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Town-Crier Newspaper March 29, 2013

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LIPP TAKES SEAT ON COUNTY BOARD SEE STORY, PAGE 3

MASERATI TITLE SPONSOR OF U.S. OPEN SEE STORY, PAGE 22

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

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INSIDE Wellington Enacts Tougher New Rules On Manure Control

Volume 34, Number 13 March 29 - April 4, 2013

GRAND OPENING OF COMMONS PARK

Horse owners will have to follow new regulations in managing manure after the Wellington Village Council gave final approval Tuesday to an ordinance that will help the village meet environmental standards. Page 3

Planner Discusses PBSC Campus At LGLA Meeting

Grace Joyce, a professional planner and member of the Loxahatchee Groves Planning & Zoning Board, explained to Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association members at their meeting March 21 what would happen if the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council revoked approval of the planned Palm Beach State College campus. Page 7

Royal Palm Beach hosted a weekend-long grand opening celebration for the new Royal Palm Beach Commons Park from Friday through Sunday, March 22 to 24. Guests enjoyed food trucks, kayak rentals, a kids zone with carnival rides, live performances, fireworks and more. Shown here, the Ni Ma Lion Dance Team performed at the celebration. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

SR 7 Corridor Continues To Dominate Crime In Royal Palm ‘Flavors’ Founder John Mercer Proud Of How Event Has Grown

Flavors of Wellington will celebrate 10 years showcasing some of Wellington’s best restaurants and chefs on Frida y, April 5 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The event has a rich history in the community, and it all started with local businessman and longtime Wellington leader John Mercer. Page 11

Hindus Celebrate Holi Mela In RPB

The Palm Beach Hindu Mandir held its annual Holi Mela celebration Saturday, March 23 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The event included traditional Indian food, music and entertainment. Page 15

OPINION Sign Up To Donate Life

Each April, the federal government recognizes National Donate Life Month, reminding us all of the importance of organ donation. Each year, right about this time, the Town-Crier writes on this topic, and each year the number of people on the transplant list grows by the thousands. Do your part and sign up to donate life. Page 4

DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 15 OPINION .................................4 CRIME NEWS ......................... 6 NEWS BRIEFS........................ 8 SCHOOLS ..................... 16 - 17 PEOPLE ............................... 18 COLUMNS .................... 27 - 28 BUSINESS .................... 29 - 31 ENTERTAINMENT ................ 36 SPORTS ........................ 39 - 41 CALENDAR ...................42 - 43 CLASSIFIEDS ................ 44 - 47 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The State Road 7 corridor continues to dominate Royal Palm Beach crime reports, while traffic remains a top complaint. Capt. Paul Miles, commander of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 9 substation in Royal Palm Beach, gave his annual report at the Royal Palm Beach Village Council meeting Thursday, March 21. The Computer Activated Dispatch System (CADS) recorded 73,395 incidents last year, including 20,672 police calls. “Of those, only 3,400 were criminal in nature,” Miles said. The Shoma Homes community and the businesses near Victoria Grove continue to be one of the more troublesome areas in the village, Miles noted. “It has been a challenge,” he said. “We have been fortunate in the past year that we initiated a program where we put a deputy in there 24/7. It has taken one of our deputies, but we knocked down the violent crime. We had a homicide in there, we had armed robberies in there, and we’ve kind of knocked that back, as well as knocking back the property crimes that we were having.” Another time-consuming chal-

lenge has been the Walmart Supercenter, a mile up SR 7 from Shoma Homes, Miles said, adding that construction theft at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park has also been an issue. He reported that the biggest complaint is traffic. “That’s not just the village,” Miles said. “It’s throughout the county. Traffic seems to be the number-one issue that folks in the communities have.” The substation has 56 sworn deputies, 55 of whom are assigned directly to District 9. There is one captain, one lieutenant, six sergeants, two detectives, a lobby deputy, a Police Athletic League deputy, a motorcycle deputy, four street team deputies and 36 road patrol officers working in four shifts with nine deputies on each shift. In the Unified Crime Report, larcenies and thefts increased by 30 incidents, from 731 to 761. Robberies increased by 16 from 14 to 30, with revised coding adding sudden snatchings and resisting a merchant while shoplifting to that number. Motor vehicle theft dropped from 69 to 26. Shoplifting increased 18 percent from 222 to 264, of which 160 (61 percent) were at Walmart. Shoplifting accounted for 24 percent of

all crime in the village, Miles said, adding that he is trying to persuade Walmart management to hire a deputy full-time. “That has not happened as of yet,” he said. As for the increase in robberies, Miles said the 30 incidents break down as follows: seven had victims who cooperated with the deputy, five had victims who did not cooperate with the deputy, seven were shoplifting that led to resisting a merchant, 10 were by sudden snatching, and one where the victim could not be located for follow-up. Over 10,000 traffic citations were issued, which was an increase of more than 2,000. DUI arrests went down from 127 to 108. Crashes increased by 75, from 1,397 to 1,472. The substation has been working the top crash locations — Southern Blvd. and SR 7 with 101 crashes, Okeechobee Blvd. and SR 7 with 55, and Okeechobee Blvd. and Royal Palm Beach Blvd. with 51. Most of the crashes are caused by red light violations, Miles said. Financial crime is at an all-time high, he said, pointing out that at a recent FBI conference, it was reported that cybercrime and other white-collar crimes are the secondbiggest threat in the United States See RPB CRIME, page 21

County Water Utility Puts Focus On Energy-Saving Initiatives By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Palm Beach County Utilities Director Bevin Beaudet reported on his department’s energy-saving initiatives at Tuesday’s meeting of the Palm Beach County Commission. Beaudet noted that his department is the third-largest water and wastewater utility in Florida. “We serve 520,000 residents with 558 employees,” he said, adding that the department’s operating budget is $115 million a year, with about a $50 million capital budget. The county utility is recognized

nationally as an industry leader. “We’re a big water utility,” Beaudet said. “We operate four water treatment plants with a capacity of 103 million gallons a day, two wastewater treatment plants with a capacity of 59 mgd. We reclaim 22 million gallons a day of our water. We also put 4 million gallons a day into our wetlands, Green Cay and Wakodahatchee. If you were to stack all of our pipes endto-end, it would go from Miami to Seattle. Half of the value of our water utility infrastructure is pipelines under the ground.” But the department is also the

largest energy user in the county. “We have 800 meters that are read every month,” he said. “We use 90 million-plus kilowatt hours per year. That’s almost $10 million a year, and that’s 8.5 percent of our operating budget. That’s our largest expense except for labor, so it’s a pretty good candidate for cutting if we want to save money for our customers.” In 2010, the department set a goal in its strategic plan to reduce energy use by 10 percent on a kilowatt hour per dwelling unit basis. “Since we are growing and since See UTILITY, page 4

Serving Palms West Since 1980

Wellington Council Gives First OK To New Business Hour Rules By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report In an effort to level the playing field for local businesses, the Wellington Village Council gave preliminary approval Tuesday to an ordinance extending the hours of operation for businesses located near residences. But the ordinance will still have to get yet another approval from the Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board before coming back for final council approval. As proposed, the rules would extend hours for all businesses within 300 feet of homes by one hour in each direction — from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. instead of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. But it would also allow businesses to apply for an even greater extension of hours, including having a 24-hour business, Long Range Planning Director Tim Stillings said. “Council directed staff to bring back an alternative to the current process for a business to receive extended hours of operation,” Stillings said. “The current process is rather lengthy and cumbersome. The base application deposit is $3,000, which doesn’t include cost

for professional services.” In addition, Stillings said, businesses must go through a sixmonth process, which includes going before the PZA Board. “This special permit simplifies the application,” Stillings said. “It reduces the fee to $500.” Existing businesses within 300 feet of homes would have 60 days to apply for the permit to bring their extended hours within code, but the fee would be waived, Stillings said. Vice Mayor Howard Coates asked whether Wellington could grandfather in many of the businesses that have been operating under extended hours without approval since long before Wellington was incorporated. “I have some trepidation exposing some of these businesses to a new risk,” he said. “Some have been operating for years without enforcement.” But Village Manager Paul Schofield noted that just because Wellington didn’t enforce its hours doesn’t mean it can’t. “They are exposed to risk now,” he said. Schofield noted that most of the issues caused by extended hours See BIZ HOURS, page 21

RPB QUARTER AUCTION

A Quarter Auction was held Wednesday, March 20 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. All proceeds benefited the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Shown here are Julie Bryant and Stacey Mikel. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

More Multi-Family On SR 7 Concerns RPB Zoning Board By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission on Tuesday postponed a request for a land use change for a 24-acre parcel on State Road 7 until the applicant can meet with residents who objected to the change. Property owner Pebb Enterprises TDBA of Boca Raton seeks two large-scale future land use amendments to change the designation on about 13 acres from single-family residential to low-density multifamily residential for up to nine units per acre, and to change about 11 acres from single-family residential to commercial. The property is located on SR 7 near Pioneer Road.

Agent Jan Polson of the land planning firm Cotleur & Hearing said the multifamily units would serve as a buffer between the single-family homes and the commercial areas, providing housing for people who work in the commercial areas along SR 7. However, Elyce Werner of the Westwood Property Owners’ Association, representing residents to the north of the subject property, said she didn’t think there was a necessity for another density increase allowing multifamily units, since another development just across SR 7, the Enclave, is under construction with 268 new units. Werner also disagreed with the See RPB ZONERS, page 21

Hockey Team Launches Billet Program To House Players

Future Hockey Stars — Palm Beach Junior Hawks coach Tim Kyrkostas with players Vincent Cook, Stephen Sundberg and Dennis Allingmon. PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Florida is not often thought of as a popular region for ice hockey, yet the sport is steadily growing in popularity. Florida teams such as the Palm Beach Junior Hawks, based at Palm Beach Skate Zone in suburban Lake Worth, are beginning to become recognized in the tightly knit hockey community. The Hawks, founded in 2009, are supported by a strong and growing network of hockey families. The players’ ages range from 16 to 20, and they come from around the world for a chance to play hockey at the junior level. While junior competition gives players exposure and a chance for universities and higher-tier divi-

sions to notice them, it comes with a tough financial burden for many players who have to leave home during the hockey season from August through March. The costs of staying at a hotel or renting can get pricey for many of these young men, many still in high school or college-bound. To assist players in their dreams of playing hockey at the professional level, the Palm Beach Junior Hawks implemented a billeting program in which players are placed with host families in the community they are visiting to play hockey, attend school and/ or work. For many junior hockey players around the world, billeting is the best option when joining a team. The Junior Hawks’ billet program

coordinators, Jill Schimming and Sam Berkman, work diligently to match players with the right families. “We have some families who say they only want goalies,” Schimming said. “They feel that guys who play certain positions have qualities that they like.” The coordinators also give the players questionnaires to fill out. “I came up with it because we want to know what their interests are,” Berkman said. “This really helps us with placing students with the right families.” Player Dennis Allingmon from Sweden remembers filling out the questionnaire. “I was as honest as possible and really wrote as much as I could,” he said. Being in the billet program keeps See JUNIOR HAWKS, page 7


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NEWS

Wellington Council Enacts Tougher New Rules On Manure Control By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Horse owners will have to follow new regulations in managing manure after the Wellington Village Council gave final approval Tuesday to an ordinance that will help the village meet environmental standards. Council members approved an ordinance governing the village’s “best management practices” for manure storage and management. The Equestrian Preserve Committee hashed out the issue for months before sending it to the council. Under the new rules, manure bins must be covered with a lid, tarp or roof, Equestrian Master Plan Project Director Mike O’Dell said. Additionally, they must be located at least 100 feet from any public body of water, any water

that drains into a public water system, or any drinkable water, such as a well. Councilman Matt Willhite asked how Wellington would enforce this on properties with agricultural exemptions. O’Dell noted that the state standards for manure management have similar regulations, especially in requiring that bins be covered. “That has been, without question, the one item included in all other publications,” he said. “We are still reviewing what the agricultural exemption means for Wellington.” Councilwoman Anne Gerwig asked whether this would apply to existing manure bins. O’Dell said it would not. “If you come in for a new manure bin, or you have to reconstruct your bin, then it would apply,” he said, adding that a bin must be reconstruct-

ed rather than repaired if it is damaged more than 30 percent. Manure haulers will also face stricter enforcement, being required to register with the village and dump waste at state-approved sites. To enforce this, haulers must now keep records of their comings and goings within the village that can be audited by Wellington staff. Some farm owners who instead spread their manure will be required to compost before spreading to break down the nutrients, or have an approved nutrient management plan. “It’s a $7 fee for a soil test and $35 for a manure test,” O’Dell said. “The report comes back from the University of Florida and says how many horses on that property would be allowable.” Gerwig asked about the benefits of composting. “I heard that if you compost the waste, the heat will kill the bacteria,” she said. “If

Dennis Lipp Wins Appointment To County’s Ethics Drafting Board By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report In a 4-3 decision Tuesday, the Palm Beach County Commission appointed former Loxahatchee Groves Councilman Dennis Lipp to the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics Ordinance Drafting Committee, tapping him over former Commission on Ethics Executive Director Alan Johnson. Lipp is also chairman of the Loxahatchee Groves Planning & Zoning Board and a former assistant to County Commissioner Jess Santamaria. He helped pioneer the effort to incorporate the Town of Loxahatchee Groves. Johnson, a Wellington resident, is a former member of Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board. He recently left his executive director’s position with the Commission on Ethics to take a job as chief assistant state attorney to Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg, who took office in January. At their meeting March 12, the county commission was scheduled to select its representatives to the drafting committee, but was only able to reach consensus on one nominee, David Baker. Commissioner Shelley Vana cast the tiebreaking vote this week for Lipp.

“Since I wasn’t here last time, I have to say something,” Vana said. “I like those people. I think they’re wonderful men, and I think each of them would do a wonderful job, but I think Dennis brings a different viewpoint.” Commissioners Santamaria, Paulette Burdick and Hal Valeche voted with Vana, while Commissioner Mary Lou Berger, Vice Mayor Patricia Taylor and Mayor Steven Abrams dissented. In February, the county commission decided to reconvene the drafting committee to recommend possible modifications to the county ethics ordinance as it relates to the composition of the Commission on Ethics and term limits. The drafting committee will have two appointees from the county commission, two appointees from the Palm Beach County League of Cities, an attorney representing each entity, and the executive director of the Commission on Ethics. The current composition of the Commission on Ethics is five members, each with specific experience: • One law enforcement official with experience investigating white-collar crime or public corruption appointed by the Palm Beach

County Association of Chiefs of Police; • An attorney with experience in ethics regulations of public officials and employees appointed by the Hispanic Bar Association of Palm Beach County, the F. Malcolm Cunningham Sr. Bar Association and the Palm Beach County Bar Association; • A faculty member who teaches at an institution of higher education with a campus located in the county who has taught a course in professional legal ethics or has published or performed services in the field of professional legal ethics, appointed by the president of Florida Atlantic University; • A certified public accountant who possesses at least five years forensic audit experience appointed by the president of the Palm Beach chapter of the Florida Institute of CPAs; and • A former elected official for a government entity in the county appointed by the board of directors of the Palm Beach County League of Cities. Commission on Ethics members currently serve four-year terms with no limit to the number of terms. Any changes to the ordinance require the establishment of a drafting committee to make recommendations.

not, then you are at a risk of E. coli. Are we addressing that?” O’Dell said the risk of pathogens increases when more horses are on less land. “If you had a 20stall barn on 2.5 acres, then you’d have a tremendous amount of waste,” he said. “If you spread it, pathogens could be carried into the stormwater. But if you had one or two horses on that land, it would be much more manageable. You could spread the waste, and it would decay before it reaches the water.” During public forum, speakers were largely in support of the measures. “We have the problem of allowing too many horses on too little land,” said Peter Granata. “In fact, we created our own problem.” But Granata said he was concerned about existing farms needing to go through the permit process. “I don’t think there needs to be any arbitrary cancellation of existing permits,” he said. Village Manager Paul Schofield said that Wellington could allow existing permits to stand with a valid soil test. “If it’s fine, then there would be no issue,” he said. Vice Mayor Howard Coates said he didn’t want to see farm owners

suffer if they were in compliance. “I think if there is a problem, it needs to be dealt with,” he said. “But if not, I don’t think we should put them through the permitting process. I’d like to see us put some protection for farm owners in there that if the soil test comes back fine, the existing permit is fine as well.” Coates asked about the timeframe for soil testing, and Schofield noted that they are required annually. Gerwig made a motion to approve the ordinance with the changes, which passed unanimously. In other business, council members are set to interview the top five attorneys in the running to be their new legal counsel next week, with a final selection to come at the Tuesday, April 9 meeting. Council members picked their top choices, and the top five ranked attorneys will go before the council. From there, council members will narrow it down to just one attorney, and then negotiate a contract. According to a staff report, attorney Donald Dufresne was given votes by all five council members; next was John C. Rayson with four votes. The remaining at-

torneys each earned three votes: Gary Brandenburg, former Councilwoman Laurie Cohen and Matthew Kamula. Willhite asked whether the choice of attorney would need to come before the council at a public meeting. Schofield said it would not. “I suspect what you will do is make your selection [next week] and then select someone to work out the terms of employment,” Schofield said. “You would make the job offer at the next council meeting.” Gerwig suggested council members designate one member to aid in negotiating the contract, but Coates suggested that the nomination be done after the council chooses its attorney. “I think it should depend on who has a personal relationship with whomever we pick,” he said. “I don’t want someone negotiating who is close with the candidate.” Each council member disclosed possible associations with the candidates. Gerwig noted that she has had little contact with any of the candidates and expressed interest in being the liaison. Council members directed Schofield to include her in the contract negotiations.

MAYOR ENJOYS A CARRIAGE RIDE THROUGH EQUESTRIAN PRESERVE

Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis, his wife Linda Margolis and Mason Phelps were the guests of Jill Johnston for a carriage ride through the Wellington Equestrian Preserve on Thursda y, March 21. Johnston owns Everglades Farm, the home of Coca-Cola Polo. Led by Johnston’s pair of fine harness Fresians, Margolis and company enjoyed a picture perfect morning and a tour through some of the most scenic areas of Wellington. PHOTO COURTESY PHELPS MEDIA GROUP INTERNATIONAL


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OUR OPINION

April Is National Donate Life Month: Take The Time To Sign Up Each April, the federal government recognizes National Donate Life Month, reminding us all of the importance of organ donation. Every year, right around this time, the Town-Crier writes on this topic, encouraging readers to sign up for organ donation, yet each year the number of people on transplant lists grow by the thousands. As medical technology continues to advance, the ability to save lives through transplantation has grown leaps and bounds, but the medical field still faces a critical challenge: finding compatible donors for those in need. There is much misinformation and myth surrounding organ donation, which is a touchy subject to begin with. And it’s not easy to dispel myths when no one wants to talk about it. We understand. It’s not pleasant to think about your own death or the death of a loved one. But for more than 115,000 men, woman and children currently awaiting a transplant, the threat of death cannot be so easily ignored. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services estimates that 18 people die each day waiting for a transplant. Meanwhile, a new person is added to the waiting list every 10 minutes. Though many of us are lucky enough to be able to live without the threat of imminent death

lingering over our heads, taking five minutes to sign up for organ donation could one day grant a long, healthy life to another. In some cases, you could save multiple lives. One person who chooses to donate their organs and tissue can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of many others. Sure, these are just numbers — statistics. But remember, each statistic represents a person: a mother, father, child, friend or spouse who might die without a transplant. One day, that could be your mother, father, child — or even you — in need of a transplant. That is why it is critical that you sign yourself up to be a donor. It’s a decision your family won’t want to, and shouldn’t have to make. Registering is simple. You can simply check a box when you get your driver’s license renewed, or go online to www.donatelife.net/register-now and sign up. And if you’re having any doubts, check out the UNOS web site (www.unos.org) to learn what a difference your donation can make. Other useful web sites include the Mayo Clinic’s (www.mayoclinic.com), the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ organ donation site (www.organdonor.gov) and Donate Life America (www.donatelife.net).

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Gannon: Keep Guns Out Of My Offices Nearly two years ago, Florida’s legislature enacted a law that banned any city or county from enforcing gun and ammunition restrictions. This law lifted longstanding ordinances banning weapons in public places, such as parks, beaches and government buildings. It also imposed fines and even threatens to have local officials removed from office if they try to restrict guns in public places. As Palm Beach County’s Constitutional Tax Collector, I’m concerned this law will jeopardize the safety of our 289 employees and the 4,000 citizens who visit our service centers daily. Anyone with a concealed weapons permit can walk into any of our service centers carrying a loaded gun. As an elected official responsible for the collection and processing of billions of dollars a year at eight locations, safety is my utmost priority. As a direct result of the legislation, I made a decision to staff armed law enforcement officers at all my service centers. This added security precaution has unnecessarily increased staffing costs by $289,000. Senate Bill 1340 and House Bill 1087 have been filed this session to ban guns from public buildings and daycare centers. It’s important for the safety of all that this legis-

lation be passed and signed into law this year. Anne M. Gannon Palm Beach County Tax Collector

Help Save Acreage Park Project It appears that the previously planned Acreage Community Park expansion and community center are in jeopardy of not becoming a reality. The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors is considering removing this needed project from their budget. As residents, we have a voice, and we need to be heard. This center will be a great asset to all residents of our community. More fields and recreational areas will help the Acreage Athletic League’s many sports programs continue to grow and expand. The community center will benefit all Acreage residents as well. This center can be used for preschool programs, Mommy & Me activities, art programs, senior programs and clubs, school organizations, tutorial programs, community dances and concerts, movie and game night events, party rentals and fitness facilities, not to mention the variety of indoors sports for children and adults. I encourage all parents, athletes, children and senior citizens to let your voices be heard by completing the form on www.indiantrail.

com under community center and by attending the next ITID meeting on April 10 at 6:30 p.m. The residents of this community will truly benefit from this project! Molly Harding The Acreage Athletic League

A Message For Paul Ryan Thank you, Paul Ryan, for representing the American people! I am overjoyed knowing that our youth can have the opportunity to achieve the education and fortune that you have. Like your ancestors, they too can someday brag about all the wealth and success they earned through government construction contracts like the ones your family’s business benefited from. Would you call them handouts? Thank you for reminding me about the safety net for today’s youth should they suffer the same loss of a parent as you had. You have reminded us about how our wonderful American government supported your family through the death benefits provided by Social Security after the untimely death of your father. Now I can sleep better at night knowing about such benevolence. You and your family have so much to be grateful for directly due to our government handouts. What would Ayn Rand say about that? You were provided income and education on the taxpayer’s dime

before you got a job and paid even one penny into taxes yourself. You now have the opportunity to return the favor. You wield the power to make things even better for the next generation. However, your budget tears those dreams and hopes apart for everyone but the wealthy, of course, who actually benefit even more. Your lack of gratitude is quite apparent to me as I watch you pull the ladder up behind you that you climbed up on your own ascension toward achieving the American Dream. Jude Smallwood Royal Palm Beach

No One Needs Assault Weapons Ban assault weapons from our streets. It’s a simple thing to do, and one way of saving some lives at least. The last shootings have shown conclusively that the interruption of the clips being refilled saved some lives. Why does anyone need an assault weapon to hunt, or to keep their properties and themselves safe? How many shots need to be fired at one time? Have a gun. Take shooting lessons. Learn how to hit your target with one shot and get your kill, and save your life. If getting your kill of anything makes you happy, except perhaps in self-defense as a last resort, you are truly doomed anyway. Why can we not take care of

each other? Isn’t that what all religions are based on? So why are the people who claim to be such good religious people allowing the killings of their brothers and sisters and children and beautiful animals, all of whom only want to live in peace alongside each other? It is quite clear that our system of Congress and the Supreme Court are not working. A personal interest versus the good for the people was not what was intended by the framers of the Constitution. Yes, it has worked in the past, but only among intelligent, reasonable, compromising people who wanted to keep the people safe. Isn’t that what “public service” used to mean? We should change the job description of our Congress and Supreme Court to read “only for myself.” Who in their right mind, could possibly be against banning assault weapons from our streets or background checks and mental health tests? Not one of our lead-

ers has any courage whatsoever. Shirley Bass Wellington

Help Student Study Florida I am a seventh-grade student, and my class is doing a class project on different states. Mine is, of course, Florida. I would like to learn more about Florida and its history. I saw your paper and like the way it looked. Your town looks and sounds like my dream town. I wish I was there so I could talk to you in person. I am writing to ask if you could publish my letter in your newspaper so the people from your town could read it and write to me about what life is like in Florida. They should use my school’s address (shown below). Thank you for your time and consideration. Joseph Darr Queen of Peace Catholic School 4508 Vistula Road Mishawaka, IN 46544

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

OPINION

Rest In Peace, Bud Palmer: I’ll Miss This Sports Renaissance Man To those indoctrinated into the historical significance of old-time sport stars, basketball aficionados will immediately recognize the name Bud Palmer. After all, he was the very first captain of the New York Knickerbockers. He was also among the first to introduce today’s vaunted “jump shot” to the cage sport. Then, too, he was the Knicks’ highest-paid player.

Footloose and... By Jules W. Rabin But Bud Palmer was a few other things during his rather illustrious career. He was New York City’s

“Official Greeter” during the tenure of Mayor John Lindsay, plus was the first writer of Glamour magazine’s heralded “Ask Jake” column, which offered advice to women — from a man’s perspective. Palmer, who was a mere 5-foot, 4-inches when arriving at Exeter, developed the jump shot to try and make up for his small stature.

A growth spurt eventually made him the 6-foot, 4-inch star he became. He piloted a B26 bomber in World War II, and ran a children’s show for NBC. He also played the role of Palmo, the Hindu magician, on Globos Circus, a popular New York television program. Palmer was later an acclaimed sportscaster covering all three major TV networks and radio. Wow!

Bud Palmer’s career as New York City’s Commissioner of Public Events included everything from planning tickertape parades to big deal social events. Among the celebrities guided through major PR extravaganzas were the Duke of Edinburgh and Israeli leader Golda Meir — not to mention astronauts and countless championship sports teams.

They also tell the story about Palmer, who roomed with Sweetwater Clifton, one of the first black players in the National Basketball Association, successfully facing down a hotel manager in Baltimore to allow Clifton to stay in the hotel. Yup. A sports Renaissance Man. Palmer died at 91, after four marriages, on March 19 in West Palm Beach.

Plant. “It produces a lot of methane gas,” Beaudet said, explaining that they used to just burn off the methane. “I used to hate seeing that. I’d drive by on the turnpike and see that flare. It used to make me sick because I knew we were wasting energy.” The department was able to get a matching grant from the federal government to pay for half the cost of the biogas generator, which is an internal combustion engine that burns the methane and turns turbines that produce electricity. “We’re producing 20 percent of the power at that plant by this bio-

gas generator,” he said. “Our biggest energy user is that plant.” Another project financed through a matching grant approved by the county commission at its last meeting is a field of solar panels on about a half-acre at the Southern Wastewater Treatment Plant. “That’s going to produce another 125 kilowatts of energy when the sun shines, which is about another 2 percent of our plant use,” Beaudet said. “That makes our plant an extremely green plant, one of the greenest wastewater treatment plants in the country.”

NEWS Utility

Saving Energy

continued from page 1 the rates keep going up, we can’t use money as an indicator, so we’re using a unit indicator of kilowatt hours per dwelling unit, so it’s an efficiency rating,” he explained. “We also wanted to provide half of that savings, 5 percent, by using alternative or renewable energy sources.” The department has done a number of studies to investigate energy reduction, including one in 2006 when they looked at all of their plants, and recently for a proposed biogas generation project. The plants, including the wells, are using 85 percent of the energy consumed by the utility. “We really didn’t know that, so we’ve focused our energy-saving initiatives on our plants,” Beaudet said. The survey discovered that the ozone generators used to disinfect water in two of the lime softening plants were major energy users. “They’re big energy hogs,” Beaudet said. Membrane plants for reverse osmosis are also big energy users. “The more we focus on energy initiatives at our membrane facilities, the more successful we can be,” he said.

Pumps are also big energy users. “We have thousands of pumps in our system,” he said. “Some of them are as much as 1,000 horsepower, and we have hundreds of pumps that are 400 to 500 horsepower, so we do a lot of pumping,” he said. “We move a lot of water around, and that costs a lot of money. The biggest energy users in our plants are our distribution pumps. Those are the pumps we use to send the water out of the plants and pressurize our system.” The wells also use large submersible pumps, and the wastewater treatment plants use a lot of energy in their aeration systems. “We were able to identify these areas as candidates for cutting,” he said. The department is engaged in three different initiatives to cut down on energy use. “We did facility upgrades, we did process changes and we did capital projects,” Beaudet said. “We installed motion-activated lighting, and we replaced all of our lighting fixtures at the plants with energy-efficient ones. This was thousands of fixtures and motionactivated devices.” They also painted the ceilings of the plants to be brighter and more reflective. “This allowed us to put lower-wattage bulbs in the ceilings and still get the light that

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we need to do our work inside the building,” he said. “We also replaced some inefficient air-conditioning systems.” The department also installed variable-frequency drives at the production wells, distribution pumps and other systems. “That can save a lot of money, and we’ve been replacing those over time,” Beaudet said, explaining that variable-frequency drives operate at the speed needed to perform the task at hand. “Back in the old days, you had big pumps and little pumps. When you had a little demand, you turned on a little pump. When the demand got bigger, you turned on a bigger pump. Pumps were either no power or full power, even if you didn’t need all the power of that big pump.” A variable-frequency drive coordinates the pump speed with demand. “You get energy savings because you’re only pumping that big pump at the rate that it needs to be pumped,” he explained. The utility also optimized production well pumps. “We found that we had oversized them, and we were able to reduce the amount of energy they use by making some modifications,” he said. “We also time our plant operations so that we’re doing the hardest work at times when the electricity costs less.”

Some of the energy-efficient upgrades cost big bucks at first, with savings over time. For example, they replaced the membranes at the first reverse-osmosis plant with more energy-efficient membranes at a cost of $5 million. “We’ve automated our chemical feeds, which also helped save energy, and we replaced the air diffusers with much more efficient ones in the aeration systems in the wastewater treatment plants,” Beaudet added. Capital projects include replacing ozone water disinfection with an ion exchange system, which is not only more efficient at removing organic material but more energy-efficient than ozone, Beaudet said. The department is also in the process of sub-metering the various energy-using devices in the plants. “You can’t improve what you can’t measure,” he said. “We started putting meters at various locations in the plants so that we could start measuring how different parts of the plant were doing. We’ve replaced a lot of pumps with more energy-efficient pumps.” The department has also embarked on alternative energy projects, including a biogas generator that uses methane created by the anaerobic digester at the Southern Wastewater Treatment

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Great American Cleanup April 13 Wellington is calling on its residents to roll up their sleeves and make a difference in the community with the Great American Cleanup. Wellington is organizing cleanup beautification projects from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13 at Tiger Shark Cove Park and the Folkestone neighborhood off Greenbriar Blvd. Gloves, trash bags and t-shirts will be supplied by Wellington, and volunteers will receive water throughout the morning. To register for the event, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov and click on the “Great American Cleanup” icon in the events section. Then download the volunteer applica-

tion form. Completed forms can be returned to the front desk at the Wellington Municipal Complex, or participants can scan and e-mail the form to Community Programs Manager Kim Henghold at khenghold@wellingtonfl.gov. Volunteer registration forms can also be completed on site on the day of the event. For additional information, contact Henghold at (561) 791-4137. Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup is the nation’s largest community improvement program, taking place annually from March 1 through May 31. For more information, visit www.kab. org.

POSTAL STATEMENT The Town-Crier (USPS #021547) is published weekly by Newspaper Publishers Inc., 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414-7458. Periodicals Postage Paid at West Palm Beach, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The TownCrier, c/o Newspaper Publishers Inc., 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 334147458. Founded In 1980 By Bob Markey Sr. Copyright 2013, Newspaper Publishers Inc. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising.

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March 29 - April 4, 2013 Page 5

NEWS

ROYAL PALM BEACH CELEBRATES THE GRAND OPENING OF NEW COMMONS PARK

Royal Palm Beach hosted a weekend-long grand opening celebration for the new Royal Palm Beach Commons Park from Friday through Sunday, March 22 to 24. Guests enjoyed food trucks, kayak rentals, a kids zone with carnival rides, live performances from artists and groups, demonstrations by local agencies, a movie under the stars and fireworks. For more information about the new park, located off Royal Palm Beach Blvd. at Poinciana Blvd., visit www.royalpalmbeach.com. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

The Ni Ma Lion Dance Team performed at the celebration.

PBSO Deputy Chris Wink and K9 Bingo demonstrate a bite and hold exercise.

Jade Masters (left) and Tom Jackson (right) perform on stage.

Gunnar Garfield, Lizzy Race, MacKenzie Hasan and Justus Garfield at the Royal Palm Beach Strikers tent.

Eileen and Matt Lowe with Sean and Amanda Freed.

Rob Hill (left) with members of the Panthers ladies softball team.

PBSO Deputy Luis Ledbetter with K9s Bandit and Clue.

Dylan Romano enjoys a ride on the mechanical bull.

Scott and Hannah Goldberg and Sophie Elliott enjoy a pedal boat ride.


Page 6 March 29 - April 4, 2013

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CRIME NEWS

Horse Reported Stolen From Stall At Show Grounds

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SPECIALIZING IN: (BTUSPFOUFSPMPHZ t )FQBUJUJT .BOBHFNFOU 3FTFBSDI &OEPTDPQZ $PMPOPTDPQZ t "CEPNJOBM #MPBUJOH t $PMJUJT $POTUJQBUJPO t $SPIO T %JTFBTF t %JBSSIFB t )FBSUCVSO (&3% )FNPSSIPJET t 3FDUBM #MFFEJOH t 6MDFST

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report MARCH 26 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Wellington was called to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on Tuesday evening after a show horse was discovered missing from its stall. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8:40 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m. the following morning, someone removed the Dutch Warmblood mare from a stall in a tent on the property. The stolen horse is dark brown and nine years old, and was taken with a black halter and lead rope. The horse is valued at approximately $100,000. There were no suspects at the time of the report. ••• MARCH 21 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to a home in the Victoria Grove community last Thursday afternoon regarding a home burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between noon and 1 p.m., someone used a brick to shatter the home’s rear window. Once inside, the perpetrator(s) ransacked the bedrooms and stole several pieces of jewelry, an iPad and two cell phones. According to the report, the stolen items were valued at more than $10,000. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. MARCH 22 — A resident of 62nd Place North contacted the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee

substation last Friday to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim ordered a new Apple iPhone 5. The victim reported that on Tuesday, March 19 he checked online and was informed that the package had been delivered to his home. According to the report, the victim checked his surveillance video footage and saw that the package had been delivered. Then, at approximately 2:59 p.m., the footage showed an acquaintance of the victim drive up, approach the front door and ring the doorbell. According to the report, the suspect then picked up the package, returned to his vehicle and left the area. According to the report, the victim had the suspect’s cell phone number, but was unable to reach him. The stolen phone was valued at approximately $750. There was no further information at the time of the report. MARCH 22 — An employee of Radio Shack on Okeechobee Blvd. called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Friday afternoon to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, the employee last saw two black laptops on display in the store at approximately 2 p.m. At approximately 4 p.m., he discovered them missing. According to the report, video surveillance footage showed two men enter the store at approximate 3 p.m. and take both laptops from the display and exit the store. The suspects were described as two black males, one approximately 5’11� and 170 lbs. wearing a black t-shirt and See BLOTTER, page 21

PBSO SEEKS HELP FINDING SUSPECTS

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| XXX NZHBTUSPEPDUPST DPN

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying two suspects in a case of armed robbery. According to a PBSO report, in the early morning of Wednesday, Feb. 27, two armed black male suspects approached three individuals in a vehicle parked in the parking lot of the Walmart Supercenter on Belvedere Road, demanding cash and personal items. According to the report, the suspects (shown above) fled in a gold minivan. If anyone can identify these suspects, they are urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.

One Dead, One Injured After Accident In RPB MARCH 25 — A West Palm Beach teen was killed and a Royal Palm Beach teen injured Monday afternoon in a crash on Belvedere Road in Royal Palm Beach. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, 17year-old James McLendon died when his Mazda 626 crashed into a dump truck being driven by 54year-old Bobby Moore. According to the report, witnesses said that McLendon was traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound on

Belvedere Road when a Toyota Camry driven by 60-year-old Cathy Manriquez turned right onto the road from Sansbury’s Way. McLendon swerved to avoid the car and crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding with the truck. According to the report, McLendon died at the scene. A passenger, 17-year-old Natalie Pastorius, was taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center and was listed in serious condition at the time of the report.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Denley Murat is a black male, 6’1� tall and weighing 215 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 11/22/89. Murat is wanted for organized scheme to defraud. His last known address was 84th Court North in The Acreage. He is wanted as of 03/21/13. • Roshell Wray is a black female, 5’9� tall and weighing 150 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Her date of birth is 06/10/91. Wray is wanted for failure to appear for possession of cocaine and marijuana and failure to appear for traffic violations. Her last known addresses were Pine Circle in Greenacres and Parkwood Drive in Royal Palm Beach. He is wanted as of 03/21/13. 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.

Denley Murat

Roshell Wray

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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March 29 - April 4, 2013 Page 7

NEWS

Doctor: Get Started Early In Fight To Avoid Alzheimer’s Disease By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Dr. Armando Marull spoke about living a longer life and forestalling the effects of Alzheimer’s disease at the monthly meeting sponsored by County Commissioner Jess Santamaria at the original Wellington Mall on March 20.

Dr. Armando Marull speaks at last week’s meeting. PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Marull, a board-certified internist who has practiced in Wellington for three decades, said Alzheimer’s will be a major issue for healthcare in the United States over the next 50 years. “You can control diabetes, you can control degradation, you can control cholesterol, you can even control heart disease,” he said, explaining that all these elements are necessary to slow the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, which continues to increase as the population keeps aging. About 5 million people are afflicted with Alzheimer’s, and about $250 billion a year is spent for their care, he said. For each Alzheimer’s patient, about 15 people are involved in their care, including nurses, physical therapists, doctors and social workers. “Eighty percent of the people living in nursing homes are living with Alzheimer’s someway or somehow, because Alzheimer’s is in different stages,” he said, explaining that some Alzheimer’s patients can still function to some

extent, while others cannot. Five percent of people over age 65 have some stage of Alzheimer’s, which trends upward quickly. This means that 40 to 50 percent of the people over 85 have Alzheimer’s, climbing to more than 90 percent of people who reach 100. “To me, this is scary, because the population is aging and we are living longer,” Marull said. “The life expectancy in this country for ladies is 87 and 85 for men.” Alzheimer’s is a degeneration of the cognitive function that allows people to socialize, he said. The foremost symptom of Alzheimer ’s is forgetfulness, which gets progressively worse until the person can no longer function. “You cannot think; you cannot remember anything,” Marull said. Alzheimer’s can be slowed down by taking action years before by controlling cholesterol and blood pressure, which has been shown to slow the onset of the disease. A low-cholesterol diet can help. “A third way is to be social with other people like you are be-

ing here,” he said, explaining that many people work and go home without taking time for social activities. “This organization is getting you with other people. You all have some kind of life.” Exercise is also important. “People over 65 are supposed to do exercise, socialize and eat healthy food,” Marull said, adding that vitamins E and C and antioxidants also help stave off Alzheimer’s. About 30 percent to 40 percent of people 65 or older suffer from depression and anxiety to the point that they cannot work anymore, and one way to avert depression is to be around other people, he said. People ages 65-plus should maintain generally the same body weight as when they were younger through diet, exercise and consuming the right kind of food. “Red wine is good; also red food such as cherries and strawberries,” he said. “That’s very good for hypertension.” Cold water fish such as halibut, mackerel, salmon, trout and tuna

contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids that help control cholesterol levels, he said. Foods to avoid include red meat, eggs, cheese, ice cream and milk. Intake of high-carbohydrate foods such as bread, rice and pasta should be controlled. He encouraged people to visit www.alz.org to learn more about healthy diet and other subjects related to Alzheimer’s. Remaining active is central to remaining healthy and stalling a number of diseases, including Alzheimer’s. “One of the things for Alzheimer’s is osteoporosis for the ladies and arthritis for the men,” he said. “People need to remain active up to 100 years old.” Keeping active includes keeping the brain active by engaging in social activities, reading, taking classes and being around other people. “Keep active, keep using your brain,” Marull said. “Engage in some sort of volunteer program. Retiring doesn’t mean you do nothing, right?” Diabetes is another debilitating disease of huge proportions, with

26 million people suffering from diabetes and 40 million with prediabetes. Obesity is a primary cause of Type 2 diabetes, Marull said. Complications of diabetes include blindness and reduced circulation in the legs that can lead to amputation. Type 2 diabetes is more common in people older than 65, and tends to be aggravated by hypertension, he said. Hypertension tends to be heightened by people’s tendency to work too hard and put less emphasis on physical exercise and leisure time. “Your body is supposed to have a time to rest and give it some type of less stress to your body,” Marull said. Progress has been made at treating diabetes, but people should take preventative measures, including exercise and a low-calorie diet with appropriate foods, and teaching their children appropriate diets and eating habits so they grow up with proper body weight and nutrition, he said. These steps See MARULL, page 11

Planner Discusses PBSC Campus On Southern At LGLA Meeting By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Grace Joyce, a professional planner and member of the Loxahatchee Groves Planning & Zoning Board, explained to Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association members at their meeting March 21 what would happen if the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council revoked approval of the planned Palm Beach State College campus. A committee of town residents recently submitted a petition asking for a referendum on whether to repeal ordinances approving the campus site, also known as the Simon property, on the northwest corner of Southern Blvd. and B Road. Although an initiative is permitted in the town charter, council members deemed the petition insufficient. Supporters of the referendum vow they will circulate another petition. Joyce, who has been in planning for 15 years and works with the City of West Palm Beach, was the LGLA’s invited guest speaker. “I’m not a developer,” she said. “I’ve owned an acre of land in

Junior Hawks

Billet Program

continued from page 1 the players grounded and focused on what’s important — family, school and hockey. “It’s a better environment for me because it’s kind of like having a mom or dad while away from home,” Vincent Cook of San Francisco said. “Especially for a kid who hasn’t been away from home before, it’s a better feeling being around another family.” The program provides a support system for the players. “They take care of us like we are one of their own kids,” Allingmon said. “They feed us and help us with whatever we need.” Schimming, whose family is hosting Cook, said each family has a different way of making the players feel at home. “Different homes have different rules in terms of how much independence that the kid will take on,” she said. “Like with Dennis, who is from Sweden, there’s a cultural difference that he had to get accustomed to.” For Allingmon’s billet mom, Shannon Phelps, hosting a player has been an interesting experi-

Loxahatchee Groves since 1989, and I love it for many different reasons.” Joyce said she has been following articles that have been written about the college and attended most of the meetings that led to approval of the campus. She believes that observers are missing one aspect of the issue. “We became a town because we want to be responsible and in charge of what happens in our community, so we put into place what is called a comprehensive plan,” she said, explaining that the plan creates the rules for how the town is going to be governed as it relates to the land. The zoning code is more specific, with regulations on permitted uses and setbacks and building heights. When the town incorporated, the majority of its land was designated rural-residential, and the comp plan allows the development of public schools in those areas, she said. “I am here just to provide information,” Joyce said. “I am not on one side or another. I just truly believe that we don’t understand completely what we’re asking.

Public schools are allowed anywhere in rural-residential land use, so a public school can go anywhere in the Town of Loxahatchee Groves.” She noted that the Simon brothers had received approval for commercial development on what is now the campus site before the town’s Local Planning Agency was created. “In 2011, they got approval, and I was at every single meeting speaking out against it because this was not consistent with our neighborhood plan,” she said. “Our neighborhood plan said there should be no commercial in this area. It wasn’t supposed to go west of C Road. I pointed that out countless times.” The approved uses included commercial retail, commercial low office and residential, with about 237,000 square feet of retail and office and 19 homes. “They never came forward with their final site plan approval,” she said. In 2012, the owners returned with an ordinance asking to rescind the previous mixed-use approval and revert to its original rural-residential designation, which would

allow development of the campus. Joyce explained that the council’s approval allowed two different land uses. “The majority went back to what it was, and one small little area is now commercial low,” she said. In a second ordinance, the council enacted additional restrictions on the college to make sure that the town was included in any development changes that took place. “Because they are a state college, they only get funded incrementally, so it’s not like they’re going to develop the site all at once, she said. “Their plan was to develop the site over 50 years.” Every five years the college goes back to the state for financing, and explains what it has developed so far and what it wants to do in the next five years. The ordinance ensures that the town will be included in those discussions. “They have to come back to the town because of this ordinance, and talk about what the buildings are going to look like,” Joyce said. She explained that a referendum, if approved by a majority of voters, would revoke both of those

ordinances, which would remove the special requirements for the design of the college and would change the land use from rural-residential and the small portion of commercial low, back to the mixed commercial/residential use. “The college is allowed in this community because our comprehensive plan says so, so if the goal is to stop the college from coming in, you have to change the comprehensive plan,” Joyce said. “The referendums are only going to prohibit the construction of the college, but allow for construction of what was originally 227,000 square feet of retail and office use.” Joyce said she would personally prefer a college campus to a commercial development. “As a person who has lived in this community since 1989, I believe that having a partner who is going to develop 76 acres over the course of 50 years, who is going to check back in with you every five years, [is better than] a developer who’s in it for the money,” she said. Resident Nina Corning said that the comp plan was intended for the development of public schools such as elementary, middle and

high schools, but Joyce said Palm Beach State College is classified as a public school, while development of a privately owned college would not be permitted. Corning also pointed out that the 19 homes in the mixed-use approval would have served as a buffer from the commercial development to residents to the north, where the college is calling for the eventual development of about 650,000 square feet. Joyce said that much of the college’s development would be vertical and reiterated that it would be over the course of 50 years, where the college would be coming back to the town every five years to review its plans. “This was a perfect example of transparency of opportunities for the community to come together,” Joyce said, explaining that when the Local Planning Agency was finally created, she voted no on initial college applications. “I am a process-minded person. There are certain things that you have to do, and even though we may be calling ourselves ‘government lite,’ we are government. You’re either going to run a town or you’re not.”

ence. “I truly believe that someday my children will want to play junior hockey,” she said. “So for me, it’s paying it forward.” Phelps has two sons who are on the Black Hawks, which is the children’s hockey team. “If I take on that responsibility today, I will have a better understanding of it once my kids get to that level of play,” she said. The family has even helped out Allingmon by providing a car. “We had an extra car, which we let him borrow,” Phelps said. “He pays for his own car insurance and gas, but other than that, he has free rein to do whatever he wants.” According to Cook, the Palm Beach Junior Hawks billet program is the best he has experienced. “The last place I’ve played was in Canada. The billet program there was really poorly run, and the parents didn’t treat you that well,” he said. “Jill is like a mom to me here. She really takes care of me and really helps me with not just food and laundry, but with issues off the ice.” With the players’ busy schedules — practicing six times a week and playing two games a week — having fewer personal responsibilities to worry about gives them more time to focus on hockey. “I feel more relaxed when I get

home from the rink,” Cook said. “I can enjoy myself more and not be so stressed and uptight about everything.” Stephen Sundberg traveled from Kansas City to play for the Palm Beach Junior Hawks. “We started the program two years ago with Stephen,” Berkman recalled. “And we got into it first because my son has played the longest… and the boys are a positive role model for him.” Berkman remembered how surprised he was when, last March, Palm Beach Junior Hawks coach Tim Kyrkostas asked him to be one of the coordinators of the billet program. “I had never done anything like this before because my background is in law enforcement,” he said. “Luckily, while with the police department in New York, I specialized in logistics, which helped me with starting the program.” Kyrkostas does a lot of traveling around the country recruiting players for the team. “We try to attract and find the best possible student-athletes in the country,” he said. “Being one of the premier junior college development programs in the country, and having a stable and incredible billet program, with coordinators like Jill and Sam, and families

like the Phelpses, is what I believe is a major a facet of making our program reach its goal.” Having a successful billet program makes coaching much easier. “The coordinators and families do a tremendous amount of leg work, making sure that these guys, who are coming from all over the world now, feel comfortable and

acclimated to their new environment,” Kyrkostas said. “This makes my job a lot easier as a coach, and I see a difference in these players.” Berkman hopes the billet program will continue on its path of becoming one of the most successful ones out there. “We hope this program becomes so success-

ful that everyone wants to come here,” he said. The Palm Beach Junior Hawks play at Palm Beach Skate Zone, located at 8125 Lake Worth Road. For more info., or to get involved, visit www.palmbeachjrhawks.com or call billet program coordinators Sam Berkman at (561) 398-4114 or Jill Schimming at (561) 386-5865.

Palm Beach Junior Hawks billet program players Stephen Sundberg, Vincent Cook and Dennis Allingmon with program families Sam and Noah Berkman, Jill Schimming, Shannon Phelps, and coach Tim Kyrkostas. PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER


Page 8 March 29 - April 4, 2013

St. Peter’s CEC Fair April 20 St. Peter’s Child Enrichment Center in Wellington will host its 26th Annual Spring Fair themed “Circus Fun for Everyone,” on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the church lawn located off Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. This is the main fundraiser for the CEC, St. Peter’s Gold Seal-accredited preschool. Last year, more than 1,000 people attended the fair and helped raise money. “This is the school’s biggest fundraiser, and all the students,

The 2013 Spring Fair title and logo were created by preschool student Eli Dagostino.

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NEWS BRIEFS staff and parents work hard to make it happen,” CEC Director Pat Banks said. “It is so wonderful to see all the smiles on the children’s faces and to know it’s raising money for the school. The Wellington community looks forward to it each spring as well.” This year, the fair has a circus theme and will feature a petting zoo, pony rides, trackless train rides, a rock-climbing wall, a bungee trampoline, a 25-foot slide, an obstacle course, bounce houses, games and crafts, as well as a silent auction, bake sale, art show, live entertainment and delicious food. Admission is free. Rides and activities require tickets that can be purchased for 50 cents each. Unlimited access to rides and activities can be purchased for $20. This year’s auction will feature more than 50 items from a wide array of vendors. For more info., visit www.st peterscec.com or call the school’s main office at (561) 798-3286.

fect solution. On Saturday, April 6, three local high schools will bring a mix of music and dancing to the stage at the third annual “A Touch of Broadway: A Musical Preview.” Beginning at 7:30 p.m., drama students will perform scenes from Hairspray (Palm Beach Central), Annie Jr. (Wellington Christian School) and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (the King’s Academy). A Touch of Broadway is ideal for children and adults alike who enjoy the arts and theatrical performances. Each school will perform for approximately 30 minutes. Guests are encouraged to bring their own seating. If you want to see the shows in their entirety, ticket information for the upcoming performances will be available. The amphitheater is located at 12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.

Enjoy ‘A Touch Of Broadway’ April 6

The Kevin Perkins Golf Academy will hold its Junior AfterSchool Spring Golf Program at the Binks Forest Golf Club beginning Tuesday, April 2. The Junior After-School Program is open to boys and girls ages

If you’re looking for free, family-friendly entertainment, the Wellington Amphitheater has the per-

Golf Program Starts April 2

7 to 17 and will take place on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Binks Forest Golf Club is located on Binks Forest Drive in Wellington. For more info., visit www. kevinperkinsgolfacademy.com or call (561) 301-3783.

Murder Mystery Dinner Returns Wellington’s popular murder mystery dinner theater is back, so put on your spurs, grab your tengallon hat and head out to the Wild West-themed shootout at the Wellington Saloon & Corral on Saturday, May 18 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The event will be held at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). The evening begins with a social hour and dinner, but quickly escalates into a battle of quick draws. Sit back as the posse of professional actors portrays “murder in the Wild, Wild West.” Audience members will then be asked to solve the crime and identify the killer. Tickets cost $45 per person and are on sale now at Village Park and the Wellington Community Center. A table of eight can be reserved

for a discounted price of $315. The ticket price includes dinner, beer and wine. Wellington will provide free onsite childcare for children ages 5 to 12, including pizza and plenty of fun activities. The childcare room will be separate from the event. For more information, call (561) 791-4082 or visit www.wellingtonfl. gov.

Wellington Celebrating Viva Florida Program High school students in Wellington could win a $250 scholarship by entering the Viva Florida Essay Contest. The Viva Florida 500 campaign focuses on commemorating the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s arrival on Florida’s east coast. In addition to honoring shared state history, the Florida League of Cities is encouraging local communities to honor their own history. As a part of the 18month campaign that kicked off in January, Wellington is offering an essay contest to high school students. The topic is, “Wellington’s

past, present and future.” Students entering the essay contest must be in grades 9-12 and attend a Wellington high school or be a Wellington resident. Essays submitted should not exceed 1,500 words and should not deviate from the theme. All essay entries must be typed or neatly written, double-spaced, and must include the students name, address, phone number, school attended and year of school in the upper right hand corner. Essays will be judged on content, originality, grammar, organization and style. The essay contest will be judged by Wellington’s Education Committee. The winner will be announced on April 30, and the winning essay will be displayed on the Viva Florida section of the Wellington web site May 1. The essay contest winner will be awarded a $250 Scholarship from the Wellington Rotary Club. Essay submission deadline is Friday, April 12 at 6 p.m. Essays can be submitted to Wellington’s Community Services Department, 12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414 or e-mailed to khenghold@wellingtonfl.gov.


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NEWS

ASIAN TRADE, FOOD & CULTURE SHOW HELD AT SOUTH FLORIDA FAIRGROUNDS

The 20th anniversary Asian Trade, Food Fair & Culture Show presented by the Bangladesh Association of Florida was held Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. A wide variety of music, dance and martial arts performances filled both days, and guests enjoyed vendors selling traditional clothing, jewelry and food. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Palm Beach Super Tae Kwon Do’s Gio Ocampo prepares to demonstrate a triple spinning back kick as boards are held by fellow team members Phillip Parel, Iris Thomas and Angela Liu.

Thai classical dancer Gi Gi (Nantaporn Somwatchara).

Isabella and Candy Hsu show the lion dancer some love.

Myra Conde of Sadakalo with Mishkat Hossain and Nayeema Sultana.

Priya Rajkumar applies henna hand tattoos to Jessica De Las Cuevas and Nelly Hernandez.

The South Florida Chinese Dance Group in action.

QUARTER AUCTION IN RPB RAISES MONEY FOR LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY A Quar ter Auction was held Wednesday, March 20 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. All proceeds benefited the Leukemia & Lym phoma Society. Vendors sold food, jewelry, home décor and accessories, and several parents served taco dinners to raise money for the Seminole Ridge High School junior varsity softball team. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Marie Phillips giv es Tee Franzoso and Nancy Wall a sample of Ultimate Aloe.

Brenna McWater won a bid on this necklace.

Carey Morales received a jewelry and scarf set from Eliza Bead designer Elizabeth Kusuk.

Sean McCoy presented Leslie Krebs with a Jamming Jellies basket.


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NEWS

‘Flavors’ Founder John Mercer Proud Of How Event Has Grown By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Flavors of Wellington will celebrate 10 years showcasing some of Wellington’s best restaurants and chefs on Friday, April 5 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The event has a rich history in the community, and it all started with local businessman and longtime Wellington leader John Mercer. “I was serving on the board [of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce] at the time,” Mercer recalled. “We were looking for a flagship event, and one of my clients had held a similar event and been very successful with it. I brought the idea to the board, and it has

Marull

Alzheimer’s

continued from page 7 are also effective in slowing the onset of Alzheimer’s. “You can be productive until you are 80 or 85 by avoiding too much stress,” he said. This involves a loving support group of family and friends, he said, explaining that many nursing homes do not place enough emphasis on cognitive function for their residents, which allows

grown more than we could imagine.” Having a family-friendly event was important to Mercer, who has spent more than 30 years dedicating his time and efforts to Wellington, both in business and volunteerism. Mercer and his wife, Saundra, moved to the area in 1972. At the time, Mercer was a licensed funeral director working for R. Jay Kraeer Funeral Homes. In 1976, Mercer joined Pepperidge Farm as director of marketing for South Florida. He earned six merit awards with the company, including “Super Ward for the United States.” In 1992, he was inducted into the Pepperidge Farm Hall of Fame. Alzheimer’s symptoms to advance more quickly. “We have to be able to function in a better society that we are able to help each other,” he said. “We have to care about each other.” Alzheimer’s is somewhat selfinflicted, he concluded, explaining that people who do not exercise and maintain an appropriate diet are vulnerable. “If you don’t exercise and you don’t maintain necessary blood pressure and cholesterol, then it’s coming to you,” he said.

Six years later, he joined AXA Advisors and served as an investment advisor representative for the next decade. In 2004, he won the President’s Award. Joining Cypress Financial, an office of Metlife, in January 2008, Mercer received the “Leaders Conference” award that same year and currently works as a financial investment advisor in the Ft. Lauderdale office. Mercer has long been involved with the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, serving on the board from 2000 to 2010. He also served as sergeant at arms of the Wellington Rotary Club and on the board of directors for the South Florida Opera Company, where he and his wife were instrumental in bringing the first children’s opera, Peter and the Wolf, to the western communities in 2008. The couple has also been instructors in the CCD program at St. Therese de Lisieux Catholic Church, and Mercer currently serves on the board of directors of Save A Pet Florida, an organization established by the late Gertrude Maxwell. Mercer’s work in founding and organizing Flavors of Wellington has helped it grow from its humble roots to a premier event for the entire community to enjoy. “Our first year, we had 25 res-

taurants,” he recalled. “It was held at the former Wellington Country Club, and we had more than 600 people. Right at 7 p.m., when it started, there were cars backed up all the way down to the street.” Each restaurant sets up a booth, serving up bites of delicious food and drink to guests, and a panel of celebrity judges chooses the best bites. “It’s a great opportunity, especially for new restaurants,” he said. “They can serve whatever they’d like, and they can give us a taste of their food, coupons and promote their restaurant.” Mercer said that to differentiate the event from a simple food tasting, Flavors holds a competition for the restaurants, awarding them Best Plate, Best Dessert, Best Entrée and Best Décor. “It was really competitive from the start,” Mercer said. “It was what really made it different than any other event like it. It was a wonderful event and did very well for the chamber. It’s great because the restaurants are excited about it as well.” The event grew so popular that it needed a larger venue for the past several years. “With the graciousness of Mark Bellissimo and Michael Stone, we’ve been able to move it to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center,” Mercer said. “They have the parking and the room, and

Flavors of Wellington founder John Mercer. they complement the event with a he said. “This event is for families. horse show. I think it’s great. It has We want everyone to be able to brought so many people to Fla- afford it. It’s really a night of envors, but it also gives exposure to joyment for the community.” our equestrian community.” Flavors of Wellington kicks off The event has remained strong at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5 at to its roots: a family-friendly at- the Palm Beach International mosphere that helps to highlight Equestrian Center. the best food Wellington has to Tickets cost $25 each in adoffer. vance or $30 at the door. VIP taMercer noted that after 10 years, bles are available for $300. the event remains affordable, with For more information, or to pur$25 advanced tickets. chase tickets, visit www.flavors “We’ve never raised the price,” wellington.com.

WELLINGTON AMPHITHEATER HOSTS TRIBUTE CONCERT & FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL Wellington hosted a Tribute Concert & Food Truck Festival on Friday and Saturday, March 22 and 23 at the Wellington Amphitheater. Hundreds of people attended the event, which included live music by tribute bands, food from more than 20 food trucks, and bounce houses and games for children. The tribute bands that performed included an Eagles Tribute by the Long Run, a Neil Diamond tribute, Viva classic rock, a Billy Joel tribute by the Turnstiles, and a Journey Tribute by Odyssey Road. For more info., visit www.wellingtonfl.gov. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Tahiesha Samaniego listens to the bands with daughters Caitland and Savannah.

The Turnstiles per form “Piano Man” during their Billy Joel tribute.

Ashley and Lori Haughton with Kalista and Alyssa Gibson.


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NEWS

HINDU GROUP CELEBRATES HOLI MELA AT THE ROYAL PALM CULTURAL CENTER

The Palm Beach Hindu Mandir held its annual Holi Mela celebration Saturday, March 23 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The event included traditional Indian food, music and entertainment. Holi is the Indian festival of colors, celebrating the triumph of good over evil. For more info, visit www.pbhm.org. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Pramee Harriper saud and Sushiela Tulsi.

Chan Das enjoys the performances with her grandson Michael.

Palm Beach Hindu Mandir Spiritual Leader Pandit Vishnu Sharma.

Palm Beach Hindu Mandir Vice President Sonny Deoroop and President Bill Singh.

Kamanie Sarabjeet and Leila Persaud serve traditional Indian food.

Palm Beach Hindu Mandir youth sing Holi songs.

LOX GROVES LANDOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION STAGES A COMMUNITY YARD SALE The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association held a Community Yard Sale on Saturday, March 23 at 2310 F Road in Loxahatchee Groves. Members sold household items, clothes, tools, and various other knickknacks. All proceeds went to LGLA projects. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Kaiti Scott and Ricki Mills sell household items and knikknacks.

Nancy Fried-Tobin and Andrea Lerner sell various tack items.

Connie Kilgore holds vintage decorative plates with designs from classic plays.

Father and son Lionel and Andre Bernier sell tools.


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SCHOOL NEWS

RPBHS Hosts State Leadership Conference

Nicole McGaw’s first-grade class from Frontier Elementary School.

Frontier First Graders Head To The County Science Fair

Nicole McGaw’s first-grade class will be representing Frontier Elementary School in the Palm Beach County Science and Mathematics Fair in May. Their class project, “Beat the Heat,” won first place in the classroom category at Frontier’s science fair on March 7. The project will compete against other first-grade class projects on May 7 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Frontier Science Fair Coordinator Molly Harding is extremely proud of the hard work of these young scientists. In other news, Harding has announced that 34 Frontier students will represent the school at the county science and mathematics Fair in May. The following students will compete in the Science division: Reagan Bresnahan,

Wyatt Ortlip, Austin Hall, Lisette Ruiz, Skyler Steiert, Raquel Steiert, Madison Howell, James Webb, Thomas Alfaya, Macy Brockelbank, Kayla Sandrie, Olivia Arnold, Audley Works, Savannah Goss, Laura Arredondo, Leonardo Caputo, R.J. Sorensen, Kaitlyn Cook, Tyler Williams, Nicholas Lafferty, Sam Martinelli and Drake Millhausen. Competing in the Math category are: Ayden LaDuke, Alivia Jatzlau, Kerriann Asensio, Michelle Hopkins, Martina Wheeler, Jackson Harding, Kailee Matthews, McKinley Harding, Dylan Justin, Brandon Domaceti and Jacob Hargesheimer. Harding would like to thank the Seminole Ridge High School National Honor Society for judging this year’s science fair.

More than 1,000 students from across Florida recently came together to develop their leadership, responsibility and personal growth skills at the Florida Association of Student Councils Conference. Royal Palm Beach High School had the honor to host this event, and the results were extraordinary. “Seeing the commitment of so many students is overwhelming. They understand the impact that their leadership skills will do for their future not only in college, but in their careers,” said Justin Arnone, student council advisor at Royal Palm Beach High School. The conference offered three days of keynote speakers, presentations, student workshops, professional development, competitions and lots of fun. The theme this year, “Oh, the Places You’ll Lead,” was highlighted with decorations inspired by Dr. Seuss and activities created by the students.

“It took us two years to plan this magnificent event, and the comments from all the students were so positive,” Arnone said. “All I kept hearing was that this has been the best conference so far.” The awards program included categories in speech contest, parliamentary procedures and projects of the year. The FASC talent show featured the dazzling talents of student leaders from all the Florida districts. RPBHS not only organized the event, but two student representatives were selected as the state treasurers. The Florida Association of Student Councils (FASC) consists of member schools and their students and advisors throughout the state who are working together to bring about a growth in student leadership development, participation in student activities and student civic engagement. “An undertaking of this magnitude requires a true team effort,”

Royal Palm Beach High School Student Council members were honored for their work at the March 13 School Board meeting.

RPBHS Principal Jesus Armas said. “Under the expert direction of activities coordinator and Student Council Advisor Justin Arnone, Royal Palm Beach High School students, parents, staff and personnel from several school district departments all came together to host a first-class event. This is but one example of the magnificence of the Royal Palm Beach High School community and of our ongoing effort to further our vision of excellence.”

One of the most impactful sessions of the conference included a simulation of a car accident involving students drinking after prom. The scene was made as real as possible, with disabled vehicles and students badly injured. Members of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and other law enforcement agencies took part in the exercise, which showed students the consequences of their actions.

NEW HORIZONS HONORS ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Fifty-one students in grades 2 through 5 at New Horizons Elementary School were awarded for their hard work in achieving “High Honor Roll” (straight A grades) on their latest report cards. Students enjoyed breakfast with Principal Betsy Cardozo and received medals commemorating their accomplishments. The event was sponsored by the New Horizons PTA. Pictured here is Cardozo with High Honor Roll recipients.


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SCHOOL NEWS

WHS Debate Team Continues Stellar Year Kella Merlain-Moffatt Earns Debate Honors

Wellington High School Debate Team continued its phenomenally successful season by qualifying a school-record 5 students to compete at the 2013 National Forensic League National Speech & Debate Championship Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama, this June. The Red Dawn Debaters will be represented in Birmingham by se-

niors Michael Reynolds and Nick Thibault, juniors Stephie Maravankin and Yourui Ruan, and sophomore Michael Leatherman. The five qualified at the March 15-16 NFL Panther District National Qualifier Tournament, hosted by Royal Palm Beach High School. Reynolds and Thibault will be competing in Duo Interpretation, where they are performing a 10-

Wellington debaters (L-R) Michael Leatherman, Yourui Ruan, Nick Thibault, Michael Reynolds, coach Paul Gaba and Stephie Maravankin, will attend the 2013 National Forensic League National Speech & Debate Championship Tournament this June.

minute script cutting from “Nerd Do Well: A Small Boy’s Journey to Becoming a Big Kid” by Simon Pegg. Maravankin advanced to the NFL’s National Senate in Congressional Debate, a student version of the federal legislature. Ruan and Leatherman will compete in Policy Debate, where they will deliberate proposed federal policy changes as pertaining to U.S. transportation concerns. Leatherman was also recognized as the first alternate (second overall) in Congressional Debate, where he competed in the tournament’s House of Representatives, while Reynolds advanced to the final round in Humorous Interpretation, placing sixth with his performance of “I Hate You, Kelly Donahue” by Mark Svartz. In Lincoln Douglas Debate, Ruan placed fifth overall, while in Policy Debate, the team of Greg Foster and Logan Weber placed sixth. Reynolds was also recognized as the NFL Panther District’s “Student of the Year,” an honor voted upon by district officials based on essays contributed from coaches within the district.

The 5 students represent the largest number to compete at NFL Nationals from WHS in its 25 years of competitive debate. NFL Nationals is the third, and largest, national high school debate championship tournament of the year. This is the first time Wellington will be represented at all three national championships in a single season. Three students — Maravankin and the Public Forum Debate team of Rachel Ganon and Vinnie Gasso — will compete at the 2013 Tournament of Champions in Lexington, Kentucky, at the end of April, while 9 Wellington debaters — the Public Forum Debate teams of Ganon & Gasso and Leatherman & Alexa Fortuna, the Duo Interpretation pairs of Reynolds & Thibault and Dylan Race & Savannah Race, and Ruan in Lincoln Douglas Debate — will compete at the National Catholic Forensic League “Grand National” championship tournament in Philadelphia over Memorial Day Weekend. To help support the WHS Debate Team, contact coach Paul Gaba at (561) 795-4911 or paul. gaba@palmbeachschools.org.

Western Pines Names Students Of The Month Western Pines Middle School Principal Bob Hatcher is proud to present the students of the month for March. The students were selected by their science teachers as young men and women who represent the school’s best. Sixth-grader Rebecca McDannald is an exceptional student with a great work ethic. She strives for excellence in everything she does and is always willing to lend a helping hand. McDannald was on the “A” honor roll for the first and second nine weeks. She is an active member of the school band and in the medical academy at Western Pines. Seventh-grader Ryan Disney is

a hardworking and diligent young man. He goes above and beyond expectations at every opportunity. In addition, Disney is a quiet source of strength to many of his fellow students as he urges them to work just a little harder to achieve their goals. He is currently looking ahead to Royal Palm Beach High School for its science program. And finally, eighth-grader Anthony Nguyen is an excellent student. He is engaged in classroom discussions and nearly always outscores his classmates in class assignments and tests. Nguyen has maintained a straight A average since day one.

tournament, the elementary team placed first. In the final tournament, social studies, the elementary team placed fourth, and the middle team placed second. Additionally, Mason Graham, Mitchell Gulkis, Dylan Sanita, Jonah Smith, Bria Mintzer, Katie Castor and Francesca Herman qualified to compete in the state

Kella Merlain-Moffatt The Palm Beach Catholic Forensic League is designed to promote interest in interscholastic forensics by encouraging fellowship among both students and coaches. The organization provides opportunities for competition through six local tournaments each year, in addition to the national qualifier tournament. Students must compete in two of the six preliminary tournaments to be eligible for the “Grand Finals.” For more on the Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches, visit www.oapb.org or call (561) 9729600.

Multicultural Night At SRHS The Seminole Ridge High School World Languages Department will present its sixth annual Multicultural Night Dinner & Show on Friday, April 12 with dinner at 5 p.m. in the cafeteria and the show at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Dinner is catered by Pollo Tropical and includes a choice of chickRyan Disney, Rebecca McDannald and Anthony Nguyen with Western Pines Principal Bob Hatcher.

Award-Winning Academic Games Season At WMLS Wellington Landings Middle School’s Academic Games teams have had a fantastic comeback season, having competed in both the elementary and middle divisions at all three Palm Beach County tournaments. In the math tournament, the elementary and middle teams both placed third. In the language arts

Oxbridge Academy freshman Kella Merlain-Moffatt won first place at the Palm Beach Catholic Forensic League Grand Finals, held recently at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts. Merlain-Moffatt competed against seven other students in the Declamation category and took the top spot for her successful delivery of Bill Cosby’s notable “Pound Cake Speech” given at the NAACP 50th anniversary commemoration of the Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. She will now advance to the National Catholic Forensic League’s Grand National Tournament, which will be held in Philadelphia over Memorial Day weekend. Students from 13 local high schools participated in Saturday’s tournament and the top six finishers in each event will now move on to compete at the national level. Merlain-Moffatt, a Wellington resident, has been sharpening her skills throughout the school year. She placed fourth in the Oral Interpretation category at the forensics competition at Palm Beach Gardens High School in January, and she took third place last month in the Black History-themed competition at Palm Beach Lakes High School.

tournament by placing in the top 10 in one of the local tournaments. By placing in the top five, Jonah Smith and Mason Graham have qualified to attend the national competition April 26-29 in Charlotte, N.C. WLMS looks forward to another outstanding season next year and welcomes all students inter-

ested in participating. If you have a student attending WLMS next year and would like more information, contact andrew.walsh@palm beachschools.org, margie.walsh @palmbeachschools.org or christopher.cartagena@palmbeach schools.org. For general information, visit www.agloa.org.

en or pork, black beans and rice, plantains, roll and drink. The show will spotlight talented students performing a variety of acts promoting cultural awareness. Pre-event tickets are on sale now for $10. Contact the World Language Department at SRHS at enny.cannestro@palmbeachschools. org for more info.

RPBHS Coach Salutes Debater Anthony Nadeau Royal Palm Beach High School took part in the prestigious 39th annual Harvard University Invitational Feb. 16-18, competing against over 300 schools. Senior Anthony Nadeau is the reigning champion, winning first place in Dramatic Interpretation. Competing against more than 400 students in his category, he made it to the final round of the top six.

“To this day, Harvard is the pinnacle of forensics achievement,” said Eric Jeraci, director of forensics at Royal Palm Beach High School. “In Royal Palm Beach history, we have never reached finals, let alone had a champion. As his coach, I am beyond proud of our Wildcat representing us and definitely demonstrating what it means to live your Wildcat best.”


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Brianne Cook Headed To USNA Summer Seminar Royal Palm Beach High School junior Brianne Cook has been selected to attend the first session of the United States Naval Academy’s Summer Seminar. She is one of approximately 2,500 young men and women from across the U.S. and abroad invited to participate this summer. The requirements needed in order to qualify include: superior high school performance, demonstrated achievement in athletics and extracurricular activities, physically fit and in good health with normal vision, positive attitude, self-disciplined and of good moral character. The seminar is a fast-paced leadership experience that helps educate, motivate and prepare students who are considering applying for admission to the academy. During the six-day session, Cook will become a part of the academy, by living in the dormitory in which all academy midshipmen live, eating in the dining hall, participating in academic and lead-

Artist Judy Eisinger Creates Painting For Holocaust Remembrance Day she began painting at an early age. She studied fine art at the Cleveland Institute of Art and the Cooper School of Art, which led to a four-year scholarship to Kent State University. Eisinger is an artist, educator and author. She taught graphic design as an adjunct professor at Palm Beach State College. She also

illustrated, wrote and self-published a children’s book promoting the creative process, and is the owner and creative lead at Yudit Design, a full-service graphic design agency. Her talent and wealth of experience have brought an open-minded, adaptive process to her paintings, which have earned her many regional and national awards over the past 30 years.

Because of her belief that fine art is the essence of graphic design, Eisinger has received recognition both for her paintings and for her graphic design work, which has garnered several Advertising Federation Silver ADDYs and a People Choice Award. With Lost Souls, Eisinger honors her family and all those that perished in the Holocaust.

William Griffin Graduates U.S. Air Force Training

Brianne Cook

Air Force Airman William J. Griffin has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate’s degree in applied science. Griffin is the son of Adrian and William Griffin Jr. of Royal Palm Beach. He is a 2010 graduate of Berean Christian School, Royal Palm Beach.

ership workshops and experiencing a variety of other activities on the campus. She will have an opportunity to see first-hand what the academy has to offer through its exceptional academic, athletic, extracurricular activities and leadership training programs. The Summer Seminar has an academic focus. Each student attends eight 90-minute workshops on a wide variety of topics.

Judy Eisinger’s new painting Lost Souls.

William J. Griffin

OBITUARY

James Coleman Gordon Sr. Dies At Age 83 Chad Pollard

Wellington’s Sarah Swisher Graduates Virginia Tech Sarah Swisher of Wellington was among those honored at Virginia Tech’s fall commencement ceremony held Dec. 21 in Cassell Coliseum. Swisher received a bachelor’s degree in history from the College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences. Approximately 1,314 degree candidates, along with their families and friends, attended the on-

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Local artist Judy “Yudit” Eisinger has created a Yom HaShoah painting titled Lost Souls to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day on April 8. Born in Budapest, Hungary, the daughter of survivors, Eisinger and her parents escaped to Austria during the Hungarian revolution and later to the U.S., where

Chad Pollard Completes Training Airman First Class Chad Dave Pollard recently graduated from J.B. Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina. Pollard has successfully completed his technical training as crew chief and has continued on to Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany. Pollard is a 2012 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School. He is the son of Dave and Savi Pollard of The Acreage.

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campus ceremony presided by Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger. The keynote address was given by Annie Hesp, an instructor of Spanish in the College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences. Virginia Tech offers 215 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 30,000 students and manages a research portfolio of $450 million.

James Coleman Gordon Sr., 83, entered into the presence of the lord and savior Jesus Christ on Friday, March 15 at his home in Altha, Fla. following an extended illness. Gordon was one of seven children born to the late William Charles Gordon and Julia Pennington Gordon and was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and his sister. He was born and raised in Gaffney, S.C., and had been a longtime resident of Loxahatchee prior to living the last few years between his children in Lake City and Altha. Gordon was a veteran of the United States Army, having served two tours in Korea. He specialized in the construction of outdoor billboards prior to retiring. He spent his retired days watching Shepherd’s Chapel with Mr. Murray

and studied God’s word with them every day. He was an avid fisherman and shared his passion with the next two generations of his family, teaching his hobby to his children and grandchildren. He will forever be remembered as a wonderful father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, uncle and friend. His loyal and faithful companion, his beloved dog Trouble, died on March 11 after 13 years of devotion to Gordon. Gordon is survived by his children, James Coleman Gordon Jr. and his wife Janet of Loxahatchee; Becky Holloway and husband Dwayne of Lake City; and Florence Simmons and husband Seldon of High Springs; grandchildren, Dewey Holloway (Amanda) of Fort White, Fla.; Tim Holloway (Stephanie) of Jacksonville; B.J. Simmons of High Springs; Jamie

Lynne Gordon of Loxahatchee; and James Coleman Gordon III of Loxahatchee; and great-grandchildren Taylor Anne Holloway, Fisher Taylen Holloway and Kymber Rose Holloway. The mother of his children, Thelma Estelle Flanagan of High Springs, and a very special friend, Lucy Nixs of Blountstown, Fla., also survive. The family wishes to thank all of the staff of the Covenant Hospice and the V.A. hospitals in Lake City and Altha for their loving care, and all of the family and friends who brought joy to his life. Memorial services with military honors were conducted March 23 at Providence Village Baptist Church in Lake Butler, Fla. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Shepherd’s Chapel TV Ministry, P.O. Box 416, Gravette, AR 72736.

James Coleman Gordon Sr. Arrangements were under the direction of the Dees-Parrish Family Funeral Home (458 South Marion Ave., Lake City, Fla.). Please sign the online family guest book at www.parrishfamilyfuneralhome. com.


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POLO & EQUESTRIAN

Valiente Defeats Zacara To Win USPA Piaget Gold Cup At IPC Valiente made up for an early season loss to Zacara and successfully defended its 2012 USPA Piaget Gold Cup title with a resounding 13-9 win Sunday afternoon at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington before thousands of enthusiastic spectators. With three of the world’s eight 10-goal players on the field, fireworks were expected, and the crowd wasn’t disappointed. Valiente took the field with 10-goalers Pelon Stirling and Adolfo Cambiaso, while the Zacara attack was led by 10-goaler Facundo Pieres. Pieres scored four first half goals, helping Zacara to a narrow 5-4 halftime lead. Santi Torres accounted for three of Valiente’s first half goals, but Valiente seemed to have the upper hand in the first three chukkers of play. A regrouped Valiente team stormed the field in the fourth chukker, outscoring Zacara 5-0 and leaving the field at the end of the period with an impressive 9-5 advan-

tage. Cambiaso scored four goals in the chukker, while Torres scored once. The momentum had shifted, and Valiente was making the most of it. The two teams traded goals in the fifth with Pieres scoring twice while teammate Mike Azzaro added a single score for Zacara. Torres scored all three fifth chukker Valiente goals. Cambiaso’s fifth goal of the game came just two minutes into the sixth chukker and had Valiente up13-8. Pieres scored the final goal of the game with less than three minutes left in regulation time, as Valiente ran off with the 13-9 win. Torres scored seven goals on the day and was named MVP. Stirling’s 10-year-old brown mare, Silk, was selected as Best Playing Pony. Earlier in the day, 10-goaler Sapo Caset led a resilient Piaget team back from a 5-3 halftime deficit to record a 9-8 win over ERG in the finals of the 26-goal Butler Handicap.

The game was tied at 1-1 after the first chukker and 3-3 after the second. ERG came up with a pair of unanswered goals in the third by Agustin Merlos, taking a 5-3 halftime lead. Caset exploded for five goals in

the fourth period and shot Piaget ahead by three goals, 8-5. ERG was unable to break through the Piaget defense and was shutout in the chukker. ERG cut into the Piaget lead by a single goal in the fifth, and add-

Valiente’s Pelon Stirling, Santi Torres, Bob Jornayvaz and Adolfo Cambiaso claim the USPA Piaget Gold Cup.

ed two more goals in the final chukker, but a single goal from Piaget’s Nacho Badiola was enough to carry the day in the 9-8 Piaget victory. Caset scored eight of Piaget’s nine goals and was named MVP.

Caset’s Viparita was honored as Best Playing Pony. The final leg of the American triple crown of polo, the Maserati U.S. Open, got underway this week. Opening matches were held See POLO, page 21

Pelon Stirling’s mare, Silk, is honored as Best Playing Pony. PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILA PHOTO

McLain Ward And Zander Win $100,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Week 11 of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival featured the $100,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Final last Saturday night at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. McLain Ward and Zander took home first place. Ward and Zander led a highspeed jump-off over second place finishers Janne Friederike Meyer of Germany aboard Cellagon Lambrasco and third place duo Pablo Barrios of Venezuela riding Zara Leandra. Great Britain’s Ben Maher and Quiet Easy 4 topped the eleven-week series championship standings and were awarded the top bonus following the class. Richard Jeffery of England set the course for 48 entries in Saturday night’s 1.50m final. Only six were able to master the track to advance to the jump-off, and four went double clear in an exciting race against the clock for the tie breaker. Ward and Zander, a nineyear-old KWPN gelding, took the win with their pace of 43.86 seconds. In a class that is usually held during the day, it was a different environment for many of the horses on Saturday night, showing under the lights with a big crowd. Some of the horses had more ex-

perience than others, and even though it was his first night class ever, Zander seemed to flourish in the impressive atmosphere. “He’s a horse I’m really excited about,” Ward said after the class. “We got him at the beginning of last year with high hopes, and then I got hurt and lost almost four months. He was really good last year at Spruce Meadows, and he won a nice grand prix at Valkenswaard in the summer. We’ve done him in a bunch of WEF (Challenge Cup) classes here, and he won one and he had the fastest time in two others... I think he’s a really exciting horse, and I’m lucky to have him.” Finishing in second, Meyer and Cellagon Lambrasco stopped the clock in 45.12 seconds. Pablo Barrios and ZL Goup Inc.’s Zara Leandra were close behind at 45.32 seconds, and Reed Kessler and Ligist had the fourth double-clear round in 45.94 seconds. Brazil’s Carlos Ribas and Ronaldo actually had the fastest round of the jump-off in 43.53 seconds, but had the second to last fence down for fifth place. Second place finisher Meyer was in Wellington for the first time this winter and has had a great experience herself. “For me, it’s a

really nice time,” Meyer said. “It’s pretty expensive to fly all the horses over, and if you don’t know everything, you have to take a little time to get in the system.” Barrios finished third with Zara Leandra and was very happy with her performance. The pair won a smaller grand prix pre-circuit under the lights and has been gradually moving up to the bigger classes. “I’m really pleased with that mare and the way she’s jumping now,” Barrios said. “She won one class in the pre-circuit and then I had a little trouble in the big classes. I think she was not ready, but she grew a lot and she learned a lot. After week eight, in the Nations Cup, she started approaching the jumps in a different way. She was calmer in the ring and she has been amazing the last two weeks.” As the conclusion to the 11week Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series, Saturday night’s class served as the final allocation of points for the overall standings. $50,000 worth of bonus money was presented to the top three leading horse and rider combinations that accumulated the most points throughout the competition. Awarding their consistency overall, Maher took home the

top bonus of $25,000 with Mrs. Phillips’ Quiet Easy 4, Alise Oken won $15,000 for second place with Hi Hopes Farm LLC’s Teirra, and Laura Kraut finished third and was awarded $10,000 for her performance with the Evita Group’s Nouvelle. Maher and Quiet Easy finished second in the series last year, and this year the rider made it a goal to come out on top. “He has been great,” Maher said following the presentation. “We missed a few of the classes, and he just proved that he was pretty consistent in all of the other classes to be so far ahead today. He loves to show here.” Also showing in the International Arena on Saturday, Peru’s Michelle Navarro-Grau rode Alfi to victory in the $15,000 RCG Farm SJHOF High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. Victoria Colvin and Waminka, owned by Rivers Edge, were victorious in the $10,000 Griffis Residential High Junior Jumper Classic. Colvin was later honored with a special award during the night class. She was presented with the Potcreek Meadow Farm Junior Sportmanship Trophy, in memory of Candida C. Fortsmann. Also last week, Tracy ScheriffMuser and her 11-year-old KWPN

McLain Ward aboard Zander. PHOTO BY SPORTFOT

gelding, Absolut, brought home the championship title for the Bainbridge Amateur-Owner Hunter 1835 division. Everything seemed to fall into place perfectly for the pair during Friday and Saturday’s classes, which Scheriff-Muser attributed to Absolut’s dependability. “You can always depend on him, and you know he’ll be there for you,” she said. “He’s pretty consistent.” Reserve honors went to Darwin, owned and ridden by Kelly Tropin. Tropin piloted Darwin to three first place ribbons over fenc-

es and a fifth place ribbon under saddle. Darwin and Tropin just barely fell short to Scheriff-Musler in a tightly contested division of 21 entries. The Winter Equestrian Festival features 12 weeks of competition. More than $6 million in prize money will be awarded through the circuit. For full results, visit www. showgroundslive.com. The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is located at 14440 Pierson Road in Wellington. For more info., visit www.equestriansport.com or call (561) 793-5867.


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NEWS

Nominees Rajanee Singh, Pamela Land, Siobhan Gross and Kathleen Davis

Palm Healthcare Foundation CEO Andrea Bradley with sponsors Andrew Cutler and Gayle Stevens of Vitas Innovative Hospice Care.

Amy Dean of the Palm Healthcare Foundation with Terri Rocafort and Erica Davila of Keiser University. PHOTOS COURTESY BILL CARLEY

Nursing Distinction Award Nominees Honored During Pre-Event More than 100 of Palm Beach County’s top nurses were honored at a cocktail reception at the National Croquet Center on Feb. 28 to recognize Palm Healthcare Foundation’s 2013 Nursing Distinction Award nominees. Hospice of Palm Beach County sponsored the special evening, which is a pre-event for the 11th Annual Nursing Distinction Awards set for May 3 at the Breakers Palm Beach.

RPB Zoners

Multi-Family On SR 7 A A Concern

continued from page 1 applicant’s contention that the property was too close to SR 7 for single-family residential development. “I do take a little bit of offense to that,” she said. “That’s where we live.” Commission Alternate Joseph Boyle said he was surprised there

RPB Crime

Substation Offers Many Services

continued from page 1 next to terrorism. Miles said that he has been able to get a deputy from another district to work the lobby at no extra cost and put that deputy in the detectives’ unit to assist in cybercrime work. District 9 deputies and staff received 2,455 hours of training, including 1,120 hours of in-service training and 1,335 hours in specialized training, for an average of 41 hours per employee. The office participated in numerous community events throughout the year, many times in partnership with the village, including crime prevention training to community groups. The crime prevention officer also goes out to interview businesses that have been robbed to provide crime prevention information. The substation partnered with local schools in a food drive for needy families, and also offers a VIN etching program for vehicles and a free bike helmet program. The office participates in Neighborhood Crime Watch programs and homeowners’ meetings, attending 58 HOA meetings over the past year. In addition to road patrol deputies, other units assist in maintaining safety and security in the village, including an active Citizen Observer Patrol (COP) unit that provided more than 2,500 volunteer hours the past year. District 9 is also one of four designated areas in the county that provides fingerprinting services. “This is a benefit to the residents,” Miles said, explaining that more

Polo

U.S. Open To Begin

continued from page 19 Thursday. All tournament game times and field assignments can be obtained by calling IPC’s Polo

Fashion on the Field winner Sarah Lawhead.

Radio personality Sally Sevareid, from Mo & Sally of KOOL 105.5 FM, emceed the event to honor Palm Beach County’s dedicated and highly skilled nursing community. Nominees represent all ends of the nursing spectrum including: registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse educators, nursing assistants and nursing students. A special moment recognizing the impact of Palm Healthcare

Foundation’s Nursing Education Fund was a presentation of $422 by Erica Davila, president of the Student Nurse Association at Keiser University. Davila had received a scholarship from Palm Healthcare Foundation in the past and used the opportunity to give back. All of the nominees have made a significant impact in the lives of patients and fellow healthcare professionals. For more information

about the Palm Healthcare Foundation 11th Annual Nursing Distinction Awards Dinner, including sponsorships opportunities, call Melanie Otero at (561) 837-2277. On May 3, 2013 the Palm Healthcare Foundation 11th Annual Nursing Distinction Awards Dinner will bring together more than 450 Palm Beach County healthcare professionals to honor the nursing award recipients. The event features an “Evening in Paris”

theme and will kick off National Nurses Week (May 6-12). Awards include the Palm Healthcare Foundation and The Palm Beach Post Nurse of the Year. CBS 12 news anchor Suzanne Boyd will be the mistress of ceremonies. Presenting sponsors for the Nursing Distinction Awards are Tenet and Vitas Innovative Hospice Care. Media sponsors are The Palm Beach Post and KOOL 105.5 FM.

The Palm Healthcare Foundation, chartered in 2001, is Palm Beach County’s leading public healthcare foundation. The foundation’s mission is to inspire and fund solutions to improve health in Palm Beach County. Since 2001, the foundation has distributed more than $49 million to over 95 nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach County operating over 130 programs. For more information, visit www.palmhealthcare.org.

was only one comment from neighbors. “There are other single-family homes across the street on Pioneer,” he said. While Site Plan Coordinator Kevin Erwin noted that adjacent areas are not in the village, Planning & Zoning Department secretary Chris Wax confirmed that property owners within 300 feet were notified, whether or not they were in the village. Werner said that she had not received a notice from the village, but found out about the plan from other homeowners in the area,

pointing out that there are only four homes on Pioneer Road abutting the subject property. Boyle added that at the March 21 Royal Palm Beach Village Council meeting, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Paul Miles had reported on crime issues at the Shoma Homes multifamily development across SR 7 from the subject property. “That’s probably the highest problem in Royal Palm Beach, and this is a similar type of area,” Boyle said. “I don’t believe it’s a buffer for single-family homes. I would

than 1,000 fingerprints were processed at the office last year. Deputies provided 1,191 bike hours, which was an increase of 320 over the previous year. “We’re hoping to get more folks certified and get more bikes out there,” Miles said. As for other services: deputies apprehended and returned 252 truants; the Marine Unit provided 73 patrol hours in village waterways; and the Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit made 131 truck stops and inspections and removed 17 trucks and two drivers from service, issuing 29 citations and 42 warnings. The district also provides an active and growing Police Athletic League boxing program. There is an average of 27 participants each week, Miles said, explaining that the office does outreach to local schools to encourage more participation. For the second year, the Silver Gloves Championship was held in

the village in partnership with the recreation department. “We’re hoping that the third annual one we might be able to have at the new park,” Miles said. In other business, Group 2 Councilman David Swift and Group 4 Councilman Fred Pinto were sworn in for their new terms during the council’s annual reorganization meeting. At that meeting, Councilman Jeff Hmara was chosen as vice mayor. In other appointments: Hmara was named liaison to the Education Advisory Board, Swift was appointed liaison to the Planning & Zoning Commission, Councilman Richard Valuntas was tapped as liaison to the Recreation Advisory Board, Mayor Matty Mattioli was appointed liaison to the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, Hmara was appointed voting delegate to the Palm Beach County League of Cities and Swift was appointed to the Western Communities Council.

be very concerned if I lived in any of those single-family homes and suddenly I saw a repeat of what was happening on the other side of the street occurring here.” Boyle was also concerned about the parcel being a relatively confined area with little recreational space. “People have to drive to go anywhere,” he said. “I’m not sure if they would really be populating the jobs along State Road 7… I don’t think the village gains anything from it.” Polson said the site plan would include a recreational element when it comes to the village, but they were asking for the land use change that evening, which is required before the site plan is submitted. Boyle added that the applicant was applying for a retail area to the west. “We’re talking about basically a small area where we’re going to push in some multifamily homes with basically no breathing room,” Boyle said. “I think single-family homes should stay as the designation until we get further along in the process.” Erwin said village staff had en-

couraged the property owner to meet with all neighboring property owners early in the process. Werner said Westwood representatives had met with the developer and tried to be cordial, but the developer wanted to cross the Westwood buffer. “We explained that we didn’t want anyone crossing our buffer,” she said. “That started a little war. He was very not nice, and that basically ended our relationship. He did try, but not in a nice way.” Werner pointed out that she was there with four other members of their HOA. Regina Smit, who lives three blocks from Pioneer Road, said the developer used what she considered “not-nice tactics.” “This gentleman is using tactics that are negative for our community. It’s not a safety measure to put multifamily homes there,” she said. “To reiterate what Mr. Boyle said, we have had major crime problems in our community, and they’re coming from across the street. Imagine the access they’re going to have if we have them down the street.” Polson said that they had

looked at the problems with the Shoma area and were taking steps to see that the situation was not repeated. Commissioner Barbara Powell agreed with Boyle’s comments. “I think this may be an inappropriate request,” she said. “Going from an RS 2 to an RS 9 in this area may not be in the best interest of this community or the best interest of the village.” Vice Chair Richard Becher said he was also concerned about traffic issues that already exist in the area. Becher asked whether the developer could make another attempt to sit down with the residents to try to work things out. “I’m hoping you guys might want to give this another opportunity to see what their concerns are,” he said. Commissioner Darrell Lang made a motion to postpone the application to April 23, which carried 5-0. The commissioners also denied the commercial application on the other tract in a 3-2 vote, but members agreed that it could be reconsidered at the April meeting.

Stillings said the language was included as a recommendation, not a two-tier approval process. “It would be a recommendation from the growth management director to the village manager,” he explained. PZA Board Member Marcia Radosevich called it a “misunderstanding” during public comment. “I think it would be prudent to send it back to the board for clarification,” she said. Council members asked why both couldn’t sign off on it. “I’m concerned about the weight of this decision falling on one person,” Coates said. “Spreading it out over two people makes more sense.” But Schofield said he was hesitant to be the final say on the applications. “Every application goes before a planner, that planner’s supervisor and the growth management director before it gets to me,” he explained. “I’m fine with being involved in the process.”

Schofield also noted that under the new code, businesses would appeal a rejection of their application to the PZA Board. “To make it appealable to [the PZA Board], it has to be a decision of the growth management director,” he said. Instead, he suggested that the growth management director approve the application and send it to Schofield for review before a permit is issued. Coates said that seemed reasonable. “If these issues are not coming before the council, I want to feel comfortable that the top people in the village have looked at it and signed off,” he said. Schofield said he understood. “The permit cannot be issued until I give final approval,” he said. Willhite made a motion to approve the ordinance with the change, also requiring it to go back before the PZA Board before final approval. The motion carried unanimously.

eral people inside pulled up near her and began throwing rocks at her vehicle. When the victim got home, she realized her vehicle had multiple scratches and dings on it from the incident. There were no suspects at the time of the report. MARCH 25 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home in the Versailles community Monday regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, on Tuesday, March 5 the victim found his 50-gallon garbage can missing from his property. The garbage can was green in color and issued by the Village of Wellington. The victim did not know who might have stolen it. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. MARCH 25 — A resident of Fairway Cove contacted the PBSO substation in Wellington on Monday morning to report a burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9 a.m. last Wednesday and 10 a.m. Monday, someone smashed the rear window of the unoccupied home to gain entry. According to the report, the complainant said nothing was taken, but the perpetrator(s) tracked dirt into several rooms. The perpetrator(s) caused approximately $175 in damage to the window. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

MARCH 26 — An Acreage woman was arrested Tuesday on charges of shoplifting after she was caught stealing from the Publix store on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation responded to the store after a loss prevention officer observed 25-year-old Renae Riley conceal numerous spice bottles in her purse and then exit the store without paying. The loss prevention officer stopped her and recovered $29.94 in stolen merchandise. Riley was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where she was charged with petty theft. MARCH 26 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to the Pointe at Wellington Green on Tuesday evening regarding a vehicle burglary. According to the PBSO report, the victim parked her car at approximately 6:30 p.m., leaving her purse under the passenger seat of her vehicle. When she returned 45 minutes later, she discovered that someone had smashed her passenger side window and stolen her purse, which contained her bank card, $80 cash and her Nook. The stolen items were valued at approximately $200. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

New RPB Council — (L-R) Councilman Richard Valuntas, Councilman Dave Swift, Mayor Matty Mattioli, Councilman Fred Pinto and Vice Mayor Jeff Hmara. Hotline at (561) 282-5290. The high-goal polo action takes place every Sunday through April 21 at the International Polo Club. Ticket prices for Sunday polo range from $10 general admission to $120 box seating. Tickets for Sunday brunch at the Pavilion and its reception start at $55, upward

to $330 for the Veuve Clicquot brunch package for two. Tickets can be purchased online at www. internationalpoloclub.com, or by calling (561) 204-5687. Find IPC on Facebook, follow on Twitter at @SundayPolo or visit www.ipc scoreboard.com for scores, schedules, rosters and more.

Piaget Polo brand ambassador Jeff Hall. PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILA PHOTO

Biz Hours

Will Return To Zoners

continued from page 1 — such as noise and disturbances — had been dealt with through code enforcement. “The [limit on hours of operation] is there for troubled cases,” he said. Council members were also concerned about who has final approval of the applications. The PZA Board recommended having two-tier sign off, and suggested the growth management director and village manager be responsible, but several council members pointed out that the change was not included in the application to the council. Councilman Matt Willhite noted that the board specifically recommended two tiers to sign off. “They didn’t want it to just be reviewed,” he said. “Why was this not on here?”

Blotter continued from page 6 black shorts. The other suspect was approximately 6’ and 350 lbs. wearing a red shirt and beige pants. The stolen laptops were valued at approximately $4,400. There was no further information available at the time of the report. MARCH 23 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to a home on 47th Court North last Saturday regarding a case of fraud. According to a PBSO report, last Friday the victim discovered that her identity had been compromised. The victim said that she filed her tax return with the IRS and was told it had been rejected because her Social Security number had already been used. According to the report, the victim said her home had been broken into earlier this month, which may have been how the perpetrator(s) got her information. There were no suspects at the time of the report. MARCH 25 — An Acreage woman called the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation Monday morning to report a case of vandalism. According to the report, the victim was driving home at approximately 4 a.m. near the intersection of Banyan and Key Lime boulevards. The victim said that an unknown vehicle with sev-


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BUNNY HOP DANCE PARTY AT THE MALL

The Mall at Wellington Green celebrated a Bunny Hop Dance Party on Saturday, March 16 where kids enjoyed dancing with the Easter Bunny. (Above) A juggler gives a fun lesson to kids at the popular event. (Left) Area youngsters spend some quality time with the Easter Bunny.

NEWS

International Polo Club Welcomes Maserati As Title Sponsor Of USPA’s 109th U.S. Open The International Polo Club Palm Beach has announced that Maserati has signed on as title sponsor of the USPA Maserati 109th U.S. Open Polo Championship, the highest-rated polo tournament on the continent. “Maserati is one of the automotive industry’s marques of excellence, an example of status, elegance and luxury,” IPC’s John Wash said. “We are proud to be aligned with a company — and its cars — that embodies a genuine sporting spirit that personifies style and exclusivity.” The USPA Maserati 109th U.S. Open Polo Championship is a fourweek, 26-goal tournament that will conclude the 10th anniversary Season at the International Polo Club, as well as the four-month Florida winter, high-goal polo season. The event features four Sundays of featured polo action — March 31, April 7,April 14 and April 21 — showcasing the world’s most elite, high-goal players and the finest polo ponies. “Similar to the sport of polo, Maserati represents passion, performance and sophistication,” said Andrea Soriani, director of marketing and communications of Maserati North America. “Given our long tradition in international competition, we look forward to working with the IPC in order to

ensure a captivating USPA Maserati 109th U.S. Open Polo Championship.” Maserati will have its full range of models on hand, including the all-new 2014 Maserati Quattroporte sedan, which enjoyed its global debut in January. Acclaimed by experts for its spaciousness, everyday usability, performance and AWD capability, the Quattroporte offers Italian design and craftsmanship in the full-sized sedan segment. The USPA U.S. Open Polo Championship dates back to 1904. The tournament was first played at Van Cortlandt Park in New York. In 2004, IPC landed the championship, and it has been played there ever since. The Zacara team will strive to defend their 2012 championship title led by Argentine Open champion player, 10-goaler Facundo Pieres, along with 8-goaler Magoo Laprida and 7-goal American player Mike Azzaro, as well as player patron Lyndon Lea. The high-goal polo action takes place every Sunday through April 21 at the International Polo Club. Tickets for Sunday polo range from $10 general admission to $120 for box seating. Tickets for the lavish Sunday brunch at the Pavilion and its reception start at $65, upward to $330 for the Veuve Clicquot brunch package for two. Tick-

ets can be purchased online at www.internationalpoloclub.com or by calling (561) 204-5687. The tournament will feature a number of celebrity appearances. Liz Callaway and Ann Hampton Callaway will be on hand March 31. Brooke Eden and Bo Derek will attend on April 7, while Lauren Holly will be there on April 14. Antonio Sabato Jr., Cheryl Moana Marie and Lee Greenwood are scheduled to be there for the finals on April 21. Maserati produces three lines of award-winning sports-luxury cars. All new for 2013, the fourdoor Quattroporte is larger, lighter and faster, with timeless style, an

interior awash with Italian leather and fine materials. The GranTurismo Coupe and the GranTurismo Convertible are globally recognized for their elegance and capability. In each Maserati, four adults can travel in an abundance of space and handcrafted luxury, while race-bred engines and sixspeed or eight-speed adaptive automatic transmissions deliver thoroughbred performance and the unmistakable Maserati exhaust note. Maserati automobiles and merchandise can be found at retailers across North America. Information on Maserati can be found at www.maserati.us or by calling (800) My-Maserati.

Famed actress Bo Derek will be at IPC on April 7 to attend the USPA Maserati 109th U.S. Open Polo Championship. PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILA PHOTO

NETWORKING MIXER AT IBERIA BANK ON STATE ROAD 7 IN ROYAL PALM BEACH Iberia Bank in Royal Palm Beach held a networking mixer on Friday, March 22. The event was a chance for customers and business people to meet and mingle. Guests also enjoyed food and drinks. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Iberia Bank’s Rudy Zermeno, Paola Ricaurte, Branch Manager Des Romm and Financial Specialist Laura Hollister.

Branch Manager Des Romm with Barbara and Robert Garrison and Mortgage Branch Manager Miguel Muniz.

Melody Domb, Joan Manning, Chris Papas and Selena Smith.


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March 29 - April 4, 2013 Page 23

12 weeks Half a million dollars Whose turn is it to win this year?

$500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix CSI 5*

PREVIOUS WINNERS McLain Ward and Sapphire 2009 and 2010

Laura Kraut and Cedric 2011

Daniel Bluman and Sancha LS 2012

*> Ê i>V Ê ÌiÀ >Ì > Ê µÕiÃÌÀ > Ê i ÌiÀÊÊÊÎ{ääÊ µÕiÃÌÀ > Ê ÕLÊ À ÛiÊUÊ7i }Ì ]Ê À `> xÈ£°Ç ΰxnÈÇÊUÊÜÜܰiµÕiÃÌÀ > ë À̰V

Photographed at Louisburg Farm by Elena Lusenti, Styling by Suzy Drasnin

March 30, 2013


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2012 USPA 108th U.S. Open Winners – Team Zacara

USPA Maserati 109th U.S. Open Polo Championship™ Experience the unparalleled glamour and competition as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary Season, and find out which team wins the highest rated polo tournament in the country!

Celebrating 10 Years of PLAYERS. PONIES. POLO. For tickets, please visit InternationalPoloClub.com or call 561.204.5687.

Sundays through April 21 at 3 p.m.

3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington, Florida 33414 PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILA PHOTO


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Beware: There Are Coyotes Among Us!

If you listen late at night or right around sunrise, you might hear them. More yipping than howling, and usually more than one. No, you’re not in the middle of the desert. We have coyotes right here in Palm Beach County. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 27

March 29 - April 4, 2013 Page 25

Bronco Lacrosse Tops WHS To Keep Outback Cup

The Palm Beach Central High School boys lacrosse squad retained local bragging rights by edging Wellington High School on Frida y, March 22. WHS hosted the fifth Outback Rivals Cup, which ended in a 13-10 win for the Broncos — their fifth-straight cup victor y. Page 39

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business Youngsters Learn Through Doing At Temple Beth Torah Preschool

In the colorful and naturally designed playground of Temple Beth Torah Leonie Arguetty Preschool, children rush to the water hose to get their buckets filled. “One at a time,” teacher Sharon Lowenstein said. “Everyone will get a turn.” The gardens are just one of the many interactive activities that the preschool provides for its children. Preschool Director Sandra Wilensky said she wants students to gain hands-on experience. Page 29

Sports Boys Volleyball: Seminole Ridge Slips Past RPBHS

The Seminole Ridge High School boys varsity volleyball team bested Royal Palm Beach High School in five games Thursday, June 21 in The Acreage. Though the Wildcats battled hard, the Hawks ended up ahead at the end. Page 39

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES ........................ 27-28 BUSINESS NEWS.................................. 29-31 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ...................... 36 SPORTS & RECREATION........................ 39-41 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ......................42-43 CLASSIFIEDS ........................................ 44-47


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FEATURES

Keep Your Animals Safe: There Are Coyotes Among Us! If you listen late at night or right around sunrise, you might hear them. More yipping than howling, and usually more than one. No, you’re not in the middle of the desert or on the set of a western. We have coyotes right here in Palm Beach County. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), coyotes are members of the dog family, similar in appearance to a medium shepherd. They weigh between 20 and 30 pounds, have pointed ears, a narrow muzzle and bushy tails. Their scientific name, canis latrans, literally means barking dog. Coyotes exhibit a variety of vocalizations. Howling is often a group effort, perhaps beginning as a simple howl, but quickly increasing in intensity to a series of group howls and high-pitched barks. It seems that coyote numbers have stabilized in North Florida and Central Florida, but their numbers may continue to increase somewhat in South Florida because coyotes reached this area more recently. A 1981 survey reported them in 18 counties. By 1988, they were in 48, and a 2007 FWC report documented them in all 67 Florida counties. Like it or not, coyotes are probably here to stay. Coyotes can breed with domestic dogs and produce fertile offspring. Coyotes den in hollow logs, brush piles and burrows. They will Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/ HorseTalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”

Tales From The Trails By Ellen Rosenberg dig their own dens, but more commonly enlarge burrows made by other animals such as armadillos or gopher tortoises. Coyotes are most active at sunset and sunrise. They eat rats, mice, rabbits, wild fruits, insects, birds and virtually any type of carrion. They prey on sheep, goats, calves, hogs and poultry. They’ll also kill domestic dogs and house cats and may carry off small animals, such as chickens or newborn goats, leaving only tracks. They’ve been known to attack cows in labor, feeding on both the emerging calf and the mother. Coyotes are not a threat to human safety and are normally timid toward people. Most coyote attacks on pets occur either at night or in the early evening and early morning hours. During those times especially, be careful if walking your pet in wooded or overgrown areas, which could hide coyotes. Keep your dog on a short leash and cats indoors. When cats roam freely, there’s an increased risk of attack. Be cautious of picking up your pet if you see a coyote. Picking up a pet may stop a

A coyote picture taken from motion cameras mounted to trees. coyote attack, but it can also lead to a situation in which an aggressive coyote continues to go after that pet while in your arms. Coyotes can carry rabies. If a coyote approaches, immediately use a noisemaker or shout and wave your arms. A solid walking stick or golf club is a powerful deterrent at close range. Throwing stones, a strong spray from a water hose, or pepper spray can work, as can an air horn or a “coy-

ote shaker.” You can make a coyote shaker by placing a few washers, pebbles, or pennies in an empty soda can. “You don’t normally see a lot of coyotes around. They’re reclusive,” FWC Officer Jorge Pino explained. “If you do see one, use common sense. Most likely, the coyote will be more afraid of you than you are of it.” “I’ve heard more coyotes recently than I See ROSENBERG, page 28


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Sure, Church Is Fine, But To Me, Easter Is All About Candy This Sunday is Easter, and you know what that means: colored eggs and baskets filled with plastic grass and candy — lots and lots of candy. There’s a reason retailers sell so much candy on Easter, and it’s not children; it’s adults. Adults are sneaking candy out of plastic bags long before the holiday arrives. It’s a good thing that the Easter Bunny has an unlimited supply. On a recent visit to the Easter Bunny’s candy factory (located high in the mountains of Sweden just down the road from the Absolut distillery), I took copious notes on what the most popular brands of candy are so I could pass this valuable information on to you. I mean, if you have Easter candy questions, you should go to the source, right? But on the way home, I crumpled up the Get your Sonic Boomer humor every day! Follow Deborah Welky on Twitter at twitter.com/TheSonicBoomer or stop by “The Sonic Boomer” page on Facebook.

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER paper in lieu of listing my own favorites. I, therefore, suggest to you that the most popular Easter candy by far is Peeps. These unassuming little marshmallow ducks come down the Easter Bunny’s assembly line by the thousands, blissfully unaware that in a few short days, they will have their heads bitten off. Or be layered into s’mores. Or blown up in the microwave. When I was young, Peeps were coated in yellow sugar. Even today, that is the quintessential Peep. But they now come in pink, blue and purple as well. They come shaped like

rabbits and, in December, gingerbread men. One of the most successful variations is the chocolate-dipped Peep. Mmmmm. Speaking of chocolate, the Reese’s peanut butter egg (or cup) is another good choice for discerning basket-fillers like Mr. Bunny and myself. Just like the TV commercial said, chocolate and peanut butter make a great combination. Other Easter candy, very popular in the 1950s and remaining so today, are big chocolate eggs filled with coconut or vanilla cream or (yes!) still more chocolate. There’s a raspberry kind, too, but nobody cares about that. Of course, jelly beans must make it into any basket. Argument continues to rage about the best flavor with, in my opinion, cherry red coming in first and the licorice-tasting black ones falling to dead last. My brother says the orange ones are the best and the purple ones that taste like soap are the worst. But that’s just another fun thing you can do with jelly

beans — try to trade the ones you hate for the ones you love. It’s an Easter morning tradition. Some baskets contain plastic eggs that open up to reveal a tiny toy (or still more candy) and then, of course, there are the giant chocolate rabbits wrapped in foil — the crowning glory of any Easter basket. Pardon my prejudice, but in my mind there is only one place to shop for these calorie-filled delights, and that is the original Hoffman’s. Godiva in the Mall at Wellington Green is good, too, if you’re not willing to make the trip east, but, if you can, make the trip. Where else are you going to find a 3-foot-tall solid chocolate rabbit that tastes so good that you (I mean, the kids) are going to consume every bite and never get sick of it? Hoffman’s. So there you have it — my own highly subjective list of what every good Easter basket should contain. Of course, the list is open to debate. Just hurry up before I eat the evidence.

Zero Tolerance + Zero Common Sense = Zero Respect The educators are going nuts again. Not here in Palm Beach County — at least not yet — but a new round of “zero tolerance” rules is coming up that clearly demonstrates that many school leaders should not be around children. This time, the target is guns. Now, I do not believe that guns belong in a school. Students who bring them in, unless under really extraordinary circumstances, should be suspended. A student with a gun is a danger to everyone. Schools here in Palm Beach County are right in making access to buildings far more difficult for outsiders; however, some leaders in various places around the country have gone further. A 5-year-old nibbled on a pastry, chomping it into the shape of a gun, and waved it around. He was suspended, and the responsible parties in the school immediately brought in counselors to deal with the trauma the other kindergarten students obviously faced because of the deadly pastry. A little girl was suspended because she had a plastic gun that shot bubbles in the air. A couple of young boys got suspended because they cocked their fingers at each other while playing cops and robbers. None of the obviously dangerous suspects had gone beyond second grade, but the “responsible adults”

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continued from page 27 used to,” said Susan the Saddle Diva, who lives across the street from the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area. “Be aware if cats and bunnies start disappearing. That’s what they go for. We’ve lived here 10 years. In all of that time, we heard them howl at night maybe three times. Last year alone, we heard them three times. Now I’ve heard them twice in the last two months. I hear they’re a big problem up in Jupiter Farms.” Indeed, people have been spotting coyotes

treated them as if they were psycho killers. Students with pictures of guns have also been suspended, or in some cases sent for counseling. One boy had a picture of his father in Afghanistan. His dad, a soldier, was holding a rifle. And the boy got into major trouble. Drawing a gun, even if just doodling, has been determined by school leaders to be a clear sign of psychological disorder. There was even a case where a crazy young man (I believe it was a student, but the news story was not specific) brought a gun onto a school bus and threatened people. A student on the bus grabbed the distraught, angry person and disarmed him. The young hero was promptly suspended. At a time when urban school systems such as New York City’s announce that only 20 percent of their high school graduates are

ready for college (and that statistic does not bother to count the close to half the students who never do make it through), perhaps principals, school superintendents and counselors should focus on improving reading, writing and ’rithmetic. And New York is better than a lot of other systems. Detroit’s system recently confirmed that only 7 percent of its students graduated ready to handle college material. What zero tolerance always winds up meaning is that no common sense at all may be used. I remember the zero tolerance on drugs policy of 30 years ago. I was teaching, and one of my female students, when told of the policy, demanded to know why she would be classified as a drug user for taking medication to help her through her periods. “Don’t the idiots at the board of education,” she asked, “understand there’s a difference between using black tar heroin and Midol?” Eventually, most school systems made some compromises, although I still recall the case of a young girl collapsing on a school bus because of asthma who had not brought an inhaler along. A boy on the bus who knew he had the same asthma formula used his inhaler and possibly saved her life. He was suspended. The current trend mostly confirms what my

students told me long ago: There are many adults in schools who do not belong working with children. Suspending a student for bringing a gun to school brings nods of approval. Suspending a kindergartner for a gun-shaped pastry makes school leaders look stupid. As a lifelong educator (more than 35 years in New York City schools), I find it horribly painful watching the collapse of the American school system. Once it was called one of the world’s wonders, breaking down socioeconomic barriers and preparing children to be successful. Teachers were respected; no one argued with principals. But times have changed. People respect success, and far too many school systems seem to be run for the purpose of providing jobs for adults rather than educating students. And when school leaders make decisions that seem to demonstrate they have no common sense, and then use the power of their systems to enforce obvious stupidity, they lose the respect of the public. And it is the public that decides whether to provide funding for the schools. Do you think the parents of the young children suspended over nonsense will ever respect school leaders again? Will the children? And would respect, even if demanded, be earned?

recently in Jupiter Farms, Loxahatchee Groves and The Acreage, especially along the State Road 7 reliever road. They’ve attacked fenced dogs in Abacoa and Loxahatchee. They killed two goats in Fox Trail. Greg Blakeley is a nuisance wildlife trapper, among other trades. (He also removes bee hives.) Recently, he’s been called upon to trap and relocate coyotes. “There are a lot of them in Jupiter,” he said, adding that Loxahatchee Groves and The Acreage are also prime areas. “They recently ate an emu on a property on A Road. There are more of them in the Glades and Okeechobee County, where it’s more rural.” Greg agreed that they are most are active between midnight and 5 a.m. “They’ll eat poul-

try, but they’ll go after anything they can catch. I’d say they might go after a miniature horse. They’ll keep coming back to a food source. They’ll hop fences or dig under,” he said. “I catch them humanely and relocate them where the FWC tells me, to keep ecosystems balanced. I take them at least 30 miles, sometimes as far as Yeehaw Junction.” The problem has also been addressed by Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control. “I’ve seen them. They’re out there,” Capt. Dave Walesky said. “We’ve had them in our facility for 15 years, especially when they’re burning the cane in the Glades. You can definitely hear them howl at night. They’re more timid than aggressive. They’re opportunistic hunters and seek out food sources, which

could be any smaller animals such as fowl, cats, rabbits or tiny dogs. They jump or climb fences, squeeze through narrow openings, even pull apart rotted or rusty sections. They hate loud noises, so they’re relatively easy to scare off.” Walesky said that people can discourage coyotes by maintaining strong fences and minimizing food sources. “One of the best protections — get a donkey,” he said. “Donkeys hate coyotes. They’ll smell them out, get that look in their eyes, and run them off. Donkeys are the best protection against coyotes.” For more information, contact the FWC at www.myfwc.org, call Animal Care & Control at (561) 233-1200, or seek out Greg the Trapper at (561) 255-0316.

‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler


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Temple Beth Torah Leonie Arguetty Preschool students with teacher Sharon Lowenstein and Director Sandra Wilensky in the herb garden. PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Youngsters Learn Through Doing At Temple Preschool By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report In the colorful and naturally designed playground of Temple Beth Torah Leonie Arguetty Preschool, children rush to the water hose to get their buckets filled. “One at a time,” teacher Sharon Lowenstein said. “Everyone will get a turn.” The children at the preschool get excited every time they’re asked to tend the freshly planted butterfly, herb and vegetable gardens. With help from teachers, they worked hard to plant the three gardens. In January 2012, the children planted their first garden in a box. That first seasonal garden consisted of mostly vegetables and herbs. At the beginning of this school year, the students planted the expanded gardens, now including the herb and butterfly gardens. At the beginning of spring, the gardens have begun to sprout, and the students are getting to see firsthand how the plants have grown through their tending. The gardens are just one of the many interactive activities that Temple Beth Torah Leonie Arguetty Preschool provides for its children. Preschool Director Sandra Wilensky wants students to gain hands-on experience. “We teach the children new concepts and topics experientially,” she said. “Through our dropoff program, which children start at 2 years old, they learn best through things they can do themselves.” Whether it’s classroom or outdoor activities, the temple’s preschool focuses on keeping the children engaged and interested in what they’re learning. “For classroom-type activities, we put pictures on the walls of what the children learn about,” Wilensky said. “For example, when they were learning about the grand masters and new artists, they saw themselves as artists.” Teachers at Leonie Arguetty Preschool are

advised to teach subjects such as art on an interactive level. “The best way we are going to teach the children concepts about art and artists is not just through books and pictures that they have to see and listen to as if they are being lectured to, but they’re actually going to experience it,” Wilensky said. Children are able to learn the distinctive characteristics of each artist through hands-on experience. “When they learned about the artist Jackson Pollock, they painted the way he painted,” Wilensky said. “And when they learned about Michelangelo, they laid under a table on a mat and painted up like he did at the Sistine Chapel.” Temple Beth Torah Leonie Arguetty Preschool is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, which is one of the highest standards for excellence in early-childhood education. “Due to our high standards, we attract many people from the community here through word of mouth,” Wilensky said. “Our students are not only of Judaic faith, but we do teach principles that are based on Judaism and is also relatable to all people.” The preschool has two teachers for every classroom, one teacher and one assistant, plus an additional floating individual who goes wherever needed. “We have nine classrooms right now with capacity for a tenth room,” Wilensky said. Temple Beth Torah Leonie Arguetty Preschool has an ongoing enrollment period, and now is accepting students for next school year. Students can start at the beginning of the school year or, if they are new to the community, can start anytime, as long as the school has room. The preschool is located at 900 Big Blue Trace in Wellington. For more information, visit www.templebethtorah.net or call (561) 793-2649.

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Palm Beach State College Is A Local Economic Engine A new study shows that Palm Beach State College puts $1.1 billion into the Palm Beach County economy each year, a new study shows. In addition to providing affordable access to higher education and job training for 49,000 students each year, this economic impact also makes PBSC a huge economic engine. The study, released last week by the Coun-

cil of Presidents for the Florida College System, is part of a statewide analysis of the economic impact of the 28 colleges comprising the FCS. Together, the FCS puts an additional $26.6 billion per year into the state’s economy. “This study reinforces the importance of our existence as an open door educational institution and as a major provider of job training for local residents,” Palm Beach State Col-

Social Networking The Topic Of Next ABWA Meeting April 10 The Northern Palm Beach chapter of the American Business Women’sAssociation will host its monthly meeting Wednesday, April 10 at the PGA Embassy Suites Hotel. Networking will be from 6 to 6:30 p.m. with dinner and the program at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $20. Guests are welcome. The April speaker will be Michelle Donn, owner of Welliweb.net. The topic of the April program will be, “Using the Internet to network.” Even if you may think your business or product cannot be promoted effectively through the web and social media, you may want to reconsider. Today, networking is not only about selling your product or providing services to clients in the real world, but also online, and your success is based on connecting with potential customers. Donn will help attend-

ees connect more effectively with others by empowering them with a basic understanding of the social media landscape and the resources to control online identity. To make reservations, or for more information, call Dottie Smith at (772) 545-7145 or Sharon Maupin at (561) 329-4485. The Embassy Suites Hotel is located at 4350 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens. For directions, call the hotel at (561) 622-1000. The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations, providing opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking, support and national recognition. For more information, visit www.abwanpb florida.org.

lege President Dr. Dennis Gallon said. “For 80 years, Palm Beach State College has contributed tremendously to the growth of Palm Beach County by providing a well-trained workforce. We will continue to expand and enhance our programs to ensure that we’re meeting the needs of our students, employers and the community. In the end, everyone wins.” To determine PBSC’s economic impact, Economic Modeling Specialists International, commissioned by the Council of Presidents and the FCS Foundation, analyzed the college from two key standpoints — investment and economic growth. It looked at such factors as return on investments from the perspective of the students, taxpayers and society as well as the income that pours into the economy because of college operations, and the increased earnings alumni generate after completing their education and training. For example, for every dollar students invest in a Palm Beach State College education, their income throughout their career increases $5.60, the report found. In addition, every dollar of state money invested in PBSC returns $2.50. The report examined the correlation between higher education and social behaviors, citing studies that indicate that the more advanced an individual’s education, the least likely he or she is to commit crimes, smoke, abuse alcohol, or require welfare and unemployment benefits. The economic impact from Palm Beach State College’s operations alone is $94.7 million. The

college employed 1,099 full-time and 1,509 part-time faculty and staff in the 2011-12 year, with an annual payroll of $92.4 million. The college also spent $65.9 million for supplies and services, about 47 percent of that in Palm Beach County. The activities of PBSC’s 201112 student body generated $125.3 million in labor income in the state economy each year, according to the report. The new study comes at critical time for Palm Beach State College and community colleges across the country, which have been recognized by President Barack Obama and other state and federal legislators as crucial to getting workers trained or retrained for emerging industries in an economy still recovering from a recession. Florida’s unemployment rate was 7.8 percent in January, which is the lowest since November 2008, according to figures released this month by the Florida Department of Economic Recovery and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.


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Wellington Chamber Hosts SeaView Eyecare Ribbon Cutting SeaView Eyecare was recently welcomed as a new member of The Wellington Chamber of Commerce. The business is located at 2545 South State Road 7, Suite 10, in Wellington and opened in February. The store is owned and operated by Dr. Amanda Weiss. If you are looking for a complete eye care facility that offers personalized service and specializes in patients with diabetes, visit Weiss. SeaView fits clients with the perfect glasses and is also an eye care clinic to treat injuries. Weiss was born in Decatur, Ill. and raised in St. Louis, Mo., where she graduated from high

school. She attended Southern Illinois University where she earned her undergraduate degree with a major in biology. Weiss then attended Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn., where she earned her doctorate degree in optometry in 2004. She also did her residency through the college, associated with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She finished a family practice residency in 2005 with an emphasis in ocular disease. Later that year, Weiss began her career in Port Orange in a specialty practice for glaucoma and retinal disease. During that time, she served as a co-investigator in clinical trials for

(Left to right) Noam Weiss, Bob Salerno, Carmine Marino, owner Dr. Amanda Weiss, Mark “Boz” Bozicevic, Joanne Dee, Michael Drahos.

new treatments in glaucoma and macular degeneration. In describing her new location in Wellington, she stated that her practice is not just another eyeglass store. “My practice does comprehensive eye exams, and we examine patients for eye glasses and contact lenses,” Weiss said. “We examine patients of all ages, children from age three to mature adults. We accept a number of different vision insurance plans and some medical insurance plans as well. We treat and diagnose eye disease, treat eye infections and eye injuries.” Weiss also has experience with patients who are diabetic and need glasses and contact lenses. “We have a lot of diabetics who come in. That’s one of the things I did at the VA hospital,” she said. “We had a lot of Vietnam veteran patients who came back with Agent Orange exposure with diabetes, so all of those things have complications with the eye. I’m very comfortable with and often watch patients with diabetes for complications with the their vision and their eyes.” Weiss also has experience with treating patients with dry eye and fitting people with multi-focal contact lenses. She also works with younger patients. “I’m very good with kids,” Weiss said. “When people take their child to the doctor for the first time, kids are scared, parents are a little nervous, and I’m very good at making both kids and parents feel comfortable with the testing we do. We make the exam fun. I’ve made sure

we have the largest selection of children’s eyeglass frames in the Wellington area, so there is a lot to choose from.” Weiss noted that her practice is different than other facilities. “Optometry has changed a lot, and in the past 15-20 years, it has become a lot more retail-oriented,” she said. “You have places opening up that are chains and franchises, and those businesses are not without constraint on what they are able to offer their clients. They have only a certain limited selection of lenses to choose from, and they are only allowed to offer those things. I have an advantage, and the patient ultimately has the advantage in me being able to offer specialized products that are more specific for that patient’s needs. Other retail chains are unable to do that because they are governed by corporate laws and restrictions. I also have a fantastic staff, and I’m good with people. I’m a people person, and I care. Maybe that sounds cliché but I do.” Dr. Weiss is currently a member of the Young Professionals group within the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. She has also gone to area schools to perform vision screenings for the children. For more information about SeaView Eyecare, call Dr. Amanda Weiss at (561) 790-7290 or e-mail to info@seavieweyecare.com. Visit their website at www.seavieweyecare.com. For more information about area businesses, call the Wellington Chamber at (561) 7926525 or visit www.wellingtonchamber.com.


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The Armory Art Center is excited to bring a series of theme-based sessions to elementary school through high school children for this year’s summer camp. Experienced instructors have developed projects relating to the themes of each week. Activities are age-appropriate and focus on a child’s artistic and creative development. Students age 4.5 to 7 years old will rotate among several studio areas daily in ceramic sculpture, dra wing, painting and other creativ e mediums. Teen workshops include wheel throwing, photography, drawing, sculpture, mixed-media, fashion illustration, printmaking, papermaking, glass fusing, collage and more. All art materials are included in the cost of tuition. The Armory Art Center is located at 1700 Parker Ave., West P alm Beach. For more info., visit www.armoryar t.org or call (561) 832-1776. Calling all campers for a summer of fun! Children ages 5 to 14 are invited to Breakers West for Summer Sports Camp 2013. Campers will enjoy instruction in golf, tennis, swimming, arts and crafts, and cooking classes. Other activities include basketball, zumba and much more. There will be weekly entertainment with McCarthy’s Wildlife, waterslides, magicians, plus many other exciting activities. The camp runs June 10 through Aug. 16 (excluding July 1-5), Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parents are invited every Friday to join campers for a special barbeque lunch. Sessions are $300 per camper per week, plus a one-time registration fee of $50, which includes a camp essentials bag. Discounts are offered to families registering multiple children or for multiple sessions. Af ter-care is also available. To register, call (561) 653-6330. Camp Cambridge, serving age two through second grade, combines academic excellence, summertime fun and a safe environment to create an unforgettable summer experience. Theme-based curriculum and in-house field trips complement the concepts explored by all. There are nine weeks of camp offered at Cambridge Schools, located at 1920 Royal Fern Drive in Wellington. Activities include swimming, art, math, computers, sports, science and cooking. A certified swim instructor provides instruction to children ages three and up, Mommy & Me classes, private/group lessons and team swim programs. Bilingual classes, kindergarten readiness and enrichment classes are available as well. For more information, visit www.cambridgepreschools.com. Camp Dovewood is a dynamic Christian camp for girls ages 7 to 16 in North Florida. The camp features an outstanding equestrian program featuring English and western riding, stable management, vet care, horse shows, trail rides, rodeo riding and dressage. Campers can also enjoy art, swimming, great books, Christian leadership training, Bible, tennis, drama, archery, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, photography, water ballet, music, ballet, baton, soccer, gymnastics and riv er rafting. This year, Dovewood celebrates 36 awesome year s. The camp is accredited with the American Camping Association and the Camp Horsemanship Association. For more information, call directors Jim and Roberta Richmond at (386) 935-0863 or visit www.campdovewood.org. Camp Varsity/Building Up Sports Academy is a full-day sports camp during the summer located at Wellington Landings Middle School. This camp is action-packed, combining a mix of team sports with fishing, karate and dance/cheerleading. Camp Varsity focuses on sportsmanship and teamwork as well as developing new sports skills. The camps have a different sports theme each week. No matter the theme or week, campers will have the option to participate in many different sports and recreational games. Sports included every w eek are basketball, soccer, baseball, football, kickball, fishing, dance/cheerleading, golf, recreational games and more. For more information, visit www.buildingupsportsacademy.com or call (561) 601-5248. Casperey Stables Horse Camp is a small, fun-filled day camp for children ages seven to 14. With four riding opportunities each day, arts & crafts and outdoor games, campers find little time to be bored. The low counselor-child ratio ensures your child will receive individual attention. There are camp sessions for spring and winter school breaks, and during the summer. Each two-week session has a theme, such as Indian Days, Circus Days and Medieval Days. Casperey Stables has a weekly swim party and ends each session with a hor se show and family barbecue. To learn more about the camp, located at 2330 D Road in Loxahatchee Groves, call (561) 792-4990 or visit www.casperey stables.com. ELEV|8 Sports Institute Baseball Camps is the most comprehensive instructional baseball program available for campers ages 5-18. During the week-long camps, players will go through classes in hitting, bunting, defensive techniques, infield and outfield, pitching, catching and numerous other professional baseball drills. Special technique sessions included are sliding, base-running, rundowns, throwing mechanics and proper stretching and arm exercises. Rookie Ball (ages 5–7) is $225 per week and Training Cam p (ages 7-18) is $295 per week . Advanced training is available for middle schoolers and high schoolers (call for pricing). The camp has locations in Delray Beach and Coral Springs. To learn more, call (561) 265-0280, e-mail camp@elev8si.com or visit www.elev8spor ts institute.com. This summer, get your kids of f the couch and into the exciting game of paintball with Hot Shots Paintball. This extreme sport promotes athleticism, teamwork, quick decision making, and most importantly safety. Hot Shots offers three types of camps: Play, Beginners and Advanced. Play weeks are just for fun and will get kids involved in different types of paintball games on Hot Shots’ nine unique action courses. This camp is a good place to start for new and inexperienced players to get a taste of the game. For novice players looking to learn the basics, Beginners camp will teach them the fundamentals of a well-rounded paintball player. More serious players will enjoy weeks of Advanced camp. Here players will hone their skills as they learn to compete in tournament-style games and exercises, bringing their game to a new competitive level. No matter which camp you choose, your kids are sure to have a great time making new friends and learning to play this intense, extreme spor t. For more info., call (561) 798-4717 or visit www.hotshotsflorida.com. The Lab/High Touch High Tech brings science to life with hands-on experiments pro vided by High Touch High Tech, the leader in science education for the last 18 years. Each day will be a ne w adventure, from interacting with real lab critters to launching rockets and panning for gems. Conveniently located off State Road 7 and Lantana Road, this unique facility offers affordable pricing, experiments with lots of cool take-homes, arts and crafts, physical activities and more. The Lab taps into children’s natural curiosity and provides them with safe and fun activities that help them learn about the world. Children can expect to have fun while they make slime, erupt volcanoes, make ice cream, make tie dye t-shirts and more. Call (561) 444-3978 or visit www.thelabforkids.com for info. The Lake Worth Playhouse will offer a summer camp teaching children acting, voice, dance and stage movement through daily activities and rehearsals, which culminate in full-scale productions of popular musicals. The students will produce Annie Jr. June 10 t o 29 and Guys and Dolls Jr. from

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July 15 to Aug. 3. They will be engaged in studio-style rehearsals for music, dance and production. Campers 12 and older will also have the opportunity to participate in behind-the-scenes roles and other theatre-related educational opportunities. Camp opportunities include a three-week camp and a one week-camp, and range in price from $200 to $600. To sign up, call (561) 586-6410 or visit www.lakeworthplayhouse.org. The Mattisyn School offers an early childhood campus summer camp as an extension of its academic excellence, combining themed curriculum with summertime fun. The camp focuses on age-appropriate activities including music, dance, games and arts & crafts in a clean, safe and secure environment. Conveniently located on Okeechobee Blvd., one mile west of the turnpike, it is a fully-licensed campus with webcam services. The Mattisyn School’s mission is to empower and inspire the individual child by creating meaningful positive experiences. For more information, visit www.mattisynschool.com or call (561) 318-5750. At Noah’s Ark Summer Camp , children will enjoy field trips and activities such as swimming, bowling, sk ating, South Florida Science Museum, movies and picnics. Tuition includes camera surveillance, creative curriculum, computers and all meals. Registration is now being accepted. Registration is free for new customers only. Noah’s Ark is located at 14563 Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves. For more information, call (561) 753-6624 or visit www.smallworldpbc.com. Tak e the stage this summer at the Plaza Theatre’s Performing Arts Conservator y Broadway at the Plaza Camp. Campers will spend the day working on fully staged Broadway musicals, as well as receive group and private instruction from working professionals in auditioning, monologues, improvisation, dance and voice. There will also be guest appearances from Broadway performers, casting directors and agents. Session one is for elementary and middle school students and runs June 10 through June 28 Campers will perform Broadway musical Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Session two is for middle and high school students, and runs July 1 to July 19. Camp tuition is $200 per week, and before and after care is available. For more information, call (561) 588-1820 or visit www.theplazatheatre.net. Royal Palm Covenant Tutoring Summer Camp 20 13 is offered to children ages 5 t o 14. Camper s will enjoy field trips to Lion Country Safari, museums, parks, bowling, movies, the zoo and activities such as sports, arts & crafts, cooking and more. The camp runs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 10 to Aug. 9. Open enrollment for the camp is going on now. A one-time registration fee of $25 per child includes a T-Shirt. The camp is located at 660 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. Call (561) 793-1077 to register. If y our child is between 2 and 6 years old, “Summer of Fun” Enrichment Camp at Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool is the place to be! Children will enjoy a variety of fun activities that will make them smile, while promoting learning and social development. Activities include: arts & crafts, gymnastics, computers, sports, nature, cooking, water play and the school’s state-of-the-art playground. They’re sure t o love the weekly entertainment, including High-Touch High-Tech, storytellers and animal shows, provided in a loving and nurturing environment. The program runs for eight weeks, full time and part time. Temple Beth Torah is also now enrolling for preschool 2013-14. For more info., call Sandy at (561) 793-2649 or psdirector@templebethtorah.net. Tiny Tikes Preschool Camp is geared towar d the elementary-age camper. Daily activities are sure to keep the camper s happy, busy and engaged. Trips include bowling, skating and weekly movies, as well as special trips to the zoo, the science museum and more. Tiny Tikes has three conveniently located centers, which are open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities occur throughout the day, both at the center and out on the bus. Meals are included. Call (561) 790-1780 no w to reserve your space or visit Tiny Tikes Academy at 16245 Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee. Vantage Pointe Dance Studios is proud to announce its 2013 summer camp schedule. The camps are designed to give young dancers an introduction to several dance styles in a fun-filled, exciting environment. Camps offer intro dance classes in jazz, hip-hop and acro, as well as many hands-on crafts and games to fill the days with fun. The camps will also be offering a showcase on the last day of each camp week where parents may come and enjoy as campers display the week’s activities. Each week has a theme, and the crafts and showcase are based around this theme. Vantage Pointe Dance Studios is located at State Road 7 and Lake Worth Road in the Marketplace at Wycliffe shopping plaza. For more information, call (561) 965-9898 or visit www.vpdancestudios.com. Villari’s of Wellington is offering two two-week summer camp sessions June 10 to 21 and June 24 to July 5. Due to the rising demand for summer camps in the western communities, book your spot early. The price is as low as $24 per day, and includes arts and crafts, derby building, martial arts and much more. To sign up, call (561) 792-1100 or visit www.villarisofwellington.com. Wellington Children’s Theater Camp invites campers to join them for Summer Musical Theater Camp. Classes are offered in acting, voice, specialized dance, script writing, audition techniques, music theory, art and much more. Campers will create their own props and backdrops. A revolving schedule has visiting guest artists leading special workshops daily. Campers will rehearse and perform a fully staged Broadway musical production at the conclusion of camp. The program is open to ages 7 to 16. Rehearsals and all classes meet at #1 Education Place in the original Wellington Mall at Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace in the hear t of Wellington. F or info., call (561) 223-1928, e-mail karen@wellingtonchildrenstheatre.com or visit www.wellingtonchildrens theatre.com. Are you looking for a convenient and fun place to send your kids this summer? Look no further than Camp Eagle at Wellington Christian School. They offer an exciting 9-week program for children ages 3-12, which includes VPK, local field trips for older campers, on-campus sports and group building activities, daily devo tions, silly songs, crazy competitions and much more. You can choose one of the themed weeks or come all summer long. For more information, call (561) 793-1017. Located on the beautiful cam pus of the Florida Institute of Technology, Wellspring Weight Loss Camp is the only scientifically based summer fitness and weight loss camp in Florida. Wellspring Florida campers enjoy a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities including kayaking, surfing, scavenger hunts, dodge ball, planned trips to Disney World and Universal Studios and much more. With extensive athletic facilities, two outdoor swimming pools and the 30-acre Botanical Gardens, the Wellspring Florida campus is an ideal setting for a summer of fun and sun for boys and girls ages 10 to 18. For more information, visit www.wellspringcamps.com or call (866) 364-0808.


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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Fly Away To Neverland With ‘Peter Pan’ April 5-14 In PBG An all-children’s cast presents the classic musical Peter Pan April 5-14 at the Borland Center (4885 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens). The show is produced by KWP Productions and directed by Kimberly Rommel-Enright with musical direction by Helen Buttery and choreography by Jeanne McKinnon. Come fly away to Neverland in

this magical musical tale about the boy who refuses to grow up. Peter Pan and his mischievous fairy sidekick Tinkerbell visit the nursery of Wendy, Michael and John Darling, and with a sprinkling of pixie dust, Peter and his new friends fly out the nursery window and over London to Neverland. The children experience many

wonderful and exciting adventures with the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily’s Indian tribe and Peter’s archenemy, the dastardly pirate Captain Hook. This production will delight children and adults of all ages with toe-tapping songs and genuine flying. Written by James Matthew Barrie, a popular British novelist and playwright, it was first performed in

Peter & Wendy — Cara Young of Wellington and Jake Howard of Boynton Beach.

1904 at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London to tremendous acclaim. Barrie later adapted the play into novel form, which was first published in 1911. In 1928, the play Peter Pan was published in its final version. In the last 14 years, Piers Chater Robinson’s adaptation of Peter Pan has enjoyed many recordbreaking seasons in United King-

dom theatres and across the world. Performances will be April 5 at 7 p.m.,April 6 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., April 7 at 3 p.m., April 12 at 7 p.m., April 13 at 2 and 7 p.m. andApril 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students. They are available at www.showtix4u.com or www.kwp productions.com, or at the box office 30 minutes prior to show time.

Peter & Hook — Taige Mills of West Palm Beach and Alec Ruiz of Wellington.

Palm Beach Pops Pays Tribute To Music Of Broadway Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops will once again grace the stage for the finale of their 21st season with an incredible program of Broadway hits in “A Tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jerry Herman and the Music of Broadway.” The show features five concerts beginning March 28 and ending April 2 in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Palm Beach Gardens. Maestro Bob Lappin has crafted yet another concert series comprised of Broadway’s most riveting and breathtaking music. In addition to Broadway hits from Jerry Herman and other musicals, Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops will perform a suite of music from one of the most influential and prolific Broadway composers, Andrew Lloyd Webber. Webber, who played three instruments by age 3, composed his first song at age 6 and, of course, brought Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita and more to the theater stage and beyond. Jerry Herman, the only composer-lyricist to have had three consecutive Broadway musicals with 1,500 consecutive performances, changed musical theater with such hits as Hello Dolly!, Mame, La Cage Aux Folles and more. Two of Broadway’s leading performers will join the Pops for this brilliant evening of Broadway’s best. David Burnham was last seen on Broadway in the mega-hit musical Wicked playing Fiyero, a role that

he originated in the developmental workshops of the show. He is an original Broadway cast member of the musical The Light in the Piazza, performing both on the Tony Awards and the PBS telecast Live from Lincoln Center. He is the recipient of the prestigious Helen Hayes Award for Best Actor as well as the Best Actor Garland Award for his portrayal of Fabrizio in the national tour of The Light in the Piazza. Professional actress and singer/ songwriter Tamra Hayden has performed on Broadway in Les Miserables and Cabaret. Hayden has also toured throughout the U.S. in Broadway tours of Phantom of the Opera, Les Mis and Fiddler on the Roof. A versatile singer, she has produced two CDs with a third to be released soon. Co-sponsors of the April 2 concert are Donald Ephraim and Maxine Marks for the Donald M. Ephraim Family Foundation. The shows on March 28 and 29 will be at 8 p.m. at the Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Tickets are $29 to $69. For tickets, call (800) 564-9539 or (954) 462-0222. The show on March 30 will be at 8 p.m. at the Eissey Campus Theatre at Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens. Tickets are $75 to $85. For tickets, call (561) 832-7677. The shows on April 1 and 2 will be at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for

The Palm Beach Pops concerts will feature Tamra Hayden (left) and David Burnham (right). the Performing Arts in downtown West Palm Beach. Tickets are $29 to $89. For tickets, call (561) 832-7677 or (561) 832-7469. For more information, or to order tickets online, visit www.palmbeach pops.org/Broadway. Founded in 1991 by music director and conductor Bob Lappin, the Palm Beach Pops quickly distin-

guished itself as a world-class pops orchestra. The debut concert was held in 1992 at the former Palm Beach County Auditorium in West Palm Beach. It launched what has become one of the finest orchestras in the country. By preserving America’s music heritage for Palm Beach County residents, children, visitors and tour-

ists alike, the Palm Beach Pops continues to fulfill its mission to provide artistic excellence and youth education via concert performances and community outreach. This dedication to the preservation of the American Songbook has allowed the orchestra to garner national and international acclaim as a premier pops orchestra.


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SPORTS & RECREATION

Boys Volleyball: Seminole Ridge Slips Past Royal Palm By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Seminole Ridge High School boys varsity volleyball team bested

Royal Palm Beach High School in five games Thursday, June 21 in The Acreage. Though the Wildcats battled hard,

the Hawks ended up ahead at the end, taking the win 25-18, 24-26, 2515, 22-25 and 15-12. Royal Palm Beach started strong in the first match, putting up the first two points with solid blocks. But the Hawks quickly tied the game. Both teams continued trading points back and forth for several plays, but Seminole Ridge slowly took a lead, keeping a few points ahead. Near the middle of the match, the Hawks jumped out to a 15-8 lead and kept the momentum up. Though the Wildcats fought back, they were unable to make up the loss, and Seminole Ridge won 25-18. The second match saw both teams battling tooth-and-nail to pull out a win. The Wildcats rallied to take a mid-game lead, but the Hawks didn’t give up. Royal Palm Beach edged out a win 26-24. In the third match, Seminole Ridge came back with a vengeance, putting pressure on Royal Palm Beach and taking a 25-15 win. Neither team was willing to give up the fight. Royal Palm Beach pushed hard in the fourth match, coming out ahead 25-22 and forcing a fifth match. Though the Wildcats pushed hard, the Hawks gained a three-point lead, which was enough to win 15-12. The Wildcats travel to Palm Beach Central High School on Tuesday, April 2 for a 7 p.m. game. Seminole Ridge hosts Palm Beach Gardens on Wednesday, April 3 at 7 p.m. (Far left) Jeff Fontenia puts the ball over the net. (Near left) RPB’s Chevin Morris sets up a play.

Seminole Ridge’s Sam Becker gets low for a hit.

Hawk Diego Moreno sets the ball for Luke Miller. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Bronco Lacrosse Boys Keep Outback Cup With 13-10 Win By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach Central High School boys lacrosse squad retained local bragging rights by edging Wellington High School on Friday, March 22. WHS hosted the fifth Outback Rivals Cup, which ended in a 13-10 win for the Broncos — their fifthstraight cup victory. With the rapid growth in popularity of lacrosse, there seemed to be no difficulty filling the stands for this classic matchup, coined the “Clash of the Titans.” Both teams struggled at the start, but it was the Broncos that would draw first blood, nine minutes into the first quarter, to take a 1-0 lead. The last three minutes of the first period provided intense action as the game opened up. Palm Beach Central commanded a 3-1 lead. By the end of the first half, the Broncos racked up an 8-3 lead. The Broncos dominated the first half of

play, slicing through the Wolverine defense with accurately placed shots. Wellington had opportunities to find pay-dirt, but Palm Beach Central goalie Shawn Chanutin came up big on several plays. The second half was not to be denied any less action. The Wolverines came out quick with two scores to close the gap, but Palm Beach Central found a way to respond with

a goal of its own. Though Wellington outscored the Broncos 7-5 in the second half, it was not enough. Palm Beach Central dug deep to hold on, edging the Wolverines for the 13-10 win. Top performers for Palm Beach Central were Nick Ferro with 5 goals and Sammy Peede with 4 goals. Nick Griffin, A.J. Blouin and Alex Hood combined for 4 goals. Wellington’s

The Broncos celebrate their fifth-straight Outback Rivals Cup win. PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Tyler Kuhlman scored 5 goals and had 2 assists. Patrick Oporto and Jason D’Aoust combined for 5 goals. Both teams are now off for spring

break. The Broncos will return Tuesday, April 2, when they host Palm Beach Gardens for a 5:30 p.m. game. On Thursday, April 11, Wellington hosts Palm Beach Gardens at 7 p.m.

Wellington’s Thomas Oporto and Palm Beach Central’s Sammy Peede face off for the ball.


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SPORTS & RECREATION

Soccer Registration At Okeeheelee AYSO

P.B. State College Foundation Golf Tourney May 3 At Mirasol

American Youth Soccer OrganiThe Palm Beach State College to the pin. Sponsorship opportuni- Foundation’s web site at www.palm zation (AYSO) Region 345 is currentFoundation wants golfers to fire up ties, including a golf foursome, be- beachstate.edu/foundation. The rafly holding registration for boys and their game and help drive the gin at $2,000. Individual golfers can fle is open to the community, and girls between the ages of 4 and 18 STEAM initiative at its annual golf play in the tournament for a $375 participants need not be present at for its fall 2013 season, which runs classic to be held Friday, May 3 at contribution. the event to win. Aug. 14 through Nov. 16. the Country Club at Mirasol in Palm The Sunset Course, designed by The presenting sponsor of the Registration will be held from 10 Beach Gardens. golf legends Tom Fazio and Arthur Golf Classic is the Bobby Resciniti a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 30 and May The tournament, the foundation’s Hills, is a certified Audubon Coop- Healing Hearts Foundation. Major 4. Interested players can register at premier fundraising event, will help erative Sanctuary golf course, part sponsors include 97.9 WRMF, Balthe AYSO Activity Building on the meet the growing need for local, of an award-winning education and four Beatty Construction, Honda soccer fields at Okeeheelee Park skilled professionals in the fields of certification program that helps golf Classic Golf Exchange Radio, Mc(7715 Forest Hill Blvd.). science, technology, engineering, courses protect the environment Donald’s North County, The Palm Both new and experienced play- are expecting to have more than 150 arts and math (STEAM). and preserve the natural heritage of Beach Post and the Pepsi Beverage ers are welcome to register. The reg- teams this year, so we are looking “Palm Beach State College serves the game of golf. Company. istration fee is $85 for one child and for sponsors, volunteer coaches as a great role model to partner with The tournament’s shotgun start Proceeds from the Golf Classic will $80 for each additional sibling. The and referees,” said Region 345 Com- private business to help achieve stu- is at 1 p.m., and the awards recep- benefit the foundation’s STEAM fee covers a basic uniform, insur- missioner Rose Arsenault “New dent success and provide career tion begins at 6 p.m. or immediately initiative. Through the initiative, the ance, a trophy at the end of the sea- coaches are being trained now, and opportunities,” Bob Resciniti, pres- after play. foundation seeks to fund 1,000 new son and a subscription to PlaySoc- we will be limiting the amount of ident of the Bobby Resciniti HealAt the close of tournament play, student scholarships, build 100 new cer magazine. children in regard to how many ing Hearts Foundation, said. “This a “copter drop” contest will feature business partnerships within these Teams are divided by age and coaches we have. It is best to regis- tournament provides another numbered golf balls purchased for industries, develop 50 academic progender, and each team practices ter early because teams will fill up chance for the community to get in- $10 each dropped above the 18th gram enhancements, provide 50 new twice a week with a game on Satur- fast.” volved and make a difference.” green from a helicopter. The person internship opportunities and open day. Practices and games are held at Region 345 will also be registerThe event will take place on the whose ball lands in or closest to the doors for women and minorities in Okeeheelee Park. ing players for a Challenger Soccer club’s Sunset Course and will be a hole will win a Dell Latitude 10 tab- the STEAM professions. All new players must bring a birth Camp held July 22 to 26. Additional- best-ball format, featuring contests let and docking station. For more information on the Palm certificate, and a parent or guardian ly, there will be a free AYSO Coach- during tournament play, including A raffle also will be held as part of Beach State College Foundation Golf must attend a parent orientation ing Clinic on Saturday, May 11 for two hole-in-one competitions, with the fundraising efforts. Tickets for Classic, and to register for the Golf class. Classes will be offered Thurs- U-10 and U-12 coach certification. a chance to win a new car. Prizes the raffle are $20 each, three for $50, Classic or order raffle tickets, call day, April 4 and Wednesday, May 8 For more information, visit www. also will be awarded for the longest seven for $100 and are available on- (561) 868-3569 or visit www.palm at the AYSO Activity Building. “We AYSO345.org or call (561) 642-5449. drive, straightest drive and closest line at the Palm Beach State College beachstate.edu/foundation. Send sports news items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.


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SPORTS & RECREATION

Madison Green Hosts Southeast Florida Jr. Shootout The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour’s Southeast Florida Jr. Shootout was hosted at the Madison Green Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach March 2324. The course’s water-laced fairways and quick greens proved to be quite the test for the junior golfers during the first round. Sunday proved to be just as difficult with high wind gusts adding another tricky element. The Boys 15-18 division was won in convincing fashion by Shanren Brienen. The Orlando native and frequent HJGT competitor shot an impressive 72 to finish the first round even par. This impressive first day left him three strokes clear of his two closest competitors. Brienen finished the second day with a 78, which left him at six over par for the tournament and secured his victory by two strokes. Brienen was the epitome of consistency, as he led the field in pars with 26 throughout the 36 holes. Brienen did his most damage on par fours, where he led the field with a 4.10 average. Coming in a tie for second place was Jérôme Blouin and Sean Smothers, who both finished at eight over par. Blouin was most impressive on par threes, where he led the division by an eighth of a stroke, finishing with a 3.00 average. Smothers wasn’t

nearly as consistent as his competitors, but showed off his immense talent nonetheless by finishing with a division-leading 10 birdies. The Girls 15-18 division champion was Valérie Tanguay, who shot an admirable +8. Tanquay was extremely impressive on day one, shooting a one over par 73 before faltering slightly on day two, shooting a 79. Tanguay finished with a par or better on 69.4 percent of her holes and finished with a total of five birdies. Tanguay did most of her damage on par fours, where she finished with a 4.20 average. Placing

second was Katherine Gravel-Coursol, who held off third-place finisher Catherine Rousseau by one stroke. Both players shot 82 on day one before Gravel-Coursol bested Rousseau by shooting an 80 on Sunday to take home second place. Gravel-Courso led her division with 22 total pars. Rousseau had an impressive eagle on the 8th hole. Clay Gibbs came out victorious in the Boys 11-14 Division, as the 13-year-old rifled in a 75 and 82 to finish with a solid 13 over par. Gibbs fended off his competitors and held on to the two-stroke lead he held

Winners in the girls 15-18 division.

after round one. Gibbs led his division with six birdies and averaged par on the course’s par five holes. Placing second was Honza Cernohorsky, who finished four strokes behind the leader. Cernohorsky was impressive on day one, shooting a 77, which left him two shots out of the lead before falling back Sunday, finishing with an 84. Cernohorsky eagled the 12th hole in the final round and averaged 3.12 on the course’s par threes. Coming in third was Charlie Tang Jr., who also shot an impressive 77 on day one before shooting an 85 round two.

The Girls 11-14 Division was a thrilling back-and-forth duel. Coming out on top was Alexandra Forsterling, finishing at 12 over par. Fosterling struggled slightly on day one, shooting an 81 before finishing Sunday with an extremely strong 75. Forsterling averaged a dominant 2.88 on par 3s and finished par or better on 66.7 percent of her holes for the tournament. Forsterling also finished with four total birdies. Paige Lee Garris came in second, finishing with a total of 12 pars and two birdies. For more info., visit www.hjgt.org.

Winners in the boys 15-18 division.


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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, March 30 • Wellington’s annual Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, March 30 at 10 a.m. at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). For info., call (561) 791-4005 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov. Sunday, March 31 • The International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington) will feature the 109th U.S. Open Polo Championship on Sunday, March 31. For tickets, visit www.internationalpoloclub. com or call (561) 204-5687. • Center Pointe Church will celebrate Easter on Sunday, March 31 with an egg hunt and free prizes for children at 10 a.m., free breakfast at 10:30 a.m. and an Easter worship service at 11 a.m. All activities will be at Santaluces High School (6880 Lawrence Road, Lantana). Call (561) 247-3171 for more info. Monday, April 1 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Drop-In Spring Story Times beginning Monday, April 1 and continuing through May 9. Pick up a schedule for dates and times. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info. • A teen finance workshop will be held Monday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mounts Botanical Building (531 N. Military Trail). Hosted by the Cooperative Extension 4-H Program, the “On Your Own Finance Literacy” workshop is a hands-on class for youth ages 12 to 18. Participants do not need to be 4-H members to attend, and April 1 is not a school day. Register online at www. pbcgov.com/coextension/4h/news. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will register teens for “Be a Teen Reading Buddy” on Monday, April 1 at 10 a.m. Meet on Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. to read with children and earn volunteer hours. Pick up an application. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info. • The Wellington Garden Club will meet Monday, April 1 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 and a 12:30 p.m. lecture titled “Ikebana: A Demonstration of Beauty and Form” by Soei Chieko Mihori. There is no admission fee, but seating is limited. To reserve a seat, RSVP to Jayne at (561) 7910273. For more information, visit www. wellingtongardenclub.org. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “April Fool’s” for ages 4 to 8 on Monday, April 1 at 3:30 p.m. On April Fool’s

Day you’re encouraged to pull pranks on loved ones. Celebrate this day of fun. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Crochet Club for ages 9 and up on Mondays at 5 p.m. Learn basic stitches and socialize while you work on projects. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. Tuesday, April 2 • The Palm Beach County Commission will meet Tuesday, April 2 at 9:30 a.m. in the government center’s Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers (301 N. Olive Ave., Sixth Floor, West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www.pbcgov.com. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Book-a-Librarian” for adults Tuesday, April 2 at 11 a.m. and Thursday, April 18 at 4 p.m. Do you need guidance with research or help with your e-reader? Reserve time with a librarian for a 30-minute session. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Peanut Butter and Jelly Day” for ages 5 and up on Tuesday, April 2 at 3:30 p.m. Celebrate America’s favorite sandwich with crafts, stories and food. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Flick Lit: Rise of the Guardians” for ages 6 to 12 on Tuesday, April 2 at 4 p.m. Listen to tales that inspired the movie Rise of the Guardians and enjoy games and crafts. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet Tuesday, April 2 at 7 p.m. at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 7932418 or visit www.loxahatcheegroves.org for more info. Wednesday, April 3 • The Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host “What’s Bugging Your Garden?” on Wednesday, April 3 at 9 a.m. Learn how to identify common garden pests and effective methods of control. The cost is $10 for members and $1 5 for nonmembers. To register, call (561) 233-1757. • Wellington will host a seminar titled “Senior Asset Protection” on Wednesday, April 3 at 10 a.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Topics include how to avoid probate, manage assets, capital gains tax, Medicaid traps and more. To register, call (888) 674-7933. See CALENDAR, page 43


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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 42 • The Palms West Community Foundation will hold its 2013 Women of the Year Stiletto Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, April 3 at noon at the Breakers West Country Club. Visit www.cpbchamber.com or call (561) 790-6200 for more info. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Reading Buddies” for grades K to 5 on Wednesdays, April 3 through May 22 at 4:30 p.m. Meet once a week with a teen to read together and play literacy games. Call (561) 790-6030 for info. Thursday, April 4 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host AARP Tax Help for adults Thursday, April 4 and 11 at 10 a.m. AARP volunteers will provide individualized help to taxpayers with low and moderate incomes with special attention to ages 60 and older. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • Wellington’s Food Truck Invasion will take place Thursday, April 4 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 753-2484 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Pint-sized Poetry” for ages 2 to 6 on Thursday, April 4 at 6 p.m. Enjoy poems and activities to celebrate National Poetr y Month. Call (561) 790-6070 for info. • The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Thursday, April 4 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). Call (561) 790-5100 or visit www.royalpalm beach.com for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Writers’ Critique Workshop for adults Thursday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m. Share, offer and accept constructive criticism to improve your fiction, nonfiction and poetry in a supportive atmosphere. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Friday, April 5 • Wellington’s best restaurants will offer tasty treats during Flavors of Wellington 2013, presented by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce on Friday, April 5 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For more info., call (561) 792-6525. • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Blvd.) will present a free screening of the movie Transformers: Dark of the Moon on Friday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m. Bring your own seating. Call (561) 753-2484 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

Saturday, April 6 • The Wellington Green Market will take place Saturday, April 6 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex. Call (561) 283-5856 for more info. • The Cutting Edge Understanding of Research & Education (CURE) medical and bioscience symposium will be held Saturday, April 6 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center (5150 Town Center Circle). The cost is $10 for admission only and $50 with the VIP luncheon. For more info., e-mail srlife@gate.net or call (561) 7368925. • The Wellington High School Band will host a “Suds and Sweets” car and dog wash and bake sale on Saturday, April 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wellington High School (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.). Satisfy your sweet tooth while getting the dogs and the cars clean for a suggested donation of $5. For more info., contact Lois Spatz at (561) 7971056. • Acreage Tackle Football League registration for ages 5 to 17 will be held every Saturday in April from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Acreage Community Park (6701 180th Ave. North). Parents are asked to bring their child and his or her birth certificate to register. For more info., visit www.acreageyouthfootball. com or call (561) 972-8386. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Play Ball!” for ages 5 and up on Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m. Have fun with all things sports in stories, songs and crafts. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Acoustic Java Jam” for adults on Saturday, April 6 at 2 p.m. Experience a caffeinated collection of local talent or bring your acoustic instruments and jam out; coffee provided. Call (561) 681-4100 to preregister. Sunday, April 7 • Iron Lion Fitness (10660 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 160, Wellington) will host its second annual Ryde for Autism, a special charity event featuring food, drinks, music and cycling, on Sunday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to donate a minimum of $10 per Ryde to benefit the Palm Beach School for Autism. For more info., call Gen Lane at (561) 312-9573 or visit www.ironlionfit.com. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. Email: news@gotowncrier.com.

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HELP WANTED!

TREE’S WINGS and RIBS 603 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. Royal Palm Beach

PART-TIME LEGAL SECRETARY — for legal/accounting office. Fax resume 333-2680.

Servers Needed Inquire within • 561-791-1535

TEACHERS/TUTORS - P/T SAT/ACT/FCAT All Subjects PreK - Adult Flexible Hrs. Great Pay. P.B. County Area. Experience required. Apply: ClubZ.com LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCED NAIL TECH — to takeover full clientele and hairstylist F/T or P/T Flexible hours, fax resume 561790-3066 or call 561-790-5777 FULL TIME PERMANENT POSITION — Available immediately wanted for local produce market. Must have knowledge of fruits and vegetables. 561-329-5000 CAMP COUNSELORS/COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS — Needed to work with horses and children. 561-793-4109 EXPERIENCED GRILL COOK — up to $13.00 per hour. Experience required, experienced servers, both AM & PM shifts available. Stop in to apply. 2411 Metro Centre Blvd. West Palm Beach

FURNISHED GUEST HOUSE — for one, pool, utilities, garage, yearround, Wellington. 561-793-1148 ($875 monthly)

F/T PRESCHOOL TEACHERS — Must have CDA & Experience. Degree preferred. Call Sheryl 561792-6909

ETHAN ALLEN CHINA CABINET — 2 PIECES PERFECT CONDITION $779. Contact Judy Shapiro at 561-798-7305

FREE CAT TO LOVING HOME — Russian Blue, 3 years old, neutered, with all shot s. Other cats available as well. Interview required 561-901-7744

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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

WE CLEAN OFFICES & PRIVATE HOMES — Licensed & Insured. Call for an estimate and to schedule your apartment. Discount for Central Palm Beach County Chamber members and to all new clients for first cleaning. 561-385-8243 Lic. #2012-252779 CLEANING— COLOR ME CLEAN — family owned and operated since 1996. Residential and commercial cleaning. Call Elizabeth for free estimate. 561-313-4086

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support & troubleshooting www.mobiletec.net. 561-248-2611 D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561333-1923 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach. We accept major credit cards.

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL 561-793-7606 TODAY

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DRIVEW AYS — Free estimates A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561667-7716

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 inst allation, minor d r y w a l l , k i t c h e n s / c a b i n e ts / 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 IMPROVEMENTS/REMODELING — Counter tops & more. CAZA Services. 18 years experience. No Job to small. Call today. Insured 561-228-1084 561-8028300

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561-572-1782

HOUSECLEANING — affordable cleaning services, Royal Palm Maids. 561-666-7738 “For all your cleaning needs”

HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACTORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561791-9777

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

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 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

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

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

JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-6016458

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Est ablished 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 www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com CAZA SERVICES — Taking care of your home is our family business. Remodeling, Handyman Service, Cleaning Service. 561-2281084 Lic. Ins.

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.

March 29 - April 4, 2013 Page 45

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC0067207

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

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

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 SKYLIGHT REPLACMENT SERVICE and minor roof leak rep airs 561-670-1368 danflanders1@gmail.com

EXPERIENCED TAX PREPARER With expertise with individuals and small businesses - Hack Tax and Accounting Services 561-214-6171

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

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

CLUB Z! In-Home TUTORING All Subjects: PreK - Adult 561•333•1980 CLUBZ.COM America's Largest In-Home Tutoring Co.

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


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