THINKPINKKIDS STAGING WALK MAY 11 SEE STORY, PAGE 3
SUGARLAND WIND PROJECT TAKES SHAPE SEE STORY, PAGE 7
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TOWN - CR IER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE
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INSIDE Vote On County Sales Tax Surcharge Postponed A Year
Volume 33, Number 18 May 4 - May 10, 2012
HOW MUCH CORN CAN YOU EAT?
A narrowly divided Palm Beach County Commission decided Tuesday to postpone moving forward on a sales tax surcharge to fund transportation projects. The idea was proposed to offset money cut from the county’s transportation budget. Page 3
Whole Foods Market Hosts Fundraiser For PBCHS Project Grad
Whole Foods Market in Wellington hosted a wine-tasting benefit for Palm Beach Central High School’s Project Graduation on Friday, April 27. Guests enjoyed fine wines, cheeses and music, all while raising money for a good cause. Page 5
The 12th annual Sweet Corn Fiesta was held Sunday, April 29 in Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The family-friendly event featured children’s games, rides, live music and contests. There were corn-eating contests for amateurs and professionals. Shown here, Crazy Legs Conti and Sonya “Black Widow” Thomas compete in the professional corn-eating contest. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 10 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Versailles Neighbors Unhappy With SR 7 Development Plans Wellington Aquatics Complex Hosts Meet
The Spring Into Summer 2012 Invitational Swim Meet was held April 27-28 at the Wellington Aquatics Complex. Approximately 360 swimmers signed up, including 71 members of the Wahoos of Wellington Swim Club. Page 10
Wellington Green Market Concludes Successful Season
The Wellington Green Market’s first season ended Saturday, April 28. Customers rushed to purchase a favorite item at their last chance to “Go West for Farm Fresh” until the market returns in November. Page 13
OPINION One Year Since The Death Of Bin Laden
May 2 marked the first anniversary of the death of Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. Though most people are mourned on the anniversary of their death, this is one instance in which the overwhelming majority of people worldwide are celebrating. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 13 OPINION .................................4 CRIME NEWS .........................6 NEWS BRIEFS........................ 8 SCHOOLS .....................14 - 15 PEOPLE ................................ 17 COLUMNS .................... 25 - 26 BUSINESS .................... 27 - 29 CAMPS .........................30 - 32 DINING OUT ........................ 33 SPORTS ........................ 39 - 42 CALENDAR ...................44 - 45 CLASSIFIEDS ................ 46 - 52 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board voted Wednesday to postpone discussion on several measures that would allow for more development on a vacant property on the west side of State Road 7, north of the Versailles community. Despite protests from the more than 50 residents of Versailles in attendance, board members voted 5-1 to postpone the item. The proposed changes included amendments to the land use and zoning designations and master plan for the 15.83-acre site that would allow for 66 additional rental units and 33,000 additional square feet of commercial space. According to a staff report, the Wellington Village Council approved a mixed-use designation for the property in 2006, with 92 townhouses and 32,000 square feet of commercial space. The changes requested by owners WPI LLC and SB Wellington LLC ask for a total of 158 multifamily rental units and 65,000
square feet of combined commercial and office space. Eleanor Halperin, attorney for the applicant, requested the postponement because she had not been able to discuss conditions of approval with Wellington staff. “We didn’t receive the conditions of approval until Thursday at 5:30 p.m.,” she said. “Wellington is closed Friday. We haven’t had a chance to go over them with staff. We are not prepared to address the conditions of approval to move forward this evening.” Board members asked if she could discuss the item, but Halperin said that she was the only representative of the applicant in attendance. But Sal Van Casteren, president of the Versailles Homeowners’ Association, was opposed to moving the meeting. “I spent a tremendous amount of my community’s money and time to organize us to be ready tonight,” he said. “At the last minute, for this board to grant them an extension based on information they should have been pre-
pared with, would not be proper.” PZA Board Member Mike Drahos, who disclosed that he has an offer on a home in Versailles but was told it is not a conflict of interest, asked whether the amount of dwelling units was going to change. “Is any part of that going to change?” he asked. “I believe that is the basis of Versailles’ objection.” Halperin said it was not going to change. “Then aren’t we delaying the inevitable?” Drahos asked. But PZA Board Chair Carmine Priore III cautioned that he did not want to jump to conclusions at what the concerns from either side would be if they were not hearing the item tonight. “Without hearing both sides,” he said, “I would prefer we not get into that level of detail.” Planning & Zoning Manager David Flinchum noted that the item had already been postponed once because staff recommended denial due to a lack of information See PZA BOARD, page 4
Wellington Rec Board Prepares To Rank Tennis Center Bidders By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Members of Wellington’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Board were given guidelines Tuesday for acting as the selection committee ranking tennis provider bids. Wellington’s current tennis provider, Tommy Cheatham Inc., was granted a one-year contract with four one-year renewal options by the Wellington Village Council in 2010. When the contract came up for renewal last year, Councilman Howard Coates asked to renew it subject to putting the matter out to bid this year. The current contract expires Sept. 30. Three companies plan to bid on the item, including Cheatham,
who has run the center since it was founded in the late 1990s. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board members will be tasked with ranking the proposals and making a recommendation to the council. At Tuesday’s meeting, Wellington staff had advice for the board. “Do not discuss the matter with other selection committee members or any other employee outside the purchasing department or myself,” Purchasing Manager Ed De La Vega said. “I want to make that perfectly clear from the onset, because it could jeopardize the integrity of the bid.” Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz noted that as the selection committee, members of the board are bound by Florida’s Sunshine laws.
Because of this, he said, discussion must only be done at public meetings. “You should not and you cannot discuss it amongst yourselves,” he said, adding that committee members need to be aware of whom they talk to about the issue, noting that the choice is expected to be controversial. “You have to be careful of intermediaries, meaning people who you both know, coming to you,” Kurtz said. “There may be temptation for someone to come up to you and say, ‘I know these people, and they are the best choice.’ The best advice I can give you is not to talk to anyone about this — not your wife or your kid or See TENNIS, page 20
Serving Palms West Since 1980
Landlord Dispute Has Groves Seeking New Office Space By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Faced with the possibility of losing some of the town’s office space to a new tenant, the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council directed its staff Tuesday to search for a new office location. During his administrative update, Town Manager Mark Kutney said he had learned just recently that a U-Haul operation is seeking to occupy part of the town’s current office space at Palms West Plaza on Southern Blvd. “This report troubles me,” he said. “It is not good news.” Kutney said he learned of the situation when two people visited last week, “sizing up our offices and informing us that they were going to be taking over the space.” He immediately contacted the landlord, Kan Yee of Yee’s Corp. “It turned out he did do some negotiations with them,” Kutney said, pointing out that the town’s
current lease allows the landlord to attempt to secure tenants for portions of the town’s office space. “If he is successful in acquiring an expected tenant, then he needs to give us a letter in writing, and then we have 15 days to vacate the space,” Kutney said, explaining that he and Councilman Ron Jarriel met with the landlord to find out his intentions. Kutney said the landlord was not aware of the notice requirements. “He thought he could go ahead and do it,” he said. “I corrected him on that. I also informed him that we didn’t appreciate folks just dropping into our offices.” Kutney noted that the prospective tenant wants the space that currently serves as a conference room and is also used by town committees. “We’re at the point now where Councilman Jarriel did ask Mr. Yee if he had an alternate proposal or See TOWN OFFICE, page 7
CENTRAL CHAMBER INSTALLATION GALA
“An Inaugural Celebration in Paradise,” the first installation gala of the newly merged Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, was held Friday, April 27 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Shown here, incoming Chairman Dr. Jeffrey Bishop is installed by Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Wellington Gifted Teacher Honored With Dwyer Award By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Equestrian Trails Elementary School teacher Victoria Stedt was one of five winners announced last week at the annual William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education ceremony held April 24 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Winner in the special programs category, Stedt led the creation of the gifted program at Equestrian Trails seven years ago. Stedt was nominated for the award by the staff at her school. “They nominated a teacher from special programs and one from elementary education,” she said. Stedt worked closely with the school’s founding principal to create the gifted education program at Equestrian Trails. “When I was hired here, I was
given free rein as to how to design the program,” she said, explaining that the principal at the time, Sandra Gero, had a vision of what she thought the program should be. “When she hired me, she had an idea of what gifted should be. She wanted it to be more of an enrichment, hands-on kind of activity, as opposed to just an accelerated program.” Stedt designed a program that would combine enrichment and acceleration for kindergarten through fifth-grade gifted students. “We have a part-time program where the students are pulled out for enrichment for an hour at a time twice a week, and we enrich the curriculum through hands-on activities classes that include such things as robotics, rocketry, stopSee STEDT, page 20
New Rabbi Arrives At Royal Palm Beach Congregation By Jessica Gregiore Town-Crier Staff Report Eagerly walking into Temple Beth Zion, Rabbi Richard Polirer seems to be settling in with ease, after taking over the pulpit of the Royal Palm Beach congregation last month. Flicking on the lights, he takes a seat at one of the chairs facing the bimah, the raised stage at the front of the sanctuary from where he now leads services. With 25 years of studying and teaching from the pulpit, Polirer is eager to share his knowledge with the members of Temple Beth Zion. “I want people to know me as a scholar, a speaker and as someone who is not only in love with all history but the English language and origins of what we as
Americans and Jews do socially,” he said. Polirer — who took over the congregation after the departure of Rabbi Bertram Kieffer earlier this year — foresees a promising future at Temple Beth Zion. “I look forward to a good relationship here and growth for the synagogue,” he said. “It is something that will give me nachas (happiness), as they say in Hebrew.” Polirer recalled his days as a young boy in Brooklyn, N.Y., growing up around strong leaders and upholders of the faith. “I was born and raised in the synagogue,” he said. It’s this deep-rooted connection that drew him to the pulpit. “I would always look up to the rabbi as the leader in the community,”
he said. “I enjoyed leading the services and reading from the Torah, and I was privileged to have rabbis I listened to as a kid, to look up to.” He had an influential religious upbringing, attending and serving at many congregations throughout New York City. In his adolescence, Polirer attended Crown Heights Yeshiva and Yeshiva University High School for Boys. In 1972, he received his bachelor’s degree in English and history at New York University, and went on to earn his master’s degree in history from Hofstra University on Long Island. Polirer received his rabbinical degree in 1977. “I did it after I got See POLIRER, page 20
Rabbi Richard Polirer, new spiritual leader at Temple Beth Zion. PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
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NEWS
Vote On County Sales Tax Surcharge Postponed At Least A Year By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report A narrowly divided Palm Beach County Commission decided Tuesday to postpone moving forward on a sales tax surcharge to fund transportation projects. The idea was proposed to offset money cut from the county’s transportation budget. Assistant County Administrator Brad Merriman said the question had been discussed most recently at a March 27 workshop on Palm Tran’s Transit Development Plan. “We are requesting board direction on whether or not we want to move forward with a ballot question in November to ask the voters for the implementation of what is called the Charter County and Regional Transportation Surtax,” Merriman said, explaining that the state legislature has authorized eight optional charges that counties can levy. “Palm Beach County does not levy any of them. Most Florida counties do levy one or more of these surtaxes.”
Palm Beach County is one of only nine counties, out of 67, that does not currently levy any local discretionary sales tax. State law allows charter counties to levy a discretionary sales tax, upon voter approval, of up to 1 percent. Proceeds from the proposed transportation tax could be applied to many transportation uses, including mass transit, roads, bridges and associated debt service. A 0.5 percent surcharge would generate about $103 million annually, according to the county’s staff report. Miami-Dade and Duval counties already have a similar charge in place, while Alachua County, home to Gainesville, will vote in November on whether to levy two such charges: three-quarters of one cent for roads and a quarter of a cent for transit, Merriman said. Money raised by the surcharge could be used to offset a portion of property taxes, he said. “The Department of Revenue estimates that approximately 20 percent of
our sales tax revenue in this county is paid for by tourists, people who do not pay property taxes but use the transportation infrastructure,” Merriman said. If the county is going to have a ballot question in November, that language would have to be submitted to the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections by Aug. 10. Pat Cooper of the Palm Beach Civic Association was one of several members of the public to speak on the issue. “We feel that this motion to put this surtax on the ballot is premature at this time,” Cooper said. “While there is safety in numbers — many of the counties do have surcharges — I always thought it was pretty neat that Palm Beach County didn’t have that tax in place. It’s an ace in the hole for bond ratings, or however you wanted to view it down the road should things get dire. I don’t see that it’s dire, so we are not in favor of this at this time.” Blake Mattingly favored the
surcharge in light of a shortage of money for Palm Tran. “According to a national study, it takes South Florida commuters about 40 percent longer to get to their jobs during the busiest travel hours than at other times of the day,” he said, noting that the cost of the delay in lost productivity and wasted fuel equals more than $2.5 billion for all of South Florida, which averages about $1,000 per person each year. Mattingly added that the surcharge would provide economic stimulus for the county. “Every dollar that taxpayers invest in public transportation generates $6 or more in economic returns,” he said. Commissioner Priscilla Taylor asked whether they could postpone the question until they could look into it further, explaining that the proposal lacked specific needs to be met. Commissioner Steven Abrams agreed that the discussion is premature. “I think this is a half-baked proposal, and I’m disappointed
that it was brought forward without a plan to spend the money, without a plan, if any, to offset existing taxes,” he said. Abrams said he looked at it as a backdoor attempt to offset road repair financing that commissioners cut from last year’s budget. Commissioner Karen Marcus said she would like to get more feedback from the public. “I think this year is too soon,” she said. “If we feel this is something that needs to be out there, we need to build the consensus for it and educate people.” Commission Chair Shelley Vana agreed from her experience on the House of Representatives’ Budget Committee that road programs stimulate the economy and agreed that many roads in the county are now in bad shape. “In the state, there is an infrastructure backlog of billions of dollars,” she said. “In Palm Beach County, we’re going to start seeing the same kind of backlog, and I’m seeing it in my district. I’m having lots of people call and com-
plain about what’s happening with our roads.” Vana said she would not be averse to a transportation surcharge but thought it should have a sunset and should include an evaluation on whether property owners will get a commensurate reduction in property taxes. Commissioner Burt Aaronson said that he would like staff to come back with a more complete proposal. “Let us know all the numbers,” he said. “I think if we came out not only revenue-neutral but revenuebeneficial to the taxpayers, [they] would have a completely different thought, especially if there is a sunset provision.” Commissioner Paulette Burdick said she considered the sales tax regressive. “There are many people in Palm Beach County who are going to be negatively impacted by this, and it’s the poorest of the poor because they are the ones who are going to be paying this,” she said. “I haven’t heard a public See SALES TAX, page 20
Wellington’s thinkPINKkids Hosting Breast Cancer Walk May 11 By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington residents are being urged to “Think Pink!” on Friday, May 11 and come out to support breast cancer research as part of thinkPINKkids’ fourth annual 5K Walk to Win the Battle Against Breast Cancer. In the walk, held rain or shine at Wellington High School, students and families will come together for a fun, family-oriented evening that will help those battling breast cancer in the community. “It’s a great family event,” parent volunteer Dr. Amy Aqua said. “We have about 200 students involved in the organization between all of our participating schools, and we’re hoping those students and their families will all come out and support the cause.” The event begins at 7 p.m. and costs $12 for students under 18 and $20 for adults. Each participant gets a thinkPINKkids T-shirt. Participants can pre-register this Saturday and Sunday at Ultima Fitness from 9 a.m. to noon or online at www.thinkpinkkids. com. Registration the day of the event begins at 6 p.m. at WHS on Greenview Shores Blvd.
“I want this year’s walk to be better than ever,” thinkPINKkids Wellington President Jessica Small said. “A lot of hard work and preparation go into the event. But every year, all that work pays off immensely. It’s an incredible community event. We try to incorporate things that people of any age can enjoy.” In addition to the walk, participants can enjoy music by World Class Entertainment, pink hair extensions, Rita’s ices and more. Entertainment will be provided by the WHS Drumline, Team Wellington Majorettes, the WHS Step Team and the WHS Dance Tech class. DJ Rick Shockley will serve as master of ceremonies, and participants can buy raffle tickets for the chance to win prizes. “People have been so generous in the community,” Aqua said. “We have some great raffle prizes, including dolphin encounters, kayaking, tickets to the Miami Zoo and more.” Already, the club has raised $7,500 thanks to corporate sponsors including Visions Clinical Research, Zasa Clinical Research, Palms West Hospital, Palms West
Children’s Hospital, Wellington Regional Medical Center, Dr. Kathleen Minnick, Comprehensive Pain Care, Boynton Financial Group, International Quiksigns, Concurrent Computer Corp. and Charity Dine. But the club hopes to raise between $5,000 and $10,000 more, as well as reach more students than ever. “I want more people to join with our already terrific group of volunteers,” Small said, “and I want us to raise more money than ever to find a cure.” Already the club has expanded from Wellington High School into local middle and elementary schools, as well as Suncoast High School. A student-run organization, thinkPINKkids helps to bring the community together through events planned and organized by students and parent volunteers. The organization has blossomed in Wellington as a way for students throughout the community to give back and help finance breast cancer research. “We want to help,” Small said. “Not only that, but we’re doing something about it. That’s what
Students from several local schools will participate in the May 11 event. makes this club so incredible. We’re making a difference, one step at a time.” Proceeds from the walk are donated to Dr. John Cleveland of Scripps Florida, who is currently developing a drug to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer, Aqua said. Additionally, the students donate to Your Bosom Buddies II, a
local breast cancer support group. “That’s why we feel so good about doing this,” Aqua said. “We don’t keep any of the money. It all goes into the local community.” Small, a WHS junior, has been in the club for three years and said she joined to help women in the community suffering from breast cancer. “My great-aunt has been living
with breast cancer for years,” she said. “Due to recent complications, she has had to undergo more treatment. Watching her bravery, and the bravery of other women like her, inspires me. I want to help these women, and I want to give them hope.” For more information, or to donate, visit www.thinkpinkkids. com.
Page 4 May 4 - May 10, 2012
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OUR OPINION
National Unity Short Lived After The Death Of Osama Bin Laden May 2 marked the first anniversary of the death of Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. Though most people are mourned on the anniversary of their death, this is one instance in which the overwhelming majority of people worldwide are celebrating. This was, after all, the man whose sole mission was the destruction of the United States and its allies. So while bin Laden never stood trial for his crimes, Americans aren’t upset about the way things went. In fact, Americans were not upset about much last year after the news of bin Laden’s death was announced. It was a brief but cathartic respite from the tense political climate throughout the nation, and it’s something we could use more of. Last year, when the news broke that bin Laden was killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan, there were subsequent reports on the numerous public celebrations that took place nationwide. Indeed, Americans finally felt that justice had been served. Just like after 9/11, when Americans came together to collectively mourn and feel each other’s pain, there was a sense of unity this country hadn’t experienced in years.And this time, it was under more favorable circumstances. Not surprisingly, the nation’s feel-good moment ended just as quickly as it began, and soon enough it was back to the usual partisan state of affairs. What should be celebrated as a victory for the United States, and its military and intelligence communities, has instead become a
political battle over whether President Obama deserves credit. There will be plenty of time for arguing as the presidential election campaign heats up; for now, we should try to savor any moment that allows us a break from the fighting. Although the big issues that dominate the discussion on the campaign trail are crucial to the way this country operates and affect the lives of every American, partisan politics do not have a place in everyday life. When you’re having dinner with your relatives, finishing a project with a coworker or helping out a neighbor, it doesn’t matter if you share the same political views. Even if you know they’re on the opposite end of the political spectrum, you still value them as individuals. It’s no different for the rest of the country. If Americans have learned anything from the aftermath of 9/11 or bin Laden’s death, it’s the importance of being able to leave the politics at the voting booth. It’s easy to view people with different political beliefs as opponents, but it’s necessary to remember that we’re all in the same boat, especially when it comes to the economy. Progress is made only when both sides work together. When that fails, there’s gridlock, and that benefits no one. And for those worrying when the economy will start booming again, just be patient. Two years ago, many people viewed the hunt for bin Laden as a lost cause, and now we’re looking at it in the rear-view mirror.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Please Help Bring OGEM To B Road Many of the roads in Loxahatchee Groves have open graded emulsified mix (OGEM) surfacing on them. I would like to thank the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District and the Town of Loxahatchee Groves for making this improvement to our roads. Speed bumps or not, I feel the roads have been improved from the mud, dirt, dust and the standing water. However, there are several roads that do not have the OGEM on them. One of these roads is B Road, north of Okeechobee Blvd. There is a petition going around for the road to be done with OGEM. If you are a property owner on B Road and have not signed the petition yet and would like to, please contact the water control district at (561) 793-0884 and they will direct you to me. Marianne Miles Loxahatchee Groves
Way Too Early To Unfairly Judge New Council I have seen sour grapes before, but Steve Haughn’s letter last week is better classified as “the grapes of wrath” (“Congratulations, Now What?”). Our new council has not been in office for a month, and he degrades some of them. Mr. Haughn states that Councilman Matt Willhite (and I quote) is “against everything and every issue,” and my reply is the voters didn’t think so; he received the largest majority of all the votes. Matt Willhite saved us millions (at minimum $7 million) by not acquiescing and giving away the KPark site for a public university that guaranteed few jobs, no real time frame to build soon at all and, lastly, no property tax income for the property for Wellington. Instead, the university is now paying for property right across from Wellington off Southern Blvd., so that we get the proximity, the $7 million saved and no traffic or other is-
sues — sounds like a win-win for Wellington. Thanks, Matt. On the recent equestrian issue, once again Mr. Willhite has shown to represent the people of Wellington, not the developer. A huge hotel/condo and outrageous commercialism will be put on hold, and perhaps some compromise will be found, inclusive (I hope) of the developer addressing the widening of South Shore Blvd. and Lake Worth Road to accommodate the admitted extra traffic, instead of the citizens of Wellington paying those millions. Thanks again, Matt. In these trying times, when people are losing their businesses and homes, it was/is correct for Mayor Bob Margolis to look at the status quo in regard to the Boys & Girls Club, village donations and loan guarantees. I couldn’t think of a better charity, but in these times, every taxpayer dollar should be planned and not just given away to a private entity. Certainly an accommodation can be found. These decisions by both Margolis and Willhite show something to me: It is far more courageous to go against something perhaps deemed popular than it is to acquiesce. Kudos for them for representing all Wellingtonians, not just a few. We should give our new council our support and even assist them. Judgment should be held in abeyance for a while; certainly injudicious accusation and verbal assaults after only 30 days are premature. This is the country that gives people a chance. One month is wholly insufficient to judge their performance. George Unger Wellington
Where Are The Facts Behind Tennis Letter? Editor ’s note: The following letter is in response to last week’s letter “Wellington Needs To Hire A1A Tennis,” written by Corey Goldstein. Mr. Corey Goldstein, by his own claims, is a Wellington resident and a tennis player. He offers
suggestions as to how the Wellington Tennis Center can become a place that would “enrich the lives of tennis players and non-tennis players.” By granting providership to his “acquaintances” at A1A Tennis, he claims this will not only save taxpayers a “considerable” amount of money, but it will also “enhance” our community. I am all in favor of saving money on taxes, enriching my life and that of others, and enhancing my community. The question I have for Mr. Goldstein and the principals at A1A is, “How?” I would like to analyze the two answers Mr. Goldstein provides. Since Mr. Goldstein offers no details as to how A1A will save taxpayers money, I will address his idea to attract more tennis players to the tennis center by bringing in “name” players. Mr. Goldstein envisions these name players interacting with and reaching out to juniors and seniors. When would this occur? How often and at what cost? Name players do not typically make appearances for free, and even if they appear at a reduced rate, how many times a year would they be brought in? Finally, where is the data that proves membership will increase by bringing in a Roger Federer? Mr. Goldstein also claims that A1A Tennis will put an end to the “underutilization” of the courts. Again, how? Since Mr. Goldstein didn’t mention that he is a pass holder at the tennis center, I’m assuming that he doesn’t try to book a court there between the hours of 8 a.m. to noon or 6 to 9 p.m. If he did, he would know that on the contrary, the courts are full. It is almost impossible to get on a court without a reservation. As for the down time on the court, between 1 to 3 p.m., most courts in Florida are empty at that time. Try playing at that time and you will soon find out why. “Despite the enormous growth in Wellington’s population... the tennis center... is not being utilized as it should.” I think it’s a valid question to ask Mr. Goldstein and A1A how a tennis center should be utilized. Has Mr. Goldstein and A1A looked at other sports pro-
viders and compared their rate of growth to that of the populations? Have they taken into consideration the average age of the pass holders at the Wellington Tennis Center and those of similar facilities? Did Mr. Goldstein research other public facilities, and their numbers, growth rates and programs? He could be dead-on accurate, but let’s see some backup, please. Finally, how does A1A plan on lowering maintenance fees and then in turn, returning those fees to the village? Exactly how much do they plan on saving and returning? Being the lowest bidder in a race doesn’t necessarily mean you are the best. Hopefully Mr. Goldstein’s acquaintances at A1A will provide answers to these claims. Then let the committee decide if 15 years of outstanding service is worth risking on an unknown entity. Jessica Fronrath Wellington
Wellington Tennis Center Is A Very Well-Run Facility I thought I would write a quick note as a response to last week’s letter, which expressed the opinion that the village needed to hire a new tennis center operator (“Wellington Needs To Hire A1A Tennis”). As a longtime Wellington resident and tennis player, I must express the exact opposite opinion. The center is currently the best tennis facility I have ever had the pleasure to play at. The village and its staff should be commended for the incredible way this facility is managed. The mens and ladies leagues are excellent. The courts are maintained and looked better than any club I have ever seen, including many that are much more expensive to join. I am extremely proud to call Wellington my home, and extremely proud of the tennis center, its staff and all those with the village who make it possible. Bruce Beck Wellington
The Politics Of Speed Limits I’m writing in response to Lee LeAndro’s letter last week about speeding and suggesting automatic cameras all over the place fining everyone over the limit (“Goodman Can Use Millions To Make Us Safer”). This letter is well-intentioned but full of misinformation. As proved on the autobahns of Europe, speed doesn’t kill; speed differences do. One slower driver on I-95 driving the legal limit, for example, causes all kinds of mischief, including hard-braking, constant lane changes and lots of near-misses as almost everyone else maneuvers around him. If everyone did the same speed, none of this would happen. What is that speed? Traffic engineers put the proper limit for any road at what 80 percent of those on the road actually drive. On the two-lane part of Lake Worth Road, for example, the posted limit is 45. But almost everyone is doing 55. Why? It’s what the majority of drivers feel comfortable with. And that should be the posted limit. Yet, under LeAndro’s proposal, every one of them would face heavy fines, points on their licenses, insurance increases, etc. In fact, posted limits are usually political decisions, with local
pols catering to a loud minority who know nothing about road safety. It’s time to get rational about speed limits, to let traffic engineers make the decisions, and to stop making everyone driving at a comfortable speed an offender. We’ll all get where we’re going in a safer, saner way. Jay Schleifer Wellington
Mayor Mattioli’s Behavior Rude Royal Palm Beach Mayor Matty Mattioli’s behavior was inexcusable at the council meeting held April 19. Mayor Mattioli stood up and turned off the microphone of Councilwoman Martha Webster and said, “You speak when I call you; until then, you shut up.” Then when someone from the audience, obviously shocked by his statement, stood up to object to the way he spoke to the fellow council person, Mayor Mattioli said, “I don’t even want to hear from you.” His role as mayor is to run meetings and to be a role model of a good citizen. This behavior is an uncivil, unprofessional, rude and should be unacceptable to the village staff and residents. Sharon Powers Royal Palm Beach
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OPINION
There Have Not Been Any Deaths In The Hockey Playoffs... Yet Body-checking in hockey comes with the territory. It is elementary for success in the rock ’n’ roll world of professional ice hockey. Unfortunately, there are copious incidents when the physical aspects of the sport border on brutality. Hockey nabobs have been
Footloose and... By Jules W. Rabin trying to control the excesses since
day one. They haven’t succeeded. That being said, anyone watching the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs pretty much has to gasp at the seemingly out-of-control nastiness that is taking place nightly. This sport that I love is currently punctuated with sucker punch-
es, spearing and endless varieties of needless brawling. But that’s not all. Factor in charging, head ramming, cross-checks and elbowing, and what we’re watching is illegal, irrational and almost inconceivable. And it seems this crude approach has replaced skill and
speed to a shocking degree. Were we the proverbial fly on the locker room wall, I suspect coaches’ strategy sessions might dwell on “neutralizing” the skilled opponents rather than on pivotal positioning on the ice. Tough, hard-hitting hockey is a hockey fundamental. But “goon
hockey” featuring tough pugs on skates seeking fights within seconds of climbing over the boards is pretty ridiculous. If the referees in the 2012 playoffs continue to allow unabashed and oft-times very deliberate violence, some players may be permanently disabled. ’Nuff said.
make amends and make this project viable.” Mariaca agreed. “As a homeowner, I sincerely appreciate how you feel about this project being built,” she told the crowd. “But I don’t think it would be fair to any party to make a decision based on an application that does not fully address all the conditions for approval.” Priore acknowledged residents’ commitment to come out and speak on the matter but said he wanted to hear accurate information. “It’s important to understand that in order to make the best decision, all the infor-
mation needs to be correct,” he said. Drahos made a motion to deny the request for a postponement, but it failed for lack of a second. Mariaca then made a motion to approve the request with the condition that the applicant incur the cost to re-advertise the new meeting. Initially, the meeting was going to be delayed 30 days, prompting complaints from residents who noted that many people would be on vacation over the summer. The board voted 5-1 with Drahos opposed to postpone the item to Wednesday, Sept. 5.
NEWS PZA Board
Postponed Until Sept. 5
continued from page 1 and concern about some of the conditions. “We have made a lot of progress in the past month,” he said. Priore asked whether staff had discussed its conditions of approval with the applicant before last week. Halperin said that they had not. Flinchum explained that the conditions were fairly standard because there were not a lot of details of the project known.
“You have to prepare for the unknown,” he said. “With more information, we’re getting more comfortable with the proposed commercial parcels. We’re trying to prepare for the most intensive types of activities.” PZA Board Member Elizabeth Mariaca asked when the applicant last met with members of the Versailles community. “It was months and months ago,” Halperin said. “We have reached out to them, but were unable to schedule a meeting.” PZA Board Vice Chair Craig Bachove asked if Versailles was aware of changes to the proposal.
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Van Casteren told the board that his community was aware of the changes and did not support the plan. “We are fully aware of what the new plan is,” he said. “The reason why we have not met with the applicant is because under no circumstances whatsoever would my community agree to this new proposal. We will not meet with her unless the proposal of this apartment complex is completely removed.” Van Casteren said he felt that the applicant was showing disrespect to the community and the board.
“She has come here with no one,” he said, “just coming here by herself and telling you that this isn’t going to happen. That is disrespectful to this board and to my entire community.” During board discussion, Bachove said that he would like the opportunity to hear a fully prepared proposal to best evaluate the changes. “This is a very difficult decision for everyone,” he said. “Everyone has taken their time to be here. I understand that. I understand both sides. I would like to see an opportunity for both sides to get together again to
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May 4 - May 10, 2012 Page 5
NEWS
WHOLE FOODS MARKET HOSTS FUNDRAISER FOR PBCHS PROJECT GRADUATION
Whole Foods Market in Wellington hosted a wine-tasting benefit for Palm Beach Central High School’s Project Graduation on Frida y, April 27. Guests enjoyed fine wines, cheeses and music, all while raising money for a good cause. F or more info., e-mail pbcprojectgrad 2012@comcast.net PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
Committee Chair Kimberly Briard and co-chair Anne Wassman.
Ivette and Ruben Jardines get some wine from Mimi Deneus.
PBCHS moms taste some of the fine wines available.
Brad and Beth Goldstein with Karen and Mike Louramore.
Stacie Wallace, Tammy Rolon, Eric Hydes, Samanta Rolon and Tony Rolon.
Beth Saifman and Laura Maher.
CYCLERS AT RPB’S BEACHSIDE RYDE TAKE PART IN THE ‘BE A HERO’ CAMPAIGN Beachside R yde in Royal Palm Beach participated in Wish Upon a Hero’s “Be a Hero” nationwide cycling event Saturday, April 28. Participants joined thousands of other cyclers across the nation in cycling classes, with proceeds benefiting the Wish Upon a Hero Foundation, which grants the wishes of Americans in need. For more info., call Beachside Ryde at (866) 874-0170 or visit www.beachside rydeinc.com. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
Gary Schneider of Advocare Supplements with his children Jett and Darian.
(Front row) Darian and Jett Schneider; (back row) Beachside Ryde staff and guests on the bikes.
Fitness instructor Shannon Frankowski with Debbie Quilleon.
Page 6 May 4 - May 10, 2012
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CRIME NEWS
Medical Equipment Stolen From Vehicle By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report APRIL 26 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to a home in Counterpoint Estates last Thursday afternoon regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9 p.m. last Wednesday and 3 p.m. the following afternoon, someone broke into the victim’s vehicle and stole several pieces of medical equipment. The victim discovered that someone had gone through the vehicle and removed a nursing medical bag with an anti-coagulant machine, a blood pressure cuff, a glucosmeter, wound-care dressing and more. The stolen items were valued at approximately $2,300. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. APRIL 27 — A resident of Counterpoint Estates contacted the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Friday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 p.m. last Thursday and 7 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s unlocked SUV and stole a Pioneer DVD player and navigation system valued at approximately $1,500. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. APRIL 28 — An employee of a restaurant in the Royal Plaza called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Saturday evening to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 9:45 p.m., an unknown young female entered the restaurant, waited by the counter for a few moments, and then took the tip jar that was sitting on the counter. According to the report, the suspect fled the store and got into a newer model red Ford Mustang being driven by an unknown white male. The
suspect was described as a thin woman in her late teens or early 20s with blond hair in a ponytail. According to the report, the tip jar contained between $52 and $80 in cash. Surveillance video of the incident was available, but there was no further information at the time of the report. APRIL 29 — Several residents of The Acreage contacted the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last Sunday to report acts of vandalism. According to separate PBSO reports, several residents discovered that the tires on their vehicles had been slashed. According to one PBSO report, a resident of 120th Avenue North said that sometime between 10 p.m. last Saturday and 3 p.m. the following afternoon, someone slashed the sidewalls of her vehicle’s two right tires, causing approximately $300 in damage. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. According to a second PBSO report, the victim last saw her vehicle at approximately 10 p.m. last Saturday. When she returned to her vehicle at 8 a.m. the following morning, she discovered that her back left tire was flat. According to the report, someone slashed the sidewall of the tire, causing approximately $150 in damages. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. In a third PBSO report, a resident of 67th Court North said that sometime between 8:30 p.m. last Wednesday and 10:46 a.m. the following morning, someone cut her rear left tire, causing approximately $150 in damage. According to the report, the deputy believed that the victim might have run over something in the road. There was no further information available at the time of the report. APRIL 30 — A resident of Fawnwood Place contacted the PBSO substation in Wellington on Monday morning to report an act of vandalism. According to a See BLOTTER, page 20
The PBSO seeks help in identifying this woman in connection with two stolen checks cashed in the western communities.
Suspect Sought For Cashing Stolen Checks MARCH 24 — The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with identifying a suspect wanted for cashing stolen checks on Saturday, March 24. According to a PBSO report, two vehicle burglaries occurred, one in Wellington and one in Royal Palm Beach. In each vehicle bur-
glary, the perpetrator stole the victim’s purse, which contained bank paperwork and information. A female suspect was captured on surveillance video cashing the victims’ checks. Anyone who can identify this suspect is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS or tips@cspbc.com.
Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Rudolph Atkins is a black male, 5’10” tall and weighing 160 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos. His date of birth is 08/25/68. Atkins is wanted for sexual battery. His occupation is unknown. His last known addresses were NW Seventh Court in West Palm Beach, SW Eighth Street in Belle Glade and Peconic Court in Wellington. Atkins is wanted as of 05/ 03/12. • John Valeo is a white male, 5’6” tall and weighing 145 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes. He has multiple tattoos. His date of birth is 06/14/88. Valeo is wanted for violation of probation on charges of first-degree arson to a dwelling and possession of oxycodone. His occupation is sheet metal worker. His last known address was W. Waterside Court in Wellington. Valeo is wanted as of 05/03/12. 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.
Rudolph Atkins
John Valeo
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 4 - May 10, 2012 Page 7
NEWS
LGLA Members Briefed On Sugarland Wind Project In The Glades By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report At the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’Association meeting Thursday, April 26, Robin Saiz of Wind Capital Group gave a presentation on the Sugarland Wind project, a 200-megawatt wind farm planned just east of Belle Glade. Wind Capital Group started out as a small wind development company in 2005. “At that time, the company developed wind farms in the Midwest to be sold to other companies,” Saiz said. “In 2008, they de-
cided to change the business model and grow the company and become a full-service wind development company. Now we develop, build, own and operate.” The company’s first wind farm built under that business model opened in Missouri. “It’s a 150megawatt wind farm, which is enough power for about 45,000 homes,” Saiz said. “It’s been up and running since May of last year, and it’s a very successful project.” The western Palm Beach County wind farm will be the company’s fourth.
Robin Saiz of Wind Capital Group addresses the LGLA. PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER
The 200-megawatt wind farm will power about 65,000 homes, using between 114 and 124 wind turbines spread over 13,000 acres of mostly sugarcane and some row crops. Seven landowners are participating in the lease. Wind towers will be spaced between a quarter- and a half-mile apart, and the base of each turbine will take up less than a quarter-acre of land. Only about 30 acres will be taken out of production. “You can farm up to within about 20 feet of the base of the turbine,” Saiz explained. “The diameter at the base of that thing is about 18 feet. Underneath the ground you’ve got tons of concrete and rebar. You’re looking at 40 to 60 trucks of concrete for the base of each one of these things.” The company plans to hire local contractors to build the foundations. “It’s a lot of money going into local neighborhoods,” Saiz said. The towers will be about 250 feet tall, with the blades’ bottoms coming within about 120 feet of the ground. Wind Capital Group is negotiating with three different vendors for the turbines — GE, Siemens and Vestas. “They’re in bidding wars to see who gets the project,” Saiz said. All the electricity generated will be collected underground and come together at one substation. The power will go into Florida Power & Light’s grid system, but FPL more than likely will not be the actual buyer of the power. “They are not required to buy the power, but because they are a
federally regulated utility, they have to accept the power,” Saiz said. “We do a transmission study with them and an interconnection agreement, and then it goes into the grid.” The primary concern raised with wind power projects, such as this one, is its effect on bird populations. Saiz said the towers are designed so birds cannot perch on them. Avian studies are underway regarding migratory patterns. “We developed a strategy here that is the Cadillac of all avian studies,” he said. “We’ve had avian ornithologists out there, two of the best in the state… conducting studies for 74 continuous weeks, studying not only what species we see, how many there are and, most importantly, their behavior.” Through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Wind Capital Group met at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge with a number of organizations, including the Audubon Society, 1,000 Friends of Florida and the Sierra Club, giving a presentation on what the study would cover and asked for feedback. Saiz said the Sugarland project will use a radar bird detection system designed originally for jets. With new turbine technology, individual turbine blades can be stopped if radar detects birds flying through. “This radar will shut down parts of the farm when you have birds coming through,” he explained. “We took the advice that we were given, and we incorporated that into our study plan.”
The wind farm will also be equipped with a bat detection system. Saiz said that the yearlong study has been criticized because it allegedly did not take into account yearly variability of rainfall and drought, so they consulted with researchers from the University of Florida who have been doing studies in the Everglades since 2004. Their data covers all seasons, he said, and concentrated on wood storks and snail kites. Our company has been studying the wind there since December 2009. “We know when it’s blowing and when it’s not,” he said. “What we have here in Florida is a daytime wind,” he said. “We’re 36 miles inland, but we still catch sea breezes [and] lake-effect breezes from Lake Okeechobee. With our site there, we get wind that starts about 9:30 in the morning, so we catch the tail end of the morning peak, but we catch full on the evening peak of the demand for power because our wind does not shut off until about 8:30 at night.” Wind is also seasonal in the area. “In summer months, the wind falls off the page,” Saiz said. “That’s when we will be able to do our maintenance. That lines up with wood storks very well. The months of July, August and early September, when farmers have flooded their fields and they‘re starting to draw the water off, we’ve got a very concentrated food source. That’s when the wood storks come.” The project will cost between $350 million and $400 million, he
said. It will offset 320,000 tons of carbon dioxide a year that would be produced by a modern gasfired electric generator, he said, adding that wind farms also use no water. Asked how the turbines stand up in hurricanes, Saiz answered that they can be shut down and the blades secured. “It’s an insurable risk,” he said. “The turbine vendors will warranty up to 133 miles an hour sustained winds, and then there’s after-market insurance that will warranty them after that.” Turbines similar to the ones that will be used at Sugarland went through major hurricanes Ivan and Dean in the Caribbean, he said. “There was no damage to the turbines from direct hits from both those hurricanes,” Saiz said. The turbines are activated when wind speed exceeds 5 mph and shut down at 55 mph, spinning at a controlled speed of 18 to 20 rpm. The Palm Beach County Commission has approved permitting of the project with the condition that it put in a bird detection radar system. The next hurdle in permitting is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. That application will be submitted by May 15, and evaluation takes at least a year. “Let’s say everything, the moon and the stars line up, we get through that next June, 90 days to pull building permits, we start construction late summer, early fall of 2013. Then we can build this in six to 10 months,” he said. For more information, visit www. sugarlandwind.com.
West Brings Business-Focused Message To County Commission By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report U.S. Rep. Allen West (R-District 22) updated the Palm Beach County Commission about congressional business Tuesday, saying that his main focus has been to reprioritize federal spending. “As I see it, the roles we should have up there in Washington, D.C., come down to three levels,” West said. “It should be economic, energy security and national security for America, and sitting on those two committees I am currently a member of, the Armed Services Committee and the Small Business Committee, it gives me a great opportunity to have that clear insight.” One of his big concerns is the national debt and deficit. “Fifteenpoint-six trillion dollars, that is right now about 102 percent of our GDP,” West said, warning that continuing to spend could put the United States in a situation similar
Town Office
Might Need New Space
continued from page 1 if he wanted to talk to us about making a different proposal, and he didn’t,” Kutney said. “We have started to look at various options. There aren’t a lot of options in the town.” Thus far, Kutney has explored an office near Palms West Hospital and a private residence. “We have even talked about the idea of possibly building a small town hall to meet our needs at F Road and Okeechobee where there seems to be a site we could work with,” he said, adding that they might occupy the space temporarily with some trailers. “We’re bouncing a number of issues around.” Kutney is also exploring the town’s options at its current loca-
to that of Greece and other European countries crippled by their debt burdens. “Most importantly, my true concern is now on U.S. Highway 1 and all across Palm Beach County and Broward County, the closed storefronts we see of our small businesses,” he said. “We have got to do the things that are necessary for the tax and regulatory policies for those small businesses to once again open up those closed storefronts and get South Floridians back to work.” West said the unemployment rate in South Florida is a bit higher than in the rest of the state, which is higher than the national unemployment rate, and that Florida foreclosures still remain high. He said it is important to have policies that keep Americans in their homes, find them work and keep them at work, which he said is central to the Small Business Committee.
“I want to see us prioritize spending and get it in the right places,” West said. “The unfunded mandates that we continue to push down to the states has a trickle-down effect on our local government, our counties and also our municipalities. That’s a relationship we need to make sure we try to fix.” West said another priority is to secure a farm bill extension. “I would like to see that farm bill extended for five years,” he said. “I don’t know if we’re going to be able to do that, but there are certain key issues that we’ve already written letters about. The citrus canker and the greening, that’s what we want to be sure we get the research [on so we] have a good and prosperous agricultural community.” He has also written a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture about Mexico flooding the American market with tomatoes, under-
cutting the market for local growers. West noted that he has been working with the Port of Palm Beach in anticipation of the opening of the widened Panama Canal. “The next thing I think is so important here in Palm Beach County, in 2014, maybe 2015, you’re going to see the Panama Canal expand,” he said. “You’re going to get bigger and larger cargo ships, and they’re going to be coming into the Port of Miami and Port Everglades, and that’s why we’ve been working with the Port of Palm Beach so that maybe some of those small cargo ships that are being displaced from those areas can now come here to the port.” Probably the most important thing his office accomplished last year, West said, was the coastal community issues forum held recently with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and several state agencies. “We’re going to have
another coastal communities conference on May 24,” he said. “We sent out a letter to the members of the commission here as well to be there at the Florida Atlantic University campus in Jupiter. I think that is really important because we brought the priorities to the corps that this area wanted to see happen, and we were able to get a good funding amount for that.” Commissioner Priscilla Taylor, a former Port of Palm Beach commissioner, thanked West for his work with the port. “They have only said good things about your participation and what was going on there,” Taylor said. Commissioner Jess Santamaria asked about the Corps of Engineers’ work on the Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee, which he said has been progressing slowly. “The Corps of Engineers has lagged behind on their work and it’s really seriously negatively im-
pacting the situation in the Glades,” Santamaria said. “I hope you do whatever you can to nudge them into working a little more expeditiously, because the Glades really needs help along those lines.” West said he agreed that the work on the dike is important for the Everglades and the communities there and said it goes back to setting spending priorities. Santamaria said it was his understanding that the money is there but the work is not progressing. West said some of the money is there, but the issue remains prioritization. “I will continue to talk to Col. [Alfred] Pantano, who is responsible for that,” West said. “He will be departing and going to Afghanistan, and we will also pick up and be talking to the new district Corps of Engineers commander as well. I used to wear the same uniform as them, so that won’t be a problem.”
tion. “I’ve asked the town attorney to take a look at the lease to see where we’re going, but we’re very unhappy because we thought we had a good arrangement with Mr. Yee,” he said. “We feel like we are a good tenant, and he’s not treating us the way he should. There is [other] available space in the center.” Town Attorney Mike Cirullo said the lease expires in September 2013 but that it does allow the landlord to investigate leasing out some of the space currently occupied by the town. Mayor Dave Browning asked whether the new tenant is going to operate a U-Haul business and store rental trailers in the parking lot. “You’ve got a parking lot there that’s approved for parking, not for staging a U-Haul business,” he said. Councilman Jim Rockett noted that it might be time to discuss setting up permanent facilities for the
town. “We’ve been in existence for a while now, and we’re still taking baby steps, I believe, but maybe we need to have serious discussion on the options of putting our own facility together,” he said. Rockett pointed out that the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office is the designated emergency operations center but that the office is not a hardened building and could be destroyed in a hurricane. He added that the town’s Community Emergency Response Team needs a good staging area for emergencies. “If we had our own land or site, we could certainly create something that is a little better suited for what they need,” Rockett said. Rockett said he would like to look at possible sites for the town to acquire and construct a facility that could serve as an office and emergency operations center. “The thing that comes to mind
is a hardened core of poured concrete block or concrete wall and ceiling and maybe have a central part to a facility that could be an emergency operations center,” he said. Councilman Ryan Liang said the council needs to look at both longterm and short-term needs. “I know that CERT keeps quite a few things in that second office, so you have to look at storage and also alternate meeting places for our committees, and then the other would be a long-term solution,” Liang said. “If we have to build a facility, obviously it’s not going to get built in less than a year. So, we have to think about short-term options as well.” Jarriel said he had been under the impression that the town would be able to occupy its current offices until it could build a town center. “The shame is in all the work that our staff has put into upgrading those offices,” he said.
“We finally had a place where our committees could meet.” Jarriel asked that the council direct staff to come up with temporary solutions but also look into a more permanent solution. “Now is the time to buy property if that’s what we want to do,” he said. “I’m thinking along the lines of modulars or something like that, but that would be more or less temporary.” Councilman Tom Goltzené said building a town hall is not his priority, especially not on Okeechobee Blvd., and not when there is the possibility of developers building office space on B Road where they might be able to get the developer to build to the town’s needs under a long-term lease. “I would have concerns about sinking a lot of money into any particular thing at this time because we have a lot of things we have to work through,” he said,
adding that he felt it was unfortunate that the town is in this position. “I don’t know if there was some penny-wise and pound-foolishness in not securing these spaces. We certainly should pay more attention to that kind of stuff.” Browning said if they were to build a town hall, “it would have to be very basic, attractive but very basic,” he said. “If we were to do it, now is probably the best time to do it because prices are the lowest in history. It does change our priority list and makes me glad I’ve got some money in the bank.” In other business, the council agreed to discuss giving more money to the town’s management firm at a future meeting in order to accommodate the firm’s growing list of duties. The council also approved resurfacing of Bryan and Compton roads but voted down a motion to pave South D Road from Okeechobee Blvd. to Southern Blvd.
Page 8 May 4 - May 10, 2012
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NEWS BRIEFS Wellington To Observe Memorial Day Wellington and the American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390 will honor all veterans at a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 28. Veterans are invited to walk in the Memorial Day Parade beginning at 8:15 a.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The parade ends at the Wellington Veterans Memorial, located on the corner of Forest Hill and South Shore boulevards, and will be followed at 8:30 a.m. by the Memorial Day Ceremony. This is 30 minutes earlier than last year’s ceremony due to multiple events throughout Palm Beach County. If you are an active or retired veteran attending the ceremony, you will have an opportunity to register the morning of the event at the Wellington tent to be recognized during the ceremony. If you would like your name added to the list of veterans, call Eric Juckett at (561) 753-2497. For more information about the American Legion Chris Reyka
Memorial Post 390, contact wellingtonlegion390@gmail.com. To become a part of this event or to walk in the parade, call Michelle Garvey at (561) 791-4082.
Wellington Now Offering Kangoo Classes Swimsuit season is here, and now is the perfect time of year to “spring” out of your workout rut and into a class that makes fitness fun. Wellington has recently welcomed Lisa Liebman of Just Bounce Inc. and her Kangoo Jumps class to the Parks & Recreation program lineup. Originally developed for joggers to reduce impact on joints, Kangoo Jumps boots provide all the benefits of “rebound exercise” such as improved cardiovascular health, increased bone mass, weight loss and stress reduction. Classes consist of everything from “boot camp” style drills to running and dancing at your own pace. The new four-week session begins Tuesday, May 8 at the Wellington Community Center located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. and
runs through Thursday, May 31. Classes are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. The cost to attend one class per week for four weeks is $50 for Wellington residents and $62.50 for nonresidents, or step up your results in time for Memorial Day with two classes per week for four weeks at a cost of $80 for Wellington residents and $100 for nonresidents. Participants must be at least 16 years of age and must register in advance by visiting the Parks & Recreation page online at www. wellingtonfl.gov, via fax or in person at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) or Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). For specific details and the latest program information, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or call Programs Coordinator Julie Strow at (561) 753-5262.
Wellington Rotary Peace Photo Contest Each year the Rotary Club of Wellington, hosts various competitions with area schools and organizations as part of its Peace Initiative. These include poster,
poetry, essay and scout merit badge competitions. A key competition is also in photography, where participants are asked to submit a black and white or color photograph depicting an image that represents “multi-cultural understanding” or “conflict resolution” as it applies to world peace. Photography classes from local schools will take part, and the Rotary Club is inviting any local amateur or professional photographer to compete as well. The photograph can be a still life or live action shot. All photographs should be 8.5”x11” and mounted on a standard display frame. Names and contact details should appear on the rear of each submission. The competition runs through Friday, Sept. 7. The winners will be chosen and announced the following week by the Rotary Club Peace Initiative Committee. Prizes will be awarded at the Rotary Club Peace Day celebration on the evening of Friday, Sept. 21 at the Wellington Rotary Peace Park on Royal Fern Drive near the Wellington branch library. Prizes for first, second and third place will be $150, $100 and $50, respectively.
The winning photographs will be on display at the event and will then be shown at various local public spaces over the following weeks along with some honorable mention photos. Everyone is invited to compete in this community-wide competition. For further information and submission of photographs, contact Larry Kemp of the Rotary Club Peace Committee at larry.kemp@ comcast.net.
Jazzercise Classes Offered At Giselle’s Jazzercise classes are now being offered at Giselle’s Dance Studio (298 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach). The program is running Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 9 a.m. Instructor Jackie Orloff demonstrates the workout, which incorporates cardio, strength and stretch moves in one class. By combining yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, hip-hop and resistance training into a one-hour total body
workout, Jazzercise is the perfect exercise for all ages and abilities. For more information, call Orloff at (561) 797-6761 or visit www. jazzercise.com.
Concert Rescheduled For May 11 April showers aren’t getting in the way of weekend fun in Wellington. Residents are invited to rock with local artist Bobby Gugliuzza and WeHumanz on Friday, May 11 at 8 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). This free concert was originally scheduled for April 28 but was postponed due to inclement weather. Guests are encouraged to bring their own seating such as lawn chairs or blankets. For a complete schedule of events at the Wellington Amphitheater, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov and select the Amphitheater Schedule page under the News tab. For more information, call Cultural Programs & Facilities Manager Joe Piconcelli at (561) 7914756.
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NEWS
CENTRAL PBC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INSTALLS ITS DIRECTORS FOR 2012-13 “An Inaugural Celebration in Paradise,” the first installation gala of the newly merged Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, was held Friday, April 27 at the Pavilion at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. The chamber’s 2012-13 Board of Directors was installed, including incoming Chairman Dr. Jeffrey Bishop. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
State Rep. Mark Pafford installs the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce 2012-13 Board of Directors.
Dr. Harvey and Zulma Montijo, Dr. Edward Becker, and Dr. Carlos and Amanda Leon.
Lake Worth Mayor Pam Triolo, RPB Councilwoman Martha Webster and her husband Gary, and Joanne Stanley.
Event Committee: Joel Dowley, Mar y Lou Bedford, Joni Moncelli, Jaene Miranda, Maria Becker, Andrea Plevin and Ellen Sanita.
Mario and Claudia Camacho strike a pose.
Dr. Jeffre y Bishop accepts the gavel from 2010-12 Chairman Carmine Priore III.
Lisa Gardi, Dorian Bordenave, Hope Barron and Maureen Gross.
Outgoing Chairman Carmine Priore III is inducted into the chamber’s Hall of Fame by Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda.
Faye Ford signs up at the silent auction.
Eric Gordon with Madeline Nava and Scott Herndon.
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NEWS
SWEET CORN FIESTA RETURNS TO YESTERYEAR VILLAGE AT THE FAIRGROUNDS The 12th annual Sweet Corn Fiesta was held Sunday, April 29 in Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The family-friendly event featured children’s games, rides, live music and corn-shucking contests. There were corn-eating contests for amateurs and professionals, and plenty of sweet corn grown in the Glades and trucked in Saturday. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Professional corn eating winners Crazy Legs Conti (first place) and Sonya “Black Widow” Thomas (second place) with Major League Eating Chairman George Shea.
Deanna Boehner, Delores McCarthy and Becki Powell wear hats for the corny hat contest. Boehner won first place.
Fair Director Butch Schmidt, Tim Lewis, B.J. Maxwell and Fair Director Dare “Pete” Peterson don swimwear for the “old-tyme” bathing suit contest.
Women compete in the ladies amateur corn-eating contest.
Ladies amateur corn-eating contest winner Gina Hill.
Blake Manger finishes the age 5 and under corn-shucking contest while his dad C.J. Manger looks on.
HUNDREDS COMPETE IN SWIM MEET AT THE WELLINGTON AQUATICS COMPLEX The Spring Into Summer 2012 Invitational Swim Meet was held April 27-28 at the Wellington A quatics Complex. Approximately 360 swimmers signed up, including 71 members of the Wahoos of Wellington Swim Club, who competed in 310 races over the two-day event. Swim club tryouts are held Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. For more info., visit www.wellingtonswimming.com. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Swimmers in the boys 13 & over 100 LC meter backstroke take off.
Wahoos of Wellington Swim Team members take a break.
Girls 13 & over 100 LC meter breaststroke heat No. 1 winner Marta Ciesla during competition.
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NEWS
Wellington Green Market Concludes Successful First Season By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report The rain did not stop the final day of the Wellington Green Market’s first season Saturday, April 28 at the Wellington Amphitheater. Huddled under tents, vendors sold a vast array of products, while customers rushed to purchase a favorite item for the last time to “Go West for Farm Fresh” until the market’s next season. The market had been running since Nov. 12 of last year, and featured a variety of local products, which included locally grown produce, freshly baked goods and pastries, flowers, plants, collectibles and interesting items for the home. Every Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 1
p.m., hundreds of people attended the Wellington Green Market for an opportunity to view and purchase some of the freshest produce and products in the community. With 45 vendors coming from all over the area, green market organizer Peter Robinson was pleased with its success. “It turned out to be twice the number of vendors I anticipated for an opening year,” he said. Robinson has run the Lake Worth Farmers Market for many years, and he decided to partner up with Wellington to provide a market in the western communities. “Wellington was very supportive of the market, and it takes a city’s support to make a real successful farmers market,” he said.
Laurie Raid of Seed to Bloom assembles a bouquet of flowers. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Some of the most popular items were specialty products. “Many of the products we had were specialty items like homemade salsa, which you can’t get in a major grocery store,” Robinson said. The specialty items are what made the market so successful. “We received nothing but positive feedback,” Robinson said. “Many people came specifically for their favorite specialty items, like for the bananas from Lago Farms.” Many of the vendors were local farmers from the surrounding communities. “This market had probably the most local growers in it because we were located close to their farms,” Robinson said. Having the actual growers and farmers selling their products was an extremely unique factor, which Robinson believes kept people coming back. “The vendors not only harvested the products being sold, but they had that expert knowledge, which they would educate the customers with,” he said. “They would talk about the nutrients in the products and about how the product was grown, and the customers loved that.” Vendor Laurie Raid of Seed to Bloom was pleased with being a part of the Wellington Green Market. “We have enjoyed becoming friends with the customers, as well as educating them on local produce,” she said. “We really look forward to coming back next season.”
For Robinson, providing the freshest products grown locally is what the Wellington Green Market is all about. “All the vendors are local, and it’s the mission of the market because people prefer locally harvested products as opposed to a grocery stores, where the produce can stay for weeks,” he said. The Wellington Green Market was great for many new and upand-coming businesses, Robinson said. “Many people use farmers markets as a business incubator,” he said. “It’s good for testing the market and research for a new and specialty product, to see how people like it.” Robinson anticipates next season to be as successful as the first. With 10 to 15 more vendors, and its new “farm-to-table” brunch. “We will be serving brunch in the middle of the farmers market on one long table for about 60 people,” Robinson said. “I will create a menu that incorporates all the different vendor products, and a vendor will cook it.” This has been a major success at the Lake Worth Farmers Market. “We hope that it’s just as popular at the Wellington Green Market.” Next season’s Wellington Green Market will begin Nov. 10. Vendors can begin reserving a spot in August and up to one week before the market opens. For more info., call (561) 547-3100 or visit www. wellingtongreenmarket.com.
Chelsea Koester buys produce from Veronica Niebur of Ms. V’s Organics.
Christina Waters of Christy’s NY Cheesecake Bakery.
ATHLETES COMPETE IN REEBOK CROSSFIT GAMES AT THE S.F. FAIRGROUNDS The Reebok CrossFit regional games were held Friday to Sunday, April 27-29 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Athletic teams and individuals competed in various divisions for a chance to advance to the next level. For more info., visit www.crossfitgames.com. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Kate Carson does muscle-ups.
Gabrielle Andrews competes individually by doing muscle-ups.
Taylor Flynn competes in the deadlift individual event.
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SCHOOL NEWS
Panther Run Students Celebrate Earth Day
WCS students show their support for Haiti.
Panther Run Elementary School had everyone involved in its Earth Day celebration. The weeks leading up to Earth Day — which was observed Sunday, April 22 — involved many fun activities that involved all students. Outside in the courtyard, visitors will find Earth Day haikus on “poet trees,” marking “Celebrate Poetry Month.” To incorporate poetry with Earth Day, students were asked to write haiku poems. The poems were attached to the trees in the courtyard using clothespins and reusable twine. Karen McMichael’s secondand third-grade students came and shared their “Poem in a Pocket” on the morning announcements. Joy Sosler’s third-grade students appeared on Panther Run’s TV station WPRE to recite lines and stanzas from famous poets such as Shel Silverstein and Jack Perlustsky. Jamie Senese’s
fourth- and fifth-grade students, as well as many other classes, contributed poems for the poet trees on campus. The bulletin board in the media center was created by library parent volunteer Melissa Basile. An Earth Day banner was created by fifth-graders Madison Root and Alessandra Bellagaba. Media specialist Shannon Culp helped coordinate the project. “We hope on some level that we have encouraged our Panthers to respect our Earth and make it our responsibly to take care of our world,” Culp said. There is an ongoing effort all year long to make Panther Run an eco-friendly school. Taking care of the planet is part of their program ROAR — Respectful, Ownership, Awesome (Attitude) and Responsibility, something that students have been participating in since the beginning of the school year. On Monday, April 30, they con-
In April of each year, the United States Treasury issues the National Financial Challenge. Students from across the United States enter the competition. This year, 80,024 students participated in the 2012 National Financial Challenge. For the second year in a row, Royal Palm Beach High School students placed in the top 20 percent of students in the United States. Royal Palm had more than 60 students compete in this year’s challenge. The students beat the
national average by two percent. Ten students were listed among the top 20 percent of competing students in the United States. The following eight students scored in the 80 to 90 percent range: Mike Alexander, Tyaire Butler, Jennipher Castillo, Cinthya Cubillo, Charvae Gaines, David Golden, Alex Soto and Lakeria Staples-Wilcox. Two students scored higher than 90 percent: Nicholas Spigarelli and Lionel Muñoz, who received the highest score at 98 percent. These
Poet Tree — (Seated) Heather Parrish and Paige Rodriguez, and (standing) Braden Romano and Cody Caldwell in front of the “poet tree” bulletin board in the media room.
Wellington Christian School Students Race For Haiti RPBHS Students Tops In Financial Challenge
Wellington Christian School held its annual Racing for Haiti event April 12. Students in preschool through fifth grade ran laps around the school’s campus and brought in more than 500 new and gently used shoes to donate to the struggling country of Haiti. WCS parent and Missionary Flights International pilot Kenny Gumpel explained to the students that many children deal with cut and sore feet due to not owning a single pair of shoes. He also thanked the children for
bringing in necessary bars of soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes that will encourage good hygiene habits with the children of Haiti. Wellington Christian School is a ministry of Wellington Presbyterian Church, serving more than 500 students from pre-school through 12th grade. For more information about WCS or its Summer Camp Eagle program, call (561) 793-1017 or visit the school’s web site at www. wellingtonchristian.org.
tinued their efforts by having a Bike and Walk for Earth Day. Students made an attempt to get to school without the use of cars.
Those who came by car were urged to carpool. Panther Run is working hard to “go green every day.”
10 outstanding students will be recognized via certificate and on the Treasury’s home page at www. challenge.treas.gov/statistics_ 2012/national_2012.aspx under the Top Students and Educators link. The 60 students are all Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members, many of whom represented Palm Beach County at the Florida FBLA competition on April 28. Tiffany Owen was also recognized by the treasury as a top ed-
ucator, along with eight other teachers in Florida. Owen is an accounting and business law teacher in the Global Business Academy at Royal Palm Beach High School. Owen said she was pleased with the results. “Royal Palm Beach High School students prove time and again that they will consistently excel when faced with challenges, and they are notable competitors on both the state and national level,” she said.
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SCHOOL NEWS
WHS Band Students Need New Uniforms Imagine wearing a high school band uniform as old as you are. For many freshmen and sophomores at Wellington High School, this is their reality. Since 1998, for each parade,
community performance or charity event, the Mighty Wolverine Sound marching band don their black-and-blue ensemble, a blend of polyester and wool buttoned up to their necks. Their uniforms are
WHS marching band students Paul Herrick and Erin Kimmey thank Palm Beach International Equestrian Center owners Mark and Katherine Bellissimo for hosting Wellington Schools Night.
tattered, torn, worn-out and falling apart, but the students still wear them with pride. Even as WHS band parents take great care each year to patch up everything so it looks presentable, it gets tougher each year. Beyond community events and fundraisers, the band performs in district, state and Florida Bandmasters Association Assessments, where several have received medals and accomplishments of the highest honors, ranking Superior among their peers. Next spring the band is slated to perform at the USS Missouri, the battleship where the Japanese signed surrender agreements ending World War II, and near the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. The students are certainly dedicated, determined and deserve to look their best as they are representing Wellington High School. As well as other annual expenditures, students and parents have
worked hard to fundraise specifically for uniforms for quite a few years now, but still find themselves coming up very short. Recently, the band has reached out to the new Mayor Bob Margolis to ask to be considered as a recipient of the Wellington Community Grant as well as a corporate outreach program that has gone out to local businesses for the past year. The band has suited up for many events for many years, and now feel it is time to reach out to their community and ask for help. The cost of new uniforms for the 135 band members and 21 majorettes will be approximately $71,000 and should last another 15 years. If you would like to make a corporate of personal donation, your donation will be recognized in various in school materials and possible media exposure. If you are interested, call Cathy Flora at (561) 906-5153 or e-mail her at cmflora @bellsouth.net.
TKA 4-Year-Olds Enjoy A Butterfly Release A sure sign of spring at the King’s Academy is the annual release of the painted lady butterflies by the school’s K4 class. This year the rite took on added significance for the 4-year-olds and their teacher, Linda Shaw. Last October, Shaw was diagnosed with stage 3B breast cancer and given a 50 percent chance of survival. While the students watched the journey of each butterfly from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis and finally to butterfly, they also journeyed with Shaw through chemotherapy and surgery. “It never occurred to me to stop teaching through this process,” Shaw said. “Teaching is my passion, and these children were the best therapy anyone could have.” The students agreed. “Is your hair falling out?” one 4-year-old asked every day. Another took a more practical approach: “I like my teacher’s hat. Every day, it matches her clothes.” The class had nurtured the butterflies throughout their lifecycle and took great pride in the fact that they had prepared them for their moment of freedom. On the morning of the release, they could barely contain their excitement as Shaw unzipped the cage, releasing the butterflies. The students jumped
up and ran after them, watching and cheering them on as they flew away. Several students shared the same sentiments as Ruby Callahan, who said, “I love butterflies. I wish we could keep all of them!” A few butterflies perched on the fingers of some of the students as if saying farewell before departing. The experience of raising butterflies is something the students will never forget. These types of hands-on learning experiences give King’s students an understanding and appreciation for science. They learned about the life cycle of the butterfly and were able to watch the entire process. Each stage of butterfly development brought new wonderment to the students. They witnessed how the eggs changed color before hatching, observed typical caterpillar behaviors, and marveled as the caterpillars transformed into beautiful butterflies. This tremendous experience was heightened by the students’ involvement in their teacher’s parallel process of change and renewal, making it all the more sweet and memorable. Just as the butterflies emerged from their chrysalises and glided freely into the sky, Shaw’s chemotherapy treatment has been completed, the cancer is gone, and
Boss Boys — Nicholas Diasio, Daniel Cano, Nikola Garic and Jordan Suarez.
SRHS eCybermission Team Tops In State
In the annual eCybermission online science competition, sponsored by the U.S. Military, a team of Seminole Ridge High School freshmen earned top honors in the state. Seminole Ridge congratulates the “Boss Boys” Daniel Cano, Nicholas Diasio, Nikola Garic and Jordan Suarez. With biotechnology academy teacher Katie Wright as their advisor, the Boss Boys were also selected as a top team in the region and given the opportunity to compete as regional finalists. Each of
the four freshmen will be awarded a check for $500 and have the opportunity to complete a paid internship in a college research lab this summer. In their eCybermission entry, the Boss Boys identified environmental pollutants in soil, then experimented with mixtures of organic compost, earthworms and oildegrading bacteria, determining the best combination for cleaning up their “dirty dirt.” Their results identified oil-degrading microbes and compost as the ideal cleaning combo.
HEART FOR AUTISM DAY AT NEW HORIZONS
Students celebrate as the butterflies are released. her prognosis is excellent. It is spring. Life is new again. The King’s Academy is a nationally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool through 12th grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.
The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach and Hendry counties at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach, its Clewiston campus on Caribbean Avenue, and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens and Royal Palm Beach. More information about the King’s Academy is available online at www.tka. net.
New Horizons Elementary School has a heart for autism. This month, New Horizons students focused on autism awareness by learning characteristics of autism, understanding how everyone is different, identifying how they can show respect and give honor to each individual. Pictured here are students and staff members with hearts they created to commemorate Hear t for Autism Da y.
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PALMS WEST PEOPLE
Ashley Coons Of Western Pines Wins Do The Write Thing Challenge Ashley Coons, an eighth-grader from Western Pines Middle School, has been selected by the Palm Beach County Steering Committee of the National Campaign to Stop Violence as the first-place ambassador for her efforts to stop youth violence in the Do the Write Thing Challenge. David Dunleavy, an eighth-grader from Boca Raton, is the first-place boy ambassador. Coons will be recognized with the other finalists Monday, May 7 at a luncheon at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. Coons and Dunleavy will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in July, where they and other ambassadors from around the country will be
honored in a national ceremony. Ranked second among young women was Melanie Camejo, an eighth-grader who attends Lake Worth Middle School, and third was Joy Sohn, a sixth-grader from Wellington who attends the Bak Middle School of the Arts. Howell L. Watkins Middle School sixth grader Nathanael Sybron from West Palm Beach was ranked second among young men, and Palm Beach Gardens resident Christopher Burrett, a seventhgrader at Watson B. Duncan Middle School, finished third. All six student finalists will receive cash prizes. From over 19,000 Palm Beach County middle school students who participated in the Do the
Wellington’s Mark Ralston To Star In Short Film Wellington child actor Mark Ralston, 9, is set to film at the end of May in a SAG project, Caught in the Middle. This short film’s script was written by 12-year-old Palm Beach County resident Jordan Alfonzo and co-written by 12-year-old Shane Meredith. Caught in the Middle teaches lessons of loyalty and tolerance, as it explores bullying and other issues. It is an age-old tale of romance in which a nerdy boy falls for a popular girl, and the girl must choose between her friends and her new romantic interest. Ralston plays the role of Dexter, the younger brother of Alfonzo. The film will be a union web project through the Screen Actors Guild and will be directed by Talina Adamo. For more information about the project, visit www.black onyxproductions.com.
Mark Ralston
Write Thing Challenge, 210 were selected as finalists. They will attend the May 7 luncheon along with their parents, teachers and principals. At the luncheon, a video will present the experiences of the top recipients and ways they are stopping bullying and teen violence. Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin will describe his early teen years as a Pahokee native and how he achieved success through sports. For the fifth consecutive year, the luncheon has been underwritten by West Palm Beach–based Florida Crystals Corporation, North America’s largest sugar producer. More than 600 guests are expected at the Kravis event.
The William H. Pitt Foundation will provide $500 grants to the school principals who had the highest participation in the program. The law firm of Larmoyeux & Bone P.L. is providing administrative support for organizing and directing the efforts of the Steering Committee. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has underwritten the entire cost of publishing all of the writings of the 210 students from the 21 schools who fully participated in the program. The program gives Palm Beach County sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students an opportunity to examine the impact of violence on their lives through written essays or poems reflecting on
Hewitt Finishes Tennis Season At Guilford College Freshman Allison Hewitt of Loxahatchee recently concluded her first season as a member of the Guilford College tennis team. Hewitt posted a 10-14 singles mark, distributing her time evenly at second, third, fourth and fifth singles. One of her best performances came against Bluefield College Feb. 10 as she defeated her opponent, 6-0, 6-2, in the Quakers’ 9-0 victory. Hewitt posted a 12-12 record at first and second doubles, including a 10-8 mark with teammate Haley Andrews. The tandem stood second in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference with a 9-2 second-doubles record. One of the pair’s best performances came when it defeated its firstdoubles foes, 8-5, in the Quakers’ 5-4 loss to Maryville (Tenn.) College. Hewitt led the team with 22 overall wins in singles and doubles.
Allison Hewitt Hewitt helped head coach Dave McCain’s squad to a 9-9 overall record, 6-4 in the ODAC, Guilford’s best season since 2008. The Quakers return as many as eight letter winners for the 2012-13 season, including Hewitt.
League Of Cities Scholarships For Area Students At its April 25 general membership meeting, the Palm Beach County League of Cities awarded the 2012 William A. Cruickshank Scholarships to five Palm Beach County High School seniors. The seniors who received
scholarships were Jenna Baxter of Wellington High School, Thomas Cox and Cassidy Heitman of Seminole Ridge High School, Armisha Roberts of Boynton Beach High School, and Christian Sendler of the Benjamin School.
Each student was awarded $1,000. The mission of the William A. Cruickshank Scholarship program is to promote and provide financial assistance to those pursuing areas of study in public service.
William A. Cruickshank was a former Boca Raton councilman and president of the Palm Beach County League of Cities from 1973-74. He was the first full-time executive director of the (thennamed) Palm Beach County Municipal League.
what they can do as individuals to reduce youth violence. “The goal of the program is to reduce youth violence in schools, at home and in neighborhoods,” explained West Palm Beach trial lawyer Bill Bone, chairman of the local steering committee of the Do the Write Thing Challenge. “Many young teens have been bullied or stigmatized by the way they look or talk or act and that can be very traumatic sometimes resulting in enormous pain and even suicide.” For more information about the Do the Write Thing Challenge or the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts event, call Alan Gallardo at (561) 832-0623. The recognition luncheon is by invitation only.
Ashley Coons
PBSO’S DIANE SMITH VISITS BETA SIGMA PHI CHAPTER
Members of the Beta Sigma Phi XIXI TAU Chapter this month met with Diane Smith, community outreach coordinator for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 9, in order to learn how to protect themselves in all aspects of their lives. Hosted by Linda Smith, crime prevention was the main topic in addition to the importance of residents in the community uniting as additional eyes and ears for the PBSO. The chapter is made up of members from all over Palm Beach County who come together once a month as part of the international organization that is dedicated to social, cultural and service projects and are known around the world as “the Friendship Organization.” Shown above are (L-R) President Maryann Hedrick, Carol Stephenson, Dottie Wright, Diane Smith, Linda Smith and Barbara Leonard. Send Palms West People items to: The Town-Crier Newspaper, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.
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NEWS
DESPITE RAIN, SUPPORTERS ATTEND CYSTIC FIBROSIS WALK IN WELLINGTON
Great Strides: Taking Steps to Cure Cystic Fibrosis was held Saturday, April 28 at Wellington Village Park. A dedicated group of walkers braved the rain to show up and promote the walk, raising a total of $10,000. The walk itself was rained out, though donations were solicited previously. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
The group braved the rain to support the cause.
Team Meemer’s Angels raised the most money ($4,215).
Team Strolling for a Cure: Victoria Green, Cheryl Young, Corynn, baby Hazel, Annabell and Jason Poirrier.
Ryan Tims gets a T-shirt from Jeff Mulligan.
Team Piper’s Precious Path: Alyssa, Ryder (front), Nicholas, baby Piper and mom Lisa, Patty Kenney, and Lauren Whitworth.
Madeleine Schutz, Karen Gray and Jeff Mulligan at check-in table.
CAFCI Student Assistance Awards May 5 Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) has announced that the Winn-Dixie Foundation is investing $2,500 to help achieve its mission of providing role models and opportunities for youth suppressed because of ideological, economical, political and environmental impediments. Seven awards will be presented to deserving graduating students at an awards ceremony Saturday, May 5 at 7 p.m. at the Harvin Center in Royal Palm Beach. CAFCI has been chosen by the Winn-Dixie Foundation to be a grant recipient. Together, they are making the community stronger. The funds provided by the WinnDixie Foundation will benefit deserving students who have been accepted to attend their college of choice after graduating high
school this year. Established in 1943, the WinnDixie Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the communities Winn-Dixie serves a better place to live. The Winn-Dixie Foundation awards grants to organizations that support programs and initiatives helping to foster healthy and thriving communities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. “Winn-Dixie is at the heart of the neighborhoods we serve,” said Mary Kellmanson, marketing group vice president of Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. and president of the Winn-Dixie Foundation. “We are pleased to partner with our grant recipients as together we work to build stronger vibrant communities.”
The annual CAFCI Student Assistance awards are also made possible through the contribution and dedication of members and supporters of the organization’s annual ball and family picnic. This year, through the generosity of lifetime members of CAFCI Mr. and Mrs. Lauriston Simms, one student will receive the Simms Award for Academic Excellence. The award will be given to a student who plans to pursue studies in the medical field. Donations were made by Port of Palm Beach Commissioner Wayne Richards; Royal Palm Beach Councilman Jeff Hmara; Junette Powell, a founding member of CAFCI; and Mr. & Mrs. Peter Inniss and Dr. Colette BrownGraham, community business partners. Their contribution will pro-
vide a special award to a deserving student. The guest speaker for the event is Palm Beach County School Board Member Marcia Andrews. CAFCI was founded by a group of residents in an effort to enhance, maintain and sustain the quality of life for the community, consistent with the culture and tradition of ancestral origins. CAFCI is committed to volunteerism and social activities. It functions as a resource center and information clearing house for individuals of the Caribbean-American community. For more on the Winn-Dixie Foundation, visit www.winndixie. com. For more on CAFCI and future student assistance grants, visit www.cafcipbc.org or call Dr. Elaine Ealy at (561) 790-4002.
Chili Award Winner — The MarBar Grille Restaurant at Madison Green was the recent award recipient for Best Restaurant Chili at the 2012 Acreage Music & Chili Cookoff, held Saturday, April 21 at Acreage Community Park. Pictured here is Chef Robson Moura with his award.
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NEWS
MDA HOSTS ‘WELLINGTON EXECUTIVE LOCKUP’ AT STONEWOOD GRILL & TAVERN The Muscular Dystrophy Association held its “Wellington Executive Lockup” on Thursday, April 26 at the Stonewood Grill & Tavern. Many local business owners and officials volunteered their time to go behind bars and raise money to benefit people with muscular dystrophy. For more info., visit www.mda.org. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Jonathan Dautremont and David Provencher of the U.S. Army get “locked up.”
Stonewood Grill General Manager Craig Conerly with MDA staff.
Laura Jaffe shows her suppor t for those with muscular dystrophy.
My Community Pharmacy owner Johnny Meier and his daughter Shaida.
Stephanie Johnston gets ready to be “locked up.”
S.F. Fair Scholarship Golf Classic June 30 One of the Palm Beaches’ longest-running charity golf tournaments is ready to tee it up again this summer. The 32nd annual South Florida Fair Scholarship Golf Classic will be played on the prestigious Breakers West Golf Course designed by world-renowned architect Rees Jones. This can’t-miss event on Saturday, June 30 is loaded with golf, gifts, prizes, food and fun. The golfer’s day begins with a Breakers continental breakfast. Then, picture yourself crushing a drive and splitting a lush fairway framed by towering pines or sinking a lightning fast putt for your team on the same championship golf course once played by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Lee Trevino and several other touring pros.
Right after golf, it’s back to the Breakers dining room for a splendid lunch buffet as scores of terrific prizes are awarded. Each participant will receive two complimentary tickets to the 2013 South Florida Fair held next January — all of this while chipping in for education. Since 1981, the South Florida Fair Scholarship Golf Classic has raised more than $425,000 in college scholarships for local youth. The grants are awarded annually during the fair. The event promises to be an exceptional day of golf on an exceptional golf course. Reserve your spot now. For an entry form or sponsor information, contact Lorie Stinson at (561) 790-5245 or lorie@south floridafair.com.
South Florida Fair Golf Committee — Snag Holmes, John Severson (committee chair), Todd Runnels, Lorie Stinson, Dave DeMay and Rick Vymlatil.
Visions Hair Salon owner Tom Monticello with salon coordinator Sherri Giles.
Volunteer Holly Fisher and spouse of former muscular dystrophy patient Eileen Cohen register participants.
Wellington Scores Big Win At The 18th Annual Communicator Awards The International Academy of Visual Arts recently named the Village of Wellington a two-time winner in the 18th annual Communication Awards in the categories of Government Relations Film/Video and Government Web Sites. With thousands of entries from across the United States and the world, the Communicator Awards is the largest and most competitive awards program honoring creative excellence for communications professionals. The awards are judged by an invitation-only body of leading professionals from various disciplines of visual arts. To view Wellington’s award-
winning video, visit http:// youtu.be/DvZU_GN3l_s. The video represents a brief history of Wellington from its roots as a strawberry patch to its development as a premier family-friendly community. Wellington’s web site at www. wellingtonfl.gov was redesigned in 2011 and includes Open Wellington, a government transparency feature that allows users to browse through public records, including financial information, reports, meeting agendas, ordinances and more. For additional information about the Communicator Awards., visit www.communicatorawards. com.
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NEWS
Lox Groves Resident Sets Up Free Web Directory Serving Town By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Loxahatchee Groves resident Larry Lefkowitz announced last week that he has set up a new town directory web service. Speaking at the Thursday, April 26 meeting of the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’Association, Lefkowitz said that the site, at www.loxahatcheegroves.com, went online a few months ago. “We bought our property here in 1997, and I’ve had a web design and graphic design business here for the last 12 years, and for a long
Stedt
Dwyer Award Winner
continued from page 1 motion animation, things that they can’t do in the regular classroom,” she said. “It’s not just where the students are memorizing facts. They are actually taking information that they’ve learned in their classroom and applying it to realworld situations. The class is very dynamic.” Stedt said the classes are designed so that the students must figure out the answers. “I frustrate the kids a lot of times because I don’t give all of the answers,” she said. “I continually challenge them and make them think and problemsolve because that’s my goal — to improve their communication skills and actually give them a chance to apply their skills in realworld situations.” The rest of the week, gifted students are in what is considered a
Polirer
RPB Temple Welcomes New Rabbi
continued from page 1 my master’s at a place called Tiferes Yisrael, which was a small academy in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn,” he said. Throughout his formal education, Polirer also gained professional experience as a Torah reader at Congregation Derech Emunah in Far Rockaway, N.Y., and at
Tennis
Rec Board To Rank Bids continued from page 1 anyone else. You do not know who they might know.” Kurtz said that committee members should report it if someone attempts to offer their opinion on the matter. Former Mayor Tom Wenham, a member of the board, said that he had been contacted by e-mail by a Wellington resident about the matter. “It was e-mailed to my home e-mail,” he said.
time I thought I wanted to do something like this, and I finally got around to doing it a few months ago,” Lefkowitz said. “It uses state-of-the-art town directory software. Essentially, you can create a free web page to advertise your business or an event you’re having, or you can post a classified ad, or if you have a business and you have a deal that you want to advertise, you can do that as well.” Lefkowitz stressed that there is no charge for the service. “I basically set this up as a free service
for the people of Loxahatchee Groves,” he said. “Normally town directories charge to post in them, but this is free.” The site is easy to use, he said, explaining that people can go there and create an account, and after they do that they can create a web page for their business, event, classified or deal. “If you need a web site for your business but you don’t want to go to the expense of doing it, you can use this, and if you do have a web site for your business, you can list your business here and
have a link to your web site, which makes your business web site more easily found,” he said. “The more links back to your web site, the better it is.” Lefkowitz noted that the site has been picked up by the major search engines, which will boost traffic. “It’s a good, free way to get good visibility on the search engines,” he said. Lefkowitz said he wants to make people aware of this because the more people use it, the more successful it will be. “For things like the classifieds
regular classroom, but with a combination of high-achieving and gifted children. “They are students who can benefit from a more rigorous curriculum that goes at a faster pace and in more depth than what a regular classroom is,” Stedt said. Stedt added that Dr. Rosemary Daniels, director of the school district’s gifted education programs, has told her that the Equestrian Trails gifted program is the only one of its kind in the county. “It’s very different from the way that gifted has been done in many of the schools,” Stedt said. Stedt said she thinks the way their program is set up offers more benefit for the students. “I would love for this to receive attention because I think too much emphasis is put on the gifted student that we just accelerate them and go through it faster,” she said. “I don’t think that’s what they need. They need to be able to take those facts and learn how to use their thinking skills and problemsolving skills and apply it efficiently.”
Stedt is passionate about the way the program has been designed. “We work a lot with their communication skills because you could be the brightest person and have the best ideas, but if you can’t communicate and share that idea with anyone, it’s not going to help you,” she said. Helping students with a higher level of thinking to communicate and express their ideas is important. “So many times I tell them you can’t flip open their heads and see the video screen inside,” she said. “I’d love it if I could, but you have to use your words and learn how to explain it to me so that I can see what you’re seeing and envisioning.” Additional criteria considered in selecting Dwyer Award winners are community service and what nominees do outside the classroom. “I volunteer as a shadow at Christ Fellowship. I work with a child with Down syndrome to incorporate her into learning in our children’s ministry,” Stedt said. “I’ve done that for six or seven
years now every Sunday. I also do a fifth-grade girls Bible study group every Sunday, too. During our church service, I lead them, and we also do community service projects outside of the church.” Stedt, who has been teaching seven years, got into the profession as a change of careers. “I was in medical research and traveled a lot before I had children,” she said. “I knew I was not going to go back into that. I was a stay-at-home mom and volunteered a lot at school. People kept telling me I should go into teaching.” Stedt, 45, lives with her husband in Wellington and has two children in middle school. The Dwyer Awards are sponsored by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County and the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County. For more info., visit www. thedwyerawards.com.
the Bell Park Jewish Center in Queens Village, N.Y. After living most of his life in New York, Polirer moved to Fayetteville, N.C., in 1978. “Before that, I served for three years as an assistant rabbi in Howard Beach in Queens,” he said. “But my idea was always to go out and spread Judaism.” Polirer attributes his attitudes toward spreading Judaism to his generation. “We wanted to go out like Jewish Johnny Appleseed and spread Judaism wherever there were Jews,” he said. “I come from that idealistic generation of the
Jewish Peace Corps, I guess you might call it.” After North Carolina, Polirer served 17 years with a temple in New Hampshire before moving to Florida in the late 1990s. Polirer is grateful to have been given the opportunity to be the rabbi of a Conservative yet progressive shul. “This synagogue has longevity — it has been in the community for over 30 years,” he said. “It has its own building with its own history, and it is looking forward into the future.” Temple Beth Zion, located at 129 Sparrow Drive in Royal Palm
Beach, has been a stronghold in the local Jewish community since it opened in 1980. A full-service Conservative congregation, it has a Hebrew school, preschool and adult education program. Polirer is not only bringing many years of experience to the pulpit, but he is also bringing something most rabbis don’t. “I’m pretty good at what I do in the pulpit, and I read from the scroll of the Torah, which most Rabbis don’t or can’t do,” he said. “It’s not taught in the curriculum; it’s a skill that I developed on my own.” Polirer has also been trained as
Kurtz said that committee members should try to minimize contact with people looking to influence their choice. “As a selection committee member,” he said, “you will have the opportunity to interview the proposers if you desire. You all are making your own judgments.” Wenham also pointed out that there was a letter printed in the Town-Crier regarding the issue. Kurtz said that sometimes that would be beyond their control. “There are things that you will be able to access that we can’t control,” he said. “We would ask you to try not to pay attention to it.”
De La Vega noted that there were five proposal criteria with which the board was to evaluate the proposals. “Once you review the proposals or have interviews with the proposers,” he said, “you will be asked to score each one of them based on this criteria.” The criteria include experience with similar programs, qualifications, program approach, cost and price, and references. Kurtz noted that committee members would not come under fire for their choices. “As a selection committee member,” he said, “no one is entitled to ask you why you scored in a particular manner. These are individual judgments you make according to your experience.” Kurtz noted, however, that in the past, selection committees have had issues when they rank each proposer so favorably, looking to be kind, that the proposal they thought was best does not get chosen. “Everyone likes to be nice,” he said. “But sometimes nice ends up not differentiating things.” Kurtz explained that if a member scores each proposal very close-
ly in an attempt to be kind, the decision for who gets the bid can come down to one or two points, not indicating a clear winner. “If you get to a situation where you have sat down and given these folks their scores,” he said, “you should have a definite idea in your mind as to which one should be the best. When you add up all the points, it may turn out that based on your scoring, the one you thought was the best ended up ranking second. There are circumstances where this happens.” Kurtz stressed that the points allotted to the proposals for each criteria need to clearly reflect the applicant’s proposal. “You need to differentiate,” he said. “Make sure that your gap between first and second reflects that. Instead of giving them, say 50 points and 49 points, you may want to think about giving them 50 points and 40 points.” Board members agreed to schedule interviews with applicants on Monday, May 14, with a decision by the committee to be made before a new board is appointed on Tuesday, May 22. Interviews are closed to the public.
to work, people need to actually look at them,” he said. “I’m just letting people know about this, so they can post their own classifieds.” Some of the information picked up by LoxahatcheeGroves.com is out of date, which needs to be updated if people come across old information about their business, Lefkowitz said. “If you have a business and you want to list it, search for your business first,” he said. “If your business is already in there, you can claim the listing, and all you
have to do is create an account and you can claim an account and modify it.” He has also set up a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lox grovesdirectory and a Twitter feed, which can be found at www. twitter.com/loxahatcheedir. On the Facebook page, people can post their own pictures and stories to share with others following the page. Lefkowitz’s business is Page Graphics Inc. More information about his company can be found at www.page-graphics.com.
a cantor. “I chant the prayers. Most rabbis are not cantors,” he said. “I studied it under Cantor Bernard Beer at Yeshiva University, as a private student for three years.” Polirer’s mission at Temple Beth Zion is to create a comfortable and open relationship with the members. “The important part that I see, which is the kernel of everything, is the worship service,” he said. “I want to create a worship atmosphere where people of all ages feel comfortable.” Polirer’s focus is on being progressive, by incorporating English readings and chanting. He wants everyone in the faith to enjoy and relate to it — “so that it’s not just for people who knew about Judaism since they were 2 years old but for people who are even new to it or did not have a Jewish educational background,” he said. Polirer is impressed with Temple Beth Zion’s youth programs. “They have a wonderful preschool and Hebrew school. I would like to reach out to them and to their parents by making them feel comfortable in this part of the building because they are housed in the other building over there,” he said pointing to the large double doors across the room. Temple Beth Zion offers Shab-
‘This synagogue has longevity — it has been in the community for over 30 years,’ Polirer said. ‘It has its own building with its own history, and it is looking forward into the future.’
(Right) Equestrian Trails Elementary School teacher Victoria Stedt with some of her SECME Club students at an event last year. TOWN-CRIER FILE PHOTO
Sales Tax
Postponed On 4-3 Vote
continued from page 3 outcry that our roads are in terrible condition. Probably in a few years maybe we will, but I don’t hear that right now. I think it’s premature to put it on the ballot this November.”
Blotter continued from page 6 PBSO report, sometime between 12:15 a.m. last Sunday and 8:15 a.m. the following morning, someone cut the victim’s left front tire, causing approximately $150 in damage. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. APRIL 30 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to a home in the Whispering Pines community Monday afternoon regarding an attempted residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5:45 a.m. and 4:05 p.m., someone damaged and removed the screen to the victim’s rear bedroom window. No entry was made to the home, but the perpetrator(s) caused approximately $25 in damages. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. APRIL 30 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a business in Commerce Park East on Monday evening regarding a vehicle burglary. According to the PBSO report, the victim parked her vehicle outside the business at approximately 6:15 p.m. When she returned at approximately 8:15 p.m., she discovered that someone used an unknown object to smash out her rear driver’s-side window. According to the report, the
bat services, which are warm and inviting, and include refreshments. Polirer is hoping that by expanding on these types of worship services, more people will feel welcome. “It shouldn’t be something you come to when you have the good times that you’re celebrating or the sad times you’re observing, or the High Holy Days, which your parents drag you to,” Polirer said. He does not want people to feel compelled to attend services; he wants them to feel good about it. “I want people to feel, ‘when I come here I get a smile on my face.’ And when they leave here, they leave with an even bigger smile on their face,” Polirer said. For more information, call (561) 798-8888 or visit www.templebeth zion.net. Taylor made a motion to postpone the item for at least 30 days but before the time frame to get it on the ballot, but the motion failed 4-3 with Commissioners Jess Santamaria, Marcus, Burdick and Abrams dissenting. Abrams then made a motion to postpone action on the surcharge for at least a year, which carried 43 with Taylor, Vana and Aaronson opposed. perpetrator(s) removed her Louis Vuitton handbag that was under the driver’s seat. The bag contained the victim’s credit cards, driver’s license, passport, jewelry and cash. The stolen items were valued at approximately $2,600. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. APRIL 30 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to Village Park on Monday evening regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., someone broke the victim’s rear driver’s-side window and stole the victim’s purse containing credit cards and bank cards. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. MAY 1 — An employee of Whole Foods Market called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday evening to report a vehicle theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked his silver 1994 Honda behind the store and locked it at approximately 3:45 p.m. When he returned at approximately 8 p.m., he discovered his car was missing. According to the report, there was no sign of forced entry. The vehicle is described as a silver Honda with a green bumper and front panel. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
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N.C. Wyeth, 1921
RECAP TURING THE REAL WEST
COLLEC TIONS OF WILLIAM I. KOCH COME SEE THE SHOW THAT HAS BROKEN ALL RECORDS FOR ATTENDANCE AT THE SOCIETY OF THE FOUR ARTS
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Tintype, 1879-80
ARTIFACTS, EPHEMERA AND FINE ART NEVER SEEN BY THE PUBLIC The only existing tintype of Billy The Kid Gold Rush nuggets and mining tools
Wagons and coaches from the 19th century Infamous outlaws and famous lawmen
Nearly 110 original paintings by artists such as Charles Russell and Frede 42 sculptures
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Admission $5 s Groups welcome 2 Four Arts Plaza | Palm Beach, FL 33480 | (561) 655-7226 | www.fourarts.org
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Reik Seeks Support For Epona’s Path Horse Rescue
Deer Run resident Rita Reik and her husband, Curtis, operate the horse-rescue service Epona’s Path. It is named after Epona, the Celtic goddess of horses said to protect mares, foals and riders. Epona’s Path now cares for a dozen horses, nine on their property and three in foster homes. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25
May 4 - May 10, 2012 Page 23
WHS Athletes Sign To Play College Sports
Several Wellington High School athletes signed letters of intent Tuesday, April 24 to play sports at the collegiate level. Stephane Beneche, Jose Jiovenetta, Jimmy Mullins, Andy LeMay and Kelly Sullivan all signed to play their respective sports at various schools. Page 39
Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION
INSIDE
Business Learning Foundation Puts Focus On Individualized Education For Students
The Learning Foundation of Florida was founded 10 years ago to provide students with the opportunities they need to succeed. Located in Royal Palm Beach, owner Debra Thornby’s goal was to open up a school where students could learn at their own pace, with minimal distractions. Currently serving 70 students, the Learning Foundation of Florida is located at 507 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.Page 27
Sports Wellington Volleyball Boys Come Up Short Against Jupiter High
On Wednesday, April 25, the Wellington High School boys varsity volleyball team hosted Jupiter High School in a district match-up. The Wolverines fell to the Warriors 25-20, 25-19 and 25-18. The Wolverines clawed back in the final match but could not counter the powerful Jupiter attack. Page 39
THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES ........................25-26 BUSINESS NEWS.................................. 27-29 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ...................... 33 SPORTS & RECREATION........................39-42 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ......................44-45 CLASSIFIEDS ........................................46-52
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FEATURES
Rita Reik Seeks Support For Epona’s Path Horse Rescue We often covet what we see every day. What Rita Reik saw every day was rescue horses. She lives in the Deer Run community in Loxahatchee, directly across the street from Debbie McBride. McBride rescues horses. “My husband, Curtis, and I moved here in 2003,” Reik recalled. “Debbie moved in across the street later that year, and for the next five years I watched her rescue horse after horse. I didn’t know a thing about horses, but I liked what she was doing. Then, three years ago, on my way to work, I glanced at her pasture like I always did, but this time, I saw a horse who simply captured my attention. He was a gorgeous black and white Paint. Something about him grabbed me. I thought about him all day at work. I decided I’d try to adopt him.” The very next day, Reik walked over and asked about him, but Phantom had already been adopted. “I figured it wasn’t meant to be. The new owner came with a horse trailer that weekend and hauled him away, and I figured that was that. But a few days later, he was back. It seems Phantom didn’t like to trail ride alone. I hustled right over and paid for him,” she said. “He won’t like being alone, Debbie told me, so she gave me an old Appaloosa mare as a pasture buddy. Then I somehow ended up with Riannon, another mare, because Debbie 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 had too many horses. That’s when my husband decided if we were going to help rescue horses, I’d better get a trainer and learn to ride.” They formed Epona’s Path in 2009 and incorporated as a nonprofit group in July 2011. Reik named it after Epona, the Celtic goddess of horses said to protect mares, foals and riders. They now care for a dozen horses, nine on their property and three in foster homes. Two others were recently adopted. They have everything from 2-year-olds to older adults, Mustangs to Thoroughbreds. One of the Mustangs, Shaman, was born there. No one knew that the mare, severely malnourished, was pregnant. “We finally got her fit and fattened up after many months, then one day she started swelling up,” Reik laughed. “I thought there was something wrong with her. Less than a month later, she had her colt, no problems.” Reik gets many calls from people wanting to place horses with her, problem horses or horses they can no longer afford to keep, especially in today’s rough economy, but she
Rita Reik with Paladin, one of her adoptable Mustangs. decided to help out only horses in the worstcase scenarios, referred to her by rescue groups such as the Humane Society, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control.
She’s aided by a cadre of volunteers, especially Dana Bell, a young woman with a passion for horses. Bell is just finishing up at the University of Florida, where she’ll graduate with a degree in large animal science, specialSee ROSENBERG, page 26
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FEATURES
Time To Clean Out My Closets... But It’s Not That Simple I’m thinking about cleaning out my closets. “Whoa-ho!” you say. “Going in where angels fear to tread, huh?” Yup. It’s time. Nine years of grabbing something out of there with my eyes closed and then slamming the door shut is eight years too many. Well, that’s an exaggeration — the door is on sliders. And actually there are only two closets that I’m really worried about — the one with my clothes in it and the one in my office. The one with the clothes in it is neat and organized except for the fact that most of the clothes don’t fit anymore. I keep them due to emotional attachments, not because I ever plan on wearing them again. I just sigh over them, remembering the fun I had in the hot 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 pink dress or the turquoise beach wrap or the slinky black skirt. The closet in my office can best be categorized as “Other.” It contains everything that I bought because I really, really, needed to use it — once. The chance that I will use any of those one-timers again is small, and yet, I paid good money for them, so there they sit. They sit next to the ironing board which, in itself, is practically a one-timer. Where to begin? I take a deep breath and open the door to the clothes closet. I throw everything onto the bed and resolve to try it on one more time.
Anything that isn’t downright comfortable goes. (This is how you know you’re getting old... you prize comfort over looks.) An hour and a half later, I have two piles — the Goodwill pile and the Me pile. The Me pile is very small and consists primarily of sweatpants. This will never do. I occasionally find myself venturing out in public, and I don’t want to scare anyone. While it would be easy enough to let the youngsters blame senility for a disheveled appearance, in my heart I will know I just didn’t feel like zipping up. I resolve to buy some slacks that fit. On to the office closet. Here’s what I have in there — a portable fluorescent light, a photo enlarger, a ball of twine, an analog television, a bolt of orange felt, a stack of plastic picture frames, three suitcases, a wool coat, a giant piece of green foam, a dusty ironing board and the attachments for the vacuum cleaner. I cram everything into the suitcases and put it in the Goodwill pile.
Am I feeling full of goodwill? No. I am feeling that the minute I drop this stuff off, I am going to need to reupholster something using a giant piece of green foam. The foam comes back out. Then I reconsider the vacuum attachments and, even though I have never once attached them to anything, I may need to vacuum that reupholstered chair, and that skinny, flat attachment would come in quite handy. The attachments come back out. The wool coat weighs 50 pounds (100 when wet), but I look like Mary Tyler Moore in it. If I toss a beret into the air, I might get hired to work at a radio station. (Sorry, kids, that’s a reference to an old TV show.) The wool coat comes back out. And who can’t use a ball of twine? Or some ugly picture frames? Pretty soon all I have left for Goodwill are my old clothes and an analog television. But that’s OK — doing one closet every nine years is all the trauma I can stand.
‘Five-Year Engagement’ A Charming, If Not Wonderful, Film I liked The Five-Year Engagement more than I expected to. Since it comes out of the Judd Apatow “let’s get gross to get laughs” factory, I thought there would mostly be a lot of sight gags along with bad puns that amuse rather than fully entertain. Almost despite itself and its length (at two hours plus, it could have been at least 20 minutes shorter), it shows the complexity of many modern relationships in funny fashion. The trailers on television focus heavily on a couple of dirty jokes and the death of grandparents while waiting for the wedding to take place, but the movie is blessed by a couple of actors who manage to convey warmth and an actual chemistry. The real theme of the movie is how life itself complicates relationships. Tom (Jason Segel) is a successful up-and-coming chef in San Francisco who falls for Violet (Emily Blunt), who is just completing a doctorate. He proposes; she accepts. The families all approve, and everything seems just right. Then Violet gets a post-doctorate fellowship in Michigan. Tom decides that he’ll move up there with her, figuring he can cook anywhere, but soon discovers his choices are limited. The movie’s producers really do hate Michigan; a lot of jokes center on how limited
Rosenberg
Epona’s Path
continued from page 25 izing in equine studies. “Dana’s our chief operating officer,” Reik explained. “She runs the whole show, manages our programs, organizes our volunteers, and helps with the fundraising. She only comes out on weekends, but she gets everything done. She rides and trains. She’s excellent with the horses. The volunteers love her. She’s calm, easy-going, very down-to-earth. She’s always happy to show anyone how to do anything and explains things clearly. She’s quite an amazing person.” In fact, when I visited a few Sundays ago,
‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler and unpleasant life is when you live there. As time goes on, Violet’s boss (Rhys Ifans) finds ways to keep her around while Tom essentially just vegetates. Violet’s younger sister (Alison Brie) actually marries and has a couple of children while the two leads go nowhere. Of course, the real elephant in the room is that the couple could get married at any time. They live together; there is nothing to stop them. But, of course, that would change the whole film. This movie is different from a lot of similar films in that it is very sweet. The two main characters really do love each other. The real problem may just be that neither is fully ready to grow up. Marriage is a commitment; vowing to forsake all others is a major step. But the two leads really do seem suited for each other. This creates fewer joke opportunities Bell ran a short volunteer orientation, which included ideas on how each person could help solicit donations, sponsors, foster homes and aid in getting horses adopted. Epona’s wish list includes feed, hay, riding equipment and a horse trailer. “One of our big goals is to find a larger property, not too far away and centrally located, so we can take in more horses,” Reik explained. “Right now we’re using my 10 acres, which limits us. I’d also like to see the corporation get enough support so that it’s selfsustaining. Our expenses run around $6,000 a month.” Helen Godders and her daughter, Carissa, 16, are new volunteers. They live in Lake Worth and love horses.
but a much nicer feel than most Apatow movies generally have. Even better, the problems are real; too often, romantic comedies come up with ridiculous problems or put their characters in unbelievable situations. Life is not generally simple, and the film reflects the kind of problems real people can have. In the movie, Tom surrenders many of his chances in order to be with Violet (movies have changed over the generations; years ago it would have been the woman giving up her career for the man) and then must deal with the problems resulting from his choice. The cast is uniformly excellent. Segel, who also co-wrote the film, is great as Tom; the last time I saw him was in the latest Muppet movie, and he almost seemed one of the puppets himself. He continues that here. He is charming, willing to sacrifice for the woman he loves. Blunt is wonderful as well. She has a great sense of comic timing that complements Segel beautifully. Their chemistry creates an enormous amount of warmth, a safe zone, if you will, for love. The supporting characters, as to be expected in an Apatow film, are all weird and generally lovable. The best scene in the movie shows Violet and her sister discussing problems using “I saw one of their fliers up on my vet’s bulletin board,” Helen explained. “I visited their web site, gave them a call, and here we are. I think the joy of being around horses is one of the best things in the world.” “So far I’ve mucked out stalls, helped feed, groomed horses and ridden,” Carissa said. “It’s amazing. I love horses. I want one.” “Being here’s not only fun,” Helen added. “It’s a great opportunity to help horses who really need us. I’d highly recommend volunteering here to anyone who loves horses. I’ll definitely be coming out again, as much as they’ll let us, as long as I can afford the gas.” For more information, visit www.eponas path.org, or call Rita Reik at (561) 379-9170 or (954) 551-5181.
the voices of Sesame Street’s Elmo and Cookie Monster to avoid scaring the two young children with them. Listening to some very blunt conversations done in character voices along with euphemisms was hysterically funny. At one point after the sister says something about taking care of “little Elmos,” Violet says (as Cookie Monster) that the sister should have thought about protection. “C is for condom.” The theater audience howled. This is not a great movie by any means. But I laughed a lot, and the two-plus hours spent watching were actually worth the money spent on the tickets. This is one of the last movies coming out before the start of the summer blockbusters. It won’t make a huge amount of money, but it is warm and funny. The language is a bit raw, and there is some nudity, but nothing shocking. And it has a nice, if slightly strange, happy ending.
Yard Sale This Saturday At Honeybee’s Honeybee’s Hydroponic U-Pick & Farmer’s Market in Loxahatchee Groves will hold a community yard sale and market place Saturday, May 5 starting at 8 a.m. In addition to yard sale items, there also will be vendors selling chickens, pigs, baked goods, crafts and more. Bring the kids out to pick sunflowers; they are free. Honeybee’s Hydroponic U-Pick is open to the public for picking fresh strawberries, cabbage, lettuce, squash, tinkerbell peppers, jalapeños, cubanelles, beans, peas, grapes, plum tomatoes and beef steak tomatoes. Honeybee’s Sunflower U-Pick is located at 15550 Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves. For more information, call Jessica Yockey at (561) 795-3399.
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Learning Foundation of Florida owner Debra Thornby (center) with teachers Jennie Cambarare and Shannon Casillas. PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Learning Foundation Puts Focus On Individualized Education For Students By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report School is difficult enough for many students and can be even more challenging when they don’t have the proper learning environment. The Learning Foundation of Florida was founded 10 years ago to provide students with the opportunities they need to succeed. Located in Royal Palm Beach, owner Debra Thornby’s goal was to open up a school where students could learn at their own pace, with minimal distractions. Thornby began her career working as a public school teacher specializing in special education. “After 10 years of doing that, I became a private tutor,” she said. While tutoring, Thornby discovered her passion. “Students would always say, ‘Hey, Ms. Thornby, I wish you were my teacher,”’ she said. “That’s when I realized I could be a teacher.” With many years of teaching in the school system under her belt, Thornby knew it was time to go out on her own. Initially, she ran the Learning Foundation out of her home with 15 students, and it soon grew to 25. “I eventually bought a larger home out in The Acreage and ran it out of there, but then I eventually got too big for that,” she said. Currently serving 70 students, the Learning Foundation of Florida is now located in a larger facility at 507 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. The school has separate locations for high school students in one building, and middle and elementary students in another. The school curriculum focuses on a more strategic approach to learning, Thornby explained. “It’s more of a multi-sensory approach,” she said, “where with elementary and middle school students, they have more of
the ability to hear, see, write, build and talk about it, so they have the ability to integrate all their senses into all the activities.” This approach has been proven successful among Thornby’s students, many of whom have learning issues that were not being met in the public school system. “Some of our students are out of the box, and they need to be educated in a different way,” she said. Thornby and the other teachers apply these principles to the students, and are extremely patient with them. “This allows them to process the information and retain it to their longterm memory instead of pumping out a piece of worksheet, and going to the next page,” she said. This is an unfortunate aspect of public education, according to Thornby. “Whether the student is on the journey or not, it does not matter,” she said. “The schools keep moving on, even though the child might not be getting the information.” The Learning Foundation of Florida also has a low student-to-teacher ratio, to ensure all students are being taught on a more personalized level. “On the elementary school level, we cap the student-to-teacher ratio at 10 to one,” Thornby said. “And we have a floating paraprofessional so that there is always someone available to come out if a student needs onon-one or more time for a test.” At the high school level, it’s structured differently, with four academic teachers; one for language, math, science and social studies; as well as a paraprofessional. “And of course, I’m always available when I’m needed,” Thornby said. For more information, visit www.tlffinc.com or call (561) 795-6886.
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Theater Company Looking For Help A new theater company called Stage Left Theatre has formed in the western communities. Stage Left Theatre was born as a child of the longstanding theater, Royal Playhouse, which began in Royal Palm Beach in 1992. Managing Director Peter Pagliaro thought it was time for a change and decided to re-structure the Royal Playhouse from top to bottom. A new name and new board members were just a couple of changes. “We adopted a professional business plan and are adhering to that plan slowly and cautiously, making sure we end up with a great theatre company,” Pagliaro said. “We’ve incorporated as a Florida nonprofit corporation, will have a web site up within a week, and are coordinating our first fundraising event. We would love to call the western communities our home, but much depends on someone working with us for a suitable space. If not, we are talking to people in West Palm Beach as well.” Pagliaro said they are putting together an 11- to 15-person board of directors, and looking for people to take part. Anyone interested in either volunteering or taking a seat on the board of directors should call Pagliaro at (561) 301-5404.
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CENTRAL PBC CHAMBER HOSTS RIBBON CUTTINGS Iron Lion Fitness — Ambassadors from the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for Iron Lion Fitness. Located at 10660 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 160, in Wellington Green Square, Iron Lion Fitness offers a personal training program, indoor cycling, yoga and a weight-loss program. For more information, call (561) 204-5466 or visit Iron Lion’s web site at www.ironlionfit.com. Pictured right are Iron Lion Fitness staff with Central Chamber ambassadors. Stellar Signs & Graphics — The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for Stellar Signs & Graphics. Located at 5401 N. Haverhill Road, Suite 101, in West Palm Beach, Stellar Signs & Graphics’ primary products are custom signs and highresolution graphics using state-ofthe-art-computerized software and hardware. For more information, call (561) 721-6060 or visit the company’s web site at www.stellar-signs.com. Shown left are Stellar Signs & Graphics staff with Central Chamber ambassadors.
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BUSINESS NEWS
Families First, Realtors Association Host Baby Shower Families First and the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches recently held their eighth annual baby shower in the Families First board room. Twenty-one pregnant women from Targeted Outreach for Pregnant
Women Act (TOPWA) were treated to a morning of refreshments, gifts and games that included an educational “Wheel of Fortune” baby trivia game on safety topics, Baby Bingo and Pass the Dirty Diaper. Through generous donations
from the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches, Molina Healthcare, the Giving Tree and Commcare Pharmacy, each mother-to-be received a basket filled with diapers, wipes, clothing, toys, bottles and blankets. Each in attendance also received a
new car seat and was given a safety lesson and a list of local sites where they can have the seats installed free of charge courtesy of Safe Kids Palm Beach County. “We are thrilled with the turnout and the community support,” said
CENTRAL PBC CHAMBER HOSTS RIBBON CUTTINGS
Office Depot — Employees of the Office Depot store near the Mall at Wellington Green recently joined Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce ambassadors for a ribbon cutting. The store, which of fers office equipment and furniture, is located at 2495 S. State Road 7. For more info., call (561) 422-5066 or visit the Office Depot web site at www. officedepot.com. Shown here are Office Depot staff members with chamber ambassadors.
Orangetheory Fitness — The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for Orangetheory Fitness in Royal Palm Beach. Located at 11021 Southern Blvd., Suite 130, Orangetheory offers a one-of-a-kind workout broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training, using a variety of equipment. For info., call (561) 753-8111 or visit www.orangetheoryf itness.com. Pictured above are Orangetheory staff with chamber ambassadors.
Julie Swindler, CEO of Families First of Palm Beach County. “This event gets bigger each year, and we continue to help mothers-to-be with the essentials they need.” Since 2005, over 165 at risk mothers have received essential items and education to help them during their pregnancy and their child’s early years. Families First’s Targeted Outreach for Pregnant Women Act was funded by the Florida Legislature in 1998, as a unique street outreach program where specially trained staff go out into the community and engage women who may be pregnant and at risk. For more information on Families First, visit www. familiesfirstpbc.org.
Families First staff and guests enjoy the baby shower.
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Academy for Child Enrichment — Summer Camp Children will enjoy field trips and activities such as swimming, bowling, sk ating, 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 in-house field trips complement the concepts explored by all. Year-round, e xperienced staff continues to nur ture. 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, Monda y through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The camp will take place at P alm Beach Central High School and accepts children from 3 to 13 year s. 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 thr ough 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.ravenwoodriding academy.com. Hurry, sessions fill up quickly! Casperey Stables Horse Camp — Casperey Stables is a small, fun-filled day camp for children ages 7 to 14. With four riding opportunities each day, arts & crafts and outdoor games, campers find little time to be bored. The low counselor-child ratio ensures your child will receive individual attention. There are camp sessions for spring and winter school breaks, and during the summer, each two-week session has a theme, such as Indian Days, Circus Days and Medieval Days. Casperey Stables has a weekly swim party and ends each session with a horse show and family BBQ. Call soon: this small, quality program f ills quickly! To learn more about the camp, located at 2330 D Road in Loxahatchee Groves, call (561) 792-4990 or visit www.caspereystables.com. 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 takehomes, 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, 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
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Girls Golf Club and Summer Play Pass. Visit www.JGFA.org or call (561) 96 4-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 surv eillance, 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) 753-6624 or visit www.small worldpbc.com. Pierce Hammock Elementar y Summer Camp Program — Summer is just ar ound 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 par ks, arcades and o ther exciting places. Hurry, sessions fill quickly. For more information, or to register, call (561) 633-4530 or visit www.edline.ne t/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, ar ts & 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. Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool — If your child is between 2 and 6 years old, “Summer of Fun” Enrichment Camp at Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool is the place to be! Your child will enjoy a variety of fun activities that will make them smile, while promoting learning and social development. Activities include: arts & crafts, gymnastics, computers, sports, nature, cooking, water play and a state-of-the-art playground. They’re sure to love the weekly entertainment, including High Touch High Tech, storytellers and animal shows. All of this in a loving and nurturing environment. The program is full time or part time for eight weeks. Free summer VPK is available for those entering kindergarten who have not yet used their voucher. No w enrolling for preschool 2012-13. Call Sandy at (561) 793-2649 for more information, or e-mail psdirector@temple bethtorah.net. The Good Earth Farm — The Good Earth Farm in Loxahatchee Groves is a nonprofit animal sanctuary and rescue for horses and other large animals, and the only children’s zoo in South Florida. The farm has offered a camp since 1999. The camp promotes a healthy respect for animals and offers a fun-filled summer for your child with riding lessons, swimming, working with llamas, alpacas, mini horses and other farm animals. The art program is second to none, working with 3D design, drawing, painting and this summer felting, using the farm’s own llama and alpaca wool! Where else can you brush and care for a baby zebra? This summer, Good Earth Farm is lucky to have its cafe open for lunch. The program is for six weeks, and your child can attend as many weeks as they want, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with aftercare available. For more info., call Nancy at (561) 792-2666. 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. t o 12:30 p.m. beginning June 18 and running through Aug. 3. For more information, call TLFF at (561) 795-6886. Tiny Tik es — 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) 790-1780 now to reserve your space or visit Tiny Tikes at 16245 Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee.
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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Four Arts Will Feature Film ‘Bones Of Turkana’ On May 7 The Society of the Four Arts has been given the opportunity to screen the new National Geographic film Bones of Turkana on Monday, May 7 at 6 p.m. at the Four Arts King Library (2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach). The film will be free and open to the public. John Heminway, the film’s producer, director and writer, will host the
event and will be available for a question-and-answer session following the screening. Award-winning documentary filmmaker Katie Carpenter, who has been recognized for her work on science and environmental subjects, will also attend the Palm Beach debut of the film, which she co-produced. Bones of Turkana follows the sto-
African flamingos in a scene from Bones of Turkana.
ry of famed paleoanthropologist Richard Leakey and his wife Meave, daughter Louise and their colleagues as they work in the arid northern regions of Kenya’s Turkana Basin to unravel the mysteries of human evolution. While one of the Leakeys’ goals is to demonstrate the complexity and truth of human evolution, the group also seeks to show that the qualities that we call human were all born in Africa. The story that emerges in the film is exciting, emotional, contemplative, occasionally funny and, in the end, transforming. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the free screening will begin at 6 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations should be made by calling (561) 6552766 or e-mailing campus@four arts.org. Bones of Turkana will premiere nationally on PBS on Wednesday, May 16 at 10 p.m.
Members of the Bones of Turkana film crew at work on location in Africa.
P.B. Dramaworks Presents ‘Proof’ Opening May 25 In WPB Palm Beach Dramaworks, West Palm Beach’s only resident professional theater, concludes its spring season with David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize–winning play Proof on Friday, May 25 at 8 p.m. at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre (201 Clematis Street). Specially priced preview performances are slated for May 23 and 24, with regularly scheduled curtain times through June 17. Set in Chicago, Proof explores the struggles of the daughter of a brilliant, but mentally disturbed mathematician. Preparing for his funeral, Catherine tries to come to grips with her possible inheritance — his insanity or his genius. Proof is a story of human relation-
ships and how the uncertainty of love can be just as challenging as the uncertainty of a mathematical proof. Producing Artistic Director William Hayes will direct the production featuring Cliff Burgess, Kenneth Kay, Katherine Michelle Tanner and Sarah Grace Wilson. The play will feature scenery designed by Michael Amico, costumes designed by Erin Amico, lights designed by Ron Burns and sound designed by Rich Szczublewski. American playwright David Auburn is best known for Proof, his 2000 play that won the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize in 2001. His first full-length play, Skyscraper, pre-
miered off-Broadway in 1997 and his most recent play, The Columnist is currently on Broadway. His film credits include The Lake House, The Girl in the Park, and the 2005 screen adaptation of Proof. 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’ 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.palm beachdramaworks.org.
Backyard Monsters Take Over South Florida Science Museum
A praying mantis in the “Backyard Monsters” exhibit.
Want to know what is crawling around in the back yard? Get a bug’s eye view of what’s lurking out there at the South Florida Science Museum’s newest traveling exhibit, “Backyard Monsters,” running from May 25 through Sept. 16 during normal museum hours. The new exhibit will open with “Buggin’ Out Nights at the Museum” Friday, May 25 from 6 to 10 p.m. “‘Backyard Monsters’ provides a fascinating perspective on insects, nature’s ultimate survivors,” said Lew Crampton, CEO of the South Florida Science Museum. “Bugs have been with us for over 500 million years, and the changes they’ve made to adapt to their environment are nothing short of amazing. ‘Backyard Monsters’ is one of our best exhibits yet, with giant butterflies and dragonflies, hands-on games and contests, and opportunities to
view and experience the world as bugs do.” The special summer exhibit will feature giant robotic insects, some with nearly 20-foot wingspans — a butterfly, praying mantis and a dragonfly — whose anatomical accuracy has been endorsed by the American Entomological Society. The exhibit features interactive, enlightening displays allowing visitors to move remote controlled bugs, get a bugs eye view of the world, handson learning of how insects eat and also how they fly. In addition, guests can see a collection of exotic insects from around the world and real live creepy-crawlies. “Backyard Monsters” vividly presents the fascinating world of insects, up-close-and-personal... perhaps too up-close for the fainthearted! Visitors at “Buggin’ Out Nights at the Museum” can explore the in-
credible world of insects while getting a close-up look at a praying mantis, carpenter ants, scorpion, a dragon fly and more. The evening will also feature crafts and activities for guests of all ages. Museum admission, which includes the “Backyard Monsters” exhibition, costs $11.95 for adults, $10.45 for seniors 62 and older, $8.95 for children ages 3-12, and is free for children under 3 years and museum members. Admission to “Buggin’ Out Nights at the Museum” costs $11 for adults, $7 for children ages 3-12, and is free for children under 3 years of age. The South Florida Science Museum is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach. For more information about the South Florida Science Museum or the exhibit “Backyard Monsters,” call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsm. org.
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SPORTS & RECREATION
Wellington Volleyball Boys Come Up Short Against Jupiter By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report On Wednesday, April 25, the Wellington High School boys varsity volleyball team hosted Jupiter High School in a district match-up. The Wolverines fell to the Warriors 2520, 25-19 and 25-18. In the first game, Jupiter (15-2) jumped out to a 12-5 lead. The Wolverines (7-15) powered back to narrow the Warrior lead 16-20, but Jupiter held on to finish the first match 25-20. Wellington rallied back in the second match and took an early 2-1 lead, then again a 5-3 lead after both squads battled back and forth to re-
gain the advantage, but the Warriors again came out on top 25-19. The Wolverines clawed back yet again in the third and final match, taking an early 5-3 lead but could not counter the Jupiter attack and fell in the third 25-18. The Warriors capitalized on Wellington’s mistakes to keep the ball in play. Wellington’s Michael Morosco, Arthur Strappazzon and Keegan Sullivan provided solid play at the net. Wellington played Palm Beach Central on Tuesday in the district playoffs at John I. Leonard. The Broncos defeated the Wolverines 25-13, 26-24 and 27-25.
Wellington’s Michael Morosco tips the ball over the ne t while Jupiter’s Justin Turner tries to block.
Wellington’s Michael Morosco jumps to spike the ball over Justin Turner’s block.
Wellington’s Arthur Strappazzon goes up for a kill while Jupiter’s Justin Turner and Max Mertens attempt to block.
Wolverine Joel Colon leaps up for a kill against Jupiter.
Wellington's Juan Ferro dives under the ball to keep it in play. PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER
WHS ATHLETES SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT TO PLAY COLLEGE SPORTS
Several Wellington High School athletes signed letters of intent Tuesday, April 24 to play sports at the collegiate level. Basketball player Stephane Beneche signed to play for St. Leo University in Tampa; lacrosse player Jose Jiovenetta will play for St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, N.C.; football player Jimmy Mullins signed to play for Benedictine University in Lysle, Ill.; football player Andy LeMay will play for the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne; and volleyball player Kelly Sullivan signed to play for Erskine College in Due West, S.C. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
(Front row, L-R) Jose Jiovenetta, Jimmy Mullins, Andy LeMay, Stephane Beneche and Kelly Sullivan; (back row) WHS Principal Mario Crocetti, coach Joe Calby, Athletic Director Pattie Fitzhugh, coach Tom Abel, coach Matt Colin and coach Brian Bausch.
Kelly Sullivan and Jimmy Mullins sign their letters of intent.
Jose Jiovenetta, Andy LeMay and Stephane Beneche sign their letters of intent.
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SPORTS & RECREATION
Letter Of Intent — (Front row, L-R) Michael, Kim and Deborah Valdes; (back row) varsity softball coach Tim Willcox, Kim’s brother Anthony Valdes, and TKA Athletic Director Adam Winters.
Ed Singleton
Darrell Waite
Bill Latham
TKA Athlete Signs To Bassmasters Fish In Lake Placid Play College Softball On Wednesday, April 11, King’s Academy softball player Kim Valdes signed a binding letter of intent to attend Rider University in New Jersey. TKA is proud of Valdes, who has proven herself both on and off the field. Her coach, Tim Willcox, spoke highly of her softball skills and dedication, and also of the leadership she has provided on the team.
“Kim is an outstanding athlete who has worked very hard to become a standout in this sport,” Willcox said. “She understands the commitment and drive required to play at an elite level and has always been willing to give 100 percent.” Additionally, Valdes’ parents are extremely supportive and have played a huge role in her athletic endeavors.
The Royal Palm Bassmasters held a two-day fishing tournament March 10 and 11 on Lake Istokpoga in the Town of Lake Placid. First place was awarded to the team of Ed Singleton (boater) with six fish weighing 18 lbs., 11 oz. and partner Darrell Waite (co-angler) with six fish weighing 17 lbs., 2 oz. for a team weight of 35 lbs., 13 oz. Second place was awarded to the team of Rick Eaton (boater) with six fish weighing 12 lbs., 11 oz. and partner Bill Latham (co-angler) with five
fish weighing 13 lbs., 6 oz., for a team weight of 26 lbs., 1 oz. Third place was awarded to the team of Mike O’ Connor (boater) with six fish weighing 16 lbs., 2 oz. and partner Jeff Helms (co-angler) with five fish weighing 8 lbs., 12 oz., for a team weight of 24 lbs., 14 oz. The Big Fish on the first day of the tournament was 6 lbs., 5 oz., caught by Ed Singleton. On the second day, the big fish was caught by Bill Latham, weighing 6 lbs. even.
Royal Palm Bassmasters meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane, Royal Palm Beach). The club is now accepting applications for new boaters and non-boater members. Come and check out the fun you’ve been missing. For more information about the Royal Palm Bassmasters, e-mail rpbassmasters@gmail.com or visit the club’s web site at www.royal palmbassmasters.org.
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SPORTS & RECREATION Register Now For Horizons Fishing Tourney July 21
The 10-U Acreage Fire Tigers.
The 8-U Acreage Golden Ninjas.
Successful Season Ends For AAL Youth Softball The Acreage Athletic League youth recreational softball teams recently completed a successful spring season. All teams took part in inter-league playoffs with Royal Palm Beach.
In the 8-U division, the Acreage Golden Ninjas took home a secondplace win. The 10-U Acreage Fire Tigers also took home a secondplace win. The league also wants to congratulate the 8-U Acreage
Mighty Misfits and 12-U Acreage Panthers for their successful season. The AAL Youth Recreational Softball League will be accepting registrations for its upcoming fall
season on Saturday mornings in May from 10 a.m. to noon at Acreage Community Park, and will hold several clinics throughout the summer. For more information, visit www. aalgirlssoftball.com.
Kaely Krayeski Wins SFPGA Junior Tour Event Thirteen-year-old Kaely Krayeski of Wellington won the South Florida PGA Junior Golf event held at Indian Springs Country Club in Boynton Beach. The 36-hole tournament took place Saturday and
Sunday, April 22 and 23. Krayeski, competing in 12-13 girls division, won the event by an impressive 18-stroke margin. She recorded rounds of 81 and 79, in difficult wind and rain conditions.
“This is a great win for Kaely, who is coming off a three-month wrist injury that has really been frustrating for all of us,” said her coach, PGA Master Professional Kevin Perkins. “This is a great win and a huge step
in the right direction, considering all Kaely has been through since December.” Sabrina Fonda, also of Wellington, finished second with rounds of 94 and 84.
World-class anglers and fishing enthusiasts will compete for cash and prizes at the 13th annual Horizons Fishing Tournament benefiting the Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation on Saturday, July 21 at the Riviera Beach Marina. Festivities will kick off Thursday, July 19 with a captains’ meeting sponsored by Park Avenue BBQ Grill. Competition begins Saturday, July 21 with participants leaving from their marina of choice at 6:30 a.m. It ends at 4 p.m. Pre-event registration costs $200 per boat, with a special registration package available of $250 that includes five T-shirts. On June 16, registration costs $250. Registration on the day of the tournament costs $300. To register for the 13th annual Horizons Fishing Tournament, call (561) 494-6884 or visit www.hpbcf. org. Funds raised will support the children’s bereavement services provided by Hospice of Palm Beach County. Sponsorships are available as well. For more information, or to become a tournament sponsor, contact Lauryn Barry at (561) 494-6884 or email lbarry@hpbcf.org.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Saturday, May 5 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will walk John Prince Park on Saturday, May 5 with breakfast afterward at TooJay’s. 7:30 a.m. Call Paul Cummings at (561) 963-9906 for more info. • American Youth Soccer Organization, Region 1521, which covers The Acreage and Loxahatchee, will host fall Soccer Registration for boys and girls ages 4 to 18 on Saturdays, May 5, 12 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Samuel Friedland Park (18500 Hamlin Blvd., The Acreage). Registration will take place under the green tents at the soccer fields. For more info., call (561) 798-5467 or visit www.ayso1521.net. • A re-dedication ceremony for Tiger Shark Cove Park in Wellington will take place Saturday, May 5 at 10 a.m. For info., call (561) 791-4000 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov. • Story Time at Scott’s Place playground (12190 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) features a Mother’s Day theme Saturday, May 5 at 10 a.m. For more info., visit www.wellingtonfl.gov. • The WEI Network be part of Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church’s inaugural Car & Bake Show and Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the church grounds (100 Crestwood Blvd., Royal Palm Beach). WEI Network will broadcast live from this free event sponsored by Classic Cruiser Car Show, Medina Rugs, Mullinax Ford, Matthew Lupardo PA and others. There will also be a food court, climbing wall, bungee trampoline and other attractions, as well as a raffle to win a Ford Focus or $15,000 in cash. For more info., visit www.weinetwork.com or call A.J. at (561) 389-2178. • Royal Palm Chiropractic will celebrate its 10th anniversary Saturday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Loxahatchee Groves Park. There will be free barbecue, sodas and a bounce house. RSVP to Alex at (561) 6279696 or RoyalPalmEvents@gmail.com. • Nature’s Center (5301 State Road 7, Lake Worth) will host “How to Grow Plants From Cuttings” on Saturday, May 5 at 2 p.m. Discuss the benefits of propagating plants from cuttings. There will be a demonstration on proper cutting techniques utilizing rooting hormones. The class is free, and walk-ins are welcome. Call (561) 434-5777 or visit www.thenaturescenter.com for more info. • The Wellington Ballet Theatre will present a free spring dance concert Saturday, May 5 at 8 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater. The company will showcase the
classical ballet A Midsummer Night’s Dream , a pas de deux performed by Rome and Marina Saladino and additional selections performed by the Wellington Ballet Theatre Dance Company. Additional shows will be held Sunday, May 6 at 3 and 6 p.m. at the Dance Arts Conservatory (11260 Fortune Circle, Suite J1, Wellington). For more info., visit www.wellingtonballettheatre.org or call (561) 296-1880. Sunday, May 6 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hike in Jonathan Dickinson State Park on Sunday, May 6. Bring plenty of water and meet at 8 a.m. at the gate. Call Mary Miller at (561) 391-7942 for more info. • The Women of the Western Communities will host its spring fundraiser “A Day at the Derby” on Sunday, May 6 at 11 a.m. at the Wanderers Club (1900 Aero Club Drive, Wellington). Members and guests will enjoy brunch, Chinese and silent auctions, and many Kentucky Derby–related surprises. The guest fee is $40. RSVP to Mair Armand at mair@wwc-fl.com or (561) 635-0011. Monday, May 7 • The Florida Alliance for Retired Americans will present “What Can We Do About Unemployment, Living Wages and the Federal Deficit” on Monday, May 7 at 1 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way). Former Western Illinois University Professor Richard Hattwick will lead the presentation. The program is free and open to the public. For info., call (561) 585-6440. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Teacher Appreciation Day for ages 6 to 9 on Monday, May 7 at 3:30 p.m. Listen to funny stories about teachers and make an origami apple to give to your favorite teacher. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present Simple Seasonal Origami for age 8 and up Monday, May 7 at 4 p.m. Try your hand at some simple paper-folding fun. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will meet Monday, May 7 with a social at 7 p.m. and a program at 7:30 p.m. on nature walking in Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Call Sherry Cummings at (561) 963-9906 for more info. • Bru’s Room (11111 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach) hosts a Karaoke Show & Singing Contest every Monday night from 9 See CALENDAR, page 45
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 44 p.m. to midnight, awarding a $25 gift certificate to the best singer each week for a total of 20 weeks. After the 20 weeks, there will be a sing-off among the 20 best singers chosen for the previous weeks. Gift certificates will be awarded totaling $500. Sounds are provided by Tommy’s Tunes 100 Percent Digital Karaoke with more than 45,000 songs to choose from. Call (561) 790-2771 for info. Tuesday, May 8 • The Palm Beach County Elementary Mathematics and Science Fair will take place May 8-10 at Expo Center West at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, May 8 and 9, and 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, May 10. For more info., call (561) 357-1132 or email chad.phillips@palmbeachschools.org. • The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. at the municipal complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). For more info., visit www.wellingtonfl.gov. Wednesday, May 9 • The South Florida Science Museum (4801 Dreher Trail North, WPB) will present Silver Science Days, a special afternoon for adults age 62 and older to explore space and astronomy, on Wednesday, May 9 from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is $5, which includes a complimentary planetarium ticket, refreshments and museum admission. Guests can also explore the museum’s many exhibits including the current exhibit “Dinosaur Attack.” The event will include a special presentation by Robert A. DePalma II, assistant curator of vertebrate paleontology at Palm Beach Museum of Natural Histor y. Silver Science Days is held the second Wednesday of each month. For more info., call (561) 8321988 or visit www.sfsm.org. • The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors will meet Wednesday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the district office (13476 61st St. North). Call (561) 793-0874 or visit www.indiantrail.com for more info. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host a program “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: An Inside Look at Symptoms, Treatment & Recovery” for adults Wednesday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. Author Michele Rosenthal will share her story. Call (561) 6814100 to pre-register. • Palm Beach Central High School Jazz Band will perform in concert Wednesday, May 9 at 8 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Bring your own seating. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.
Thursday, May 10 • A grand opening will be held for Planned Parenthood’s new Wellington Health Center on Thursday, May 10. Take a tour of the state-of-the-art health center and enjoy refreshments. RSVP to (561) 472-9948 or email public_affairs@ppsoflo.org. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will hold “Rainbow Colors” on Thursday, May 10 at 11:15 a.m. for ages 2 and 3. Read stories and sing songs about all of the different colors of the rainbow, and make a rainbow craft. Call (561) 681-4100 for info. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “End of the Alphabet Story Time” on Thur sday, May 10 at 3:30 p.m. for ages 4 to 6. Enjoy stories about things beginning with V, W, X, Y and Z; sing songs; and make a simple craft. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register. Friday, May 11 • In honor of the Wounded Warriors Project and the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, the Polo & Balloon Festival will be held May 1113 at Polo West (2470 Greenview Cove Drive, Wellington). Visit www.poloamerica. com/eventschedule.php for more info. Saturday, May 12 • On Saturday, May 12, Feeding South Florida will join letter carriers and Palm Beach County residents to fight hunger with the 20th annual Stamp Out Hunger, the nation’s largest one-day food drive. To participate, simply place a bag of non-perishable food by your mailbox for your letter carrier to pick up during mail delivery. Volunteers are needed to sort collected food. To volunteer, contact Leroy Green at (954) 518-1863 or lgreen@ feedingsouthflorida.org. For more info., visit www.helpstampouthunger.com. • The Episcopal Church Women of St. David’s-in-the-Pines in Wellington invites the public to its Spring Fashion Show & Luncheon on Saturday, May 12 at noon at the Madison Green Golf Club in RPB. Fashions will be provided by Bealls. Tickets are $35. To RSVP, call Jean at (561) 78 4-2596. • Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) and the Village of Royal Palm Beach will host Cultural Diversity Day on Saturday, May 12 from 1 p.m. to sundown at Veterans Park on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. E-mail cmorales@royalpalmbeach.com or call (561) 790-5196 for info. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. Email: news@gotowncrier.com.
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CHURCH BAZAAR/FUNDRAISER THIS SATURDAY, MAY 5TH FROM 7:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. ROYAL PALM COVENANT CHURCH, 660 ROYAL PALM BEACH BLVD. Items include Jewelry, Mosiac Glass Artwork, Clothing, Antiques etc. VENDOR SPACE STILL AVAILABLE. Call 793-1077 or 3512753 COMMUNITY WIDE GARAGE SALE — THIS SATURDAY, MAY 5TH 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Numerous garage sales in gated community: clothes, toys, tools, furniture, electronics, bikes & more. Wellington Shores, Lake Worth Rd. West of 441.
MASSIVE GARAGE SALE NEXT SATURDAY, MAY 12TH 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Everything must go. Baby items, clothes, electronics, household items and more. 111 Meadowlark Drive, off Royal Palm Beach Blvd.
R E M O D E L / R E D E C O R AT I N G SALE — Leather sectional like new, honey tan lounge, solid oak ball & claw foot table, Victorian reproduction with 24” leaf and 6 matching oak chairs. 561-793-9677
SHORT TERM FURNISHED HOME 3/2/2 — private pool available immediately through November. Fairway Cove. Beautiful community $1,450/mo. Lawn & Pool Service included. 561-972-0219 561-791-0699 PALM BEACH POLO APARTMENT FOR RENT — Efficiency apartment in Polo, furnished includes Electric and Water. $800 monthly call Equestrian Properties 309-9535 CABANA APARTMENT FOR ONE — $695 per month. Also efficiency apartment $545 per month. On farm both have AC/tile floors, each has own entrance. Excellent references required. 561-966-8791
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 attached 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
HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in Wellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINATOR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays. Also needed: EXAM PREP TUTORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Preparation Tutors. Must have a 4 year degree preferably in Mathmetics or English. Be available to tutor on Saturdays. Please e-mail 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 LOXAHATCHEE/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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Legal Notice No. 557 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:
ORANGE ENERGY SOLUTIONS Located at: 7542 CAPRIO DRIVE BOYNTON BEACH, FL 33472 County of Palm Beach, Florida and intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations State of Florida,forthwith
KEREN SCHNEIDER Publish :Town-Crier Newspapers Date: 5-4-12
JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted
MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support & troublewww.mobiletec.net. shooting 561-248-2611 D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3331923 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach. We accept major credit cards. DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716
HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACTORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561791-9777
BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE — Auto •Home • Life• Renters •Motorcycle •RV • Golfcart • Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/ rCavanagh
RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102 J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com
THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Repairs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties. BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets/ countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 7919900 or 628-9215 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
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
HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561-572-1782 HOUSECLEANING — affordable cleaning services, Royal Palm Maids. 561-666-7738 “For all your cleaning needs” 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
JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./ Ext. residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident \ JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458
J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com
MINOR ROOF REPAIRS DON HARTMANN ROOFING — Roof painting, Carpentry. Lic. #U13677 967-5580 ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763. ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 JOHN C. BEALE BUILDING & ROOFING — Additions, remodeling, roof repairs & 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 officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600
JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com
ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777
AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990
SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980. Quality you expect, service you deserve. Lic. bonded & Ins. U21006 561-662-9258
STEAMPRO TILE & CARPET CLEANING — Residential & Commericial. 561-818-8635 (office) 561-255-9098 (cell) Licensed, Bonded and Insured.
TREES TRIMMED AND REMOVED — 561-798-0412 D.M. YOUNG TREE SERVICE. Family Owned & Operated Lic. & Insured 1992-12121 Visit our website at dmyoungtreeservice.com
PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Installation,Removal. Repair of Paper. Neat, Clean & Reliable. Quality work with a woman's touch. 30 years experience. No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263
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