Issuu

SHOOTING LEADS TO ONLINE PETITION SEE STORY, PAGE 3

SEEKING MORE STATE ENERGY INITIATIVES SEE STORY, PAGE 7

THE

TOWN - CR IER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE Volume 33, Number 21 May 25 - May 31, 2012

Your Community Newspaper

INSIDE

Boys & Girls Club Breaks Ground On Wellington Facility

With the turning of dirt, officials broke ground Tuesday for what will soon be the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club in Wellington. The 22,750-squarefoot facility is scheduled to be completed by October 2013. Page 3

Chamber Lunch Focus On WRMC Expansion, Medical Arts District

Members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce learned about several important changes to Wellington’s medical community at a luncheon Wednesday. Wellington Regional Medical Center CEO Jerel Humphrey detailed the hospital’s upcoming expansion, while Wellington Principal Planner Bill Nemser discussed the proposed medical arts district. Page 4

RPB Urges School District To Pay Fines

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council reluctantly granted the Palm Beach County School District approval last week to expand its bus parking in the Royal Palm Business Park. Page 7

Park Delays Force 470 Grads Bid Farewell To RPBHS RPB To Move Fourth Of July Celebration GRADUATION 2012

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The nearly 470 members of Royal Palm Beach High School’s Class of 2012 celebrated the end of their high school careers Monday morning at graduation exercises held at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Newly appointed Palm Beach County Schools Superintendent E. Wayne Gent was on hand to give his first commencement speech. “How do you define yourself?” he asked. “Not how your parents see you, not how your friends see you, but who are you really inside, one on one? It is very important that if you’re going to give this country and this society the best you have to offer, you need to know what you stand for and who you really are.” Gent advised that the new graduates start out with a purpose, a goal and a target, and develop a life that will change society, others and themselves in a positive way. “That may be hard to do because the net influences are both positive and negative,” he said. “Negative influences will rob you of genuine and true happiness, but a clear mental image of who you really are will help you make the

The RPBHS Class of 2012 marches into the graduation ceremony. PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

right decisions. The decisions you make the next five to 10 years, you will spend the rest of your life managing those decisions.” He urged graduates to be persistent as they strive for success. “We all stub our toes, but don’t worry about making mistakes,” Gent said. “If you worry about making a mistake, you’ve already

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington High School sent 520 members of the Class of 2012 out into the world at commencement exercises Monday at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

Principal Mario Crocetti presided over the event, advising graduates to make their mark in the world, sizing up and overcoming obstacles before them. “Don’t overestimate the size and strength of the obstacles in

OPINION Take Some Time Out To Honor Fallen Warriors

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made one. Failing won’t hurt your health, but feeling like a failure could. The NBA’s most valuable player, LeBron James, misses 50 percent of the shots he takes.” Salutatorian Ashley Estaris, who will be attending the University of South Florida in the fall and majoring in medicine, told classSee RPBHS GRAD, page 13

Class Of 2012 Graduates WHS

Veterans Open House

Memorial Day is not a time for politics or debating the costs of war. It’s a day for Americans to come together to show that they respect and appreciate the brave men and women who comprise our military. This Memorial Day, we ask you to take some time to honor those who have died in service to our country by visiting one of the two observances planned in the western communities. Page 4

Serving Palms West Since 1980

Wellington High School graduate Lauren Haywood with her parents at Monday’s ceremony at the fairgrounds. PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

front of you,” he said. “Take on the challenge, and you can create the future. Just stay hungry, seize the day, and never, never give up.” Student Government Association President Jenna Baxter credited the teachers who inspired them to do their best. “As we begin the next chapter of our lives, it is our turn,” she said. “As past generations have had inspiration for us today and brought us to where we are now, it is our turn to inspire others. Learn and grow while you can, serve and befriend all you can, enrich and inspire all you can. Congratulations, Class of 2012, it is our turn to move mountains.” Salutatorian Debra Marcus stressed the importance of high school experiences. “They say the best is yet to come,” Marcus said. “They say the next years will be better than we can imagine. They say our lives are just now beginning, but I have a hard time discounting all of high school so quickly. It isn’t just a steppingstone that we cross on See WHS GRAD, page 14

Ceremony Honors 700 Broncos By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Palm Beach Central High School celebrated the commencement of its nearly 700 graduates of the Class of 2012 on Wednesday morning at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Dressed in cardinal red caps and gowns, some adorned with medals and honor cords, the students were overjoyed with excitement as they walked in procession to the graduation march performed by the Bronco Band led by Band Director James Yaques. Senior Class President Sally Pray gave a farewell speech to the Class of 2012 citing her hopes for a bright future. “As we, the graduating class, sit here and watch our last moments of our high school years fade away into the twilight, we are anxiously awaiting the brand-new adventures tomorrow will bring,” she said. Pray was surprised at how quickly the 13 years of formal edu-

cation went by. “Seniors, can you believe it was 13 years ago we started our first days of kindergarten?” she asked. “It may be easy for

some of us to recall those memorable moments of elementary school during recess, playing hopSee PBCHS GRAD, page 15

Stephanie Goldman and Lexus Love with their diplomas. PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Several unexpected delays have pushed back the completion date of Royal Palm Beach’s new Commons Park, prompting village officials last week to move the community’s Fourth of July celebration from the new park back to its previous home at Lakeside Challenger Park. “From day one, we have been pushing to have our Fourth of July celebration at Commons Park,” Village Manager Ray Liggins said, explaining that the original completion date was set for May 25. “I don’t know if you’ve been on the site the past week, but it doesn’t look promising. If the sod is not down in two weeks, there is no way we could hold our Fourth of July event there, but there are other concerns as well.” Liggins said his staff has pushed the project hard, not giving extra time and holding the contractor to his schedule. “We have only given 20 days to date, and there have been some regulatory agency delays,” he said. “There were some architectural revisions to the building and

some significant design changes. There was a significant fountain design change.” Another issue has been the railing design for the docks and bulkheads. “While they’re not required by code, we want to have them at this park,” Liggins said. “That probably will not be done by the Fourth of July, either, and I just don’t think it’s safe having the celebration there without those railings.” To date, the village has only allotted 20 days extra time, which would have it completed June 14. “Unfortunately, he’s asking considerably more time than that,” Liggins said. Liggins added that to be able to have the park for the Fourth of July weekend would compromise its quality. The village would take possession of an unfinished portion of the park for the celebration, then close the park again so the contractor could go back in and finish it. “We need to plan this event properly and do it the way we’ve done it in years past at Challenger Park,” Liggins said. “The decision See PARK, page 20

CREATIVE CAKES

The inaugural Cop Cakes Cake-Off was held Sunday, May 20 at the Wellington Amphitheater. There was a cake-decorating contest, as well as music by Bobby Gugliuzza, a bounce house, climbing wall, mechanical bull, food for sale and a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit Our Military Kids. Shown here is Mardi Gras Princess cake maker Vanessa Ganasevici. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 12 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Rescinds The Master Plan For Equestrian Village By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council voted Tuesday, May 22 not to extend a condition of approval for the Equestrian Village master plan — putting in jeopardy the parts of the project approved in February by the previous council. Council members tabled until next month a companion measure that would revoke the site’s commercial arena designation for its existing dressage facility, meaning that shows would need to be approved each season on a conditional use permit. The master plan amendment changed the 96-acre site on the corner of South Shore Blvd. and Pierson Road from a tennis and

polo facility designation to a commercial recreation facility, as well as allowing several access points that have long been used but were never officially on the map. But the council voted 3-2 to rescind the approval Tuesday, with Councilwoman Anne Gerwig and Vice Mayor Howard Coates dissenting. Wellington Director of Growth Management Bob Basehart explained that when the measure was approved, it had seven conditions of approval. One of them was to plat the entire property by April 1. “That condition was not met,” Basehart said. Because the property was not platted in time, the issue automatSee MISSING PLAT, page 4

Reports Of Attempted Abductions Have Parents Alarmed By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Parents, students, school officials and local law enforcement are taking precautions after two similar reports last week of a suspicious male trying to coax young students into his car. The first incident involved a 14year-old female from Emerald Cove Middle School in Wellington, who stated that at 8:30 a.m. last Wednesday, while walking to the bus

stop, she was followed by a silver Toyota four-door vehicle. A 6-foot-2 black male with a stocky build and medium Afro then approached her. The suspect got out of the car and attempted to coax the student into it by opening the trunk and trying to persuade her that he had something to show her inside. She ran away to the school bus stop, catching her bus at Wellington Trace and Birkdale Drive, emo-

tionally shaken but unharmed. The second incident, also last Wednesday, involved a student from Osceola Creek Middle School in The Acreage. While walking home from school on Orange Blvd., the student was allegedly approached by an adult male in a silver 4-door vehicle. That incident was reported to school officials the next morning. Both incidents have reinforced concerns as to the safety of chil-

dren in the community. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County School District officials immediately took precautions. The day following the incidents, West Area Superintendent Dr. Matt Shoemaker shared the information he’d received from school district police on the incidents to all principals in the county by email. “Given the similarities and the

fact that both occurred in the West Area, I wanted to make you aware of these reports so that you may take the age-appropriate steps necessary to communicate and reinforce safe walking and commuting practices for our students to and from school,” Shoemaker wrote. A call also went out to parents of Frontier Elementary School and Osceola Creek Middle School stuSee STRANGER, page 20

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May 25 - May 31, 2012 Page 3

NEWS

Boys & Girls Club Breaks Ground On New Wellington Facility By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report With the turning of dirt, officials broke ground Tuesday for what will soon be the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club in Wellington. “Today is just the beginning,” said Mary O’Connor, president

and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. “The beginning of not putting kids on waiting lists. Kids don’t wait, they just grow up — and kids growing up alone, afraid and at risk is unacceptable.” The 22,750-square-foot facility located at the northwest corner of

DUNKIN’ DONUTS TO OPEN

A new Dunkin’ Donuts store located in the Wellington Plaza is expected to open this weekend. Shown here is General Manager Steve Rosenblum (back center) with several workers at the longplanned new location on Forest Hill Blvd. PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington’s water treatment plant property at 1080 Wellington Trace is to be completed by October 2013. O’Connor thanked those in attendance, many longtime supporters of the club. She said that Wellington helped shape the club’s identity in Palm Beach County. “Twenty-five years ago, we had one club in Palm Beach County,” O’Connor recalled, “and it was a boys club.” But local residents saw a need to reach more children, she said. “If it were not for Wellington, we might still have one club in Palm Beach County,” O’Connor said. “With the addition of Wellington, we had new people with new ideas and new energy. Not only did we open this as a Boys & Girls Club… we started to ask questions like, ‘If the need is so great, why are we only doing it in two places?’” Now, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County supports 13 clubs and four extensions, serving 6,000 children each year. Still, there are many more children in need of a place to go after school, O’Connor said. “Here in Wellington, over the last couple of years, we’ve started to look at how many kids we were turning away,” she said. “In Wellington, we turned away more kids than any other location in Palm Beach County.”

So began the dream for a bigger, updated location that could reach more children. The club worked to raise cash for years, netting about $1 million in private donations. Meanwhile, Wellington promised $700,000 and Palm Beach County kicked in $600,000. Wellington also pledged to cover the $1.3 million financing gap in the form of a loan. But earlier this month, the nonprofit received a $1.5 million donation from equestrian leader Neil Hirsch. “He was one of the major donors when we started this journey years ago,” O’Connor said of Hirsch. “He understands that while his children and his family will never need the Boys & Girls Club, a lot of families do.” Hirsch, who was given a standing ovation by the crowd, said that he shared O’Connor’s dream of a bigger and more modern facility for the children of Wellington. “I visited the club on several occasions,” he said. “Even though it was affectionately referred to as the ‘runt’ of the Boys & Girls Clubs, I was able to see what a lifesaver it was for all the kids of this community.” He said it was a natural decision to help. “I’m very grateful to be here today at this groundbreaking,” Hirsch said. “I’m very grateful to be See B&G CLUB, page 20

(Above) Mary O’Connor, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, gives donor Neil Hirsch a signed photo from all the children from the Wellington club. (Below) VIPs dig in to break ground at the new site. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Groves Shooting Leaves Some Calling For A ‘Fair Investigation’ By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report An Internet petition drive is calling for the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office to investigate thoroughly the death of 23year-old Seth Adams, who was shot late Wednesday, May 16 by a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was reported to have been dressed in black and parked in an unmarked car on Adams’ property at A Road and Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves. The encounter became physical, according to a PBSO report, and the deputy, who reported being in fear for his life, shot Adams in the stomach. Adams died later after being taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center. The deputy, Sgt. Michael Custer, is on paid administrative leave, standard protocol while an

investigation is being conducted. At a press conference Friday, May 18, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said that Custer clearly identified himself to Adams and that Adams was the aggressor. Those who do not believe Bradshaw’s account tells the complete story have started an online petition by the name “police shooting needs fair investigation.” It can be found at www.change.org/petitions/police-shooting-needs-fairinvestigation. The online petition had garnered more than 1,500 signatures as of Wednesday. The goal of the petition is to “ensure that a thorough, unbiased investigation be conducted… we need to band together to let the county know we are watching how this situation plays out.” Several hundred people attended a vigil Sunday to mourn Ad-

ams, who friends said had a gentle nature. Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Supervisor John Ryan was among them. He said his plant farm, Color Garden Nursery, did business with Adams where he worked at One Stop Garden Shop. Ryan said he was troubled by the incident. “I think it was an avoidable tragedy,” he said, adding that the sheriff’s news conference left lot of questions to be answered. “My sense is that Seth lived on the property. There were signs that said no parking 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. He came home late at night and saw a car parked there. He certainly had every right to inquire what was going on.” How such an inquiry turned into a tragic shooting leaves Ryan mystified. Ryan said he would expect PBSO officers to have the training and ability to defuse a situation

before it spins out of control. “As a property owner, Seth had every right to inquire, and the deputy certainly had every right to identify himself and what he was doing there,” he said, adding “we need to get all the facts.” Adams’ family — parents Richard and Lydia Adams of Melbourne and brother David Adams — have retained attorney Robert Saylor of West Palm Beach. Saylor said he has brought in another attorney experienced in police-involved shooting cases to help him. “I know of five other ones where the deputies have shot unarmed people,” Saylor told the Town-Crier on Wednesday. “We want the public to be aware that these things are going on. This is not an isolated case.” Saylor said the family’s interest is in possibly creating a foundation to advocate against unnec-

essary shootings. “The family is really grieving,” he said. “This is a huge loss and they want to grieve privately, but there is a petition online.” Saylor said there are numerous questions about what actually happened. “The sheriff did his best to portray Seth as someone bad. He had a poster showing a narcotics arrest,” but Saylor pointed out that the charges had been dismissed. He said they won’t be able to get Custer’s version of what happened until after PBSO completes its investigation. “They are never in any hurry,” Saylor said, adding that it might take six months. “I think that the more people sign that petition, at least maybe the sheriff will begin to take notice.” He said the State Attorney’s Office will conduct an investiga-

tion, petition or not, but he is concerned that a third-party investigation might be more appropriate. “Everybody is talking about the Trayvon Martin case because they were successful through a petition to bring in an outside prosecutor,” Saylor said. “I think what the family wants to know is what Custer has to say. They want his version of what he’s claiming their son did.” The family will host a “Celebration of Life” in Adams’ memory at 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 27 at the family business, One Stop Garden Shop, where Adams lived and worked, at the corner of Okeechobee Blvd. and A Road. Participants are requested to park outside the nursery, along Okeechobee Blvd.; those who want to help with hospitality are asked to bring finger foods to share after the service.

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OUR OPINION

Take Time Out To Honor Our Fallen Warriors This Memorial Day It’s been a while now since stories about war have been lead-news items in the national media. For most Americans, their main worries lie in economic and other domestic issues. But for those who have had a loved one die while serving in the military, war is more than just another issue; it’s a cold reality. And they’re reminded of their loss every day. That’s why Memorial Day is observed — so they don’t have to mourn alone. Unfortunately, because Memorial Day is considered a prelude to the summer season, many Americans think of it in the shallowest terms: as a day off from work or school — a three-day weekend — and a time to throw a backyard barbecue party. While there’s nothing wrong with a Memorial Day barbecue in itself (it is pretty much tradition, after all), there’s everything wrong with not giving any thought to the very reason you’re free to enjoy the day. Remember: There are many others whose first thought that day is of the person they love who made the ultimate sacrifice to this country. It isn’t asking too much to take some time out from the festivities to reflect on the meaning of the day and imagine what life is like for military families. Memorial Day is not just for the fallen soldiers, but also for the mothers, fathers, wives, husbands and children they left behind. It is only appropriate to show them respect by showing your thanks and appreciation for their loved one’s service.

Memorial Day is not a time for politics or debating the costs of war. It’s a day forAmericans from all walks of life to come together to show that they respect and appreciate the brave men and women who comprise our military. This Memorial Day, we ask you to take some time to honor those who have died in service to our country by visiting one of the two observances planned in the western communities: • Wellington and the American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Wellington Post 390 will honor all veterans on Monday, May 28 with a Memorial Day Parade starting at 8:15 a.m. at the Wellington Community Center. The parade will march along Forest Hill Blvd. from the community center to the Wellington Veterans Memorial at South Shore Blvd., where the Memorial Day Ceremony will take place at 8:30 a.m. This is 30 minutes earlier than last year’s ceremony. • Royal Palm Beach will host a Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 28 at 9 a.m. in Veterans Park on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. The Honor Guard from Jewish War Veterans Post 684, American Legion Auxiliary Post 367, Boy Scout Troop 111, Mayor Matty Mattioli and local dignitaries will lead the ceremony. Refreshments prepared by Butterfields Café will be served by Young at Heart Club volunteers following the rifle salute.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Wellington’s Divisiveness Will Continue Again, about the Wellington Village Council election: Super PACs could be a useful election tool in the vetting process of candidates, but of course, the information has to be legitimate, which was my complaint in the last Wellington election. The winners were supported by the same individual who falsely smeared [former] Mayor Darell Bowen’s credibility, and enough people actually believed it, causing these results. So, the seats are filled for now, until the next election. I was hopeful that Wellington’s best interests would still be served over the next two years, allowing wounds to heal and the village to prosper for all of its residents, not just to kowtow to one wealthy individual’s whims. However, those hopes dwindled after the Tuesday

night council meeting, showing that the divisiveness in this community will continue. Also, upon hearing the list of committee applicants, it became apparent why one frequent writer is willing to heap praise, even where little is due. When Wellington became the village, those elected to serve on the council were required to sit in non-partisan seats. Last week a frequent writer admonished Councilwoman Anne Gerwig for her statement about conservatives on the board. I assume he was referring to her response to a question at one of our Palms West Republican Club meetings, where she was our guest speaker two years ago. She was asked if the Wellington council was conservative or liberal, and she responded something like, I know this will come back to bite me later, but I think most of the council members lean toward conservatism. So perhaps the writer attended that meeting, or possi-

bly an article was written about the PWRC including her comment — I don’t really remember. I do remember hearing that three of the five now-seated council members claim to be Republican, but who can tell? It is quite clear that Ms. Gerwig prefers tea over Kool-Aid, but I have never heard anyone say that she flaunts it. Risking another halo-effect situation, I have heard that Councilwoman Gerwig has always been fair-minded, even-tempered and professional in all that she does, even when she isn’t in favor of a particular project. At another club meeting I attended, numerous complaints were expressed to her about the 9/11 memorial, but she didn’t place blame on anyone. Instead, she stated that all of the council members’ names appeared on the memorial plaque, and left it at that. The memorial obviously became an emotional and political situation that the council had to resolve collectively, and one that

Wellington will have to live with. One last thing for the record, I have nothing against Councilman Matt Willhite, personally. I was even quoted in a Town-Crier article about the elections, as supporting him, back when he first ran for the seat, which I’m sure can be verified. I would hesitate to ever criticize a person willing to serve his or her community, unless I felt that their intentions were misguided. I have said all that I intend to about these topics, probably to the relief of many readers. We need fresh voices of expression. Marge Fitzgerald Wellington

John Goodman Appeal A Farce Is this a great country or what? Where else can you be convicted of driving drunk, killing the victim by leaving the scene and letting him drown, then hiring a lawyer

who creates an absurd defense, disgracing himself and his profession, next putting the judge and jury on trial? Then John Goodman is being released on bond practically the next business day. While I would have preferred that the jury was sequestered and Mr. Goodman denied bail, I believe that Judge [Jeffrey] Colbath was courageous in his conviction and has done our legal system a great service. Some people state that John Goodman is a good person. I would

prefer to have known Scott Wilson. The settlement came from the insurance company, not Mr. Goodman. Conspicuous by this absence was Mr. Goodman’s ex-wife, his children and oh yes, his adopted daughter. Now we face a long appeal, at great expense to us taxpayers and possibly a new trial. John Goodman knows what he did, as does Roy Black. They are using money to avoid justice. Peter Granata Wellington

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 Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to (561) 793-6090; or you can e-mail letters@goTownCrier.com.

NEWS

Chamber Lunch Focus On WRMC Expansion, Medical Arts District By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce learned about several important changes to Wellington’s medical community at a luncheon Wednesday, May 23 at the Wanderers Club. Wellington Regional Medical Center CEO Jerel Humphrey detailed the hospital’s upcoming expansion, while Wellington Principal Planner Bill Nemser discussed the proposed medical arts district. “Wellington Regional Medical Center has grown as the community has grown,” Humphrey said. He noted that the emergency room recently saw a record 158 patients in one day. “Typically we get about 100 visits a day,” he said. “That’s a record for us.” Increases in ER patients have typically meant that other patients must wait for a bed. “We simply don’t have the space,” Humphrey said. But all that will change this fall when the hospital completes its $50 million, 100,000-square-foot expansion tower. “It should be ready this coming

Missing Plat

Master Plan Rescinded

continued from page 1 ically goes before the council, he said. “You’ve basically got four options,” Basehart said. “You can grant the extension to record the plat… modify or eliminate the approval condition, or you can rescind the project approval.” Dan Rosenbaum, attorney for site owner Wellington Equestrian Partners, said that one of the problems was caused because Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz did not approve several documents in time to get the plat approved by the deadline. “This isn’t a situation where the applicant violated the condition in an attempt to thwart the Village of Wellington,” he said. Rosenbaum noted that his client was set back when the council tabled a resolution on Feb. 28 that would have re-platted the property as one 96-acre tract rather than two separate pieces of land.

October,” Humphrey said. “It’s moving very quickly, and we’re very excited.” The expansion will bring the hospital 80 more beds for a total of 233 licensed beds. “It’s going to be a beautifully designed threestory building,” Humphrey said. More important is that the facility will offer new, state-of-the-art technology as well as more space for patients. “It’s designed to meet the needs of our patients and their families,” he said. “It will have the most advanced healthcare technology to date, in addition to state-of-theart equipment.” Even the lobby and reception area will get a new face, Humphrey said. “You’ll notice the transformation as soon as you walk in,” he said. All of this will enable the hospital to better care for its patients. “Working with our stellar ER physicians, we’ll be able to meet more demand,” Humphrey said. “The additional bed capacity will help alleviate congestion of an already busy emergency room. We’ll be able to transfer patients to pri-

vate rooms in a more expeditious fashion for their benefit and comfort.” The hospital is one key component to Wellington’s future as a medical hub. Nemser explained that Wellington proposed the medical arts district idea as a way to invest in the future of the community. “We’re hoping to develop this strictly by having private investment,” he said. “We will oversee the project and help in any way we can through things like master planning and expedited permitting. We will be providing the vision and leadership.” The 210 acres located north of the hospital and south of the Black Diamond community could soon be the health and wellness hub of the area. Nemser explained that because only a few property owners were involved, it was easier to get everyone on board. “It presented a really neat opportunity for us,” he said. “Usually for a project of this size, you are dealing with hundreds of owners.” The district will focus on medi-

cal-related businesses, all accessed with interior roads. “What we’ve designed is a plan that allows for internal capture between all these properties,” he said. “It would allow someone to go from one end of the medical arts district [to the other] without having to get on State Road 7.” And because all the property uses are medical-related, it makes

zoning and other processes easier. “You know what belongs there and what doesn’t,” he said. Already the Wellington Reserve, located at the north end of the proposed district, has filed to change its existing uses to medical-related. “Clearly, something is happening,” Nemser said. “People are on board.” He said that the district will bring

new business opportunities and is expected to offer the community 6,000 jobs either created or retained. “We hope this will be our western communities wellness center,” Nemser said. “It will be the destination that will keep this community viable. It’s something that’s sort of tailored to our demographics.”

Wellington’s bitterly fought election and its disputed outcome were also factors, Rosenbaum said, both because the controversial nature of the project stopped easier ways of handling the plat, and the weeks-long recount took up Kurtz’s time. Rosenbaum said that his client attempted to rectify the matter in time. “In order to fulfill the conditions,” he said, “the village has a role that they handle. Because something sidetracked the process, Mr. Kurtz was not able to finish a process that he said would take a matter of days. They took it from the March 13 agenda, and then we had an election issue.” Rosenbaum said he spoke with Kurtz on March 27, concerned that the plat approval had not been placed on the agenda. “At that time, I asked him what we were going to do about it,” he said, “and his response to me was ‘we’ll get an extension.’” Kurtz said that he did not recall such a conversation. He said he may have spoken with Rosenbaum; however, he refuted claims that he promised an extension.

“I do not have the power to grant an extension of time,” he said, “and I would not have represented to you that I have that power.” Rosenbaum said that when the process became sidetracked, it hindered his client. “The applicant cannot move forward in the process if there is a problem,” he said. “Here, we had several problems. This was not something the applicant could do anything about because the item did not get placed on the agenda.” Attorney John Shubin, representing the Jacobs family, currently involved in a lawsuit over the issue, said that there was plenty of time to formally request an extension. “The client never sought an extension of time in writing from the council prior to April 1,” he said. Several council members agreed that more could have been done by the applicant. “If I knew a deadline was approaching,” Councilman Matt Willhite said, “I would have corresponded with council or staff. I would have thought that the ap-

plicant would be in front of us saying, ‘This deadline is closely approaching.’ I’ve been here the entire time, and at no time have I heard them come in front of me and say, ‘Is there something we can do?’” Willhite, who noted that he opposed the master plan amendment the first time it came before the council, said that the deadline was clear. “You were willing to accept the time frame,” he said, “but you aren’t willing now to say that this was caused by some of your own fault.” Wellington Equestrian Partners Managing Partner Mark Bellissimo said that once they got Kurtz’s approval on the property owners’ association documents on May 7, the plat was in three days later. “We couldn’t present to council,” he said. “We had no ability to do that until we got approval on the POA documents.” Bellissimo noted that if the master plan isn’t approved, the plat cannot be approved, and then nothing can be built on the site. “That is an impact,” he said. “Despite the fact that everyone is so supportive of dressage, it

would create a problem for us if the master plan is not approved.” Mayor Bob Margolis and Councilman John Greene said the village should not bend the rules for one person. “Once we start down this road of creating conditions and then changing the rules, it creates tremendous liability for us down the road,” Greene said, adding that he does not believe that the change will endanger dressage in Wellington. “I don’t believe this prohibits you from operating a dressage facility.” Margolis pointed out that the previous council set the conditions. “I’ve always been a big believer that there are rules and regulations,” he said. “While I may not agree with them, I cannot bend them for just a few people. It would be disingenuous for me to look at what the previous council voted for and say, ‘They didn’t really mean that.’” Coates cautioned that the council should not set a precedent of being unyielding when it comes to the rules. “There are always extenuating

circumstances,” he said. “If that’s the direction we go, we’re setting a very dangerous precedent for this village.” Coates also worried that the council was being used as a pawn to settle a dispute between warring sides. “The reason we are locked in this position is because both sides have made a decision to take a scorched-earth approach,” he said. “No matter what the other side does, they are going to oppose it.” He noted that the issue is in litigation and worried that not extending the applicant’s time could harm the dressage industry in Wellington. “These are the type of brinkmanship actions that threaten to kill dressage in Wellington before it ever takes off,” Coates said. “That’s something that if we, as a council, allow to happen, it’s detrimental to all of Wellington. What we are risking here is jeopardizing a new equestrian industry coming in that has potential to create jobs and livelihood for Wellington residents, both equestrian and nonequestrian.”

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Wellington Regional Medical Center CEO Jerel Humphrey (left) and Wellington Principal Planner Bill Nemser (right) at Wednesday’s Wellington Chamber of Commerce luncheon. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

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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.

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NEWS

THE WELLINGTON COMMUNITY TURNS OUT TO SUPPORT RELAY FOR LIFE AT WHS The annual Wellington Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society was held Friday and Saturday, May 18 and 19 at Wellington High School. The event began with a survivors lap around the school track, which was followed by a survivors dinner donated and catered by Bonefish Grill. For more info., visit www.relayforlife.org/wellingtonfl. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Your Bosom Buddies II breast cancer support group members.

Lorna Johnson of Your Bosom Buddies II looks on as Shari Zipp signs the PBSO cancer-themed patrol car.

Tee Franzoso and Aversis Concepcion with survivor Iris Torres.

Survivor Joey Johnson with his survivors bag of gifts.

Julie Sikorsky and Aaron Vassalotti serve some ice cream to survivors.

Madison Carmichael, survivor Gloria Steward, John and Cassidy Carmichael.

Sur vivor Carole Pala enjoys ice cream at the survivors dinner.

USTA HOSTS 10 & UNDER FAMILY PLAYDAY AT THE WELLINGTON TENNIS CENTER

Parents and children took to the courts for the USTA 10 & Under Tennis Family PlayDay on Saturday, May 19 at the Wellington Tennis Center. Children 10 and under enjoyed a day playing with their parents, as well as snacks, prizes and more. For more about 10 & Under Tennis, call (561) 791-4775 or e-mail Debbie Ellsworth at ellsworth@florida.usta.com. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRĂ“/TOWN-CRIER

Pito Mangual returns the ball while his dad Damon watches.

Children show off their USTA PlayDays hats.

Taylor Shackelford takes a swing at the ball.

Page 6 May 25 - May 31, 2012

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CRIME NEWS

Man Arrested For Assault On SR 7 By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report MAY 17 — A Belle Glade man was arrested last Thursday afternoon on charges of aggravated assault following an altercation on State Road 7 near the intersection with Black Diamond. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, the victim contacted the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation after 69-year-old Jesus Torres pointed a silver 9mm pistol at him. According to the report, the victim attempted to follow Torres, who was driving a burgundy Chevy Suburban, but lost him near Belvedere Road. The victim later discovered the vehicle outside the Walmart Supercenter on Belvedere Road and contacted the police. A deputy arrived and discovered the vehicle in the parking lot occupied by Torres. According to the report, the deputy ordered Torres out of the vehicle and could see that he was carrying a concealed weapon. The deputy recovered the weapon, which matched the victim’s description. According to the report, the victim identified Torres as the suspect. Torres was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where he was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. ••• MAY 16 — A woman contacted the PBSO substation in Wellington last Wednesday after she discovered an intruder in her home. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 12:45 p.m., the victim was alerted that there had been an intrusion at the rear door of her home. She arrived home to discover an unidentified white male, who fled out the rear door and jumped a fence. The suspect stole an iMac computer and a gold necklace and pendant. The stolen items were valued at approximately $2,125. A canvass of the neighborhood was conducted, but the suspect was not found. MAY19 — ARoyal Palm Beach woman and an Acreage man were arrested last Saturday night on drug charges following a traffic stop on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. According to a PBSO report, a deputy was conducting surveillance outside a hotel on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. when he observed 36year-old Marie Ridgeway in a vehicle in possession of several pieces of drug paraphernalia. According to the report, the deputy initiated a traffic stop and made contact with Ridgeway. A search of the vehicle discovered she was in possession of two syringes filled with liquid oxycodone, several food stamp cards and a utility knife. The passenger, 26-year-old Richard Vermillion, was discovered in possession of .6 grams of crack cocaine. Both were arrested and taken to the county jail. Ridgeway was charged with possession of a controlled substance, unauthorized possession of public assistance cards and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. Vermillion was charged with possession of cocaine. MAY 20 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to a home in Royal Ascot Estates last Sunday evening regarding an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 2:50 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., someone broke several windows on the side and rear of the home. According to the report, the complainant did

not notice anything missing from the home, and the deputy believed it was a case of vandalism. The damaged windows were valued at approximately $2,100. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. MAY 20 — A Wellington man was arrested last Sunday afternoon on drug charges following a report of shoplifting at the Walmart Supercenter on Belvedere Road. According to a PBSO report, a loss prevention officer called the Royal Palm Beach substation to report that 18-year-old Matias Ghiragossian was observed shoplifting. According to the report, the officer said that he had fled in a silver Jeep driven by another unknown male. A deputy arrived at the plaza and observed a vehicle with the same tag and initiated a traffic stop. According to the report, the deputy observed the passenger reach into the glove compartment. Backup deputies arrived on the scene and ordered Ghiragossian and the driver to get out of the car. According to the report, the deputy discovered a black Sabre stun gun and a black brass knuckles knife in the open glove compartment. During a search of the vehicle, the deputy discovered a clear bag containing marijuana, along with a bag containing four marijuana seeds, a marijuana cigarette and a pack of cigarette paper. According to the report, the loss prevention officers identified Ghiragossian as the person who had shoplifted from the store. Ghiragossian was arrested and taken to the county jail, where he was charged with possession of a concealed weapon, marijuana possession and petty theft. MAY 21 — A Wellington woman called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Monday to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim was shopping at the Walmart Supercenter on Belvedere Road at approximately 9:15 p.m. and accidentally left her designer purse and wallet in a shopping cart in the parking lot. According to the report, the victim drove off, realized the purse was missing and returned to the store to discover that it had been taken from the shopping cart. The victim said that she contacted the store, but no one had turned it in. The stolen items were valued at approximately $230. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. MAY 21 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to a home on 120th Avenue North on Monday morning regarding an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 4 p.m. and midnight, someone cut the wires to the victim’s air conditioning unit and moved the air conditioner about 12 feet away from the house. The perpetrator(s) caused approximately $1,000 in damage. There were no suspects at the time of the report. MAY 21 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched Monday evening to a home on Pierson Road regarding a vehicle theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 1 p.m. last Sunday and 5 p.m. the following evening, someone stole a motorcycle from the victim’s barn and fled in an unknown direction. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Lorraine Headley is a white female, 5’5” tall and w eighing 175 lbs., with brown hair and green eyes. She has multiple tattoos. Her date of bir th is 07/ 19/91. Headley is wanted for failure to appear on a charge of grand theft. Her occupation is unknown. Her last known address was at large. Headley is wanted as of 05/24/12. • Allen Swift is a white male, 5’10” tall and weighing 200 lbs., with brown hair and hazel eyes. He has multiple tattoos. His date of birth is 04/05/67. Swift is wanted for obtaining property in return for a worthless check, draft or debit card (felony); failure to appear on a charge of petit theft (misdemeanor); and failure to appear on a charge of not having a driver’s license (traffic). His occupation is unknown. His last known address was Sawgrass Court in Wellington. Swift is wanted as of 05/24/12. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc. com.

Lorraine Headley

Allen Swift

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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May 25 - May 31, 2012 Page 7

NEWS

Municipal Leaders Share ‘State Of The Cities’ At Chamber Lunch By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Managers from municipalities represented by the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce gave their annual “State of the City” reports at a luncheon Monday at the Wanderers Club in Wellington. Royal Palm Beach Village Manager Ray Liggins said economic constraints have been a blessing of sorts, forcing his village to do more with less. “Our revenues are down since 2006 by about $4.5 million,” Liggins said, noting that assessed values have dropped by $1 billion, yet the village continued to drop its tax rate from 2.6 mills to 1.9. “Property owners are paying $2.5 million less in property taxes than they were in 2006.” The village’s approach over the past decade has been “pay as you go,” he said. “All of our parks were rebuilt with cash on hand,” he said. “The latest project we’re doing [Commons Park], we did get a loan for, and we’ve had some stimulus money to do some road projects.” But, Liggins said, the revenue loss “forced us to eliminate positions, utilize contract labor and reorganize almost every department within the village,” he said. “It has made us more efficient.” In 2006, Royal Palm Beach sold its water utility to Palm Beach County. Liggins said RPB’s tax rate ranks 26th among the 38 cities because it is supplemented with investment income from the sale of the utility. “The only cities that are lower than that either don’t provide a full range of municipal ser-

vices or have a significantly higher residential value,” he said. Liggins said the positive news in the real estate market is that the prices that sellers are getting for their homes are up. “Clearly there is a change in what’s going on,” he said. “We’re still looking at about a 1 percent drop in collections on ad valorem taxes, but we are looking at an increase in our other revenue sources,” he said. Although the village has cut back or postponed most capital projects, the significant exception is the 160-acre Commons Park, scheduled to open later this year. Wellington Village Manager Paul Schofield said that governments, like residents, have to learn to live within their means. “Governments that learn how to do that are in generally good condition,” Schofield said. “Governments that don’t will continue to be in trouble for years to come… For the fifth year in a row, we’re going to present to our council a budget that reduces spending.” One of the signs that the economy is improving is that the reduction will be less this coming year than it was last year, Schofield said. This fall the council will be presented with a budget that’s about $2 million less than last year’s, down $46 million from when he became village manager in 2008. “In rough terms, that’s 40 percent of our budget,” he said. To cope, Wellington has changed its service model. “We have put significantly more money into maintenance and less money into general government,” Schofield said. “Where Welling-

ton spends its money these days is on capital maintenance and on projects that improve property values.” Wellington has been investing in things that keep up the value of businesses and homes, he said. Some highlights include the new Wellington Amphitheater. “We are just now surpassing 50,000 people who have attended that,” he said. “For a program that didn’t exist a year ago, we’re pretty happy about that.” The village just finished a $23 million expansion of its wastewater treatment plant. “You’ve got to have that because I promise you, the one thing that people in this room would not tolerate is toilets not flushing,” Schofield said. The project included a sludgedrying facility that will enable the village to sell its sludge rather than pay to have it hauled away. “What that sludge-drying facility represents is a new thinking in government,” he said. “Last year we spent about $200,000 to have sludge hauled away. With the drying facility, we don’t have to pay to have it taken away anymore. It’s actually sold and will generate about $50,000 in income, so that’s about a quarter-million-dollar shift in spending.” The village’s expanded volunteerism program has also saved the village about $160,000 annually, with 219 volunteers who contributed more than 10,000 hours. “If you walk into almost any facility now, you will find volunteers,” Schofield said. Loxahatchee Groves Town Manager Mark Kutney said that

his 3,180-resident town prides itself on operating in a “government light” fashion, which includes no full- or part-time employees, and only contract employees, including the management firm, Underwood Management Services Group, which hired Kutney. “We actually perform the functions of general town management, town clerk, planning and zoning, and all of the financial administration,” he said, adding that most services are provided on a cost-recovery basis and code enforcement is handled on a complaint-only basis. The town is very concerned about maintaining its rural character, which includes environmental preservation and protection, minimal government intervention and control of its own destiny, Kutney said. As for the future, the town is working with Palm Beach State College to locate a fifth campus and commercial property on almost 100 acres of land at the corner of B Road and Southern Blvd., and a commercial development on almost 100 acres on an adjacent parcel. The town is also looking to undertake its first capital improvement plan since it incorporated, recently allotting about $1 million to go for those projects. Indian Trail Improvement District President Michelle Damone said her limited-powers special district has an $11.9 million budget and represents more than 39,000 people in The Acreage. Accomplishments this past year include the opening of the new Acreage library, which was accomplished

Royal Palm Beach Village Manager Ray Liggins speaks as other area municipal managers listen. PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

through a county land swap. “It was a decade in the making; the taxpayers voted for that project, county commissioners worked with Indian Trail supervisors, and we built a beautiful library,” Damone said. “It has opened, it is state-of-the-art, the only green building like it in all of Palm Beach County, so I’m very proud of that.” The district is also significantly closer to building a community center, she said. “There’s a budget in place for it, and we are in the planning process for it right now,” she said. “That would include [up to] a 19,000-square-foot building with a gymnasium, five classrooms, an indoor-outdoor amphitheater, and we are going to have a concession stand that is also indoor-outdoor.” The district has also made significant telemetry and stormwater upgrades.

“Something I’m very proud of, our district received an unqualified audit with no management comments whatsoever, and if you have followed the history of the Indian Trail Improvement District, that is an absolute accomplishment,” she said. Damone thanked the chamber and other municipalities that participated in supporting the State Road 7 extension, which received a good turnout at its final hearing in March. “The western communities showed up in the strongest force ever against the City of West Palm Beach, so that we make sure that State Road 7 connects to Northlake,” she said. Other speakers included Palm Springs Director of Leisure Services Bill Golson, Greenacres City Manager Wadie Atallah and Lake Worth City Manager Michael Bornstein.

Royal Palm Council Urges School District To Pay Bus Depot Fines By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Village Council reluctantly granted the Palm Beach County School District approval last week to expand its bus parking in the Royal Palm Business Park off State Road 7 — although the school district had already done so by itself. The village had imposed $30,000 in fines against the school district for being in violation, but Village Attorney Brad Biggs said there is no way Royal Palm Beach can enforce such a fine against the school district. The site is at 420 Business Park-

way. The school district asked to increase the bus parking spaces there from 70 to 120 buses. Furthermore, the district wanted 12 additional bus parking spaces and 23 additional employee parking spaces at an adjacent, recently purchased area. That would bring the total bus parking spaces to 132, Planning & Zoning Director Bradford O’Brien said. Michael Owens, representing the school district, said it had purchased the land in the early 1990s and received approval from the village for 70 buses. In the interim, a lot to the east had been purchased.

“We developed additional parking for buses and cars,” Owens said, explaining that it had not received approval by the village. “What this does is correct what has existed for the last 15 years.” The school district eventually plans to move the bus parking to a site at Skees and Belvedere roads. “What we’re going to do is take the buses from Business Parkway, put them over there and move the maintenance facility [at Crestwood Middle School] to Business Parkway,” Owens said. Councilwoman Martha Webster asked Community Development

Director Rob Hill about code enforcement citations. “My understanding is that they have been in violation on this lot because they have more buses on there than parking spaces. They have been cited for it, is that true?” she asked. Hill said the citations started in March 2010 when some complaints came in regarding the expanded site plan. “Since there was not anything approved at the time, a code enforcement action has been taking place and is still ongoing today,” Hill said. Webster said that as of March there were almost $30,000 in fines against the site. “I just wanted to

bring that to the attention of the council, that there are some other issues on this property,” she said. Biggs said the code enforcement fines, which have not been paid, is a separate issue from the site plan modification. “We are looking at a site plan modification, and should that take place, then they will have approval for whatever is happening at that point,” he said. “Then how code enforcement is affected by that would have to be dealt with by the special magistrate.” Biggs noted that as a governing body, a lien cannot be placed on school district property.

Vice Mayor Fred Pinto said part of the approval should be a condition that the school district pay the fines, but Biggs reiterated that they are separate issues. “If you let them bleed over into each other, it does create problems,” he said. Biggs also pointed out that a 10-year agreement between the village and the school district had expired recently and a new one was being hammered out. “They are trying to work with us,” he said. Webster noted that the village received a letter from the Royal Palm Business Park Lot Owners’ See BUS DEPOT, page 20

Legislators Promise More Alternative Energy Initiatives To Come By Chris Felker Town-Crier Staff Report Following up on the 2012 Florida Green, Energy & Climate Conference/Expo’s first-day focus on renewable, clean energy resources, a highlight of the second day was an in-depth legislative panel discussion of how to move the state forward in advancing utilities’ efforts to use more cleaner and renewable energy. The May 17 discussion was moderated again this year by former Florida Department of Environmental Protection chief Michael Sole, who now is vice president of state governmental affairs for Florida Power & Light. The panel featured several movers and shakers on the energy policy scene: Patrick J. Sheehan, director of the Office of Energy, a division of the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services; State Sen. Maria Sachs (D-District 30), who serves on the Senate Communications, Energy & Public Utilities Committee; State Rep. Lori Berman (D-District 86), who is on the House Energy & Utilities Subcommittee; State Rep. Scott Plakon (R-District 37), chairman of

that subcommittee; State Rep. Mark Pafford (D-District 88), a member of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Policy Committee and the Natural Resources Appropriation Committee; State Rep. Mack Bernard (D-District 84), ranking Democrat on the Economic Development & Tourism Subcommittee; and Timothy J. Anderson, director of the Florida Energy Systems Consortium. The consortium was created by the state government to promote collaboration between energy experts at 11 state-supported universities and is assisting in the creation of “an environmentally compatible, sustainable and efficient energy strategic plan.” According to several speakers during the conference’s first day, the state has fallen down on the job in this department. In the words of NextEra Energy project development chief J.L. “Buck” Martinez: “Florida is one of the only states in the nation that doesn’t have a renewable energy policy. States such as Arizona, Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania continue to expand renewable energy and attract new and

diverse companies. Texas in particular has become a leader.” And several of the lawmakers who spoke emphasized that the alternative-energy sector can help to raise Florida’s economy out of the doldrums and that it’s important for both parties to get behind the idea. Berman noted that she had been on the same conference panel last year and asked to come back “because alternative and renewable energy is one of my passions.” Noting that she drives a used Tesla, an electric vehicle, she said she was privileged last year to see the state’s first energy bill passed in four years, House Bill 7117, which establishes tax credits for production of renewable energy, reduces burdens on businesses, promotes energy efficiency and repeals an odious “renewable portfolio standard mandate” that deterred investment. “As everybody has acknowledged, it’s certainly the first modest steps… [but] I do think we need to continue to develop our alternative and renewable energy, and I’m going to be working toward that hopefully in my next term

if I have the honor to be re-elected. I think it’s a great job creator,” Berman said. Plakon lauded the committee’s bipartisan efforts to pass an 18part bill that “I like to say created a free market within a regulated monopoly for renewable energy in Florida.” Pafford said it was a good first step, but more is needed. “I’m happy to have voted for it, but I’m also happy to be part of a movement where in the future, when bills like this come out of the committee, we have some decisiveness… when leaders actually get behind some of these policies and really fight for them,” he said, noting that it creates jobs — an estimated 3,850, according to Sole. Pafford added that he would like the state’s efforts to go so far as to finance research. Anderson agreed. “The potential of Florida is enormous [but] part of moving this forward is to do it cost-effectively,” he said. Sachs noted that Florida is on the threshold of becoming one of the leaders in the alternative energy field. “Promoters of this event have

been very instrumental in getting [together] an amazing influential bipartisan group of legislators. Together we can do great things for Florida,” she said. “Our purpose is to make sure that Florida’s resources go toward Florida’s energy needs, and the farm-to-fuel programs that have been going on are really very far-reaching.” Bernard lauded the involvement of Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam. “Seeing the direction of Commissioner Putnam was important,” he said. “He brought folks together to try to come up with the future of energy in the State of Florida… We’re really happy to have gotten something accomplished.” Like the others, Berman stressed that it is just the beginning. “I’d like to see us be a lot more aggressive,” she said. “You could put solar on your roof if somebody would finance it, and I’d like to see Florida have a similar business model as that. We need to have broader, spread-out use of solar power.” Pafford said he thought the committee chairman kept the bill

relatively simple so it would pass. “I think what we as a state and as leaders must do,” he added, “is really get behind projects that make sense, and really sell a policy to our constituents. I don’t think we do a great job with that.” He added that the federal government could play a large role in Florida’s energy development “if we are willing to accept that.” Plakon explained his view: “Everything has to be done in the context of what’s happening… A lot of families are struggling… that’s why we really took rate increases off the table right in the beginning. This baby step is about as good as we can do this year, but this baby step can turn into a bigger step later on.” Plakon said it sets the foundation for when the economy does turn around. “We’ll be poised to take advantage,” he said. “I would look at what we did as throwing a carrot out there, and asking companies to go ahead first and prove that you can do what you say you can do, as opposed to writing a check and hoping for the best on behalf of taxpayers.”

Page 8 May 25 - May 31, 2012

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NEWS BRIEFS Sign Up Now For Wellington Talent Search Attention Palm Beach County residents: If you’re an amateur performer who’s ready to be discovered, here’s your chance to get on stage in front of talent agents and compete to win cash prizes. Wellington is on the hunt for the county’s best singers, dancers, actors, comedians, magicians and other performers at its new and expanded Wellington Talent Search at the Wellington Amphitheater. The grand prize winner will take home $500 and a full scholarship sponsored by Talent Inc. to attend the Talent Inc. National Talent Convention and Showcase in Orlando — a prize valued at nearly $2,000. Four runners-up walk away with $250, and the top 12 finalists will perform on television on Wellington’s Channel 18. Both individual and group acts are invited to participate. Contestants must be at least 8 years old by June 30. Individual performers and at least half of the participants in each group act must reside in Palm Beach County.

If you have what it takes, rush to the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) by Tuesday, June 26 with a completed application form, proof of age (such as a driver ’s license or birth certificate), a headshot, and a CD or DVD with a three-minute sample of your performance. CDs and DVDs must be clearly labeled with each performer’s name, title of the piece, phone number and category. Wellington will also accept YouTube links in lieu of discs. The Wellington Community Center will accept registrations from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Entries selected for a live audition will be contacted no later than July 2. Live auditions will be held Friday, July 13 and Saturday, July 14 at 8 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater. Contestants who advance will perform in the semifinals on Saturday, July 21 at 8 p.m. The top 12 contestants will then compete in the finals on Saturday, July 28 at 8 p.m., and the night will end with the dramatic announcement of the winners. The complete official rules and application form are available at the Wellington Community Center and at www.wellingtonfl.gov.

For questions, contact Cultural Program & Facilities Manager Joe Piconcelli at (561) 791-4756 or jpiconcelli@wellingtonfl.gov.

PBCALA Golf Benefit For Vinceremos The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators will hold a charity golf tournament Friday, June 1 at the PGA National Resort & Spa Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens. All proceeds will benefit the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee Groves. Whether you’re an ace shot or master of the slice, this charity golf tournament brings together Florida’s favorite pastime and the healing power of horses. But all this fun is serious business: It’s your chance to turn your hole-in-one into help for locals with special needs. PBCALA selected Vinceremos as the benefactor of its 2012 “Community Connection” efforts because Vinceremos is a homegrown local charity doing great work and focusing on a wide range of ill-

nesses and disabilities for maximum impact in the community. Sign-in will take place at noon, with the game starting at 1:30 p.m., followed by cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction at 5 p.m. The cost is $200 for single players and $800 per foursome, and includes a free future round of golf at PGA National, box lunch and a subscription to Golf Digest. Prizes include a set of golf clubs. PGA National is located at 400 Avenue of the Champions. To register, visit www.tinyurl. com/pbcala-golf. For more information about the PBCALA, visit www.pbcala.org.

USTA Coaches Workshop June 9 In Wellington The Villa Olympia Tennis Courts in Wellington will host a USTA recreational coach workshop Saturday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost for the workshop is $20, and participants will engage in six hours of on-court training with USPTA/PTR-certified trainer John MacDonald.

“To encourage the development of tennis programs within schools, municipalities and other organizations, we invite all PE teachers, after-school staff, parks and recreation employees, youth organization staff, moms, dads, high school tennis coaches, college students and anyone else who has an interest in learning the basics of teaching tennis at the developmental level to attend,” said organizer Janet Sprague, USTA Florida tennis program coordinator for the Treasure Coast area. Participants will also receive teaching guides and materials, and lunch and refreshments. “After completion of this workshop, an individual may join the USPTA or PTR at the membership level of a recreational coach, and may purchase additional oncourt liability insurance,” Sprague said. “This is a great first workshop if you are considering starting your career as a professional full-time or part-time tennis instructor.” For more information, contact Sprague at sprague@florida. usta.com or (561) 385-7399. To register for the event online, visit www.ustarcwwellington.event brite.com.

Extended Summer Hours For P.B. Zoo The Palm Beach Zoo has announced plans to stay open late every Friday evening beginning June 1. In addition to daily operating hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Friday evening “Summer Safari” will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. These special summer hours are designed to offer families an opportunity to visit during the cool summer evenings. Summer Safari evenings will feature children’s entertainment, roving animal encounters and shows, complimentary rides on the Wildlife Carousel, live music in the Fountain Plaza, and dinner specials in the Tropics Café. Zoo admission is free for zoo members. Nonmembers receive a discounted admission of $14.95 for adults and $8.95 for children ages 3-12 during Safari Nights. Children’s admission will include a coupon for one free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal in the Tropics Café dining room. For more information on Summer Safari at the Palm Beach Zoo, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org.

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NEWS

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATER RETURNS TO WELLINGTON VILLAGE PARK Wellington’s Murder Mystery Dinner Theater was back by popular demand Saturday, May 19 at Village Park. Titled “Colleen and Tony: A Murder Mystery,” the event also included hors d’oeurves, wine and a buffet dinner. They Improv provided the actors. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

James Rose, Aniela McGuinness, Todd Rice and Casey Casperson.

Athletics Program Manager Ryan Hagopian, Parks & Recreation Director Bruce Delaney and Aquatics Supervisor Eric Juckett.

R.J. and Judy Holt with Kevin Justice and Jill Goldstein.

George and Eileen Kuhnel with Tony and Mary Alfalla.

Iris Goldson and Debbie Liquori.

Cathy and Chris Connolly, Melissa and Chris Yurich, Shannon and Barry Stolzenfeld, Holly and Warren Hays.

WELLINGTON, AMERICAN LEGION POST 390 HOST OPEN HOUSE FOR VETERANS

The Village of Wellington and the American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Wellington Post 390 presented the third annual open house for veterans Thursday, May 17 at the Wellington Community Center. Various agencies were on hand to distribute information on the benefits and helpful services available for veterans, and light refreshments were served. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Commander Tom Clapp, Kim Reyk a, Tom Wenham and Commander-Elect Mike Pancia.

State Rep. Joe Abruzzo, Wellington councilmen Matt Willhite and John Greene and State Rep. Mark Pafford.

Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Officer Charles Dykes; Kim, Sean and Spencer Reyka; and Military Order of the Purple Heart Commander Tony Harris.

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NEWS

AREA CAKE MAKERS COMPETE IN THE ‘COP CAKES CAKE-OFF’ IN WELLINGTON

Cake-decorating winner Sugar Rush Cake Studio owner Beth Woodard (center) with Bobby Simeone and Best Buy staff.

Wellington PBSO Capt. Jay Hart, Cop Cakes organizer Bobby Simeone, April Maddox and Mayor Bob Margolis.

Burlesque Masquerade cake makers Melanie Gast and Katy Kirkland.

Warm Hearts Pet Rescue volunteers Kari Simeone (holding Arya), Tiffany Gast (holding Bono) and Nick Ruiz (holding Dublin).

Bobby Gugliuzza entertains.

Heather and Cheyanne Dodson with their cakes.

WIRK RADIO HOSTS ITS WING BOWL 2012 AT THE WELLINGTON AMPHITHEATER WIRK 107.9 FM sponsored Wing Bowl 2012 on Saturday, May 19 at the Wellington Amphitheater, with restaurants throughout the region competing. There was also live music, a custom car show, kids zone and more. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Tree’s Wings & Ribs’ Sam Korn and Jennifer Danison.

Liz and Kevin Wheatley with Bella.

Bru’s Room Back of House Director of Operations Shane Maragh tosses triple threat wings in sauce.

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GRADUATION 2012 RPBHS Grad

The Class Of 2012

continued from page 1 mates they are starting a new chapter in their lives. “We will become college students, military personnel, actors, musicians, athletes, doctors, teachers, engineers, politicians and more,” Estaris said. “The possibilities are endless, but it takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are. Whatever path you choose, never forget where you came from. Remember your accomplishments in high school.” She said there will never be a class like the high-achieving Class of 2012. “Some have had the privilege of bringing recognition to our school,” Estaris said. “This shows we have the ability to believe in ourselves and be what we set out to be.” Valedictorian Genevieve Banaag, who will attend the University of Florida in the fall and plans to major in biology, said that, looking back over the past four years, she considers the Class of 2012 to be survivors. “Remember the year we had eight periods?” she asked. “All the times you had to get pulled out of class to participate in FCAT crash courses and CPT testing? And the desperate times you had nothing else to eat but cafeteria food, and it ended up tasting not all that bad?” Despite the inconveniences, they were able to get through it all, Banaag said. “Look where we are, graduation, one of the greatest keys to adulthood, where one chapter ends and a new one begins,” she said. Principal Jesus Armas, giving his second commencement

speech as principal, said he, too, has learned a great deal during his time at RPBHS. “You learn much from year one to year two,” Armas said. “First off, I learned that I can eliminate 75 percent of student complaints by just letting you wear jeans.” Armas said he learned that when the community calls for help in events such as the Relay for Life, hundreds of Royal Palm Beach High School students come out. “Last year, I was proud to be principal because it was a position that I aspired to hold,” he said. “I wanted to be principal of Royal Palm Beach High School. It was a career goal.” Last year, he was proud because he thought that the school had a great staff and student body, and proud because he had hoped that the community at Royal Palm Beach High School could come together as one. “My pride for this school and you graduates is no longer based on goals, hopes or suppositions,” he said. “My pride is based on what I have learned about this great school. I’m proud of this wonderful faculty and staff.” He said he is also proud of the community and what the school represents in it. “I’m proud that Royal Palm Beach High School is once again becoming a beacon for this community,” Armas said. “I’m proud of the aid of our elementary and middle school principals, our resident school board member and our mayor, who believe in our school vision so much so that they are here today to stand together as a community and to celebrate this great occasion. Most importantly, graduates, I’m proud of you as a whole and of you as individuals. I’m proud of the talented groups and students that we have on this campus.”

Royal Palm Beach High School Valedictorian Genevieve Banaag (left) and Salutatorian Ashley Estaris (right).

Graduates listen to the presentations.

Graduate Jaime Cabrera with his family members.

The RPBHS chorus sings the national anthem.

Graduates Florence Thomas and Danice Gonzales-Menard.

Macie Ramirez and Robbie Freytes.

RPB Mayor Matty Mattioli, Principal Jesus Armas, Councilwoman Martha Webster and Councilman Richard Valuntas.

Class honorees and officers during the ceremony.

Graduates and their friends celebrate.

Graduate Mike Francois with his mother Majalie.

Graduate Morgan Cormier with her mother Kandi Cormier and grandmother Terrye Swinford.

Graduate Jessica Haddad with her godmother Norma Ansara. PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

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WHS Grad

520 New Graduates

continued from page 1 our way to the real world. It has been an incubator of self-discovery. We are all very different people from where we were as freshmen. We have figured out what we prefer — Beethoven or dubstep, Toms or Birkenstocks, Edward or Jacob — and some of us have even learned to do our own laundry.” Marcus said high school is unique because for the past four years, the new graduates have been both children and young adults simultaneously. “Many things change in high school,” she said. “We start to drive, and we hold jobs. Our teachers begin to treat us like adults, even though we still need passes to go to the bathroom. High school is a transition, but without it, we wouldn’t know who we are. We wouldn’t know how to be the adults we are becoming.” Marcus urged her classmates to remember where they came from as they head out in different directions. “We can never change the high school we graduated from or the people we graduated with,” she said, “and I am proud beyond words to count myself among the Wellington High School Class of 2012.” The WHS Class of 2012 had covaledictorians, twins Crystal and Felicia Yan, who had identical grade point averages. Crystal Yan noted that in the 1950s, Walt Disney had an idea for an attraction, but that technology was not yet up to the concept. “It wasn’t until over decade later that Disney premiered the show at the 1964 World’s Fair,” she said. The Carousel of Progress eventually found its way to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in

1975. Throughout its run, changes have been made. “New voices were cast and cosmetic alterations were made,” Crystal said. Advances in robotics have developed, including the mechanical dog in one of the scenes. When the Carousel of Progress was last modernized in 1994, it was long overdue for an update. “To me, that sounds like an open invitation from the past, specifically for our class to make the future,” she said. “It is time for us to make our mark on history. Up until now we have sat back and enjoyed the show. High school was our dress rehearsal, we were the understudies; but now it’s showtime.” Felicia Yan said she hoped everyone’s high school years had been memorable. “Now, it is time for us to direct ourselves to the unforeseeable future,” she said. “We are on the verge of a new beginning in our lives. As we go on to college, the work force or the military, we will undoubtedly befriend new people, travel to new places and try new things.” Although there is uncertainty in the future, Felicia said she had no doubt that Wellington High School’s Class of 2012 would become an extraordinary group of people. She said one of the most important things she learned in school was during performances on stage. “You can’t return to it for a do-over,” she said. “You only live once.” She also learned to “stay hungry” and continually seek improvement. “If Steve Jobs had been satisfied after inventing one of the first consumer computers, he would not have gone on to become one of the greatest geniuses of our time,” Felicia noted. Above all, she advised her classmates, “Don’t be too hard on yourself. Treat yourself fairly, and don’t underestimate yourself. Selfrespect makes for confidence and humility, and that’s the winning combination.”

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GRADUATION 2012

Superintendent E. Wayne Gent

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Principal Mario Crocetti addresses the senior class.

Senior members of the chorus sing the national anthem.

Wellington High School SGA President Jenna Baxter with co-valedictorians Crystal Yan and Felicia Yan.

Graduate Nicole Miranda with her mother Jaene and brother Michael.

Salutatorian Debra Marcus speaks to the senior class.

Senior Class President Michael Bauman speaks.

Graduate Dannielle Menendez with Austin Rodriguez, Karli Torrieri and Tara DeLord.

Graduate Briana White with Andrea Wesley, father Winston White, Renee White and Alma White.

Graduate Krystine White (center) with Shelby Elmore and Karynne Carmel.

Graduate Abby Jo Winsor with mother Carol and sister Angela.

The graduates turn their tassels during the ceremony.

Stevenson Charles, Louis Guerline and Carmilla Cunninghan. PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

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PBCHS Grad

Words Of Advice

continued from page 1 scotch, jump rope, dodgeball, kickball and, of course, the boys chasing after the girls. Who can forget all of the boys obsessing over Nintendo and Pokémon? And for us girls it was having a new Lisa Frank folder or the new Backstreet Boys CD.” Principal Butch Mondy introduced this year’s valedictorian, Justin Martinez. “He has a GPA of 3.98 and an HPA of 4.92,” Mondy said. “He will be attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall, majoring in electrical engineering and computer science, and it is my honor to introduce him.” The crowd cheered as Martinez took the podium and began to address his fellow graduates by quoting the Dalai Lama: “He is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.” Martinez followed this quote by reminding graduates to enjoy life before it’s too late. “This statement should ring true to all of us who easily lose track of our lives while planning out our big futures,” he said. “GPAs, SAT scores and which class had the most points at homecoming, all these numbers will be meaningless after today because they cannot define our futures.” Martinez compared life to a pendulum. “As a pendulum swings back and forth, so do our lives and the decisions we make,” he said.

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GRADUATION 2012 “On one side are people working too hard, and on the other side are people hardly working, and it’s easy to get caught up on one side or the other. Finding the balance point can be a difficult challenge.” He urged his peers to find the right balance. “I know among us today there are people who have lost this balance, myself included,” he said. “Sometimes I get too caught up in my schoolwork or in band to catch life’s little pleasures, and I step back sometimes to realize how quickly life is passing by.” Newly appointed Superintendent E. Wayne Gent inspired students with words of wisdom. “Be patient: Life is not a drive-through at a restaurant,” he said. “True selfdiscovery and true self-definement takes time to acquire; there are really no shortcuts.” Gent also encouraged students to never give up. “Human beings have been trying to break the fourminute mile for centuries. The ancient Greeks had wild animals chase men, and while it may have made the men run a little faster, it did not make them break the fourminute mile barrier,” he said. “Other societies have had men drink tiger’s milk.” None of these attempts worked at breaking that barrier. “Finally, it was decided that breaking the four-minute mile barrier was impossible because human beings had the wrong bone structure, the wind resistance was too tough, and our lung capacity was inadequate,” Gent said. “But in 1954, Roger Bannister proved everyone wrong. Then one month later he was beaten, and the following year, 37 runners broke the fourminute mile.” Gent urged students to be persistent on their journey through life and to keep on serving.

Graduates walk out during the recessional.

Senior Class President Sally Pray gives the farewell speech.

Valedictorian Justin Martinez with fellow graduate Justin Rivera.

May 25 - May 31, 2012

Principal Butch Mondy addresses the graduates.

Teacher Lisa Hayes with Valedictorian Justin Martinez.

Teacher Maxine Cann with her former students Racquel and Roxanne Binns.

Cisu Gullo with her former student Ashley Raney.

Salutatorian Brittany Sgaliardich with Andrea Waterman.

Katie Rodriguez and Vanessa Nascimento.

Guidance counselor Barbara Barrett with Marcus Parris.

Teacher Bonnie Brooks with Student Body President Aldo Araujo.

Pedeline Metellus and Teranesha Taylor before graduation. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

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SCHOOL NEWS

BINKS FOREST AWARDS WHS Majorette Seniors Plan To Keep Twirling As their high school twirling offer her expertise as an instrucCHEERLEADING SQUADS careers wind down, three major- tor.

The 2011-12 Binks Forest Elementary School cheerleaders held its annual awards night April 30. During the ceremony, the girls showed off their cheer routines to friends and family members. Binks Forest has three squads of cheerleaders, totaling 70 girls, composed of two kindergarten through second-grade squads and one third through fifth-grade squad. Head coach Heather Brodnicki works with the girls once a week from September through April. The cheerleaders have performed at school and community events throughout the year, such as the school carnival and a Wellington High School basketball game. Brodnicki looks forward to another wonderful year for the 2012-13 cheer season.

Emerald Cove Teacher To Attend JTI Seminar Emerald Cove Middle School began offering law studies as an elective class this past year. In an effort to increase her knowledge and bring real simulations, teacher Ana Villanueva was recently selected to attend the Florida Supreme Court Teacher Justice Teaching Institute in Tallahassee. The five-day Justice Teaching Institute (JTI) provides innovative hands-on training to 20 to 25 secondary teachers in Florida. It incorporates mock oral arguments,

an overview of the State Courts System, history of the Supreme Court of Florida, visits to the trial and appellate courts, case studies and more. The institute includes sessions led by Supreme Court experts, journalists, authors and attorneys who give teachers an in-depth understanding of how the court chooses and decides cases, and what it is like to argue before the court. For more information, visit www.justiceteaching.org.

ettes from the Wellington High School Mighty Wolverine Sound marching band and WHS majorette competition team will continue their twirling ways at the collegiate level. Erin Kimmey and Shea Koons will attend Florida Atlantic University, where they will perform with the FAU Twirlers and Marching Owls. Samantha Mozdzierz will attend Florida State University, where she will perform with the FSU Majorettes and the Marching Chiefs. A fourth WHS senior twirler, Lindsay Flicker, will attend the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in New York City, where she would like to continue twirling or

Under the guidance and leadership of coach Adrienne Brady, these young women have been able to achieve great success in the sport of baton twirling. As members of the auxiliary for the WHS Mighty Wolverine Sound marching band, they have received numerous Superior ratings in the Florida Bandmasters Association adjudication assessments and local invitational competitions. As members of the WHS majorette competition team, they have all achieved many regional, state and national championship titles, an audition with America’s Got Talent in 2010 and, most recently, were Disney’s 2012 Twirlmania parade champions.

WHS majorette seniors Erin Kimmey, Shea Koons, Lindsay Flicker and Samantha Mozdzierz.

TKA Selects Its Prefect Council For 2012-13 The King’s Academy recently announced the selection of its 2012-13 Prefect Council. The council is made up of senior leaders who possess an uncompromising commitment to the school’s values and ideals. To be considered, students must submit a nomination form, go through an interview, and be selected by a team of administrators and teachers. The Prefect Council helps to oversee all areas of student life and lead the student body with emphasis on service not privilege. TKA congratulates Zoe Andarsio, John Carpenter, Sierra Cortes, Alex DaCruz, Daniel Delgado,

Nicholas Farmer, Hayley Field, Sarah Kincaid, Gwyneth Lowe, Sierra Lowe, Jake McCarty, Jacob Percy, Nick Sexton, Kevin Shan and Emily Weir. More information about the King’s Academy is available online at www.tka.net. (Front row, L-R) Sierra Cortes, Gwyneth Lowe, Emily Weir, Zoe Andarsio, Sarah Kincaid and Sierra Lowe; (back) Jacob Percy, Alex DaCruz, John Carpenter, Jake McCarty, Nicholas Farmer, Nick Sexton and Kevin Shan. Not pictured: Daniel Delgado and Hayley Field.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Seminole Ridge High School Teachers Seek Curriculum Funding Seminole Ridge High School English teachers who hope to implement a new and exciting curriculum have created a web page seeking funds from the local business community. The page is located at www.gofundme.com/ springboardsrhs, and the goal is raising $25,000 to purchase the College Board’s Springboard curriculum for next year’s freshmen and sophomores. “Education funding has been drastically cut over the past decade, while educational standards and test score requirements have risen,” teacher Carly Gates said. “High-stakes testing requirements for graduation and college entrance not only impact our schools, students and teachers; they also have a profound effect on whether schools have the resources to turn out a well-educated work force to meet the needs of Florida’s industries.” Springboard has been proven to have a significant impact on student achievement in reading, and on engaging students in the learning process. This research-based

long term skill and knowledge development program is designed for all students, to help every student succeed at a college-ready level. For additional information, or to make a donation, visit www.go fundme.com/springboardsrhs or contact carly.gates@palmbeach schools.org. • Hawks Solve to the Fourth Place — Seminole Ridge students Seham Ahmed, Keith Miner, Jaret Rimel, Samuel Smith and Mitch Vasquez participated May 12 in the Palm Beach Atlantic University mathematics and computer science competition. The SRHS team, math whizzes from the school’s SECME club and its math honor society, solved problems in algebra, trigonometry, statistics and pre-calculus. The first-place team received a trophy and $75 Best Buy gift cards. The second-place team received $50 gift cards, and the third-place team $25 cards. Seminole Ridge finished behind Suncoast and Atlantic high schools for a fourth-place finish, receiving $10 cards.

• SECME’s ‘Iron Dragon’ at Robotics Day — It was “Mayhem at the Museum” of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale May 12 as mentors and high school students from engineering programs teamed up for robotic demonstrations. Seminole Ridge students Jesse Mendheim and Bert Sivongsay showcased VEX Robotics, with the school’s “Iron Dragon v3” running a maze and manipulating Gateway game elements of barrels, balls and rings. Other teams from West Broward, American Heritage and Cypress Bay showcased FIRST Robotics (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), shooting hoops in the Rebound Rumble. VEX and FIRST programs inspire students to be science and technology leaders through exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, inspire innovation, and foster self-confidence, communication and leadership. • Hawk Battalion Goes Snorkeling — The Seminole Ridge

Army JROTC traveled to Key Largo recently to conduct adventure training at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where the ship Sea Garden took the 61 cadets and adults out to a coral reef for snorkeling and exploration. Hawks encountered a black-tip shark, sea turtles, sea horses, rock grouper, parrotfish, hogfish and Caribbean snapper. After snorkeling, the battalion swam off Cannon Beach, which features a Spanish shipwreck from the 17th century. Hawk cadets received a snorkeling arch and an adventure training ribbon for the day’s exercises. • Santacroce Receives Scholarship — Seminole Ridge senior Alexander Santacroce received the $500 “Best Student Athlete” Charles Mancuso scholarship on May 11. Santacroce, a winning player both athletically and academically, has been chosen repeatedly for the Palm Beach Post’s AllConference and All-Area football teams, and in weightlifting, as part of the state championship team, placed in the top 10 statewide.

Frontier Students Win At County Science Fair Frontier Elementary School Science & Mathematics Fair Coordinator Molly Harding, along with Principal Susan Groth and Assistant Principal Laurie Wilt, have announced that 10 students from Frontier earned high honors at the Palm Beach County Mathematics & Science Fair, held May 8-10 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Science Fair award winners include second-grader Emily Tankersley, with a second-place win for her experiment “Tomatoes,” and third-grader Elias Regaldo, with a third-place win for “How Far Can it Fly.” Both students are in Erin Weiler’s class. Allison Bunchuk, a third-grader in Tara Levine’s science class, earned second place for “Power of Fruit,” and fifth-grader William Habegger from Jennifer Horgan’s science class won honorable mention for “Keep it Cool.” Mathematics Fair award winners include Zack Habegger from Marienela Seren’s second-grade class, who earned honorable mention for “That’s One Cool Cup.” Norma Valiente’s third-grade science class had two winners. Jackson Harding earned first place for “Got Gas,” and McKinley Harding also earned first place for “Go

Green Rooftop.” Brandon Domaceti, a fourth-grader from Lisa Caprio’s science class, earned second place for “That’s a Drag.” Heather Rollins from Kimberly Goodman’s fourth-grade science class earned honorable mention for “Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder.” Emily Moree, a fifthgrader in Molly Harding’s science class, won second place for “Breathe Deep.” Four Frontier students also earned the highest overall awards at the Palm Beach County Mathematics & Science Fair. Palm Beach Science Educators Association Green Project award winners were McKinley Harding, who earned second place, Jackson Harding, who earned third place, and William Habegger, who earned honorable mention. Brandon Domaceti earned honorable mention for the Palm Beach Flight Safety International Aviation Award. (Top right) Some of the award winners gather for a photograph. (Bottom right) Overall winners Brandon Domaceti, McKinley Harding, Jackson Harding and William Habegger with their projects.

Seminole Ridge students Jesse Mendheim and Bert Sivongsay. “It’s an honor,” said Santacroce, who will attend the University of Central Florida. “I’ve worked hard in the weight room and in class.” Head football coach Matt Dick-

mann agreed. “Alex has played a big role in our success, our making the playoffs the last three years,” Dickmann said. “He has great hands, and he’s a weightroom rat.”

NEW HORIZONS MUSICIANS PERFORM IN SPRING CONCERT

New Horizons Elementary School students recently participated in a spring concert. Students in the second grade through fourth grade enjoyed the superb annual performance of the New Horizons drum line, Orff ensemble, handbell ensemble and glee club. Under the direction of music teacher Veronica Dillingham, these fourth-grade and fifth-grade students practice after school each week. Shown above is Dillingham with the music students.

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Kids Cancer Foundation Hosts Annual Prom

Ramon Fernandez (Erin’s father); Steven, Matthew, Mark and Cheryl Tenore; and Darlene Fernandez (Erin’s mother).

Matthew Tenore Earns Scholarship Wellington High School band drum major Matthew Tenore was awarded the Erin Fernandez Memorial Scholarship at the band’s annual awards banquet held May 12 at the Madison Green Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach. Each year the scholarship is given to an outstanding senior in the WHS band who plans to go onto college and major in music. The scholarship was established in

2004 in memory of Erin Fernandez, a WHS band member who was killed in a car crash in June 2003. To donate to the Fernandez Scholarship Fund, make checks payable to Wolverine Band Boosters Association, with “Fernandez Scholarship” in memo line. They can be sent to Wellington High School Band, c/o Mary Oser, 2101 Greenview Shores Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414.

WINGATES WELCOME FIRST GRANDCHILD

On May 11, hundreds of adolescent cancer patients had the opportunity to trade in their hospital gowns for prom dresses and tuxedos and attend the Kids Cancer Foundation’s third annual “Prom to Remember,” a gala red carpet evening designed in their honor. All of the festivities were provided free of charge including hair and makeup, wardrobe and limousine service, food, music and dancing. Thanks to a generous donation from the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale, the kids partied in style. The Kids Cancer Foundation, a local charity that provides hope and support to local children and families battling cancer, assisted in referring patients and coordinating wardrobe, hair and makeup for

all the Palms West Hospital patients who attended the event. On the day of prom, the girls from Palms West Hospital came to the Kids Cancer Center to be treated to a day of glamour in preparation for the evening festivities. Professional hairstylists generously volunteered their time to style the girls’ hair and/or wigs and LoriAnn Santarpia from Loriana Makeup volunteered her time to make up each girl for the special evening. All the patients and their dates road in a party bus and danced the night away at the prom. “The prom was amazing,” Kids Cancer Foundation President Michelle O’Boyle said. “It gets better every year. It is so great seeing how excited the kids are and seeing them all smiling

The prom-goers ready to enjoy the evening. and having a great time. They spent most of the evening on the dance floor.” For additional information about “A Prom to Remember,” visit

Wellington Teens Join Adopt-A-Spot Program A group of Wellington youths called the “Litter Busters” has adopted a spot in Wellington along Binks Forest Drive and Bent Creek Road. The group met Saturday, May 12 for their first of many cleanups that are planned for the next two years. Group leader Cody Lagana was looking for an opportunity to get other teens involved in the community as well as the environment. After being involved with other cleanups and beautification projects in the area, Lagana found an opportunity to start his own group with the Solid Waste Authority. The Adopt-A-Spot pro-

gram allowed him to get other students involved in community service. Lagana believes it is important to give back to the community and help the environment while spending time with friends. The group currently has 17 members and is growing. For more information about becoming a member of the Litter Busters and earning community service hours, contact Lagana at codylag2010 @aol.com. (Right) Matthew Lord, Zuhaib Javed, Ethan Shaw, Jacq Hundley, Ryan Stark, Cody Lagana and Stephen Fisher.

Cox Takes Third At Pathfinders

Larry and Pam Wingate of Wellington have announced that their daughter, Ashley Wingate-Cortese, and her husband, Tony Cortese, celebrated the birth of Reid Cortese on April 3 at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. The Cortese family currently resides in Tallahassee. Ashley grew up in Wellington and attended the King’s Academy.

www.apromtoremember.org or call (877) FTL-PROM (385-7766). To learn more about the Kids Cancer Foundation, visit www.kidscancer sf.org or call (561) 371-1298.

Seminole Ridge High School senior Thomas Cox won third place for the Technical/Vocational/Agricultural category in the 2012 Palm Beach Post Pathfinder Awards. The Pathfinder Awards offer superlative seniors in Palm Beach and Martin counties the opportunity to be recognized — publicly and financially — for their academic and service achievements. Cox competed against 28 other high school seniors. He has won additional academic scholarships, including the Presidential Scholarship from the University of North Florida, Comcast Leaders of America,

League of Cities Scholarship, Andrea Pepper’s Administrator’s Scholarship, Chris Reyka Memorial Future Heroes Educational Grant and the Association of Chiefs of Police Scholarship. Cox has been accepted into the Honors Program at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, where he will pursue a bachelor’s degree in the field of criminal justice. He hopes to secure employment in the upper level division of law enforcement. Cox has been an active member of the Palm Beach County Explorer Program for the past three years. To date he has accumulated 899 community service hours. In August, Cox will trans-

Thomas Cox fer to the Nassau County Explorer Program, where he will continue his training.

La Mattina Graduates Marine Course Marine Corps Pfc. Joseph La Mattina, a 2011 graduate of Palm Beach Central High School, recently graduated from the Marine Corps Basic Combat Engineer Course at Marine Corps Engineer School at the Marine Corps Base in Camp Lejeune, N.C. During the five-week course, La Mattina received instruction in the fundamentals of engineering support for combat units, including the procedures for building and repairing bridges, roads and field fortifications. La Mattina also received training on demolition concepts, land mine warfare and camouflage techniques.

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NEWS

May 25 - May 31, 2012

Page 19

MIKE SOPER MUSIC STUDIO HOSTS GRAND OPENING FOR WELLINGTON FACILITY

Responsible for up-and-coming talent in the community, music producer and manager Mike Soper celebrated the grand opening of his new Wellington music studio Saturday, May 19. His artists, family and supporters were on hand, and the WEI Network presented a live broadcast. The studio is located at 11496 Pierson Road. For more info., call (772) 834-3345.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Mike Soper with artists he manages: Nichole Blake, Jade Master, Taylor Renee and Lexi Luca.

Artist Taylor Renee with her parents Krista and Rich McNevin.

Artist Jade Master with her parents Devi and Jacob Master.

Vocalist Tina Hutchings and Kat Mahoney show their support.

Peter Wein of WEI Network does a live interview with former Ms. Miami Nicole Vega.

Former Ms. Miami Nicole Vega, Madonna tribute impersonator Chris America, and artist Nichole Blake with her mother Joyce.

GARAGE SALE HELD TO BENEFIT FLAG FOOTBALL AND BASEBALL IN THE ACREAGE

USA Flag Football and Acreage Baseball held its kick off community garage sale Sunday, May 20 at Acreage Community Park. Players, family members and community residents sold household items from books to clothes. For more info., contact Molly Harding at (954) 593-0913 or mollynkids@aol.com. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Austin Bowe, event organizer Molly Harding and Hunter Smith.

USA Flag Football team members at the garage sale.

Acreage resident Staci DiRaimondo sells household items.

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NEWS

LGWCD Agrees To Move Forward With Culvert Crossing Project By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District approved a request for proposals last week for culvert construction on North D Road at 34th Place North, which would connect four property owners to North D Road, replacing an old culvert. The request asks for proposals both with and without guardrails; property owners responsible for paying for the project said they might cost too much. At the May 14 meeting, Jim Noth with Erdman Anthony of Florida said the project will replace the existing 36-inch diameter pipe with a 72-inch pipe to comply with district requirements. The plan also calls for replacing another, smaller culvert coming in from a side ditch to the west. The new culvert will resemble one recently finished at 148th Terrace North, which includes guardrails. Supervisor Frank Schiola asked if guardrails are required, and Dis-

trict Administrator Clete Saunier said they’re highly recommended because of how close the canal is. “If we’re going to be upgrading culverts from what we’ve been doing for decades, if it’s not a policy, how are we going to enforce it?” Schiola asked. “It seems like it’s adding undue cost on homeowners who have to foot the bill.” Chairman Dave DeMarois added that the board also has to consider safety. D Road resident Todd McLendon said he’s one of those affected and does not want to spend the money for guardrails. McLendon pointed out that the LGWCD had just finished a paving project without guardrails because the district said it couldn’t afford them. McLendon said he is only one of four homeowners, but urged that the property owners all express how they feel about guardrails. Supervisor Don Widing asked that the RFP be written with the guardrail cost listed separately. “Can’t we reconstruct the RFP so

that the guardrail would be an option?” he asked. “Then we can talk to the landowners paying for this and find out if they need it.” Saunier said he was concerned that the design engineer might be reluctant to draw up an RFP with the guardrail optional due to possible liability. Widing said he was not comfortable going forward with the RFP until they know whether the guardrail is required. Schiola said that if the district is paying, the guardrail should be included, but if residents are paying, it should be optional. However, he said he did not want to hold things up. “This does need to get done,” Schiola said, noting that the project “has been going on a couple of years, which I think is ridiculous.” Supervisors also discussed possible liability to the district if culvert crossings are approved without guardrails, and if guardrails are optional now, whether they should be required.

Saunier said he’d change the bid documents and present recommendations at the next meeting in June. Beforehand, they would also hear a presentation from their attorney, who would research the guardrail requirement. Loxahatchee Groves Town Councilman Ron Jarriel said he felt guardrails serve a good purpose, but if residents are paying for it, that should be taken into account. “Times are harder now,” he said. “We don’t need to place more burden on residents.” Schiola made a motion to get bids both ways. The motion carried 4-1 with Widing opposed. In other business: • LGWCD attorney Mary Viator reported on the status of a recent property owner’s complaint sent to Gov. Rick Scott from a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office email address that included allegations of mismanagement and corruption on the board regarding speed humps installed in a recent paving project.

Viator said the State Attorney’s Office wrote that there was nothing of a criminal nature in the allegations and did not intend to pursue it. She also received a call from the Commission on Ethics in response to inquiries from supervisors about the charges. Viator said the commission’s representative couldn’t determine what conduct was at issue other than a statute on misuse of public position. “He indicated even if a formal complaint was brought, there was no element specified to establish [corruption] as defined in the statute,” Viator said, adding that he further indicated that his office intended to close the file on the case. • The board also ratified approval of a resurfacing project for F Road that filled potholes that have developed since the county paved it a few years ago. The board had a special meeting April 27 to approve the F Road OGEM resurfacing proposal from North Florida Emulsions. The F Road OGEM resurfacing work was

conducted May 5, repairing all potholes and crumbling pavement edges. A new coating of fog seal was sprayed over the entire road surface. All speed hump repainting was to be completed by May 11. The project cost $19,925. • Saunier also gave a detailed report on speed humps installed during recent OGEM paving projects, finding that all but one met the design criteria tolerance of three-quarter inch above or below the 3-inch requirement. Saunier said the hump that was too high was by a quarter-inch and not deemed to be a problem because the consultant anticipates it to flatten over time. The report followed several complaints from residents that the humps were too high and inconsistent. The survey was done on the recently completed projects on North A, North C and North D roads; North Road; South C Road, where one hump was found to be an inch above the standard; and Collecting Canal Road.

State Rep. Mark Pafford Hosts Campaign Event At MarBar Grille Seventy-five supporters of State Rep. Mark Pafford (D-District 88) came out to a reception on Tuesday, May 15 at the MarBar Grille at the Madison Green Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach to help in Pafford’s re-election effort. Pafford is facing Republican challenger Tami Donnally in the new District 86, encompassing parts of Haverhill, Loxahatchee Groves, Royal Palm Beach, West Palm Beach and all of Wellington.

The Host Committee included Royal Palm Beach Mayor Matty Mattioli, Vice Mayor Fred Pinto and councilmen Jeff Hmara and Richard Valuntas; attorney Craig Bachove; Indian Trail Improvement District President Michelle Damone; Michael Dolce; Rhonda Ferrin-Davis; Tony Fransetta; Brian and Mary Anne Hanley; Donna Horsford; Alan and Arlene Olinsky; Cindy Schoolmaster; and Mark Alan Siegel.

Royal Palm Beach Councilman Richard Valuntas and his children Christina, C.J. and Riley with State Rep. Mark Pafford.

B&G Club

Breaking Ground

continued from page 3 in a position to help their dream come true.” The crowd also got a surprise Tuesday when O’Connor announced that equestrian activist Victoria McCullough had pledged an additional $200,000 to the facility. Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis recalled a coach he had when he was in the Police Athletic League in his youth. “As a young kid growing up, I was a pretty shy young man who really needed someone to just give me confidence,” he said. “I remember what he said to me: ‘You can

Park

Will Not Be Done On Time

continued from page 1 not to hold the event at Commons Park needs to be made now and not wait another two weeks or a month to do that.” Councilman Richard Valuntas said the railings are a major safety issue. “To not have it in a halfdone park makes sense to me,” he said. “I would much rather have had it at the new park, but next Fourth of July it will be done, so we can do it then.” Councilwoman Martha Webster agreed. “Next year we’re going to have a gorgeous park, and it’ll be

Bus Depot

Neighbors Not Happy

continued from page 7 Association in May 2011 along with an engineering study that said the increase in the number of buses significantly increased wear on the road. Gary Hedrick, secretary of the Royal Palm Business Park association, said that the road was not built to accommodate the bus traffic.

never lose if you never stop trying.’ I think this is a testament to the Boys & Girls Club. They never stopped trying to make this facility a reality.” O’Connor said that the club will be particularly important in reaching out to teenagers. “This is the first time that we can really concentrate on teenagers,” she said. “We can help them succeed. We can keep them in school, and we can help them graduate.” The new facility will have a science lab, computer lab and learning center in addition to recreational facilities. The club now serves about 450 Wellington kids. “Forty-four percent of those kids live in a home that has an annual income of less than $38,000

State Rep. Mark Pafford talks to Mayor Matty Mattioli and Royal Palm Beach resident Andrew Soccor.

Cara Young and her father Jody Young of Wellington.

Brigitte and Joe Boyle, Craig Bachove, Alan and Arlene Olinsky, and State Rep. Mark Pafford.

Mary Anne Hanley of Royal Palm Beach with her son Chris.

in a community where the average income is about $94,000,” O’Connor said. “These families need our help. For some of them, their only choice might be to let

their children go home alone after school.” But the new facility will help make sure more children have guidance as they grow up.

Wellington Boys & Girls Club board members. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

just wonderful,” she said. However, Vice Mayor Fred Pinto did not want the village to wait for July 2013 before planning a major event at the new park. Liggins said there is a proposal in the upcoming budget for a grand opening celebration at the park in the fall. Mayor Matty Mattioli concurred with other council members but added that it meant he would lose a breakfast bet. “I told everybody that it would be done,” he said. The new park is located on the east side of Royal Palm Beach Blvd., halfway between Southern and Okeechobee boulevards. Lakeside Challenger Park, site of this year’s Fourth of July celebration, is located at the southern tip of Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

Stranger

“Our problem is that we have a privately built road that was constructed during the mid-1980s when a lot of things were approved that should not have been,” Hedrick said, explaining that not enough asphalt was laid on the base. “As a result, the road has fallen apart. It’s not capable of handling this type of traffic.” Hedrick said he’d been speaking to Village Manager Ray Liggins for the past eight years about the road’s condition and was trying to get the village to rebuild it. “He has indicated the village

Schools Warn Parents

“It will be a beautiful thing,” she said. “Don’t ask me what the Boys & Girls Club means to these children. Ask an alumnus. Ask the doctors, lawyers and other stand-

up, responsible citizens in this community who went through this club. They will tell you, ‘I don’t know where I would be today if not for the Boys & Girls Club.’”

Mayor Bob Margolis, Councilman Matt Willhite, donor Neil Hirsch and Councilman John Greene.

continued from page 1 dents. Osceola Creek Principal Dan Frank compiled a list of safety tips for all principals to provide parents and students. The school district advises parents to take a few moments to review the list of tips with their children. Parents were told to know their child’s commuting patterns to and from school, and to tell their youngsters to travel in numbers or with a partner, never talk to a stranger, be aware of their sur-

roundings and, if they have a cellphone, to call 9-1-1 if they are being followed. School district spokeswoman Natalia Arenas said the district has been alerting all principals in the county about the incident. “The person could travel from one area to another,” she said. “We sent e-mails to all the principals in the county encouraging them to go over stranger safety, and the school police is also coming up with ways to keep children safer.” The school police and the PBSO are still conducting investigations into the incidents. “The deputy who took the report was given very limited information from the kids to work

with,” PBSO spokesman Eric Davis said. The children were able to give a description of the vehicle but could not provide the tag numbers. Davis said that the PBSO is doing all it can to keep children safe. “We have got our patrols out,” he said. “But the school district is doing more with giving safety tips like telling them to not walk alone.” Acreage resident and parent Karen Keogh has used the incident as an opportunity to reinforce safety issues with her children. “This incident is a great way to visit the stranger danger subject, regardless of how old your student is. Communication is so vital

in these incidents,” she said. “I definitely revisited this topic and went over not to talk to strangers.” Indian Trail Improvement District Supervisor Carlos Enriquez constantly reviews safety tips with his daughters, ages 12 and 13. “I tell my two daughters to walk together or in a group, to be aware of their surroundings and any strange or out-of-the-ordinary situation,” he said. “I also told them to change their routine every couple of days, and I also got them whistles to attach to their school ID lanyards.” The PBSO is encouraging people to report any suspicious activity.

would accept it if we brought it up to the current specs,” Hedrick said. Hedrick said the association has accumulated about $250,000 toward the road work, but Liggins estimated it would cost at least $1 million. Hedrick said that there is now so much traffic that they would be unable to close the road to pave it without first installing temporary lanes. He described the school district as a poor neighbor, unwilling to help out with the road situation. Hedrick pointed out that the nursing home in the business park

gives the association more money than the school district does “because they’re a good neighbor, and they know we need it,” he said. Liggins said he did not know if the road was really built in an inferior manner as Hedrick claims, but that it is more than 23 years old and gets lots of use. Julian Almeida, co-owner of Palms West Funeral Home, urged the council not to approve the modification, saying that the road cannot handle it and the buses choke up traffic. “It’s also a nui-

sance to other businesses,” said Almeida, whose business is at the intersection of Business Parkway and SR 7. “They line up and do not let anything else in or out.” Liggins said he does have a letter of traffic concurrency from the county, and the road does meet standards to support the amendment. He said that the condition of the road is the association’s responsibility, not the village’s or the school board’s. Liggins added that each property owner in the association has the right to use the road and that

the school district attorney had determined that it has the right to use the road in the manner they intend to. “If they are wrong, then that would be an action between them and the property owners out there and not with the village,” Liggins said. Councilman Richard Valuntas made a motion to approve the amendment, which carried 5-0, with Webster asking school board officials to meet with village staff to work on some type of agreement on the existing fines.

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Selling A Horse Can Bring Plenty Of Complications

Selling a horse can be hard in many ways. It’s emotional; there are legal considerations when someone rides a horse on your proper ty. And how do you price your horse realistically? This week we talk with horse owners and experts about their experiences. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25

May 25 - May 31, 2012 Page 23

WHS Starting Spring Football With New Head Coach

With new head coach Thomas Abel at the helm, the Wellington High School varsity football team is preparing for the upcoming spring football jamboree. Having worked as an assistant coach for the Wolverines for the past five years, Abel now takes on the head coach role, replacing former head coach Chris Romano. Page 37

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business Taj Mahal Security Self Storage Puts Focus On Being Secure & Dependable

Strength and durability is what keeps any infrastructure secure. Taj Mahal Security Self Storage in Wellington was built in 2006 with these principles in mind. With concrete walls, floors, ceilings and roof, its quality is what sets it apart from many other storage facilities in the area, according to Property Manager Richard Hengehold. The storage units are rented out on a month-to-month basis, with specials offered for new tenants coming in. Page 27

Sports Challenger League Gives Players Of All Abilities An Equal Shot

Named for the challenges faced by its players, the Challenger League offers a chance for players with physical and mental disabilities to play softball in an organized environment. Every Friday night during its season, a crowd cheers as every player runs the bases and turns in a home run. Page 37

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES ........................25-26 BUSINESS NEWS.................................. 27-29 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ...................... 31 SPORTS & RECREATION........................ 37-39 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ...................... 40-41 CLASSIFIEDS ........................................42-46

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FEATURES

Selling Your Horse Can Bring Up Plenty Of Complications Selling a horse can be hard in many ways. It’s emotional: You worry that the new owner won’t be a good match in terms of riding ability or may not take good care of your horse. There are legal considerations when someone rides a horse on your property. And how do you price your horse realistically? Professionals may have a lot of experience, but it’s a different situation for the backyard horse owner or somebody who keeps one just as a pet, as Lisa Loewenberg of Caloosa knows. “I have sold a few horses in the past,” Loewenberg said. “It’s never easy. I currently have a horse for sale, because he’s not suitable to my needs. We both need to move on.” The two main reasons someone sells a pet horse are unsuitability and financial problems. Today’s market is very difficult. Feed costs are up, and many people are financially strapped, but there are good homes out there. How do you find just the right person for your horse? Loewenberg is taking a common route. She’s listed her horse on a few equine web sites and put up signs at tack shops. She’s mentioned him to trainers she knows, using that old tried-and-true route known as word of mouth. When a prospective buyer comes to her property to try the horse, she evaluates 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 the person before letting him or her take a ride. “I ask a lot of questions,” Loewenberg said. “Do they plan to keep the horse on their own property? Do they have proper, safe facilities — shelter, safe fencing, adequate pasture? Do they have other horses? Have they owned horses in the past? If they plan to board, what stable do they use? Do they have a trainer? Do they plan to show?” She talks to them and tries to get a feeling for who they are and if they know what they’re doing. “I want this to be a successful match, for both the horse and the new owner,” Loewenberg said. “I’m always very honest about any horse I’m selling and make sure they know any faults or problems the horse may have, his ability and level of training. I don’t want any misunderstandings.” One problem Loewenberg has recently run into is what she terms tire-kickers: people who come out to try a horse with no real interest in buying. One woman in particular seems to be making a habit of this. We’ll call her Mary, but that’s not her name.

The bulletin board at the Red Barn is one good spot to place a horse sale ad. “Mary calls. She sounds good, knows just the right questions to ask, says all the right things,” Loewenberg explained. “So you get your horse ready, spend hours grooming, clipping, bathing, brushing, and then she comes out and rides. Then she comes back and rides

again, and then again, saying she wants to try him and make sure. Sometimes she even brings along her two kids, and they ride, too.” Eventually it all becomes clear. “They stay and stay and stay, and gradualSee ROSENBERG, page 26

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FEATURES

This Week’s Story: The Antiques Store Robbery Caper I wrote this column last Tuesday because I wanted it to be fresh in my mind when I related it to you, no facts overlooked. Let me begin by reminding you that I own an antiques store in North Florida, which is managed by two of the locals whenever I am out of town (which is often). At about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, my clerk called, near hysterics. “We were robbed!” she said, her voice shaking. “Are you OK? Good. Did you call the police? No? Well, call them and then get back to me,” I said. About 3 p.m., post-police report, she called back. She seemed calmer. “Tell me what happened,” I said. “I was in the back, helping a lady look at a table. When she decided to take it, we went up front to the register, and I rang up her sale. Get your Sonic Boomer humor every day! Follow Deborah Welky on Twitter at twitter.com/TheSonicBoomer. On Facebook, stop by “The Sonic Boomer” page and click the “Like” button.

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER When the drawer opened, the money was gone!” “Did you have the cash register key with you?” “Yes, I did,” she answered. “And the drawer didn’t look like it had been forced open. But they took the daily report, too!” The daily report is where we write down how many twenties, tens, fives and singles are in the drawer, together with the change, at the start of each day. It is supposed to total $100. Then, at the end of the day, we recount everything and make sure it jibes with the register tape. “Are you sure it didn’t just fall on the floor?

No? Well, I’m sorry to hear that the crooks now know they can get $100 off us first thing in the morning. What did the police say?” “Well, they asked how much was in there, and I wasn’t sure, so they wrote down $50 to $150.” “But you know there was at least $100 in there.” “Oh, yeah. I guess.” “Remember that big sale you were telling me about this morning? Please tell me it was paid by credit card.” “It was paid by credit card. A lot of today’s sales were.” “That’s good. Try to calm down. Do you want to call in our sub?” “No, I’ll be OK.” We hung up. I felt sorry for my clerk. That morning, our security pad had jammed as she’d punched in her code, subjecting her (and all of downtown) to a raucous alarm for upward of 20 minutes until the alarm company shut it down remotely. They sent out a technician and all was resolved, but an experience like that does jangle the nerves.

Evidently for hours. At 4 p.m., my clerk called back. “Debbie?” she whispered. Hearing her hushed voice made me a wreck. “What?” “I’m afraid you’re going to think I’m losing my mind, but I found the money.” “Where was it?” It was a rhetorical question, really. “I guess I forgot to put it in the drawer this morning.” “And all your sales had been charges until the last one.” “Exactly.” “Listen to me very carefully,” I said. “I want you to call our sub and have him work alongside you until 5 o’clock. You’ve been through enough.” “OK.” So there you have it — enough excitement for a heart attack but with a happy ending — unless, of course, you’ve already had the heart attack. Looks like I dodged another one.

Sacha Baron Cohen’s ‘The Dictator’ Is Offensive Yet Funny Sacha Baron Cohen’s new film The Dictator is grossly offensive, but unlike many offensive films, it was written to offend. It is wildly funny at times, actually, most of the time, but it will surely offend everyone at one time or another. There are moments that would make Rush Limbaugh gag and others that Bill Maher would hate. On the other hand, there were some sections that both would probably enjoy. Cohen is not a subtle filmmaker. Chaplin’s film The Great Dictator, on pretty much the same subject, was eerily powerful because the Hitler figure was seen as somehow an occasional lovely monster. Always a monster, but there were depths. Cohen’s General Admiral Aladeen is mainly a beast, albeit a funny one. Cohen gets to skewer a couple of the world’s dictators (the film is dedicated in loving memory of Kim Jong-Il) while poking great fun at a lot of people and ideas that are usually out of bounds for comedy thanks to political correctness. The plot is ridiculous, but that only increases the laughs. Aladeen (Cohen), the dictator of the mythical country of Wadiya, is called to the United Nations because of concern about his development of nuclear weapons. He responds by

Rosenberg

Selling Your Horse, Part 1

continued from page 25 ly you realize what’s going on,” Loewenberg said. “They can’t afford to own a horse or pay for riding, so this is a way to get free riding time. I found out about Mary through a friend of a friend. She was doing this with other people as well. These people don’t see anything wrong with this. Trying a horse isn’t like test driving a car.” Experts can offer good advice on selling horses.

assuring everyone that the materials are for peaceful purposes only and not for bombing Isra… He cannot finish the rest of the word because he is laughing so hard. Back in his native land, he sleeps with Hollywood celebrities by paying them well (a very charming Megan Fox does a cute cameo as herself) and orders executions of people for almost any ridiculous reason. Called back to the U.N. again, his uncle Tamir (a wasted Ben Kingsley) arranges for him to be kidnapped and replaced by a simpleton goatherd lookalike. Tamir plans to create a “democracy” so he, as leader, can sell off oil rights to major oil companies and China, for a 30 percent rake-off. The simpleton manages to walk past the podium, trip over a railing and fall, then get up and drink from a water pitcher

before urinating in it and then drinking some of the urine before wandering over to the Israeli delegation and offering it up to the people there while pouring some of it on them. The “experts” brought in by the television network somehow find symbolism in every step of the way — a wonderfully savage bit of satire on media, experts and the combination. Aladeen is shaved by his captor (a very funny scene where he critiques the torture tools of the man for not being the latest models) but escapes. Without his beard, he is not recognized and winds up coming to the attention of Zoey (Anna Faris), a very adorable ditz, leader of a “lesbian, vegan, refugee cooperative” in Brooklyn. This allows Cohen to really have fun poking at a large variety of normally off-limit topics. A scene where Aladeen and Zoey help deliver a baby is hysterical. I have seldom heard an entire theater audience almost screaming with laughter. It is gross, to say the least, and one of the funniest bits ever. It manages to include leaving a cellphone inside the mother as well as Aladeen’s line: “It’s a girl! Where’s the trash bin?” He also has a fabulous scene on a helicopter where a discussion of his car (a Por-

sche 911) leads to a misunderstanding… since the nice American couple do not understand his language but do understand words like 911, bin Laden, and, of course, his mentioning that he just got his new car, the 2012 911. Eventually, things do sort of work out as Aladeen gets back to his delegation. After skewering the left for most of the film, he gives a speech about American democracy that would thrill the daylights out of MSNBC and goes along with having a democracy… one where his tanks ensure that he gets 98 percent of the vote and uses the media to pretend he is still not a dictator. One of the funniest things: Aladeen constantly protests that he is not an Arab (and Islam is never mentioned), but there are some critics who are complaining that the film is anti-Arab while others complain that he did not hire Arab actors for the movie. Too bad that happened after the filming. I will warn you again. This movie will offend you somewhere. It takes potshots at too many things and wants to offend you. But you will laugh a lot. Of course, it is predictable, but, again, if you want funny, you will enjoy the film.

“I don’t sell horses, in general, but I run a boarding barn,” said Ingrid Taskin of Red Fences Farm. “You must look at people critically and not take what they tell you at face value. You must be suspicious and ask a lot of questions, get a feel for them. Anyone riding or training on my property must sign a release. You do a kind of job interview in reverse and try to determine if they’re honest and trustworthy.” Taskin collects lots of information. “I always engage them in a conversation, especially first-time horse owners,” she said. “I listen to hear what they’re actually saying. If they don’t have good answers, they don’t pass that point. It’s not worth taking a risk.”

And selling a horse can be risky, believe it or not. Equine attorney Anthony Barbuto of Wellington knows all about this. “In my experience, the most common problems arise when the buyer accuses the seller of misrepresenting a horse,” Barbuto said. “There may be soundness or ability issues, undisclosed medical problems. A seller should take all steps to make sure he’s protected, because these cases can be expensive to litigate.” Barbuto advises sellers to always have a written contract which clearly states certain items, such as the seller making no warranties, expressed or implied, about the horse’s merchantability beyond the description set

forth in the contract, and that the buyer has had the opportunity to review the horse’s health and condition, and have a vet of his or her own choosing do a pre-purchase exam and perform any tests or X-rays. “A contract protects both parties, buyer and seller, from misunderstandings,” Barbuto said. “And I would also definitely have everyone sign waivers before riding a horse. This can protect the seller in case the buyer becomes injured.” Over the years, I’ve bought and sold my share of horses. In my next column, I’ll relate some good and some horrendous stories of horses I’ve sold, one so sad that it took me years to move past.

‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler

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BUSINESS NEWS

Taj Mahal Security Self Storage Property Manager Richard Hengehold in front of one of the storage units. PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Taj Mahal Security Self Storage Focuses On Being Secure And Dependable By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Strength and durability is what keeps any infrastructure secure. Taj Mahal Security Self Storage in Wellington was built in 2006 with these principles in mind. With concrete walls, floors, ceilings and roof, its quality is what sets it apart from many other storage facilities in the area, according to Property Manager Richard Hengehold. “All the glass is hurricane impact glass,” he said. “And we have a security system that has a code to get in and out.” Hengehold works for Capital Realty Advisors, which manages the entire three-story facility for owners Montecito New York LLC. The facility includes several 1,900-square-foot office units on the first floor for individual businesses, half of which are already occupied, and a self-storage area on the second and third floors. The self-storage facility has 144 storage units that are air-conditioned and humidity controlled. “The smallest unit we have is a 5-by-7square-foot unit, and the biggest is a 11-by20,” Hengehold said. “That’s about the size of a one-car garage for a bigger unit, but our smaller units seem to go faster.” The storage units are rented out on a monthto-month basis. “We do offer specials for new tenants coming in,” Hengehold said. “We offer pay for a month or pay for a month and a half and get an equal amount free.” Tenants can store their items as long as needed. “Our tenants we see here are typically long-term — people and businesses that want to store their files, records and furniture,” Hengehold said. Many individuals who need more space to store things from their garage use the storage unit as extra space. “We get a lot of Christ-

mas, Thanksgiving, Easter and other holiday decorations — all the stuff in their garage that they don’t want there, like if they want to get the wife’s car in or patio furniture when a hurricane is coming,” Hengehold said. Since the facility is in the heart of Wellington, it’s a convenient location for many of the residents in the area. “About 90 percent of our tenants are Wellington residents,” Hengehold said. “It’s easy for them to quickly stop by and access their items, which they can do at any time of the day.” The tenants are responsible for their own units, from keeping them clean to installing their own locks. “We don’t have access to their items,” Hengehold said. “We just make sure the facility is well maintained.” It’s Hengehold’s job to cater to his tenants and make sure all their needs are met. “We focus on giving personal attention to our tenants,” he said. “We’re personal friends with a lot of our tenants. They stop by to say hi and see how we are doing. We get to know them on a personal level and become friendly with them.” For clients looking for outside storage, the facility also offers a gated and code entry outside storage area in the back. “It’s set up for boats, RVs, trailers, motor coaches, cars, bikes and anything that’s on wheels,” Hengehold said. The security at the facility is state of the art. “We are lit up like a Christmas tree at night,” Hengehold said. “We have nine video camera recorders. Seven of them are outside, and two of them are inside, and they record 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” Taj Mahal Security Self Storage is located at 3220 Fairlane Farms Road in Wellington. For more information, visit www.capitalrealty advisors.com or call (561) 753-2980.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Health Care District Board Elects New Chair And Officers At its annual meeting on May 9, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s Board of Commissioners elected its board chair and officers. In a unanimous vote, the board re-elected Benjamin Frank as chair of the volunteer Health Care District board. This election marks the beginning of the first full term as chair for Frank, a resident of Singer Island. He succeeded former Board Chair Jonathan Satter in October 2011 after Satter concluded his service on the board. “I am honored to serve as chairman of the Health Care District board,” Frank said. “The district provides our community with a safety net of healthcare services that thousands of residents rely on for themselves and their families. Those services include a nationally recognized trauma system, more than 200 nurses in our public schools, and health coverage programs for eligible uninsured residents. I’m also proud that the district operates the Edward J. Healey Rehabilitation & Nursing Center as well as an acute-care hospital in the Glades.” The district board also re-elected Carol Roberts as vice chair. Roberts was appointed to the district board by the Palm Beach

County Board of County Commissioners in October 2008. Dr. Alina Alonso, director of the Palm Beach County Health Department, was re-elected to serve as district board secretary. Alonso also serves on the Glades Rural Area Support Board, which governs Lakeside Medical Center, the district’s hospital in Belle Glade. Frank was appointed to the Health Care District’s board in February 2009 by former Gov. Charlie Crist. After earning his law degree from New York University’s School of Law, Frank joined New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller’s administration, played a key role in the development of the World Trade Center project and the Harlem State Office Project in New York City, and served as deputy commissioner for New York State’s Office of General Services. His government experience also includes serving as an advisor to President Ronald Reagan on international trade negotiations. Frank was senior vice president for Allied Stores Corporation, executive vice president/general counsel for the Hament Corporation, and founder and chairman of Ben & Jerry’s Canada. Frank served as vice president and board member of the North Shore University Health Sys-

Benjamin Frank

Dr. Alina Alonso

Carol Roberts

tem, a large hospital system in Long Island, N.Y. “Mr. Frank is truly dedicated to the district’s mission of ensuring access to a comprehensive health care system,” said Dr. Ronald J. Wiewora, chief executive officer and chief medical officer of the Health Care District. “Mr. Frank’s demonstrated leadership in the business, financial and government sectors will continue to serve him and the district well in his role as chair of the Health Care District board.” Also serving as volunteers on the

seven-member Health Care District Board of Commissioners are State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo (D-District 85), Brian R. Lohmann, Nancy C. Ban-

ner and Philip H. Ward III. For more information, visit the Health Care District’s web site at www.hcdpbc.org.

Central PBC Chamber Lunch Set For June 18 In Wellington The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon Monday, June 18 at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., and the luncheon begins at noon. For more information, call Mary Lou Bedford at (561) 790-6200 or e-mail marylou@cpbchamber.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS

LAMBORGHINI PALM BEACH TAKES PART IN POLO & BALLOON FESTIVAL Lamborghini Palm Beach participated as the presenting sponsor of the Lamborghini Palm Beach Polo Classic on Saturday, May 12 at Polo West in Wellington, raising more than $12,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project and Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund. The Lamborghini Polo Classic team played in the featured match at the Polo & Balloon Festival on May 11-13. More than 100 Lamborghini Palm Beach VIPs attended the festivities, enjoying refreshments and hors d’oeuvres while watching the outdoor polo activities. An event for the entire family, the weekend included hot air balloons, polo, music, food, vendors and more. Each morning the hot air balloons took off from the polo field in a mass ascension. Lamborghini Palm Beach is located at 2345 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 370-7953 or visit www.lamborghinipalmbeach.com. (Left) Fred Burton, Hallie Pasternack and Lamborghini Palm Beach owner Erik Day. (Right) Lamborghini Palm Beach Polo team members with a Lamborghini.

Wellington Chamber Small Business Roundtable June 12 The Wellington Chamber of many aspects of business, includ- and Location,” and the featured Shapiro/Pertnoy Companies, who ing Evans Brock & Kennedy will Commerce will present the third ing accounting, business plan- speakers include the following: will both discuss and explain the serve as moderator. session of the Small Business ning, legal matters, government • Alec Domb of the Law Offices importance of business locations The Small Business Roundtable Roundtable series Tuesday, June assistance programs, traditional of Alexander L. Domb P.A., who and analyze buying and leasing is held the second Tuesday of 12 at Whole Foods Market in Well- marketing, digital (Internet) market- will discuss the legal steps in open- options; and each month. The cost is $10, and ington. ing, public relations, managing ing a business, the best corporate • Diane Brockway, managing di- coffee and refreshments are inThe series was created to help employees, etc. Different experts structure and general legal issues; rector of Lake Wellington Profes- cluded. All businesses are invited area businesses by providing the in these particular fields share their • Jonathan D. Rubins, director sional Centre, who will cover the to attend. latest tools and knowledge for knowledge in an informative and of property management of Schmi- pros and cons of physical, virtual For more information, visit www. them to attain their business and interactive atmosphere. er & Feurring Properties Inc., and and home offices. wellingtonchamber.com or call financial goals. The series covers The June session is titled “Law Kevin Shapiro, principal of the Blanca Greenstein of Morris La- (561) 792-6525. Send business 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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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

‘Fantasticks’ Opens July 13 At Palm Beach Dramaworks Palm Beach Dramaworks, West Palm Beach’s only resident professional theater, will present The Fantasticks as its summer offering. The show will open Friday, July 13 at 8 p.m. for a strictly limited engagement at new Don & Ann Brown Theatre (201 Clematis Street). Specially priced preview performances are slated for July 11-12, with regularly scheduled curtain times through Aug. 5. Known around the globe as the world’s longest-running musical, The Fantasticks, by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, tells the story of two neighboring fathers who trick their children into falling in love under the believed pretense that children cannot fall in love unless that love is forbidden. The fathers construct a wall between their houses as well as a fabricated family feud; they hire a troupe of actors to stage a fake kidnapping of daughter, Luisa, so Matt can come to her rescue and in turn settle the family dispute. Of course, all things do not go according to plan. Dramaworks Resident Director J. Barry

Lewis will direct and Craig Ames will serve as musical director. Theater-goers may remember Lewis and Ames from their earlier collaboration on Dramaworks’ acclaimed and awardwining production of Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. Jones and Schmidt first met at the University of Texas in 1950. Jones was a drama student majoring in play production, and Schmidt was studying art in the hopes of becoming a commercial artist. However, their first collaboration, a musical revue titled Hipsy-Boo!, was such a success that they continued with their musical theatre partnership which eventually brought the two to New York. Nine years later, their first successful musical, The Fantasticks, was created and performed as a one-act at Barnard College. In 1960, The Fantasticks opened at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village, where it played for 42 years. In 2002, The Fantasticks closed and in 2006 reopened at the newly constructed Snapple Theatre in Times Square, where it continues to run.

The performance schedule is as follows: evening performances will take place at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. Matinee performances will take place at 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Individual tickets cost $55 for all performances. Student tickets are available for $10. Group rates for 20 or more and discounted season subscriptions are also available. Palm Beach Dramaworks is a nonprofit, professional theater and is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the South Florida Theatre League, the Southeastern Theatre Conference, the Florida Professional Theatres Association, the Florida Theatre Conference and the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. Dramaworks’ new Don & Ann Brown Theater is located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. For additional information, call the box office at (561) 514-4042, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., or visit www.palmbeach dramaworks.org.

‘Columbinus’ On Stage At Bob Carter’s Actor’s Workshop In a return by popular demand, the Bhetty Waldron Theatre at the Actor’s Repertory Company is presenting Columbinus, a documentary drama that probes the psychological warfare of alienation, hostility, severe bullying and social pressure that goes on in high schools across America. It opened earlier this month and will continue May 31 through June 2. Columbinus was sparked by the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School in Jefferson County, Colo. Ultimately, Columbinus asks more than just “why?” but perhaps more important, “Why do people treat

each other the way we do?” Columbinus is a fascinating and heartbreaking examination of human behavior. Performances, featuring advanced students from the teen classes at Actor’s Rep, will run on the following dates: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 31 through June 2 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 3 at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 for students. They may be purchased from www.actorsrep.org or www.boxofficetickets.com. Bob Carter’s Actor’s Workshop & Repertory Company Inc., located

at 1009 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, is incorporated in the state of Florida to provide education and training in the theater arts for all ages, and to develop professional theatrical productions using primarily local talent. The corporation is a not-for-profit organization and all contributions are tax deductible. For more information, call Bob Carter’s Actor’s Workshop & Repertory Company at (561) 301-2588. (Right) Dylan Klebold is played by Chris Konce, and Eric Harris is played by Jonathan Raffoul.

WPB Antiques Festival Gearing Up For Summer Season Following up on last summer’s highly successful summer shows, once again the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival will continue with monthly events on the first weekend of each month all summer. Kay and Bill Puchstein, owners of the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival, noted that there is not a lot of antiquing going on during the summer in Florida. “We are going to make West Palm Beach a year-round destination for antiques and collectibles,” Bill said. Responding to increased dealer and customer interest and bucking the current trend in the industry, the Puchsteins have announced an agreement with the South Florida Fairgrounds to include the scheduling of summer shows for the mid2012 season in addition to the regular shows November through June. “Many dealers who set up with

us at last summer’s shows have told us that the summer shows were their best shows of the year,” Bill said. “The number of dealers each month drops to between 200 and 300, but the attendance stays the same as the shows when we have 400 to 600 dealers. Therefore, the dealers have less competition from other dealers and everyone sells better.” The format for the summer shows will be two-day affairs, taking place on Saturdays and Sundays, instead of the normal three-day events during the regular season. Summer show dates will be July 7-8, Aug. 45, Sept. 1-2 and Oct. 6-7 with a full day of setup for dealers on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition, the Puchsteins have lowered dealers’ booth rent by 15 percent of the normal show fee. The popular early buyers admission feature will be continued in the

summer starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday before the regular show opening time of 10 a.m. Also, the cost for early buyers is being lowered from $25 to $10. The $10 early-buyer ticket is good for the entire weekend. Summer show hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays. Daily admission is $7 for adults and $6 for seniors, with a $1 discount coupon for adult admission available at www.wpbaf.com. Anyone under 16 is admitted free. There is no charge for parking at the fairgrounds. The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival is held at the South Florida Fairgrounds located off Southern Blvd. just west of Florida’s Turnpike. For additional information about the festival, call (941) 697-7475, email info@wpbaf.com or visit its web site at www.wpbaf.com.

WPB Antiques Festival owners Bill and Kay Puchstein.

Send entertainment 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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Academy for Child Enrichment — Summer Camp Children will enjoy field trips and activities such as swimming, bowling, skating, science museum, movies and picnics. Tuition includes camera surveillance, creative curriculum, computers and all meals. Registration is now being accepted for Summer Camp. Registration is free for new customers only. Se habla Español. Visit the Academy for Child Enrichment at 700 Camellia Dr., Royal Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 798-3458 or visit www.smallworldpbc.com. Camp Cambridge — 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 inhouse field trips complement the concepts explored by all. Year-round, experienced staff continues to nurture. 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 3 and up, Mommy & Me classes, private/group lessons and team swim programs. Bilingual classes, kindergarten readiness and enrichment classes available as well. For more info., visit www.cambridgepreschools.com. Camp Gan Israel Day Camp — Camp Gan Israel has a program geared for your child! Understanding that all kids are unique and are drawn toward different activities, Camp Gan Israel offers something for everyone. There are professional sports instructors, baking experts, dance instruction, jewelry making, karate instruction, trips to exciting local venues, swimming, boating, scrapbooking, edible art and so much more. Camp Gan Israel runs from June 18 through July 20, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The camp will take place at Palm Beach Central High School and accepts children from 3 to 13 years. To register, visit www.wellingtonjewishcenter.org or call (561) 333-4663. Camp Giddy-Up — Ravenwood Riding Academy has been located in Wellington for 22 years. Licensed and insured, with all safety equipment provided, they are located on a beautiful, safe and clean farm with plenty of shade. Ravenwood is now accepting 12 students per session, ages 6-14. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Campers learn safety, horse care and grooming, with riding lessons daily, as well as scheduled visits with a blacksmith, horse vet and equine dentist. Sibling discounts or multi-session discounts are available. Camp Giddy-Up has a full staff and a hands-on director. Register today by calling (561) 793-4109 or visit www.ravenwoodridingacademy.com. Hurry, sessions fill up quickly! High Touch High Tech/The Lab — The Lab is happy to announce that it is expanding into a larger facility located near State Road 7 and Lantana Road. Science is presented by High Touch High Tech, the leader in hands-on science education for the last 17 years. Each day will be a new adventure from interacting with “lab critters” to launching rockets and panning for gems. The program offers affordable pricing, experiments with lots of cool science take-homes, art, 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 around them. Expect awesome fun as kids make slime, erupt volcanoes, make ice cream, tie dye t-shirts and more! Call (561) 444-3978 for info. Junior Golf Foundation of America Golf Camp — Join the Summer Junior Golf Camp at Okeeheelee Golf Course, Park Ridge Golf Course and John Prince Golf Learning Center. New or seasoned golfers will develop skills while having a blast doing so. The Junior Golf Foundation of America provides junior golfers with the tools to enjoy the game for a lifetime. Professional PGA/LPGA golf instructors,

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trained coaches and staff are carefully picked for their love of junior golf, teaching abilities and inspirational approach. The program emphasizes safety, fun, sportsmanship and personal attention. Camps run 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday with extended camp available until 3 p.m. at Okeeheelee. Written evaluation reports, prizes/trophies, official JGFA items, a certificate of completion and a pizza party on the last day is included. Also available: camps for 3-5 year olds, camps for advance/tournament golfers, Junior Golf tournaments, weekly programs and leagues, walk-up clinics, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Club and Summer Play Pass. Visit www.JGFA.org or call (561) 964-GOLF for more information. Noah’s Ark Summer Camp — Children will enjoy field trips and activities such as swimming, bowling, skating, science museum, movies and picnics. Tuition includes camera surveillance, creative curriculum, computers and all meals. Registration is now being accepted for both Summer Camp. Registration is free for new customers only. Se habla Español. Noah’s Ark is located at 14563 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves. For more information, call (561) 7536624 or visit www.smallworldpbc.com. Pierce Hammock Elementary Summer Camp Program — Summer is just around the corner, so make plans now to sign up with Pierce Hammock Elementary School. Pierce Hammock has been serving the west area since 2004 and would love for you to join in the summer fun. Monday is on-campus activity day: participate in arts & crafts, sports, cooking, computers and more. Tuesday through Friday will be off-campus days. Field trips include museums, wildlife excursions, water parks, arcades and other exciting places. Hurry, sessions fill quickly. For more information, or to register, call (561) 633-4530 or visit www.edline.net/ pages/Pierce_Hammock_Elementary/Afterschool and click on “2012 Summer Camp Info.” Royal Palm Covenant Tutoring Summer Camp 2012 — Children ages 5 to 14 will enjoy field trips to Lion Country Safari, museums, parks, bowling, movies, the zoo and activities such as sports, arts & crafts, cooking and more fun. Camp runs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 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 or for more information. The Learning Foundation of Florida’s Academic Summer Camp — TLFF’s elementary, middle and high school summer academic school/camp program has several different service options available to assist the diverse needs of students. TLFF’s K-8th grade summer program focuses on individualized academic remediation. TLFF uses weekly themes, a variety of teaching strategies, including a multi-sensory/hands-on approach and creative lessons. TLFF’s high school summer program focuses on grade forgiveness and/or acceleration. Students who have received D or F grades in classes may redo them for a higher grade. Students can also accelerate and take classes to get ahead. Both programs are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning June 18 and running through Aug. 3. For more information, call TLFF at (561) 795-6886. Tiny Tikes — Tiny Tikes camp is geared toward the elementary-age camper. Daily activities are sure to keep the campers happy, busy and engaged. Trips include bowling, skating and movies weekly, as well as special trips including the zoo, science museum and much more! They have three conveniently located centers which open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Activities occur throughout the day, both at the center and out on the bus. Meals are included. Call (561) 7901780 now to reserve your space or visit Tiny Tikes at 16245 Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Wolverines Starting Spring Football With New Head Coach By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report With new head coach Thomas Abel at the helm, the Wellington High School varsity football team is preparing for the upcoming spring football jamboree. Having worked as an assistant coach for the Wolverines for the past five years, Abel now takes on the head coach role, replacing former head coach Chris Romano. Wellington went 12-39 under Romano with two playoff appearances and a district title. Last season the Wolverines won their opener against Boynton Beach, but with several key players suffering season-ending inju-

Quarterback Kemar Downer looks to make the handoff.

ries, the Wolverines were sent into a nine-game losing streak that all but finished their hopes of repeating as district champions. Abel also complements the team with a cadre of new coaches by his side. His assistant coach will be Pete Callovi, who brings a lot of experience to the gridiron. Abel told the Town-Crier that with the loss of 16 seniors to graduation, he has placed an emphasis on weight training throughout the offseason, along with conditioning to help improve speed and strength — “something that was not stressed in the past,” Abel said. Abel was optimistic as his squad practiced under an overcast sky. “We are a young team, with a lot of promising underclassman,” Abel said. “The offensive line is young, but improving, and we have an experienced defensive line.” Tight end Ryan Davis will lead the offensive line. The 6-foot-4 senior and University of Miami prospect will be an integral part of the offensive attack. Abel said there will be competition for key positions. Returning

sophomore quarterback Cole Smallridge will have competition, with sophomore Kemar Downer looking very impressive at quarterback. Both will be looking to connect with junior wide receiver Antonio Vereene to balance the offensive attack. Several players will be competing for the running back position as well. Seniors Danik Duffus and Horace Odems will lead the backfield, while junior Darley Cazau and sophomore Shemar Jackson compete for the position. Jackson and Odems will also play defensive back. The Wolverine defense will most likely be led by 6-foot, 265-pound senior tackle Demarcus Juedy. Abel believes that Juedy, a University of Louisville prospect, has the ability to step up and be the leader on defense. Abel must keep his squad focused to make some noise next season, and achieves this by reminding them of their 1-9 record last season while training. The Wolverines remain optimistic in a highly competitive district. Wellington will host Olympic Heights on Wednesday, May 30 at 7 p.m. for their spring jamboree.

Michael Morosco leaps up to catch the ball during practice. PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Challenger League Gives Players Of All Abilities An Equal Shot By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Named for the challenges faced by its players, the Challenger League offers a chance for players with physical and mental disabilities to play softball in an organized environment. Every Friday night during its season, a crowd cheers as every player runs the bases and turns in a home run. There are no losers in this league. Everyone wins, Commissioner Larry Weld said. “Everybody gets to bat three times,” he said. “Everybody gets on base. Everybody comes home, everybody wins and everybody has fun.”

Players range from ages 3 to 64, and each one of them has his or her own unique challenge. “It doesn’t matter what your affliction is,” Weld said. “We’re glad to see you. The league is for players of all ages and all abilities.” The volunteer-run league was started by Royal Palm Beach Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio to give children with disabilities an opportunity to play on a softball team. At the time, Weld was asked to umpire, beginning his dedication to the league, which he now runs. About seven years ago, Weld asked the Asphalt Angels, a local car club, to step in as sponsors. “I’d

John Taylor takes a crack at the ball.

come out here and watch these kids share one bat,” he said. “I said, ‘This is totally wrong.’” After just one evening watching the children enjoying themselves at a game, the club voted unanimously to sponsor the league, and has been providing the children with uniforms and new equipment ever since. “They deserve to have what every other kid out there has,” Weld said. The focus is on fun, success and positivity rather than batting averages, wins and losses. “The greatest thing about this league is that the kids are always smiling,” said Art Lieberman, whose son Billy has played in the league for more than five years. “They’re happy to be here. They’re on a real team. It doesn’t matter what they do as long as they get out there and have fun. This shows them that they can have what everyone else has.” For many of the players, the league is an opportunity to get out and socialize. “[Billy] looks forward to it every week,” Lieberman said. “He says, ‘Daddy, we’ve got to go. We’ve got to get to the field. We’ve got to play baseball.’ He’s made friends with a lot of the kids.” For others, it has been a life-altering experience. “We had one kid who was bedridden,” Weld said. “We got him out to a game in a walker, and by the end of the season he

Billy Lieberman gets ready to scoop up a ground ball. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

wasn’t even using that. That made the last 12 years worth it.” Weld said that he is hoping to recruit more players for next year’s season. “I want to see 50 or 60 kids out here,” he said. “I want to get a PA system and more sponsors than ever before. There’s so many kids that, I’m sure, are sitting home.” He said that new players become fast friends within the league. “There are no loners,” he said. “The kids are so friendly that if you go off by yourself, they’ll come over and get you. The beautiful thing about these kids is they don’t know anything about hate or prejudice.

We should watch the way they live and learn from that, because it’s such a wonderful thing.” Awards for this season will be given out Friday, June 1 during the Asphalt Angels’ Cruise-In at the Wellington Marketplace. The 2013 season begins again next February, and Weld said he hopes to see tons of new faces on the field. “It’s contagious,” Weld said. “You don’t see this amount of pure fun. It just does your heart good to watch them.” For more information about the league, or to sponsor a team, call Weld at (561) 723-5986.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Hawk Cayla Amatulli Signs With Lindenwood For Weightlifting

Wellington wrestlers Jewell Williams and Ben Meza.

Young Wellington Wrestlers Earn Bronze The Wellington Wrestling Club traveled Saturday, May 19 to Olympic Heights High School in Boca Raton to compete in the Gold Cup Call-out Challenge. Wellington wrestlers Jewell Williams (first grade) and Ben Meza (second grade) both earned bronze medals with three wins on the day. “Both Jewell and Ben have just started competing this year and are already having great success,”

coach Travis Gray said. “They show a lot of potential at such a young age and improve every match they get.” The Wellington Wrestling Club is finishing up the spring session this week, and the summer session will start again on June 12. For more information about joining the club, contact Gray at (561) 827-8595 or wellingtonwrestling@ gmail.com.

Seminole Ridge High School senior and championship weightlifter Cayla Amatulli has signed an athletic scholarship letter of intent with Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo. Amatulli, a silver medal winner in state competition, and named by the Palm Beach Post as the County Girls Weightlifter of the Year, will be the founding athlete of Lindenwood’s girls weightlifting program. “To be the foundation of an athletic program is a unique experience,” SRHS Principal James Campbell said. “Keep representing us at Lindenwood.” Amatulli will study exercise science and physical therapy at Lindenwood and, of course, continue to compete in weightlifting. “I want to go to the Olympics in four years,” she said. In other Seminole Ridge sports news, the girls track and field team recently scored a big victory. In state competition at the University of North Florida, several Lady Hawk athletes earned state wins. Seminole Ridge would like to congratulate Alexandria Jackson, who

College Signing — (Front row, L-R) Lisa and Cayla Amatulli; (back row) weightlifting coaches Ben Kenerson and Justin Hilliker, Principal James Campbell and Assistant Principal Maria Lloyd. earned fourth statewide in the shot put; Danielle Livingstone, who earned eighth in the long jump and the 100-meter high hurdle; and the

400-meter relay team of Kiana Favors, Michelle Howell, Anisa Kornegay and Yanisa Montour, who finished 11th overall.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Genbu-Kai Adds Pilates And Yoga Genbu-Kai Karate in the Wellington Marketplace recently added mat Pilates and yoga to the programs offered at the school. Shelley Sweat is a certified Power Pilates instructor. A Georgia native, she danced with LaGrange Ballet Theater and also performed with the Gainesville Ballet. Sweat holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Florida State University. Her work experience includes direct sales, marketing and public relations. Sweat currently teaches the barre sculpting method, mat Pilates and is available for private sessions. Sweat believes that Pilates can transform the body as well as provide a foundation for overall health and wellness. She lives in West Palm Beach with her husband, Allen, and their four children. Victoria Limauro is trained in Vinyasa yoga with a strong focus on the Ashtanga yoga practice. She enjoys Ashtanga, creative Vinyasa, Yin, Hatha and restorative yoga, as well as meditation. Limauro offers her students an avenue toward greater flexibility and strength in body and spirit by teaching them to link movement with breath. Let go of your ten-

Shelley Sweat, Sensei Keith Moore and Victoria Limauro. sion and be transformed by the healing power within. Pilates classes will be offered Tuesday mornings from 10 to 11

a.m., and Yoga will be offered Friday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. For more info., call (561) 804-1002 or visit www.floridagenbukai.com.

TAPAZZ DANCE TROUPE PERFORMS AT NUEVO TALENTOS IN PBG

Royal Palm Beach High School’s Tapazz Dance Troupe was one of the featured dance troupes at this year’s Nuevos Talentos, held May 19 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens. The dancers per formed their mini show titled “Intensificando,” which comprised three dance routines: “At This Moment” (lyrical), “Hopeless” (jazz) and “Candy Man” (jive). All routines were choreographed by dance coach Michele Blecher. Shown above are Kim Benavente, Loren Estbanez, Alexa Blecher, Bri Gribble, Michele Blecher, Andres Cazares, Raul Santiago, Bryce Blecher, Stephanie Ligorria and Char y Baez.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, May 26 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hike Apoxee Park in the West Palm Beach Water Catchment Area on Saturday, May 26. Join Joe Rosenberg at 8 a.m. for an 8-mile hike to enjoy this beautiful area. Plenty of water is a must. Call (561) 616-8790 for more info. • Cub Scout Pack 125 will host a Rummage Sale on Saturday, May 26 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church (12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington). Proceeds from the sale will assist with a member’s medical expenses. There will be something for everyone, including household furniture, appliances, clothing, toys and more. For more info., call Cheryl Schrage at (561) 784-7922. • The Binks Forest Golf Club will host the Florida’s Blood Centers Big Red Bus on Saturday, May 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All donors will receive a foursome golf pass and a free movie pass. For more info., call the Florida Blood Center at (888) 9DONATE or Bob Still of Binks Forest at (561) 670-8489. All donors must have a photo ID. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will present “Art of the Ancients” for adults Saturday, May 26 at 2 p.m. Ceramic artist Ursula Vicari will demonstrate how to make an Anasazi seed jar using primitive traditional skills. Call (561) 790- 6030 to pre-register. • Nature’s Center (5301 State Road 7, Lake Worth) will present “Backyard Butterfly Gardening” on Saturday, May 26 at 2 p.m. House butterfly expert George Megrichian will show how to set up a butterfly garden in your back yard. Learn what host, nectar and cover plants to put in your yard to attract a variety of butterflies and moths. The class is free. Call (561) 434-5777 to register. Walk-ins are welcome. Visit www.thenaturescenter. com for more info. • Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “Whole Kids Class: Little Chefs’ Recipe Boxes” on Saturday, May 26 at 2 p.m. Aspiring chefs between the ages of 5 and 12 will decorate their own recipe boxes and learn how to prepare healthful snacks. The cost is $5 per child. Call (561) 904-4000 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host its Chess Club for age 8 and up Saturday, May 26 at 2:30 p.m. Chess fans will practice strategy skills with other players. Basic game knowledge is required. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The MarBar Grille Restaurant at the Madison Green Golf Club (2001 Crestwood Blvd. North, Royal Palm Beach) will host a Memorial Day Weekend Country Concert & Barbecue with Loxahatchee’s own David “Gator” Bressmer on Saturday, May 26 starting at 4 p.m. For more info., call (561) 784-5225 or e-mail lionsshare001@aol.com. Sunday, May 27 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hike the Jupiter Ridge Natural Area on Sunday, May 27 at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast afterward. This 272acre natural area is one of the best remaining examples of the Florida scrub ecosystem. Call Alan Collins at (561) 586-0486 for more info. • Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will feature a “Support Our Troops Cookout” on Sunday, May 27 from noon to 3 p.m. to raise money for Forgotten Soldiers Outreach. Enjoy a hamburger, hotdog or portabello burger, along with a side and choice of drink for a $5 donation. For more info., visit www.forgottensoldiers.org or call (561) 904-4000. Monday, May 28 • Wellington and American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Wellington Post 390 will honor all veterans with a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 28 at 8:15 a.m. starting with a parade from the Wellington Community Center to the Wellington Veterans Memorial. To become a part of the event or to walk in the parade, call Michelle Garvey at (561) 791-4082. • Royal Palm Beach will hold a Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 28 at 9 a.m. in Veterans Park. The Honor Guard from Jewish War Veterans Post 684, American Legion Auxiliary Post 367, Boy Scout Troop 111, Mayor Matty Mattioli and local dignitaries will lead the ceremony. Refreshments prepared by Butterfields Cafe will be served by Young at Heart Club volunteers following the rifle salute. For more info., call the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center at (561) 7905149. Tuesday, May 29 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Teen Game Night for ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday, May 29 at 5 p.m. Play Nintendo Wii and board games. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Wednesday, May 30 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will feature “Gross-Out Jokes” on WednesSee CALENDAR, page 41

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 40 day, May 30 at 4 p.m. for ages 8 to 12. Want to gross out your friends by eating fried worms? Learn how to create these and other fun fakes. Call (561) 681-4100 to preregister. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Wii Gaming on Wednesday, May 30 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 10 to 15. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. Thursday, May 31 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host a bilingual program “My Beautiful Pet” on Thursday, May 31 at 3:30 p.m. for ages 3 to 6. Sing, dance, read books about pets in Spanish and English, and make a craft. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. Friday, June 1 • Global Time Attack will be heating things up in Florida with Formula DRIFT on Friday and Saturday, June 1 and 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Palm Beach International Raceway (17047 Beeline Highway, Jupiter). It is an opportunity for amateur drivers to go head to head with professional drivers for the fastest time on track. For tickets and more info., visit www.formulad.com or call (561) 6221400. • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will feature a free screening of the movie Eragon on Friday, June 1 at 8 p.m. Bring your own seating. Call (561) 7532484 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info. Saturday, June 2 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will observe National Trails Day with a hike in John Prince Park in Lake Worth on Saturday, June 2 at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast afterward. Call Paul Cummings at (561) 963-9906 for more info. Sunday, June 3 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hike Jonathan Dickinson State Park on Sunday, June 3. Meet at 8 a.m. at the gate. Bring plenty of w ater. Call Mary Miller at (561) 391-7942 for more info. Monday, June 4 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hold its monthly chapter meeting Monday, June 4 beginning with a social at 7 p.m. and a program at 7:30 p.m. Call Sherry Cummings at (561) 9639906 for more info. Tuesday, June 5 • The Palm Beach County Commission

will meet Tuesday, June 5 at 9:30 a.m. at 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 hosts Crochet Club for age 9 and up on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Learn introductory stitches or bring current projects and socialize. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature Chess Club for Adults on Tuesday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m. Chess fans unite to practice strategy skills with other players. Basic game knowledge is required. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet Tuesday, June 5 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. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) host Crochet Club meetings Tuesdays at 7 p.m. for ages 9 to 14. Learn basic skills and socialize while you work. Space is limited. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. Thursday, June 7 • The 15th annual Taste in the West & Chocolate Lovers Festival will take place Thursday, June 7 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center East (9067 Southern Blvd.). For more info., visit www.cpbchamber.com or call (561) 7906200. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Writers Critique Workshop for adults on Thursday, June 7 at 6 p.m. Share, offer and accept constructive criticism and comments to improve your fiction, nonfiction and poetry in a supportive atmosphere. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will feature “Anime Origins” for ages 12 to 17 Thursdays, June 7, 14 and 21 at 6:30 p.m. Explore Japanese fashion, food and culture as seen in your favorite anime. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Thursday, June 7 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). Call (561) 790-5100 or visit www.royal palmbeach.com for more info. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. Email: news@gotowncrier.com.

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HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in W ellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINAT OR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays. Also needed: EXAM PREP TUTORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Preparation Tutors. Must have a 4 year degree preferably in Mathmetics or English. Be available to tutor on Saturdays. Please e-mail your resume to marlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com VOLUNTEERS NEEDED — 14 years and over for community service. Have fun with animals & kids 792-2666 ENTRY LEVEL RECEPTIONIST — Computer literate. Heavy phones & filing. Fax resume 561-333-2680 WINDOW INSTALLERS WANTED Subcontractors only. Top Pay. No Brokers. Call Matt 561-714-8490

FRONT DESK — Loxahatchee/ Boynton Beach. Busy Dermatology practices, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends. Fax resume to 561-790-7568 MEDICAL ASSISTANT NEEDED IN LOXAHA TCHEE/BOYNTON BEACH — Busy Dermatology practice, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends. Fax resume to 561-790-7568 FRONT DESK CLERK — for operating the front desk of hotel, good verbal and written communication skills, spontaneous desire to assist others and provide excellent customer service, flexible schedule needed, mainly night shift, weekends and holidays. Experience preferred. Please send resume via email or fax. info@royalinnhotel.com Fax 561-795-1502

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JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation FPL independent particip ating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support & troubleshooting w w w.mobiletec.net. 561-248-2611 D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3331923 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d W ell. & Palm Beach. We accept major credit cards. DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716

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

BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE — Auto •Home • Life• Renters •Motorcycle •R V • 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

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 drywall,kitchens/cabinets / countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 7919900 or 628-9215 HANDYMAN AND CLEANING SERVICES — Caza Services for all your handyman and cleaning needs. 18 years experience. No job is too small. Call us today. Insured 561-802-8300 or 754-242-3459

COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./ Ext. residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident \ JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458

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

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

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.

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561-572-1782 HOUSECLEANING — af fordable cleaning services, Royal Palm Maids. 561-666-7738 “For all your cleaning needs” FAMILY OWNED CLEANING BUSINESS IS EXPANDING — We are honest, reliable and dependable. Over 20 years experience in the Western Communities. Call today to get started. Norma 561-3555044

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 JOHN C. BEALE BUILDING & ROOFING — Additions, remodeling, roof rep airs & replacements, screened porches. Licensed & Insured. Call for Free Estimates. 561798-6448 ccc1326383 ccc1250306 PLACE YOUR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AD HERE CALL 7933576 TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD

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

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & p atio 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 T OWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE 561-793-7606

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

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

PALM BEACH POLO APART MENT FOR RENT — Efficiency ap artment in Polo, furnished includes Electric and W ater. $800 monthly call Equestrian Properties 309-9535 BEAUTIFUL FURNISHED SINGLE FAMILY HOME — 3/2/2 with pool. Granite kitchen & baths. Located in Fairway Cove. Lawn & Pool Maintenance included. Available Immediately through end of November. To view home call 561-972-0219 561-791-0699

ROOM FOR RENT — includes Queen Size bed, dresser, and night st and. Access to kitchen, living room, washer-dryer and huge yard. Available now for $600 month. 561291-4077

FURNISHED HOUSE FOR RENT/ SHORT OR LONG TERM — situated in a cul-de-sac and 5 minutes away from Spruce Meadows, this 2000 sf. 2 story newer house in Shawnessy has hardwood floor throughout and 2.5 bathrooms. Leather furniture, 48” TV and a Piano in main floor . Master bedroom has Jacuzzi. 2 large size bedrooms and bonus room. Wireless Internet, double att ached garage, fenced backyard with BBQ. Weekly housekeeping, linen service and lawn cutting plus all utilities included. For mor details call (403) 808-7254 OR (403) 700-2065

STEAMPRO TILE & CARPET CLEANING — Residential & Commericial. 561-818-8635 (of fice) 561-255-9098 (cell) Licensed, Bonded and Insured. Legal Notice No. 558 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

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

Notice Under Fictitious Name Florida Statute 865.09 Public notice is hereby given that the undersigned desires to engage in business under the fictitious name of:

CARIBBEAN DREAMS Located at: 13576 Fox T rail Loxahatchee,FL 33470 County of Palm Beach, Florida and intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations State of Florida,forthwith

LINDA KERN Publish :Town-Crier Newspapers Date: 5-25-12

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Palm Beach Riding Academy Come join us and discover the world of equestrian sports this summer! We are very fortunate to be located at one of the world's best horse show facilities and have our own covered arena (a bonus during the hot summer months). Our programs are tailored to meet ALL LEVELS of riding experience; whether you are an avid rider, or have no prior experience, we can guarantee that you will learn new things! SUMMER CAMPS AND LESSONS AVAILABLE Our summer camps run Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 2 PM (with extended hours available), from June 11 through August 17, 2012. Our lesson program can be tailored to fit your schedule.

We look forward to meeting you! For more information, please contact Anne-Caroline at 561-784-1133 or annecaroline@equestriansport.com

WWW.PBRIDINGACADEMY.COM

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