gaidosh, coach Tracey Lay and manager Jenny Schmidt. mond Dusters in the 14 and Under division with 18 of the best teams in Florida. The Florida ASA qualifiers continue to have Florida’s most competitive teams playing for a chance

to attend the most prestigious nationals in the United States. The Wellington Wild will represent Florida next August in Sioux Falls, where the team hopes to win a national ASA title.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Wave U-16 Girls Win Orange Classic Soccer Showcase By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Wave U-16 girls soccer team recently competed in the 15th Orange Classic College Showcase Tournament Dec. 28-30 in Plantation. The tournament is one of the most widely recognized showcase tournaments in the country. The competition draws college coaches from afar to scout potential student athletes who desire to play at the next level. The tournament attracts teams

from all across the nation. The tournament offered three showcase divisions. Wellington competed in the Showcase III Division. In the Wave’s first game, the girls took on Tarpon FC from Monroe County. Wellington played a shutout, winning 3-0. The Wave girls scored quickly when midfielder Aubree Browder took a onetouch shot off a cross from the right, striking the ball into the left corner. Forward Amanda Torres scored shortly after for the Wave to increase

Wellington midfielder Aubree Browder fights with the Tampa United Elite defense to get a shot on goal.

the lead by two. Forward Sara Maclean added the third goal for the Wave in the second half when she evaded the Tarpon defense and placed the ball into the net, making the final score 3-0. Wave goalkeeper Antoinette Walton earned the clean sheet. In the second game, Wellington played a tough match against stubborn Tampa United Elite, winning 2-1. Again, the Wave started strong, scoring two quick goals early by Browder and midfielder Michelle Nilsen. Nilsen’s goal was a header off a corner kick beating the Elite goalkeeper. Tampa managed to cut the lead by 1 point with a shot from outside the 18. The second half would remain scoreless as both teams battled for opportunities, but neither able to capitalize as a result of solid defensive play. In the third game, Wellington went up against the Fort Lauderdale Select and took the contest 4-1. The final win also gave the Wave girls first place in their bracket, earning championship status. Nilsen scored within the first two minutes for Wellington when she took advantage of a mishandled ball by the Select keeper. The Select keeper stopped a hard shot from Torres, but could not maintain possession, and

Wave defender Claudia Petrizzi pushes up field with the ball in Game 1 against Tarpon FC.

Wellington’s Michelle Nilsen wins the ball from Tarpon FC.

Nilsen poked it into the back of the net. Browder also scored for the Wave, giving Wellington an early 2-0 lead. As the Wave seemed to dominate the match, the Select took a shot from outside on a free kick, beating the Wave’s keeper to cut the lead by 1 point. Wellington was not finished, and they added two more second-half goals. Midfielder Brianna Labadie scored on a penalty kick, when Maclean was fouled inside the penalty area. Nilsen also put in another score, putting the

match out of reach for Select, making the final 4-1. Wellington managed nine goals in three games, and only allowed two. Although the offense was able to produce continuous pressure and plenty of scoring, it was not without the stellar play of defenders Christina Barbera, Claudia Petrizzi, Amanda Nardi, Natalie Kelly and Walton, which was instrumental in contributing to the style of play that propelled them into the first-place position.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

This Week at The Four Arts On Display All Season Exhibit: Florida’s Wetlands • No Charge • (561) 655-7226 On Display through January 15 Exhibits:The Art of Illustration: Original Works of Howard Chandler Christy and J.C. Leyendecker and Andy Warhol:The Bazaar Years 1951-1964 $5; free admission for members • (561) 655-7226 Monday, January 4 through Monday, January 30 Campus on the Lake Classes: Yoga and Pilates with Larkin Barnett Time: 9-10 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday $15 per session • (561) 805-8562 Wednesday, January 4 at 8 p.m. Concert: Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel, “Russian Rapture! Music of Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky” $40 / $45 • (561) 655-7226 Thursday, January 5 at 2:30 p.m. Campus on the Lake Lecture: “The Origins of Carnival” with Theodore K. Rabb $20 • (561) 805-8562 Part of the Splendors of Italy Series

Thursday, January 5 at 10 p.m. Campus on the Lake Workshop Begins: Shakespeare’s Advice on Love, Leadership and Human Nature with Drs. Jones Avery and Rodewald $120 for eight sessions • (561) 805-8562 Thursday, January 5 Children’s Library Story Time: Happy New Year! Time: 10:30 a.m. (Preschool) 2:30 p.m. (Family) No charge • (561) 655-2776 Friday, January 6 at 3:30 p.m. Food on Fridays: Fun Chefs School Age Cooking Class with Stacey Stolman Webb $13 • (561) 655-2776 • Reservations Required Friday, January 6 at 2:30, 5:15 and 8 p.m. Film: Jane Eyre • $5 Saturday, January 7 at 12 p.m. The Met Opera, Live in HD: Die Walküre • $25 / $15 with student I.D. (561) 655-7226 Sunday, January 8 Concert: Brentano String Quartet $15 • (561) 655-7226

FOUR ARTS. FOR EVERYONE.

2 F o u r A r t s P l a z a • P a l m B e a c h , F L 3 3 4 8 0 • ( 5 6 1 ) 6 5 5 - 7 2 2 7 • www.fo u ra r t s .o rg

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Saturday, Jan. 7 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will walk 2 to 4 miles in John Prince Park in Lake Worth on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast afterward at TooJay’s. Call Paul Cummings at (561) 963-9906 for more info. • Visit the Wellington Green Market on Saturday, Jan. 7 from 8 a.m. t o 1 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater. Visit www. wellingtonfl.gov for more info. • The Audubon Society of the Everglades will host a bird walk at the Green Cay Wetlands (12800 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach) on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 8 a.m. Meet outside the nature center main door. Call Linda Humphries at (561) 742-7791 or email hlindaase@aol.com for more info. • The Indian Trail Improvement District will host a grand reopening celebration for Kidscape Park (15970 74th St. North, The Acreage) on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 9:30 a.m. There will be a ribbon cutting, sign dedication, refreshments, face painting, a clown and more. For more info., call (561) 7930874 or visit www.indiantrail.com. • Ring in the New Year at Story Time at Scott’s Place Playground (12190 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7 with stories about New Year’s Day. A leader from the Little Blessings Ministry at the First Baptist Church of Royal Palm Beach will serve as guest reader. For more info., visit www. wellingtonfl.gov. • Shred Fest 2012 will take place Saturday, Jan. 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the back parking lot of the Lakeview Center (1402 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach). It is free to anyone concerned about identity theft and who wants to dispose of personal and sensitive documents. For more info., visit www.fseaonline.org. • Major League Baseball umpire and local resident Angel Hernandez is hosting the second annual Miracle League Golf Tournament at noon Saturday, Jan. 7 at the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington to raise money to construct a baseball field for disabled children that will support a Miracle League program in the western communities. A contingent of former and current MLB players and um pires is expected. For info., visit www.angelsmiracleleague.com or call Bob Still at (561) 670-8 489. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) and Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) each will hold a “Wii Mario

Kart Tournament” for ages 12 to 16 on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 2 p.m. Compete against other player s at your branch, then cheer on the branch winner in the championship round. Call the RPB library at (561) 7906030 or the Wellington library at (561) 7906070 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Presidents & Their First Ladies, Dramatically Speaking: George & Martha Washington” for adults on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 2 p.m. History comes alive with William and Sue Wills. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register. • Wellington will present a free concert featuring Michael Matone’s Tribute to Frank Sinatra on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 753-2484 for more info. Sunday, Jan. 8 • The 2012 High-Goal Polo Season will begin Sunday, Jan. 8 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Ave. South, Wellington). Visit www.international poloclub.com for more info. • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hike Jonathan Dickinson State Park on Sunday, Jan. 8, followed b y lunch at the Dune Dog Café. Meet at the front gate at 8 a.m. Call Mary Miller at (561) 391-7942 for info. Monday, Jan. 9 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Bilingual Story Time” for age 2 and up Mondays, Jan. 9, 23 and 30 at 1 p.m. Learn Spanish with songs, dances and stories. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Positively Africa” for all ages Monday, Jan. 9 at 3 p.m. Join Julius and Julia Sanna as they present the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from an African perspective through vibrant music and stories. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Show Tunes” for ages 8 to 12 on Monday, Jan. 9 at 4 p.m. Sing along to songs from your favorite movies and TV shows. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors will meet Monday, Jan. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the district office (13476 61st St. North). Call (561) 7930874 or visit www.indiantrail.com for info. See CALENDAR, page 39

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 38 • The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Supervisors will meet Monday, Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the district office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 7930884 for more info. Tuesday, Jan. 10 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Cut and Tell” for ages 5 to 8 on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 3 p.m. Use scissors to create a surprise ending for stories. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Crochet Club” on Tuesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 5 p.m. for ages 8 to 12. Learn basic skills and socialize while you work. Space is limited. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host a block par ty in suppor t of JustWorld International on Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Enjoy international cuisine and wine tasting around the store. Admission is $5. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info. • The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. at the municipal complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 791-4000 or visit www.wellington fl.gov for more info. • The musical Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical will run Jan. 10-15 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., WPB). Visit www. kravis.org or call (561) 832-7469 for info. Wednesday, Jan. 11 • The $6 million FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival will begin Wednesday, Jan. 11 and continue through April 1 at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (4440 Pierson Road, Wellington). Call (561) 793-5867 or visit www.equestriansport. com for more info. • The Royal Palm Beach library will host “Reading Buddies” for grades K through 5 on Wednesdays, Jan. 11 through May 30 at 4:30 p.m. Work once a week with a teen to read together and play literacy games. Call (561) 790-6030 for info. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Teen Study Group” for ages 12 to 17 on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Learn how to use library databases to do research, learn languages and more. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. Thursday, Jan. 12 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civ-

ic Center Way) will host “Tasty Story Time” for ages 4 to 6 on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 3:30 p.m. Listen to stories about food, sing songs and make a simple craft. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Naruto vs. One Piece” for ages 10 to 17 on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 4:30 p.m. Ninjas or pirates? Choose your side and see which team wins. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Teen Advisory Group meeting for ages 12 to 17 on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • “Healing Through Humor,” a comedy fundraiser night for Pierson Gossett, will take place Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Madison Green Golf Club (2001 Crestwood Blvd. N., Royal Palm Beach) with dinner at 6 p.m. and show time at 8 p.m. Pierson, now 16, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was 6. For more info., contact Diane Brockway at (561) 596-3017. • Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “Gluten-Free Cooking” on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Chef Joe demonstrates gluten-free recipes. Call (561) 904-4000 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Introduction to Irish Dancing” for adults Thursday, Jan. 12 at 6:45 p.m. led by Marie Marzi of the Aranmore Academy of Irish Dance. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Friday, Jan. 13 • The centennial edition of the South Florida Fair opens Friday, Jan. 13. The 17-day spectacular runs Jan. 13-29 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. For more info., visit www.southfloridafair.com or call (561) 7930333. • Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Militar y Trail, West Palm Beach) will host “Stories in the Garden” on Friday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m. in the Mounts Pavilion. This free program is targeted for ages 2 to 5, and includes story time, garden exploration and crafts. Call (561) 233-1757 for info. • The Wellington Amphitheat er (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will present the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Series on Friday, Jan. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Call (561) 753-2484 for info. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. Email: news@gotowncrier.com.

January 6 - Januar y 12, 2012

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HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in Wellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINATOR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays. Also needed: EXAM PREP TUTORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Preparation Tutors. Must have a 4 year degree preferably in Mathmetics or English. Be available to tutor on Saturdays. Please e-mail resume to:marlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com VOLUNTEERS NEEDED — 14 years and over for community service. Have fun with animals & kids 792-2666 WELLINGTON CAB HIRING — part-time dispatcher. Dispatcher experience, computer literate, telephone etiquette. Pro-active self starter individual looking for career. Some days - mostly nights & weekends. 561-333-0181 TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS. CALL TODAY TO PLACE YOUR EMPLOYMENT OR SITUATION WANTED AD HERE 561-793-3576 ENTRY LEVEL RECEPTIONIST — Computer literate. Heavy phones & filing. Fax resume 561333-2680 WINDOW INSTALLERS WANTED Subcontractors only. Top Pay. No Brokers. Call Matt 561-714-8490 Lic. & ins.

WE BUY YOUR OLD & BROKEN GOLD — diamond, & silver jewelry, coins, silverware, flat-ware, etc. Wellington Green Mall. CR Jewelers (outside Aeropostale) 561-271-4622

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\ HOUSE FOR SALE — 3 bedroom/2 bath home, 10.5 plus acres, also approved to be sub-divided into 4 parcels. Horse Lover ’s Dream. Wellington Little Ranches. 12033 Acme Road Just Reduced Please call Julie Poof, 561-222-0601or rent $3500/monthly SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME 4/3/3 — on paved road, 2,502 sq. ft. under air. Fenced & landscaped. Not short sale or foreclosure. Check out postlets.com/repb/6762966.Call 790-5365 or 779-2743 $246K

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT — Efficiency, fully furnished, full kitchen & bath,TV, cable, Washer/Dryer, all utilities included. One person, No Pets, No Smokers. Short Term Lease $800 Per Month. 1st & Security call 561-790-0857 or 561-6320464 HOUSE FOR RENT WELLINGTON — 3 bedroom/2 bath,house with heated pool, Sugarpond, Landscaping & Pool Maintenance included. $2,000 per month. First, Last, and Security Call 305-323-4493

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

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support & troublewww.mobiletec.net. shooting 561-248-2611 D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3331923 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach. We accept major credit cards.

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

BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE Auto • Home • Life • Renters • Motorcycle • RV • Golfcart • Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/ rCavanagh

MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS Air Quality Testing, leak detection. US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811. State of Fl. Lic. & Ins. #MRSA1796

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102 J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Repairs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties. BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets/ countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 7919900 or 628-9215

ANMAR CO.—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528

HOME INSPECTIONS — Windstorm Mitigation Inspections, Mold Inspections, Air Quality Testing. State of Florida Lic. & Ins. #HI2147 US Building Inspectors 561-7848811

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561572-1782

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

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./ Ext. residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident

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

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

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 at 309-6975 or visit us at

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

www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS DON HARTMANN ROOFING — Roof painting, Carpentry. Lic. #U13677 967-5580 ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763. ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS 7933576 ROBERT CHERRY ROOFING INC Reroofing - Repair Waterproofing 561-791-2612 or 954-741-4580 State Lic.& Ins. #CCC-1326048 JOHN C. BEALE BUILDING & ROOFING — Additions, remodeling, roof repairs & replacements, screened porches. Licensed & Insured. Call for Free Estimates. 561798-6448 ccc1326383 ccc1250306

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

AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990 SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980. Quality you expect, service you deserve. Lic. bonded & Ins. U21006 561-662-9258 TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS. CALL TODAY TO PLACE YOUR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AD HERE 561-7933576

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

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