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WELLINGTON ROTARY PEACE DAY SEPT. 21 GOLF TOURNAMENT WILL HELP LOCAL BOY SEE STORY, PAGE 3 SEE STORY, PAGE 4 THE

TOWN - CR IER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE Volume 34, Number 37 September 13 - September 19, 2013

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INSIDE Wellington Preservation Coalition, Village Help Elbridge Gale Go Green

WELLINGTON RECALLS 9/11 TRAGEDY

Wellington marked the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with a ceremony Wednesday at the Patriot Memorial. Officials spoke about the tragedies, while students from Wellington Landings Middle School read letters from children who lost loved ones that day. Shown here are WLMS students with members of the Wellington Village Council. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 7 PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Garden Club Opens Season

The Wellington Garden Club held its first meeting of the 2013-14 season Monday, Sept. 9 at the Wellington Community Center. Members heard status updates, began planning upcoming events and enjoyed a potluck lunch. Page 5

Big Dog Ranch Hosts ‘Dine With The Weims’

Big Dog Ranch Rescue held Dine with the Weims, an adoption event and dog-wash fundraiser, on Sunday, Sept. 8 at the Park Avenue BBQ Grille in Wellington. Page 10

OPINION Take A Moment Sept. 21 To Reflect On The Ideals Of World Peace

Next week, people across the world will set aside their differences and come together in peace for the United Nations International Day of Peace. In our community, the Wellington Rotary Club will host a world peace ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 21. We encourage everyone to take time to think about bringing about peace — whether it’s in your personal life, the community, the country or the world. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 10 OPINION .................................4 CRIME NEWS .........................6 SCHOOLS ............................ 12 PEOPLE ............................... 13 COLUMNS .....................14, 21 NEWS BRIEFS..................... 15 BUSINESS .................... 22 - 23 SPORTS ........................ 27 - 29 CALENDAR .......................... 30 CLASSIFIEDS ................ 30 - 33 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Zoners Override Staff And OK Wellington Marketplace Tower By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report A 120-foot cell phone tower disguised as a flagpole could be erected in the middle of the Wellington Marketplace shopping plaza after members of the Wellington Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board voted Monday to grant an appeal by the Clearview Tower Co. The item still faces approval by the Wellington Village Council before it can be constructed. Although Wellington staff recommended denial of the appeal, zoning board members favored the cell tower and granted the appeal, as well as a variance petition, and recommended approval of a conditional use permit to move the project forward. “To me, it’s aesthetics versus a need to build adequate infrastructure that has the capacity to expand as our needs do,” Board Member Elizabeth Mariaca said. Clearview Tower Co. challenged a ruling by Wellington staff that plans for the cell tower did not meet

the village’s requirements for a variance. Because the tower is close to homes and taller than 61 feet, Wellington staff interpreted village code to mean that the tower must be at least 600 feet from homes and meet setbacks. But Clearview Tower argued that the code provided an option — either be located 600 feet from homes or meet setback requirements. The tower would be approximately 482 feet from nearby homes. “Wellington code disfavors new towers and requires them to show there are no other existing towers or poles that they are able to provide service from,” Wellington Planner Damian Newell said. “Staff has recommended denial.” The Wellington Marketplace is located at the corner of Greenview Shores Blvd. and Wellington Trace. The cell tower would be built as a flagpole and located in the parking lot behind Park Avenue BBQ. Staff asked Clearview not to fly a flag on the pole to minimize its appearance.

Cliff Hertz, attorney for the applicant, described it as a public safety issue. “Seventy percent of all 911 calls come from cell phones,” he said. “The coverage in this area is inadequate. Even at 120 feet, we will not be able to provide service to certain areas to the west of this tower.” Charles Bernardo, director of site acquisition for Clearview, said the tower mostly complies with the 600-foot setback. It is within 482 feet of only five buildings to the west across Greenview Shores Blvd. Bernardo said Clearview contacted more than 600 property owners surrounding the tower, receiving only one letter in opposition of the tower. Hertz added that a story was in the Town-Crier, and a campaign was launched through social media to inform residents about the tower. “I don’t see many people opposing this,” he said. Further, Bernardo said, business See CELL TOWER, page 16

Wellington Lowers Proposed Tax Rate To Match Last Year By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington residents probably will see an uptick on their tax bills this year, but not as high as previously proposed. Members of the Wellington Village Council gave preliminary approval Tuesday to set the tax rate at 2.47 mills during the first public hearing on the budget. The issue is up for final adoption at the council’s Sept. 24 meeting. The rate is down from the TRIM (Truth-in-Millage) rate of 2.5 mills approved in July. A rate of 2.47 mills means a property tax of $2.47 for every $1,000 of taxable value. At that rate, the owner of a home assessed at $150,000 after all exemptions would pay $370.50 in village property taxes next year. At 2.47 mills, the tax rate is unchanged from last year. However, due to increasing property values, many residents will pay slightly more, and Wellington will take in more money.

Wellington would take in about $13.5 million in property taxes at that rate, an increase of about $770,000 from last year. Wellington also decreased its proposed budget, maintaining it the same as last year at $74.46 million, instead of raising it as proposed in July. Changes to the budget include $305,000 for additional law enforcement deputies and increasing staff to 292 employees. Wellington Chief Financial Officer Tanya Quickel told council members that the budget includes an operating budget of $45.2 million with $15.3 million in enterprise funds, $3.3 million for capital projects and $4.8 million in enterprise capital projects. The budget also shifts $1.4 million in financing for the Wellington Community Center reconstruction, which Director of Operations Jim Barnes said was to give leeway for whatever design the council chooses for the new Wellington Tennis Center. Vice Mayor Howard Coates

wanted to be sure staff tried to keep to the $5.2 million budget the council approved for the site earlier this year. “It looks like we’re saying when you design-bid-build this, there’s more than $6 million available for this project, not $5.2 million,” he said. But Coates said he was pleased staff was able to keep the tax rate lower. “It’s not an insignificant act for staff to come back with the final budget and tell us it is still at 2.47 [mills],” he said. “I commend you for that. I don’t know if there are a lot of municipalities that wouldn’t have taken the bait. I think it’s a testament to [Village Manager Paul] Schofield and his financial staff.” But Councilman John Greene said he wanted to see the rate even lower. “There are still people struggling,” he said. “It could have a significant impact.” He asked whether it was possiSee BUDGET, page 4

Serving Palms West Since 1980

Equestrian Village Clears First Hurdle By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report A new plan for the controversial Equestrian Village project cleared its first hurdle this week when members of the Equestrian Preserve Committee unanimously recommended approval Wednesday of a new master plan amendment and compatibility determination. The items now head to Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board before going before the Wellington Village Council. If approved, the changes would allow the site to operate as a commercial equestrian arena, meaning events could be held on the site year-round. Property owners Wellington Equestrian Partners agreed earlier this year to resubmit necessary plans for the site to cease litigation after several approvals

were rescinded by the council. A site plan submitted Aug. 1 shows that the site would have a 14,600-square-foot temporary banquet hall with kitchen and restrooms, temporary stalls and a two-story open-air tiki hut. A bridle path surrounds the property. The master plan, if approved, will give the site a commercial recreation designation and allow an access point along Pierson Road, Growth Management Director Bob Basehart told committee members. Meanwhile, the compatibility determination will label the site as a commercial equestrian arena, meaning property owners will not have to go before the council each year for a special-use permit to operate the Global Dressage Festival. Wellington staff recommended approval of the applications with See EV PLAN, page 16

CAT ADOPTION EVENT

A Second Chance Puppies & Kittens Rescue held a 24-hour adoption event Saturday, Sept. 7 at River Bridge Animal Hospital in Greenacres. More than 17 cats and kittens were adopted. Shown here are volunteers Leilani Kihei with Cody and Amber Marcus with Michelin. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 17 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Road Work Project Proceeding Slowly On Seminole Pratt By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Work is continuing slowly on the widening of a 3.5-mile stretch of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road north of Southern Blvd., despite the contractor’s difficulty coordinating the road project with Florida Power & Light crews installing street lighting, according to county officials. Palm Beach County Engineer George Webb said he has had regular meetings with the contractor, Tatum Construction, regarding progress on the project. He said there have been some issues with how the project has been managed, and that supervisors told him they intend to continue work while addressing the issues. The county and the Indian Trail Improvement District have received inquiries regarding the slow progress and about the lighting, which has been changed in response to residents’ comments that the original lighting plan was too intense for the semi-rural area. Assistant County Engineer Tanya McConnell said the process

has been complicated by coordination with FPL’s street light and utility pole construction. “There’s no question it’s taking a long time with issues that held up the project for almost a year,” McConnell said. “What you’re seeing now is a regular construction project. There are regular lane closures as needed to keep traffic away from what we consider dangerous areas where we are putting in drainage and curb structures. They work on certain lanes at a time and make them drivable, and transfer traffic to the new lanes so they can do the old lanes.” McConnell said the lane closures are published at www.pbc gov.com/engineering/roadway production so drivers can anticipate closures and changes in traffic patterns. Seminole Pratt Whitney Road from Southern Blvd. to north of Sycamore Drive is being widened to four lanes, with two lanes in each direction, and a raised, grassed median separating the northbound from southbound See SEM PRATT, page 16

County Sewer Line Break Leads To Spill In The Acreage

Workers fix the broken sewer line in The Acreage. PHOTO COURTESY INDIAN TRAIL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report A 30-inch Palm Beach County sewer line that burst early Monday at 40th Street North and 110th Avenue North in The Acreage was closed off by 10 a.m., but about 75,000 gallons of sewage spilled into nearby roads and a canal before it was routed to a containment area, according to Indian Trail Improvement District officials. By late Monday, the county was draining the area, and ITID workers placed fill strategically to block surrounding culverts, but some of the overflow drained directly into a canal, ITID Interim Administrator Jim Shallman told the TownCrier. All crossings west and north

of the broken line were blocked off, and the county had vacuum trucks working to pull the contaminated water off the ground and roads, as well as the Florida Power & Light easement to the south, which was used as a containment area. Shallman said repairs to the pipe are complete and the system is under pressure, but that the back pressure from the break also caused a pipe to crack Monday night at Crestwood Blvd., where county staff spread lime. Shallman said Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department Deputy Director Brian Shields told him Tuesday that the spill was around 75,000 gallons, compared with a spill in 2010 about 100 feet away

that discharged several times that amount. Shallman said there is concern that rocks are working their way to the surface over time from vibrations due to heavy truck traffic, adding that the county is going to examine the possibility of replacing the entire pipe along that route. According to a report to the Palm Beach County Commission from Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department Director Bevin Beaudet, the failure was reported by an animal farmer who owns three lots near the site of the break. Utilities officials isolated the line in about two hours, and the wastewater was diverted to a hastily See SEWER BREAK, page 16

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NEWS

Wellington Rotary Club’s Annual Peace Ceremony Set For Sept. 21 By Anne Checkosky Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Rotary Club and the Village of Wellington will host a world peace ceremony Saturday, Sept. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Wellington Rotary Peace Park on Royal Fern Drive in Wellington. The event, now in its eighth year, coincides with the United Nations International Day of Peace celebration, when thousands of peace celebrations are held worldwide. The commemoration was established in 1981 by a resolution of the U.N. General Assembly. The first International Day of Peace was celebrated in September 1982. In more recent years, the U.N. specifically established Sept. 21 as an annual day of non-violence and cease fire. The local goal is to raise the level of peace consciousness and promote conflict resolution and multi-cultural understanding, explained event co-chair Dr. Wes Boughner. During the hour-long ceremony, the Rotary Peace Award will be bestowed. The award is given to a community resident or organization that embodies those aforementioned peace values This year ’s recipient is the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said Rotarian Randy Pfeiffer. The Gates family established the foundation

in 1997. Key initiatives include eradicating diseases, giving access to clean water and food, sending children to college and giving the world access to the Internet. The Gates family spends time in Wellington each winter. Daughter Jennifer has ridden at the Winter Equestrian Festival for years. In addition to the Rotary Peace Award, students at nearby elementary, middle and high schools will receive cash awards for contests that they entered and won, Boughner said. At the elementary level, there was a poster contest. Seven schools participated. There is one winner from each school and those students will receive $75. At the middle school level, there was a poetry competition. With three schools participating, those students will also receive $75. At the high school level, there was an essay contest. Students at the two participating high schools will each receive $100. Finally, one overall winner of a photography competition that showcased multiculturalism and the theme “may peace prevail on earth” will receive $150 during the ceremony. A list of winners can be found on page 13 of this week’s Town-Crier . The Traditions choral group from Palm Beach Central High School will perform “We Are the World” and “Let There Be Peace

on Earth,” while local scouts will receive peace merit badges during the ceremony. Last year, between 350 and 400 people attended the event, even though it was cut short by inclement weather, Boughner said. He expects to match those numbers this year. The Wellington Rotary Club also expects to receive a proclamation from Mayor Bob Margolis deeming Wellington a peace community, and at the end of the ceremony, white doves will be released. In another effort to raise consciousness about peace, Rotarians wrote to 22 area clergy mem-

bers asking them to give worldpeace sermons sometime prior to the Sept. 21 event. “We believe that peace begins at home and in the community,” Boughner said. “It’s our job to raise consciousness and provide other alternatives to war.” The world peace ceremony is free and open to the public. Wellington Rotary Peace Park is located near the Wellington branch library at the corner of Royal Fern and Birkdale drives, near Elbridge Gale Elementary School. For more information, call Boughner at (561) 791-2060 or visit www. wellingtonrotary.org.

The honor guard salutes at last year’s peace ceremony. TOWN-CRIER FILE PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

Dike Concerns Could Be Key To FEMA Maps By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Village Council last week discussed strategies to mitigate the new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps released recently that could put as much as 60 percent of the village in a flood zone. Unless changed, the new maps would require those property owners to carry flood insurance. At a meeting Sept. 3, Councilman Fred Pinto said he was able to meet with the deputy director

of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding the flood maps, as well as all of the projects regarding Lake Okeechobee. “I was somewhat surprised to find out that one of the key issues that changed what they had done previously was that they are using a new, higher-risk assumption on the potential breaching of Lake Okeechobee’s Herbert Hoover Dike,” Pinto said. “It is that assumption that pushed this over the scale that they came up with a whole new mapping model.” Pinto said he was able to use

that information in a discussion with Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-District 18), who said he would use his office to coordinate a meeting with the commander of the U.S. Army Corps and the principal engineer who is working on the map modeling for FEMA. Pinto asked that staff send a letter to Murphy’s office in order to have it in writing. “He is also very concerned about this issue,” Pinto said. Vice Mayor Jeff Hmara said that Palm Beach County Water Resources Director Ken Todd indi-

cated the last FEMA flood maps were generated in 1972. “Those maps didn’t show the development that we have, and consequently, would not have shown much of our properties in a highrisk zone at that point in time,” Hmara said. Hmara noted that Royal Palm Beach is far from alone in having to deal with this issue. “Along with the other 37 municipalities and the South Florida Water Management District, we continue to pursue the effort to See FEMA, page 16

Wellington Preservation Coalition, Village Help School Go Green

Green Apple Day Of Service — Wellington Village Council members with representatives from Elbridge Gale Elementary School at Tuesday’s meeting, when the council declared Sept. 28 as Green Apple Day of Service in Wellington. PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

A partnership between the Wellington Preservation Coalition, the Village of Wellington and Elbridge Gale Elementary School will bring the school sustainable gardens and hands-on lessons about healthy foods from seed to table. With the help of the coalition and the village, Elbridge Gale plans to expand an existing gardening program and earn recognition as a Green School of Excellence. “We’ve wanted to make it real and hands-on for our students,” Principal Gail Pasterczyk said. “We’re also raising our students to be aware of the environment and the community. The big thing that’s attractive to me are the partnerships.” Wellington Preservation Coalition Executive Director Tom Wenham said his organization is pleased to partner with Elbridge Gale.

“We believe our schools and the environment are two of Wellington’s greatest assets, and this program will enhance both,” he said. The coalition will provide money for Elbridge Gale to purchase the bedding material and an aquaponic gardening system to go along with the school’s traditional gardens. Elbridge Gale will be the only school in the western communities and the second in the Palm Beach County School District with an aquaponic garden. The Village of Wellington is assisting the school in obtaining compost made from horse waste to augment the beds. “There are businesses and individuals that produce soil amendment and compost from the horse waste,” said Mike O’Dell, project director for Wellington. “I’m excited that we can partner with them.

This is something that can be the prototype for all the other schools to utilize.” The garden will get a kick-start on Sept. 28. Elbridge Gale will participate in the national Green Apple Day of Service on that Saturday, with teachers, students, parents and community volunteers all gathering at the school to set up the gardens. They also plan to create a human sundial in the courtyard. Green Apple is a global movement to put all children in environmentally healthy schools. Elbridge Gale asked the Wellington Village Council to proclaim Sept. 28 as Green Apple Day, which the council did on Sept. 10. Parents and residents who want to volunteer can stop by Elbridge Gale, or any Palm Beach County public school, to register by Sept. 13 to participate in Green Apple Day.

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OUR OPINION

Take A Moment Sept. 21 To Reflect On The Ideals Of World Peace Next week, millions of people across the world will set aside their differences and come together in peace for the United Nations International Day of Peace. In our community, the Wellington Rotary Club will host a world peace ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 21 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Wellington Rotary Peace Park on Royal Fern Drive in Wellington. Since its inception in 1981, the International Day of Peace has been a time for people around the world to devote time and commit themselves to peace and promoting peaceful ideals. The goal of the event is a noble one — urging all of us to look toward understanding and compromise, and promote peaceful resolution rather than waging war against those we disagree with. Whether you attend Saturday’s event or just take a moment for quiet reflection, we encourage everyone to take time to think about bringing about peace — whether it’s in your personal life, the community, the country or the world. Lessons of peace begin with each of us. It is up to us as individuals to pass on messages of peace, whether it’s by talking with our children about ways to settle conflicts, or simply turning the other cheek to avoid a fight. It is fitting that the International Day of Peace should come on the heels of 9/11, when our nation reflects on such a violent tragedy. This week, the community marked the occasion with

somber ceremonies that honored the loved ones lost that day, and all of those who continue to put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. Our nation has come a long way since that day. We have come together and faced tragedy, emerging with a greater appreciation for working together in harmony. We have seen firsthand what happens when peaceful resolutions are bypassed for acts of war. And we have seen the value in taking time to consider people of other cultures, with other understandings of the world, and attempt to find common ground. These values are promoted each year by Rotary International and the United Nations. The International Day of Peace is also an annual day of non-violence and cease fire. It is a moment for people across the world to pause and consider the plight of another — to consider how they can make the world a more peaceful place. So as the world stops for a moment next week, we encourage each and every one of you to pause with them and dedicate even a moment of your time to bring awareness to this goal. It is only through greater understanding that we can achieve world peace. The Wellington Rotary Club’s world peace ceremony is free and open to the public. The Wellington Rotary Peace Park is located at the corner of Royal Fern and Birkdale drives, near Elbridge Gale Elementary School. For more information, visit www.wellingtonrotary.org.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Majority Of Voters Favor OIG

The Office of the Inspector General was recommended by the grand jury in Palm Beach County after an extensive investigation and sworn testimonies by numerous government officials, businessmen and women, and respected civic leaders. The voters of Palm Beach County subsequently voted by 72 percent in favor of having the OIG include the oversight of all 38 cities in our county. It is very hard to believe that 14 of the 38 cities have been continuously delaying progress to fully fund the independent Office of the Inspector General. All elected officials in the cities are there because the voters of Palm Beach County put you there. Do you understand that 72 percent of the voters of Palm Beach County have voted for an independent inspector general? It seems to me that you are defying those voters who put you in office. The one commissioner who has been fighting for the will of the voters is Commissioner Jess Santamaria. We thought the primary purpose in the establishment of the Inspector General’s Office was to rid ourselves of the title “Corruption County,” an insult to all the good people of our county. My question is the same as the many people I have spoken with: why have 14 cities out of the 38 cities in our county started a lawsuit to avoid helping to support the Office of the Inspector General? The only answer I could come up with is that the politicians from those 14 cities in our county are trying to hide something. It is up to us the people of Palm Beach County to stand up and tell

all 14 cities’ government officials to stop any further delays and fully fund the Office of the Inspector General immediately. You have the power to do this because we, the voters, gave you that power. Perhaps the best solution will be for the 72 percent of the voters who support the inspector general to also vote the elected officials in the 14 cities out of office in the next election, just as was done in Wellington. George Peltzmacher Royal Palm Beach

younger people, who generally resolve issues and challenges by compromise or further discussion by council members who feel free to express themselves. There is nothing so constant as change, and obstruction to normal business discourse during council meetings indicate a need for change. If our village is to grow, it requires someone with the vision and experience to steer a course into the future. Richard Nielsen Royal Palm Beach

RPB Mayor Too Gavel Happy

Advice To Congressman On Syria

It is unfortunate that the office of the mayor of Royal Palm Beach is in the hands of an autocratic politician posing as an executive who regards the rest of the village council members pertinent only when they agree with him. The mayor’s moods have not changed. If anything, they’re worse, since his ugly exchange with former Councilwoman Martha Webster. He is becoming known as “Gavel Matty” as he, more frequently than any other mayor in 20-odd years, shut down any discussion or ideas by other village council members with his pernicious use of his gavel. Subjects or viewpoints and ideas expressed by council members that the mayor does not share are not met with a discussion of other council members, but just ended by the mayor and his ever-ready gavel. The mayor postures himself as someone unsure of himself and threatened by the emergence of new ideas expressed by council members. Stress plays no favorites, but is tolerated better by

In an exchange with the congressman of my district, Mr. Patrick Murphy (D-District 18), I wrote to him what he should consider when voting on the Syria issue. Here are the main points I conveyed to Mr. Murphy: There are too many unknowns about the incident on Aug. 21 that only can be answered by the United Nations committee that collected all the evidence in Syria. I don’t trust any information provided by spooks nobody can verify. The use of poison gas has not been only blamed on the forces of the Syrian government but also on the rebels, who, furthermore, are also known for other horrible atrocities. Previously, poison gas also has been applied by the Iraqi regime when that country was allied with the U.S. Lawrence O’Donnell on MSNBC last week showed documents that the U.S., under President Reagan, even supplied Saddam Hussein with sarin and anthrax to be used against Iran. Fur-

thermore, the U.S. used chemical warfare in Vietnam when it spread Agent Orange all across that country with terrible effects on the people who got into contact with this poison. It is highly hypocritical to use the disputed usage of whatever gas now to launch a war against a nation that does not threaten the U.S. The Syrian crisis is a proxy war between two Islamic factions, with Russia on the Shia (and Christian) side and the U.S. on the Sunni side. The weaponry for the “rebels” is supplied by the Muslim Brotherhood-influenced Qatar and by ultra-orthodox Saudi Arabia, where people are jailed for importing a Christian Bible. Instead of taking the side of a front that is highly influenced by jihadists (Al-Nusra and others) and the anti-democratic Muslim Brotherhood, the U.S. should induce Russia and the Arabs to stop supplying both sides with more weapons. Otherwise, a negotiated peace cannot be achieved. According to U.S. diplomats (shown on Fareed Zakaria’s GPS show) the so- called Free Syrian Army (the supposed “good guys”) don’t have any power on the battlefield. President Obama has to engage the Russians. Their concerns have to be taken seriously to get them along. The outcome of a military strike cannot be predicted and will certainly cause more casualties, including innocent civilians, maybe even children, who so many politicians all of a sudden care about. Half a pregnancy is impossible. The same could be said with regard to war. That has been proven by the First Gulf War. Only driving the Iraqis out of Kuwait, the U.S. failed to remove Saddam Hussein from power. The Second Gulf War

then would not have seemed necessary at all. Insofar, the so-called war hawks have a point, either you go in and finish the job or you don’t start it in the first place. However, I don’t see a good end even if “the job is done.” There is no democratic alternative in sight to the present regime, and any invading forces would have to stay there for a long time to avoid further strife between the different ethnic and religious factions. Obama is right in saying the international community has put the “red line” against the use of poison gas. However, it is up to the U.N. to enforce it. If the U.S. is acting without the approval of the U.N., the U.S. would act as a vigilante entity. Here is my own “red line:” whoever starts or votes for a “vigilante strike” will lose my support. I will not canvass or pick up the phone on his or her behalf ever again. Mr. Murphy hasn’t answered yet. So I think it’s up to us private citizens to discuss the matter. Guenter Langer Royal Palm Beach

USDA Meat Inspection Suspect

According to the lead story in [the Sept. 8] Washington Post, the meat-inspection program that the

USDA plans to roll out in meat and poultry plants nationwide has repeatedly failed to stop production of contaminated meat. The program allows meat producers to increase the speed of processing lines and replace USDA safety inspectors with their own employees. But plants operating under this program have experienced some of the worst health and safety violations, including failure to remove fecal matter and partly digested food, according to the USDA inspector general. These contaminants may contain complex strains of deadly e-coli and listeria. Traditionally, the USDA has catered more to the interests and profitability of the meat industry than the health and safety concerns of American consumers. Consumer interests come into play only when large numbers of us get sick. Having the USDA protect consumers is like asking the fox to guard the chicken house. The Obama administration must reallocate responsibility for consumer safety to the Food and Drug Administration. In the meantime, each of us must assume responsibility for our own safety by switching to the rich variety of plantbased meats offered in local supermarkets. Will Turmeric Wellington

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

NEWS

Hayden’s Heroes Golf Tourney To Benefit Child With Rare Condition By Anne Checkosky Town-Crier Staff Report For 20-month-old Hayden Chipley of Wellington, “eating” consists of drinking a special formula every day and taking a steroid to keep his esophagus from becoming inflamed. Hayden has been diagnosed with a severe case of eosinophilic esophagitis (EE), an allergic inflammatory condition of the esophagus, which makes it difficult to swallow, explained his mother, Jen Chipley. The disease is rare. Hayden is allergic to virtually all food, although since being treated at the National Jewish Health and Children’s Hospital in Denver in June, he’s in remission, so solid food may be re-introduced soon, his mother hopes. Despite his condition, Hayden is a happy little boy, and no one would ever suspect from looking at him that he’s battling such a disease, Chipley said. She is grateful

Budget

Tax Rate Unchanged

continued from page 1 ble to take the budget down to the “rollback rate” of 2.35 mills, which would keep Wellington’s property tax income the same as last year. Schofield said that could be possible. “There are ways to cut everything,” he said. “The budget I presented to you is the one I believe provides a level of service that the

the condition was caught so early in Hayden’s life. “So it’s not as if he was getting ice cream every night for dessert and we had to take that away from him,” she said. Chipley’s co-workers at JFK Medical Center Charter School in Lake Worth and members of her church, the First Baptist Church of Wellington, of which the boy’s grandfather is senior pastor, were searching for something they could do to help the family through this crisis. They decided to hold a golf tournament, and the Hayden’s Heroes Inaugural Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Madison Green Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach. The Chipleys have always been there for the community, said Shannon Gardner, who, along with husband, Chad, serves on the tournament committee. Gardner is also a member of First Baptist Church and used to work with Chipley. They’ve had to scramble a bit

to put the event together on fairly short notice, but things are coming along. “We all wanted to do something. The family is just fantastic,” Gardner said. So far, about 72 players have signed on and Madison Green’s Mike Brady, who is in charge of running tournaments there, is hoping for 100. “That would be perfect,” he said, adding that they’d also secured some silver ($1,500) and bronze ($500) sponsors. Taylor Made and Titleist have donated golf balls, and Nike is also going to support the tournament. “He’s a great kid, so cute,” Brady said of Hayden. And while Brady usually refrains from playing in Madison Green tournaments, he’s making an exception in this case. “This is a good way to raise some money to help with expenses,” Brady said. Hayden was accepted into the EE program in Denver in June.

There are only four hospitals in the United States that treat the disorder. Two out of the four hospitals wanted to insert a feeding tube into Hayden, which is standard procedure for patients with this condition. But as long as Hayden was able to ingest liquid on his own, his parents didn’t want that. “We didn’t want to cross that bridge yet,” his mother explained. Hayden underwent extensive testing in Denver — 75 skin tests for allergies alone — to understand and treat his condition. Depending on how well he does over the next few months, the family may not have to go back to Denver until December, although his care will require him to be in Denver for at least two weeks each June. The golf tournament will help defray travel costs, plus medication and formula for Hayden. Chipley noticed something was wrong with her son at around 6 months. He didn’t seem to be gaining weight or growing. When he

reached the 9-month mark, he had regressed, and by his first birthday, with no growth or weight gain and a distended belly, they knew something was seriously wrong. He was tested for everything, including celiac disease, which came back negative. An endoscopy finally revealed the culprit: EE. Though this hasn’t been an easy time for them, the Chipleys are grateful for all the support they’ve received. “I’ve got an amazing family. That helps a lot,” said Chipley, who works as an exceptional student education coordinator. The ordeal has helped her learn to trust her instincts. “Listen to your mommy gut,” she said. Registration for the Sept. 21 Hayden’s Heroes Golf Tournament starts at 7 a.m., breakfast is at 7:30 a.m. and a shotgun start begins at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $100 per player, $400 per foursome. At 1 p.m., there will be an awards luncheon with prizes and a silent

auction. Tickets for the lunch only are $35. There are varying levels of sponsorships still available. For more on the upcoming golf tournament, visit www.haydens heroes.com. Make checks payable to: Hayden’s Heroes, c/o Chad and Shannon Gardner, 1234 Oak Water Drive, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411.

council and residents expect, and is fiscally responsible. We are not spending the kind of money we were six years ago.” Coates said he believes cuts would affect Wellington’s service levels. “It seems to me that going to the rollback will result in a budget that is less than what we had last year,” he said. He asked whether Schofield could cut the budget without affecting service. Schofield said he did not know for sure, but noted that in the middle of last year, council members

had asked him to add more staff in response to residents’ complaints. “We added people in the building department, the customer service department and to answer phones,” he said. “Cutting the budget will take some of those people out. If I’m instructed to cut the budget, I will cut it.” Councilwoman Anne Gerwig made a motion to approve the budget, which passed 4-1, with Greene opposed. Wellington Parc Update — In other business, council members rescinded direction given to staff

at the last meeting regarding the Wellington Parc property. Looking to require a connection between the 16-acre site on State Road 7 south of Palomino Park, council members directed staff to require access between the two sites before building permits for Wellington Parc would be issued. Village Attorney Laurie Cohen asked council members Tuesday to take back their direction, noting that the issue was not on the agenda that night. Further, she argued that the direction may not be necessary.

“The applicant had no notice that the item would be considered,” Cohen said. “And it gives unfair discretion to Palomino Park.” Wellington Parc must sign an access agreement with Palomino Park to use their right-of-way. However, the two sides have been unable to come to an agreement on terms. “You still have the development orders, which impose the conditions,” Cohen said. “I don’t think this particular motion [regarding building permits] is necessary. I think it’s superfluous and

was not properly noticed.” But council members expressed frustration that the connection might not be built. The access road would allow future residents of the site to get to a traffic light at Palomino Drive and travel north on SR7. “We’re left in a position where we have no ability to force them to connect the two and enter into a mutual easement,” Cohen said. “We’re just in a difficult position.” Council members agreed to rescind the direction but encouraged both sides to come to an agreement to use the access.

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NEWS

WELLINGTON GARDEN CLUB OPENS SEASON WITH COMMUNITY CENTER MEETING The Wellington Garden Club held its first meeting of the 2013-14 season Monday, Sept. 9 at the Wellington Community Center. Members heard status updates, began planning upcoming events and enjoyed a potluck lunch. For more information about the club, visit www.wellingtongardenclub.org. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Board members Jayne Kiesewette, Martie Spaier, President Twig Morris, Joan Kaplan, Danese Sloan-Kendall and Suzanne Rares.

Carol Lazzariano shows colored glass garden flowers she made to Heather Stewart.

Sandy Sklar with Laura Willems, who made this shell tabletop garden.

Wellington Preservation Coalition Exececutive Director Tom Wenham with Wynnebrook Elementary School Garden Club Chairman Frederick Esters.

Maria Villari, Mary Drexler and Danese Sloan-Kendall look over plants.

Jay Carter, a horticultural humorist, spoke about the huge problem of invasive plant species.

ACREAGE HORSEMANâ€™S ASSOCIATION KICKS OFF SEASON WITH WARM-UP SHOW

The Acreage Horsemanâ€™s Association held a warm-up show Sunday, Sept. 8 at Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park. It was a chance for riders and horses to get in some practice before the point shows start. For more information about upcoming hunter/jumper, pleasure and barrel racing shows, visit www.acreagehorseman.com. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Christiana Roca aboard Aurions Azina and Matthew Therrien aboard Sugar Man with their ribbons.

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CRIME NEWS

PBSO: Armed Robbery Attempt On RPB Blvd. By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report SEPT. 6 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach was called to the intersection of Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards last Friday night following an attempted robbery. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 10:35 p.m., the victim was stopped at a red light on Royal Palm Beach Blvd., traveling northbound. The victim had his windows rolled down and was approached by an unknown black male with short hair. According to the report, the suspect pointed a semi-automatic handgun in the victim’s face and told him to get out of the car. According to the report, the victim drew his own registered semi-automatic handgun, prompting the suspect to flee the scene. The victim said the suspect ran west on Okeechobee Blvd. According to the report, a second male was standing on the northeast corner of the intersection and had motioned with his head and hand toward the suspect before the victim was approached. There was no further information available at the time of the report. ••• SEPT. 2 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to the Publix grocery store on State Road 7 last Monday regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim was in the store at approximately 10:45 a.m. when someone removed a brown wallet from her purse, which was sitting in her shopping cart. According to the report, the victim noticed the wallet was missing when she reached the cashier at approximately 11:45 a.m. The victim said she had placed the wallet in her purse, but had not secured the purse. According to the report, there was video surveillance in the store, and the manager agreed to view the tapes. The stolen wallet was valued at approximately $20 and contained the victim’s driver’s license and credit cards. There were no suspects at the time of the report. SEPT. 3 — A resident of Indian Trail Villas called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Tuesday morning to report a case of assault. According to a PBSO report, two women got into a fight over dog feces, causing a disturbance in the neighborhood. According to the report, the first woman was walking her small dog at approximately 10:45 a.m. on Seminole Drive when a woman in a green Camaro began taking photos of her. The woman’s dog began to urinate, and the woman in the vehicle told her to pick it up, but she informed the woman it was urine. According to the report, the dog then defecated, and the first woman picked it up in a plastic bag and showed the woman in the vehicle. According to the report, the second woman said she reminded the first woman to pick up her dog’s feces, and the first woman became irate. The second woman claimed the first woman shoved the bag of feces in her face, slapping her with it and threatened her. The deputy reported that he did not observe any marks on either woman or on the vehicle. SEPT. 6 — A resident of 30th Lane North contacted the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last Friday morning to report a suspicious incident. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9 p.m. last Thursday and 6:30 a.m. the following morning, someone

opened the victim’s gate and left it open. The victim reported that he secures his gate at night with a chain, but woke up last Friday morning to find the gate open. According to the report, the victim searched his property and did not find anything missing. SEPT. 6 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to the Village Park gymnasium last Friday evening following a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim was playing basketball in the gym at approximately 7:40 p.m. and left his iPhone 4 on the bleachers. The victim later realized his phone was missing, but had not seen anyone take it or walk nearby. According to the report, none of the other players saw anyone take the phone. The stolen iPhone was valued at approximately $400. There were no suspects at the time of the report. SEPT. 7 — A resident of South Shore Blvd. contacted the PBSO substation in Wellington last Saturday afternoon regarding a case of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between noon and 3 p.m., someone damaged the victim’s gate using a vehicle. The gate is located on the southeast corner of the property. According to the report, the property’s caretakers believed the perpetrator(s) might return to steal items or tamper with the property. The damage was estimated at approximately $500, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. SEPT. 8 — A Wellington man was arrested last Sunday evening on charges of assault with a deadly weapon following an altercation in the Isles at Wellington community. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the victim was outside on his back patio grilling when his neighbor, 48-yearold Jesse Estrada, came onto his property and assaulted him. According to the report, the victim said Estrada was being loud and aggressive and picked up a castiron candleholder and threw it at the victim. The victim said Estrada then tried to pull him over the grill by his shirt. According to the report, the victim feared getting hurt and hit Estrada several times with a baseball bat to ward him off. Estrada was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where he was charged with burglary with assault or battery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill. SEPT. 9 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to a home on Murcott Blvd. Monday morning regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8:30 a.m. last Friday and 11 a.m. Monday, someone stole the victim’s tag from his vehicle. There was no further information available at the time of the report. SEPT. 9 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched Monday morning to a construction site on SR 7 regarding a burglary. According to separate PBSO reports, sometime between 5 p.m. last Friday and 9:30 a.m. Monday, someone stole several rolls of copper tubing, a generator and 43,000 feet of wiring. The perpetrator(s) likely gained access through a rear door. The stolen items were valued at approximately $18,800. According to the report, a security company is supposed to patrol the business on weekends, but there were no suspects or witnesses.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Zenogio Costas, alias Zenogio AguilarCostas, is a white male, 5’6” tall and weighing 130 lbs., with brown hair and gray eyes. His date of birth is 03/12/56. Costas is wanted for failure to appear on charges of sexual battery on a person less than 12 years of age and lewd or lascivious molestation. His address is listed as at large. He is wanted as of 09/ 05/13. • Jose Martinez, alias Jose MartinezAguilar, is a white male, 5’5” and weighing 145 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos. His date of birth is 11/21/77. Martinez is wanted for failure to appear on felony charges of domestic battery. His last known address was Perry Avenue in Greenacres. His occupation is a laborer. He is wanted as of 09/05/13. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc.com.

Zenogio Costas

Jose Martinez

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

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NEWS

WELLINGTON HONORS 9/11 ANNIVERSARY AT PATRIOT MEMORIAL CEREMONY

The Village of Wellington marked the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with a ceremony Wednesday at the Patriot Memorial. Officials spoke about the tragedies, while students from Wellington Landings Middle School read letters from children who lost loved ones that day. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

Gina Cayne shares memories of her husband, Jason, who died at the Twin Towers.

Members of the Wellington Village Council lay a wreath at the steel beam of the Patriot Memorial.

Staff Sergeant Maria Alexander with Mia Rodriguez and Mason Alexander.

Regis and Tom Wenham with Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis, his wife, Linda, and PBCFR Chief Michael Arena.

PBSO Deputy Robert Rohman, Deputy Scott Poritz, Lt. Eli Shaivitz, Sgt. Michael Kletzky and Deputy Michael Venezia.

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue officers at the Patriot Memorial.

Hmara: West Palm Opposition To The SR 7 Extension Continues By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Jeff Hmara, Councilman Dave Swift and members of village staff heard reports on the status of the State Road 7 extension from 60th Street to Northlake Blvd. at a recent Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce meeting, where they were told that the City of West Palm Beach continues to try to block the project. The extension would run along the east side of the Ibis Golf & Country Club, where West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio resides, and along the west side of the Grassy Waters Preserve. West Palm Beach officials are opposing the road on environmental grounds. Hmara gave an update on the project at a Royal Palm Beach Village Council meeting last week. “We heard from the Florida Department of Transportation project manager and also our county engineer, who both indicated that

opposition continues, specifically from West Palm Beach,” Hmara said, adding that opponents have focused on SR 7 interfering with endangered bird species and the risk of hazardous material from a roadway accident. FDOT and county officials have offered several different approaches to reduce the alleged risks, but opponents have ignored them, Hmara said. “The good news is that the project is fully funded in fiscal years 2016 and 2017, but the bad news is if the delays continue, that money could actually go away, and that would jeopardize the entire project,” Hmara said. “Offsetting that risk of losing the money because of the delays is the fact that FDOT continues to do their design work in parallel with some of the other activities that are underway, so there is a continued effort to make this project happen.” Hmara urged advocates of the road to remain engaged in the pro-

cess and weigh in whenever the need arises. “We did get some help from the local congressional delegation in a letter that was sent to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from one of the federal agencies in support of the project, so we may want to go back to the delegation and seek a second letter at an appropriate point in time,” Hmara said. Swift said he was concerned that FDOT had not provided specific discussion points on the project to local governments. “If I understand my conversation with the village manager, FDOT has not provided talking points,” he said. “Without that information, it’s very difficult to lobby anybody, and that is a really key issue. We’ve been waiting and waiting on that stuff. To me that’s a real critical thing that needs to be resolved.” On Tuesday, Village Manager Ray Liggins said he had requested the talking points from FDOT but had not received them.

Councilman Fred Pinto predicted FDOT will express its concerns from its own perspective. “They are going through their process doing their environmental impact review process,” he said. “It’s a lengthy process, but from my conversations, their attitude is that they understand all the objections that are being put forth. They believe that their analysis will be able to demonstrate significant mitigation to the extent that the issues are invalidated. They also tell me this is not their first rodeo. They’ve been down this road before, and they are pushing forward with this project.” Mayor Matty Mattioli said he had heard similar comments from FDOT officials during a public hearing at the South Florida Fairgrounds in March 2012. “That road will be built,” Mattioli said. More than 1,000 residents had attended that hearing, with advocates outnumbering opponents by about 2-to-1.

At that meeting, FDOT officials explained that the nearest north/ west connections are Florida’s Turnpike to the east and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to the west, and that the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization and other transportation agencies have identified completing SR 7 as a high priority. The project proposes to widen the SR 7 extension from two to four lanes from Okeechobee Blvd. to 60th Street North, and construct a new four-lane divided highway from 60th Street North to Northlake Blvd. The estimated cost for the project is about $70 million for construction and about $16.5 million for mitigation. The project is fully financed, according to FDOT officials. West Palm Beach, however, has lobbied in Tallahassee with the state government and in Washington, D.C., with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, according to Central Palm Beach

County Chamber of Commerce officials. Meanwhile, the Palm Beach County Commission is forging ahead on its portion of the SR 7 extension with the purchase of 24 parcels of land on 60th Street North along the M Canal in The Acreage to connect Persimmon Blvd. to 60th Street, and then Royal Palm Beach Blvd. The link will enable SR 7 passthrough traffic to make the connection on the three-lane 60th Street North link, rather than Persimmon and Orange Grove boulevards, which are intended ultimately to serve primarily local Acreage traffic. The project includes replacing the Royal Palm Beach Blvd. bridge over the M Canal and reconstructing the intersection with 60th Street North to improve the line of vision for drivers entering Royal Palm Beach Blvd. from 60th Street. A traffic signal will also be installed at the intersection.

School Lobbyist: Florida Looking To Overhaul Education System By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Palm Beach County School District lobbyist Vern Pickup-Crawford told the Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board that he’d attended the Governor’s Educational Summit two weeks ago in St. Petersburg, where it was recognized that Florida’s educational system needs a major overhaul. “There are problems with Florida’s system, not just where the state board the past two years comes in and says, ‘Well the FCATs are giving us a problem and we’re going to have to make some adjustments,’” Pickup-Crawford said. “It was an actual legitimate concern expressed by the governor and legislative leadership, which helps to set the stage for what we are looking for next year.” He said the No. 1 priority will be how to handle the transition to

FCAT 2.0, which uses a computer-based testing model. He said the state board is continuing to deal with it as the legislature begins holding its committee hearings Sept 23. “This may change a little bit, but there are some basic premises out there — our district listening to people such as yourselves, our parents, our teachers, the business community and other stakeholders — is that you cannot fix it by setting arbitrary mandates, the date which right now is July 21, 2014, and you cannot fix it just by saying we need to make this little adjustment and, bingo, it works perfectly fine,” Pickup-Crawford said. He said Florida needs to look at the overall system and make changes. “The curriculum, its instruction, the delivery of this curriculum and instruction, how you go about

measuring student progress, as well as holding school districts accountable for those particular results,” Pickup-Crawford said. “The top recommendation that we have at this point is that we need to have a three-year transition from this period forward before you come back and say, ‘By golly, this is it.’” Three years will give a chance for the state board and the legislature to give input and come up with a workable plan, instead of a piecemeal system. “It has been piecemeal, especially during the last three years,” Pickup-Crawford said. “There have been some 35 technical changes during the last 18 months, so if you keep tweaking it without looking at the big picture, it’s very difficult to make sure you’ve got all the gears running together. That second year will be the time to really see if the plan is

working. Third year is the validation. One of the reasons we had trouble with FCAT 2.0 was that it had not been validated. It was still based on some of the simulation studies.” He said the school district and others are asking for a three-year time period to work together to come up with a system that is workable and to look at July 2017 to have it in place rather than continuing with the tweaking. Pickup-Crawford said there is also a lot of discussion occurring concerning the Common Core teaching standards. He said the school district held a workshop Wednesday explaining Common Core that was recorded and is available for viewing on the district web site, which explains where the district is in relation to state standards. “One of the things that has got somewhat confused in the past

year is that it seems that we’re throwing out one set of standards and replacing them with a whole new set of standards, which is not quite the case,” Pickup-Crawford said, explaining that Florida has had standards since 1977 and that Common Core is already 85 percent to 90 percent in place. “It’s not new,” he said. “What has changed is the implementation. The Common Core or Florida Sunshine Standards is not a curriculum, it is a set of standards, so the issues we’re focusing on here is when we look at accountability. How is it best to implement that and how is it best to do a true, fair, reasonable, reliable, accurate, valid and funded assessment of student progress?” He explained that a diagnostic is needed so the student, parent and teacher can ascertain how well the student is doing. “That is one of the things we are going to

work out and is going to be our top priority, but there will probably be lots of different ideas floating around,” Pickup-Crawford said. Pickup-Crawford said he was encouraged that Senate President Don Gaetz and House Speaker Will Weatherford recently issued a joint statement that they would like to have the Partnership in the Assessment of Readiness for College Careers (PARCC) reviewed. “It’s turning out to be not exactly as it was envisioned,” he said. “When that first began, it was supposed to be a comprehensive measurement system from beginning to end. The thing that people are questioning is does an end-of-year exam that runs 10 hours bring better results than what we have in the current Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test? That’s going to be one of the issues we’re looking at.”

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NEWS

BIG DOG HOSTS ‘DINE WITH THE WEIMS’ AT WELLINGTON’S PARK AVENUE BBQ

Big Dog Ranch Rescue held Dine with the Weims, an adoption e vent and dog-wash fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 8 at the Park Avenue BBQ Grille in Wellington. There were plenty of Weimareiner puppies and dogs looking for good homes, as well as dog washing, a kissing booth and more. For more information on adopting a dog, visit www.bdrr.org. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Big Dog Ranch Rescue volunteers gather at the fundraiser.

Mrs. Florida Royal American Dream 2014 Jennifer Etter, from Wellington, with Harlee Qwynn, Phinean and Luxie.

Chloe, Tyler and Brandon Greaux adopted Ula.

Amber Nelson looks on as Kelly Nelson gets a kiss from Ula.

Kaitlyn Seyler gives Italics a cooling foot bath.

Pumba and friend Phinean with Diane Christian.

NEWS BRIEFS Murphy To Visit Mid-County Dems

The Mid-County Democratic Club will meet Monday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. at Tree’s Wings & Ribs at the northeast corner of Southern and Royal Palm Beach boulevards. This month’s speaker will be Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-District 18). For more info., visit www.midcountydems.com.

ArtStart Classes Will Resume

With school back in session, ArtStart, a Wellington-based nonprofit, will resume its after-school and Saturday art classes. Classes are led by ArtStart founder Jeannette Pomeroy Parssi. After-

school classes are held Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m., and Wednesday from 2:15 to 3:45 p.m. Two art classes are offered on Saturdays for students who need help preparing for their auditions at the Bak Middle School of the Arts. Classes are from 9 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. for fourth-grade students and 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. for fifth-grade students. Classes for Bak audition prep are limited to six students. All classes include art supplies, expert instruction and critique. Audition prep classes are also available for students applying for the Bak communications major. Class size is limited to three students. Classes will begin Saturdays after Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to

noon and 1 to 3 p.m. and will be led by ArtStart Board Member Bill Underwood. For more information, visit www. artstartinc.org or call Parssi at (561) 635-2037.

Sept. 18 Reception For PBIA Art Exhibit

Palm Beach County’sArt in Public Places program invites the public to attend a free reception for the “Art at the Airport” exhibit at the Palm Beach International Airport on Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. It is located on Level 2 of the main terminal. Parking is available in short-term levels 4-7. The current exhibition show-

cases abstract and figurative paintings, photography, digital and mixed-media works. More than 95 artists submitted their artwork, and 19 were accepted into the show. All featured art was created by artists currently residing in Palm Beach County. Artists will be on hand to meet and discuss their artwork with the public. Artists include: Tula Antikainen of Atlantis; Michael Rocheford of Boca Raton; Robert Catapano, Bill Rosenberg and Claudio Gelis Staros of Boynton Beach; Karen Rosenblatt and Maria Foladori Weiss of Delray Beach; Margie Agoston of Jupiter; Bonnie D. Bruner and Talia Cervetti of Lake Worth; Karen E. Hightower of North Palm Beach; Mark L. Cohen, Melinda Moore and E.J. Morales

of Palm Beach Gardens; Kerby L. Glenn of Riviera Beach; Dani De Maio of Singer Island; and Anthony Burks Sr. and Sandy Friedkin of West Palm Beach. Voted third best airport in the U.S. and sixth best in the world by Condé Nast, PBIA has become a premier venue to showcase quality, original artworks by Palm Beach County’s finest emerging and professional artists. The exhibition is on display through Oct. 30.

Fright Nights Return To The Fairgrounds

The scary Halloween phenomenon Fright Nights Scream Park

returns to the South Florida Fairgrounds. This year’s terror-full attraction kicks off Thursday, Oct. 10 and has been redesigned to be scarier than ever. With four new haunts and more than 21,000 square feet of attractions, plus a gigantic monster midway of thrill rides, surprise scare zones and live entertainment, Fright Nights Scream Park is the largest and scariest haunted attraction in South Florida. Fright Nights Scream Park will run every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from Oct. 10 through Oct. 26, with a special Monster Bash Costume Party on Sunday, Oct. 27 with more than $1,000 in prizes. More information and advance tickets will be available soon at www.myfrightnights.com.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Berean Christian School Hosts Its Annual Secondary Retreat For the past 17 years, the secondary students at Berean Christian School have been looking forward with anticipation to a special annual retreat time. Each year, administrators and faculty work diligently to plan and implement a special time purposely set three

weeks after school begins to gather in order to have fun, fellowship and worship in a different setting. This year’s retreat for both the junior high and high school took place at the Lake Placid Camp and Conference Center, located in Lake Placid, approximately two hours

away from the normal school setting. Traditionally, this time away is designated for bonding, worship and growth, and this year was no different. The speaker for the high school retreat was Warren Witter from the young adult ministry at

The accountability group meets at the retreat.

Winners Church, located in West Palm Beach. In breaking away from the normal “speaker setting,” Witter spoke with students in a participatory manner. Students were able to share and ask pertinent questions. Students also had the opportunity to break into their accountability groups to participate together in activities that spoke toward the central theme, “restoration.” The junior high retreat, occurring the week after the high school retreat, kept with the same format of meeting times that involved group activities. However, the junior high theme this year was “Stop Being Normal and Get Weird” and was led by Kevyn Brown, who is a junior high geography teacher at Berean. At both retreats, students also had ample free time to enjoy the water inflatables, slip and slide, kayaking, canoeing, volleyball, lakeside bonfire and more. Year

after year, the secondary retreats at Berean Christian School set the tone and get the year off to a great

start in the right direction. For more information about the school, visit www.bcsbulldogs.org.

Seniors Victoria Ebel and Victoria Meldrim enjoy the day.

Palm Beach County Students Will Celebrate Hispanic Heritage The School District of Palm Beach County will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 with a series of events to highlight the contributions of Hispanics to the nation and local community. Students, teachers, staff and community members are invited to participate and encourage others to join.

To start the commemorations, the district partnered with the Palm Beach County Library System to participate in the Food Truck Fiesta and Viva Hispanic Culture with Mariachi music on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the main library on Summit Blvd. Students from the International Spanish Academy at Okeeheelee

Palm Beach County College/Career Fair In WPB On Oct. 10 The Palm Beach County College/Career Fair 2013 will take place Thursday, Oct. 10 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The event is one of the most valuable resources for high school students in providing them with pertinent college and career readiness information. The event features more than 175 colleges, universities, career programs and military representatives that provide different resources and opportunities after high school graduation. “All high school students and their parents are invited to attend

this event free of charge. The opportunity to meet with college representatives is beneficial so our students can make informed decisions about their future and plan accordingly,” said Eunice Greenfield, high school counseling specialist. Commercial vendors who provide tutoring and college search services will participate, in addition to language translators to assist families who speak Spanish and Haitian-Creole. For more info., call Greenfield at (561) 434-8820 or e-mail eunice. greenfield@palmbeachschools.org.

Middle School will accept the Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation at the school board meeting Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. The activities that are taking place for the students include an essay contest for sixth through 12th graders asking them to develop an essay answering the question, in English or Spanish,

“Who is a Latino/Hispanic individual that has inspired you and why? ¿Qué persona latina/hispana te ha inspirado y por qué?” The first-place winner will receive $200, second place $100 and third place $50. The due date is Oct. 3 at 5 p.m. The essay contest is sponsored by Comcast. Additionally, a general celebra-

tion will take place at the Fulton Holland Educational Services Center on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 12 to 1 p.m., featuring performances from various schools around the county. To close the celebrations, essay winners will be awarded on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Palm Beach County Okee-

chobee Library located at 5689 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. For a list of all the activities visit www.palmbeachschools.org/pao/ Spanish. For more info., call Natalia Arenas at (561) 357-7662 or e-mail natalia.arenas@palmbeachschools. org.

Jade Howard Of The King’s Academy Studies At London’s Oxford University Jade Howard, a senior at the King’s Academy, was chosen as one of only 170 students worldwide to spend four memorable weeks at Oxford University this summer earning college credit and preparing for her career as a pediatric surgeon. Howard, 17, is from Greenacres and has attended the King’s Academy since sixth grade. “I enjoyed meeting people from all over the world,” she said. “Being in London was exciting because of the diversity of cultures.” Howard studied medical science and “Voyages in Afternoon Tea” — an exploration of English customs, rituals, trade and wars.

“My academic achievements at the King’s Academy and recommendations from teachers helped me get selected, and King’s prepared me for the experience by helping me structure and organize my time-management skills,” Jade explained. “Afternoon Tea was a unique and creative way to learn about English culture and history, while the medical science studies were exciting and challenging” The King’s Academy is a nationally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool through 12th grade. More information about the King’s Academy is available online at www.tka.net.

Jade Howard at Stonehenge.

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Marshall Foundation Celebrates Successful Internship Program John Marshall, chairman of the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation for the Everglades & Florida Environmental Institute, recently welcomed more than 70 supporters at a recent graduation celebration for the nonprofit organization’s five summer interns. This summer’s interns were: • Sarah Denison, 21, from Jupiter, a junior at New College of Florida in Sarasota. • Casey Hickcox, 27, from Boynton Beach, a senior in biological sciences at Florida Atlantic University. • Jessica James, 24, from Alexandria, Va., a master’s student in teaching at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne. • Tomena Scholze, 21, from Burlington, Wis., a senior at the Florida Institute of Technology, where she is studying marine biology, conservation biology and ecology.

• Kelsie Timpe, 23, from Winter Haven, a recent graduate from the University of Florida with a degree in environmental engineering. “Now in its 12th year, this signature program of the Marshall Foundation encourages the very best young minds in environmental science to become career scientists and lifelong professionals in the education, restoration and protection of the Everglades,” Marshall said. “This is a perfect fit with our organization’s core mission to educate, restore and protect.” Over the last three months, 55 environmental experts shared their knowledge with the interns, and mentored them as they studied Everglades ecology. “They not only visited such critical areas as the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge and the various regional watersheds, they even made a memora-

Jaimie Goodman, John Marshall, Norm Gitzen, Ray Russo and Al Malefatto.

Nancy Marshall, Irma Anapol and Ali DiNovo. ble presentation at the recent Sea Level Rise Symposium at Oxbridge Academy that attracted more than 200 concerned citizens,” Marshall said. The Marshall Foundation’s special graduation celebration for the summer interns was held Aug. 2 at the National Croquet Club in West Palm Beach. “It was particularly gratifying to see the graduating interns as they were being congratulated by proud parents, mentors and fellow staffers, but it will be even more gratifying to see their work products going out to the public and governmental agencies and influencing their actions in the months and years ahead,” Marshall said. The Marshall Foundation cham-

pions the restoration and preservation of the greater Everglades ecosystem through science-based education and outreach programs. Annually, more than 25,000 elementary and high school students in Palm Beach County actively participate in the Marshall Foundation’s various education programs. Founded in 1998, the nonprofit organization has, in recent years, awarded more than $450,000 in scholarships and internships, planted nearly 100,000 native Florida trees in wetland areas and involved more than 5,000 volunteers in hands-on restoration projects. For more information about the foundation, call (561) 233-9004 or visit www.artmarshall.org.

Eisinger To Retire From Seagull Industries Post

Wellington resident Fred Eisinger, executive director of Seagull Industries for the Disabled for more than 27 years, recently announced that his retirement will take effect Oct. 11. “I am very proud of all that we have accomplished over the years on behalf of our developmentally challenged clients,” Eisinger said. “Seagull was a very modest organization back in the ’80s, but we have come a long way in terms of program offerings and our reputation in Palm Beach County.” Eisinger added that he is proud

of the dedicated employees who have been loyal to Seagull and its work on behalf of those the organization serves. “I share with them our selection by AMVETS for its Silver Helmet Award (1998), our selection as Non-Profit Organization of the Year for 2010-11 by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches and our election in 2011 to the Hall of Fame of Palm Beach County Special Olympics.” Eisinger also thanked the group’s board of directors, current members and those who have

served over the years for all their support. Board President Dr. James Barnard said that under Eisinger’s leadership, Seagull Industries has become one of the outstanding social service agencies in Florida. “Fred’s vision and his energy have been key to the growth of Seagull into a vibrant and well-respected organization,” Barnard said. “We offer vocational training, residential care, job placement, and a middle/high charter school, Seagull Academy for Independent

Living. His capacity to organize and lead was inspirational to our staff members, our board of directors and leaders in our community. I speak for the entire board in thanking him for almost three decades of dedicated service, and his passion and commitment to our clients and our organization. We wish him, his wife Judy, their children Daniel and Karin, and their families the very best.” Linda Moore, Seagull’s assistant executive director, will serve as interim executive director until Eisinger ’s successor is named.

September 13 - September 19, 2013 Page 13

Wellington Rotary Announces Peace Contest Winners The Rotary Club of Wellington has announced the winners of its United Nations Rotary Peace Ceremony Contest held in Wellington schools. The club received 256 posters, 70 poems, 35 essays and 20 photographs, which was record participation. The overall winner of the Peace Poster contest for fourth graders was Equestrian Trails Elementary School student Leah Silverman, who won $75. Winners by school were: Jacob Fink of Wellington Elementary School, Kayla Brusie of Binks Forest Elementary School, Hailey Feinberg of Elbridge Gale Elementary School, Victoria Watson of New Horizons Elementary School and Adrianna Garrido of Panther Run Elementary School. Individual student winners will be awarded $50. The poetry competition was run

in middle schools, including Polo Park and Wellington Landings. The winner from Polo Park is Warren Lee, while the winner from Wellington Landings is LeeAnn Hewitt. Each will receive $75. The photography competition included students from Wellington and Palm Beach Central high schools. The overall winner is Julianne Schiliro of Wellington High School. She will receive $150. The essay competition was held in WHS and PBCHS. The winner from Palm Beach Central is Ishmam Ahmed, while the winner from Wellington High School is Jake Sukienik. Both students will be awarded $100. All students will receive their awards at a Peace Ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Wellington Rotary Peace Park on Royal Fern Drive near the Wellington branch library.

Thomas Martin Completes U.S. Navy’s Plebe Summer Navy Midshipman Thomas D. Martin, son of Tonia and Thomas Martin of Loxahatchee, recently completed Plebe Summer at the U.S. Navy Academy. Plebe Summer prepares officer candidates for their first academic year at the academy and the four years leading to graduation and commissioning as a Navy or Marine Corps officer. Activities include swimming,

martial arts, rock climbing, obstacle, endurance and confidence courses, as well infantry drill. Throughout the summer, new midshipmen rapidly gain general knowledge of seamanship, navigation, damage control, sailing and handling yard-patrol craft, as well as the use of 9mm pistols and M-16 rifles. Martin is a 2013 graduate of the King’s Academy.

MAYER FAMILY WELCOMES BABY

Sarah and Scott Mayer of Port St. Lucie celebrated the birth of their daughter, Jewel Theresa, on July 23. Sarah is the daughter of Bob and Fran Broxton of Wellington. Scott is the son of Tom and Kay Mayer of Port St. Lucie.

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FEATURES

Running Estate Sales Is Fun, Except When Warding Off Thieves Last weekend, I conducted an estate sale in Palatka, the north Florida home of my antiques mall. I love organizing and running estate sales because I am curious about other people’s lives, and what can tell you more about another person’s life than rooting through his or her everyday possessions? My husband, Mark, is not as enthusiastic. Why not? Because while I am sitting in air-conditioned comfort, researching and assigning a value to a ceramic poodle knickknack of the 1950s, Mark is sweltering in a hot garage, fighting off (on a good day) jumbo cockroaches and (on a bad day) angry rodents as he gamely tries to stick gummed labels onto rusty old tools. Then, after four days of listening to me regale the cuteness of potholders cro-

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER cheted in the shape of turtles and lament what is America coming to that women don’t crochet turtles anymore, he has to drive me down every street within a 3-mile radius of the sale so I can dart into traffic to spike directional signs into the ground… at midnight. And I admit that even I don’t fancy the idea of being mowed down by an erratic driver in pitch blackness and rain, but

where else are you going to find a town where they let you poke 32 neon pink signs into the ground (and five A-frames!) and leave them there for three days so you can earn enough money for the heirs of the poor deceased to be able to pay the taxes on their childhood home? Nowhere! So I do it. But as much fun as all that is, there is a downside to estate sales — crooks. Now you would think that the mere fact that they are stealing from people who, in many cases, are still grieving the loss of their last remaining parent would serve as some sort of a deterrent. But you would be wrong. Here’s what we do to stave off crime — we station a person in every room, put the small and/or valuable things at the checkout clerk’s elbow, don’t advertise the ex-

act address of the sale, follow anyone we suspect and lock things up tight as a drum when we leave. Doesn’t matter. Here’s what they will steal — anything. We had one woman take an electric shaver out of its box and put it into her bag. We had three people watching her, but she still managed to do it. We had another guy slide a glass bottle into his pants. And, last but not least, someone took the key to an ancient safe, knowing we wouldn’t be able to sell it without the key and hoping to come back on the last day and get it for half price. The shaver woman saved herself $5. The bottle guy saved himself $2 (and the chance to father children if he tripped on the way out). And the would-be safe buyer was foiled when a locksmith bought

the safe before it got marked down. At a similar sale held by my sister, someone stole all the CDs out of their cases despite the fact that a 2-inch-by-3-inch photo of my bald-headed, chemo-riddled, new amputee of a nephew graced the grounds with the statement, “Thank you for helping me earn a wheelchair!” I’m not sure if I believe in paybacks or karma or “getting what you deserve,” but a tiny little part of me hopes that, upon their arrival at the Pearly Gates, these criminals are welcomed by St. Peter who will quickly launch into a Powerpoint presentation of their lives. This enlightening video will culminate with the guilty party being ushered “Downstairs.” And how will they spend their days in hell? I hope it’s not crocheting turtleshaped potholders.

Feeling Guilty About Sending Kids To Better Schools? Don’t! Allison Benedikt wrote an interesting article recently for the online magazine Slate arguing that if you send your children to private school (and, by extension, move into a well-off neighborhood because the schools are good), you are a bad person. Her argument is that by keeping your children in good schools, you are damaging poor children, who often receive substandard educations. They need the good examples to improve their schooling, and when the good examples are not around, they are more likely to indulge in bad behavior. Benedikt writes that it makes no difference if you are sending your child to a particular school because of religious reasons or social ones or even because the

‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler school “is not so hot.” If your children go to a school that is bad, she posits, you are more likely than many less-informed parents to get in the face of teachers who have fallen down on the job, or fight for more resources. In the long run, the schools will be better. Benedikt points out how much she gained by getting drunk with poor kids during her high school

years. Far better to do that than work for charities as a way of building a resume for college. Of course, to fully accomplish this idea, families will have to change housing patterns. And I doubt that parents will begin by saying, “Hey, honey, let’s move into that neighborhood because it means our children will go to poorly performing schools.” We want good schools for our children. Benedikt feels we need to be reeducated. Most feel our children are our real inheritance. They carry on whatever good (or bad) we have within us. Just check with anyone who has grown children about a desire for grandchildren. Normal people want their children to do well. Schooling is perhaps the most important

element in that. As an old educator, the one thing I was most concerned about was making certain my daughters could read. And I was thrilled when they graduated college. My mother, only days before her death, told me that she was proud that every one of her children and grandchildren were college graduates. (She was also pleased we had all managed to stay out of jail.) However, I believe Benedikt’s argument is based on misinformation. First of all, under-performing students quite often have more resources spent on them than those doing well. Poor school districts receive more from the state than they take in. Also, the federal government provides extensive funding (billions a year) for remedial education, and they ensure it is

spent on the students who need it. Often, it does very little. Second, while noting that the percentage of really bad teachers is very, very small, those who are mediocre generally are accepted. New York City defined “mediocre” as “satisfactory” decades ago. Generally, the number of teachers fired for incompetence in New York State in a given year is in the single digits. Parental outrage has little effect. Benedikt argues that even if your child goes to a “crappy” (her word, not mine) school, the fact that he or she has good parents will get her through. And think of what her sacrifice will mean for public education. Not even now; even Benedikt recognizes the real change will come later. See WECHSLER, page 16

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September 13 - September 19, 2013 Page 15

NEWS BRIEFS Kids Cancer Foundation Fundraiser At Iron Lion Oct. 6

On Sunday Oct. 6, Iron Lion Fitness Studio and the Wellington Runners Club will host a “RydeA-Thon” to support the Kids Cancer Foundation. Come and join instructors on a non-stop ride from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants can cycle as long as they want and will be asked to make a minimum donation of $10 per ride to benefit the Kids Cancer Foundation. There will be a play area for kids, as well as music, raffles and tons of fun. The Iron Lion Fitness Studio is located at 10660 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. To make a charitable donation, contact Jen Leeds at jleeds7@ bellsouth.net.

Wellington Reaches Out To Student Artists

There’s an opportunity for young Wellington artists to see their creations on public display. The village is teaming with the

Wellington Art Society for a Student Art Program, which puts youth artwork on display at the Wellington Community Center. High school students who either live in Wellington or attend a Wellington school are invited to deliver their original works of art to the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 100) on Wednesday, Sept. 18 between 4 and 6 p.m. The exhibit will open the following Monday, Sept. 23, and the artwork will be on display for a four-month rotation ending in January. All artwork should be framed. The Wellington Art Society will select the artwork for the exhibit. Information and entry forms with program dates and guidelines are available by calling the Wellington Art Society at (561) 7912194, the Village of Wellington at (561) 791-4082 or from art teachers at high schools in the Wellington area.

Dramaworks Single Tickets On Sale Sept. 16

Individual tickets for Palm Beach Dramaworks’ 2013-14 season will

go on sale on Sept. 16 both online and at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre box office at 201 Clematis St. Palm Beach Dramaworks’ 14th season opens with John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, which runs from Oct. 11 through Nov. 10. Tickets will be on sale for the entire season, which also includes The Lion in Winter by John Goldman (Dec. 6 - Jan. 5), Old Times by Harold Pinter (Jan. 31 - March 2), Dividing the Estate by Horton Foote (March 28 - April 27) and Tryst by Karoline Leach (May 16 June 15). Individual tickets may be ordered online 24 hours a day at www.palmbeachdramaworks.org. Single tickets and subscriptions may be purchased by calling the box office at (561) 514-4042, ext. 2, or visiting the box office at 201 Clematis St. Palm Beach Dramaworks is a nonprofit, professional theater and is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the South Florida Theatre League, Southeastern Theatre Conference, Florida Professional Theatres Association, Florida Theatre Conference and the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. The performance schedule is as

follows: evening performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. Matinee performances are on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Individual tickets are $60 for all performances. Preview performances are $52 and opening-night tickets are $75. Student tickets are available for $10. Group rates for 20 or more and discounted season subscriptions are also available. For ticket information, call the box office at (561) 514-4042, which is currently open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit www.palmbeachdramaworks. org.

Auditions For ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Set For Sept. 17

Spotlight of Wellington will hold auditions for its musical production of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. The show date is Saturday, Dec. 7. No experience is necessary to audition, and there are roles available for any age group ranging from elementary to high school.

Spotlight Auditions — Viviana Calero, stage manager Lauren Bordeaux and studio owner/producer NikiAnn Giliberti. The audition will require minimal dancing and singing. However, an inability to sing or dance should not stray hopefuls from auditioning; there are various roles for all kinds of actors, from the experienced to those who have had no experience at all. Spotlight’s theater program is designed around the idea that acting can be used as a key to self confidence, on or off the stage.

The productions that Spotlight puts on serve that purpose. The productions provide students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience about theater and acting, while encouraging students to be comfortable and confident. Call (561) 632-1326, e-mail niki@ spotlightofwellington.com or visit www.spotlightofwellington.com for more information.

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NEWS

Busy Fall Season Planned For Senior Programming In Wellington Wellington is offering a variety of programs for adults age 55 and older at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) this season. Among the programs this fall are: • Weiss Family Chiropractics & Seaview Eyecare. This fall, Dr. Amanda Weiss of SeaView Eyecare and Dr. Arianne Weiss of Weiss Family Chiropractic will inform the community on the importance of total body health. Their “Medical Mondays” seminar series began Sept. 9. Upcoming topics: Oct. 14 is “Are you really what you eat? How specific foods impact your health,” Nov. 11 is “Blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol: three factors that affect every part of the body” and Dec. 2 is “MMMMM: Macular degeneration, muscles, menopause, melanoma, myopia and MS. If it begins with M, it will be mentioned.” All seminars are from noon to 2 p.m. A light lunch will be provided to those who pre-register. • CarePlus Movie Matinees — CarePlus Health Plans Inc. is a company dedicated to keeping the health in healthcare by providing the best and most up-to-date in-

EV Plan

Clears First Hurdle

continued from page 1 several conditions. Among them, property owners must make improvements to the canal easement along the property, provide a horse crossing at the access point on Pierson Road and follow Wellington’s manure management standards. Equestrian Village owners will also have to provide deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Of fice to direct traffic after large events, coordinate event times with the Winter Equestrian Festival to minimize traffic, and limit the hours of operation to between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., except for one night a week

Sem Pratt

Project Moving Slowly

continued from page 1 lanes. There are sidewalks on both sides. The project is anticipated to be completed by January. McConnell said the lane closures are a standard requirement in construction. “You barricade off the area that the contractor is working in so that it is not accessible to the driving public for everybody’s safety,” she said. Meanwhile, some lanes are kept open to allow passage of traffic

Cell Tower

Zoners Override Staff

continued from page 1 owners in the plaza favor the tower, too. “They say they can’t use their cell phones in their businesses, and they need it,” he said. “A lot of shoppers complain that there is no coverage.” Clearview also brought representatives from service providers AT&T and Verizon Wireless, who said the companies receive complaints about coverage in that part of Wellington. “The complaints have been constant in this area,” Verizon Wireless System Performance Engineer Domingo Suarez said. “It’s possible that outdoor coverage is existent, but in-building coverage is not guaranteed at this point.” Board Member Carol Coleman asked how the tower will affect the parking lot. “Will you lose any parking spaces?” she asked. Bernardo said parking around

Sewer Break

Cleanup Underway

continued from page 1 constructed impoundment south of 40th Street in the FPL easement. About 1,200 gallons of wastewater was discharged into a nearby canal. The only private property affected was the farmer’s property at the east end of 40th Street, according to the memo. Palm Beach County Health Department representative Tim O’Connor said no residential well fields appear to have been affected, and the farmer is on the county’s potable water supply. “We’re the delegated agent for

formation on Medicare. This fall, come get to know the representatives at the CarePlus classic movie matinees from 1 to 3 p.m., complete with classic movie refreshments. Movies will take place on Tuesdays, Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10. • Morselife Book Reviews. Morselife is dedicated to enhancing senior living, and each month, the professionals host a new lifeenhancing presentation. This fall, there will be a different book review on Mondays from 12 to 2 p.m. The book for Oct. 14 is The Light Between the Oceans by M.L. Stedman. Nov. 4 the group will discuss The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom, and the fall book series will conclude with Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford on Dec. 2. A light lunch will be provided to those who preregister. • NuVista Living “Wellness Wednesdays.” Join the staf f of NuVista Living as they teach how to live and enjoy life. “Wellness Wednesdays” will take place on Oct. 2, Nov. 6 and Dec. 18 from 2 to 3 p.m., and light refreshments will be served. Pre-registration is required. • Good Samaritan “Caring for

You Seminars.” The physicians of Good Samaritan Hospital return with their “Caring for You Lecture Series.” On Sept. 17, Dr. Jaime Steinsapir discusses “Diabetes Management,” and on Oct. 15, Dr. Leon Uribe will discuss “Health and Vitality.” There will also be a food and nutrition seminar on Dec. 17. All seminars take place on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A light lunch will be served, and pre-registration is required. • Wellington Regional Medical Center Seminars. Join the physicians of Wellington Regional Medical Center as they educate seniors on the popular health topics of today. Seminars will take place on Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19 from noon to 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided to those who pre-register. • Shalloway & Shalloway On Elder Law. Join in Oct. 15, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. as elder law and special needs trust attorney Mark Shalloway speaks at the Wellington Community Center. As an accredited VA attorney, he will speak about protecting assets and getting the best long-term care (not insurance) at home, in an assisted living facility or in a nursing home. Discover how vets,

spouses, widows and disabled children may qualify for $13,128 to $24,228 a year, tax free. • Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute Seminars. Physicians of Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute are recognized leaders of orthopedics and have provided their patients with the highest quality of healthcare and treatment possible for more than 30 years. They will hold monthly seminars on Thursdays, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This fall, Dr. Scott Norris and Dr. Justin Kearse will be two of the many highly trained physicians to speak. A light lunch will be served, and pre-registration is required. • Mike’s Handyman Workshop. Back by popular demand, Mike Sirucek is back to teach everything about keeping up a house from tools to toilets. Classes are Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and sessions are seven weeks long. Session I began Sept. 3, and Session II begins Oct. 29. There is a $5 shop fee to be paid to instructor on the first day of class. Spaces are limited. • AARP Driver Safety. Join Mary Lynn Blakely on the third Thursday of the month to refresh driving skills. Classes are Sept.

19, Oct. 17, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members, and must be paid by check to the instructor on the day of the class. Students should prepare for the day by bringing water, lunch and snacks. • Wii Video Games. Video games aren’t just for kids. Come see why they are so popular and get daily exercise at the same time. Beginning in October, Wii will move to Wednesdays. “Wii Wednesday” will take place on the first Wednesday of the month from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Pre-registration is required. • Rummikub. Physical exercise is wonderful for the body, and so is mental exercise. Exercise the brain while meeting new people and having fun by coming to the Wellington Community Center for a game (or two) of the popular tile game, Rummikub. Game days are the first and third Thursday of the month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited, so sign up today. • Brown Bag Bingo. Join in on the second Wednesday of each month for an afternoon of fun and

bingo games with prizes sponsored by Humana. Games begin at 1 p.m. and continue until approximately 3 p.m. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m., and the cost to play bingo is $3. Limited cookies and coffee will be available, so feel free to pack a “brown bag” lunch to enjoy. • Senior aerobics. Stay in shape with Lynn Spoor’s senior aerobics classes, offered monthly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The cost for three days per week is $40 per month for Wellington residents and $50 for non-residents. • Needlecraft. This group meets every Monday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to learn new needlecraft techniques. This activity is free, and all skill levels are welcome. Pre-registration is required for all activities at least 48 hours in advance. Registration can be made in person, online at www. wellingtonfl.gov, by calling the Wellington Community Center at (561) 753-2489 or via fax at (561) 791-4089. For more information about senior programming, visit www. wellingtonfl.gov or call Programs Coordinator Julie Strow at (561) 753-5262.

on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, when the hours of operation are extended to 11 p.m. Though committee members were largely in favor of the project, concerns about parking took up much of the discussion Wednesday night. As part of the conditions of approval, property owners agreed to provide overflow parking and ban visitors from parking along the roads. Committee Chair Cynthia Gardner said that although 750 spaces were required on the site for 3,000 seats, she only saw 662 spaces. “I see 640 event parking spaces and 22 handicap spaces,” Gardner said. Engineer Michael Sexton, agent for the applicant, noted that additional parking for events will be in some of the grass arenas that are used otherwise for riding.

“We did not want to pave the whole area and make it look like a parking lot or mall,” he said. “The overflow parking is for big events.” Basehart said that although the site is designed to accommodate a high number of people, it’s unlikely the property would be at capacity on a regular basis. “As far as staff is concerned, the amount, location and design of the parking shown on this plan complies with the requirements in the code,” he said. “We are confident the code is met with the parking provided on this plan.” But Gardner said that although the parking at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center meets code, it is not adequate. “Unless you have a designated parking spot or go in a golf cart, parking at the horse show is extremely difficult,” she said. “If you

can’t accommodate your clientele, they’re not going to come.” Equestrian Sport Productions President Michael Stone said Equestrian Village will not get the same traffic as PBIEC. “Since we’ve been doing this, we haven’t even gotten close to filling the grass parking,” Stone said. Committee members were also concerned about the circulation plan and ability for the traffic — especially trailers — to navigate the site. “I have heard that it is very tight,” Committee Member Linda Elie said. But Committee Member Dr. Kristy Lund said Equestrian Village staff is on hand to keep vehicles going in the right direction. “The staff during events are always on top of you about where you park your trailer, where you turn around, which direction you

go,” she said. “They definitely have the staff to address the traffic flow.” Sexton also noted that PBSO deputies would be hired for major events to alleviate traffic issues. Gardner said another concern of hers was the loudspeakers, which she said have irked nearby homeowners. “For six months of the winter, people who live in the condominiums [nearby] are not able to sit on their porch and have morning coffee because the loudspeakers are going,” she said. But Stone said he believed that was an exaggeration. “We live in an environment where things are exaggerated,” he said. “We must abide by a sound ordinance that we cannot breach.” Lund said it is difficult to hear the loudspeakers from within the property. “I can barely hear the

announcers in the barn,” she said. Committee members also asked whether the equestrian arena designation would mean events could be held on the site every weekend. Basehart said it is possible, but Stone noted that the site is bound by the licenses it gets to host shows. Gardner asked whether any jumping shows would migrate to Equestrian Village, aside from the planned derbies. Sexton said it was unlikely. “Those have been incorporated into the other site at this point,” he said. Lund added that holding any other type of competition would ruin the dressage footing. Board Member Michael Whitlow made motions to recommend approval of the master plan and compatibility determination. Both motions carried unanimously.

while work continues on the other lanes. “The contractor is continuing to work despite the fact that we still have outstanding issues with the utilities,” McConnell said. Webb said the lighting being installed has been changed in some areas from 200 to 400 watts on 30-foot poles, rather than 32foot poles, spaced farther apart. “We have the brighter bulbs — they are going to look a little bit different — but it will enable us to have fewer poles on the different sides,” he said. “The spacing is going to be different. The lighting levels will be the same, but we’re able to pay for fewer poles in some places.” Webb also pointed out that the

project was not simply installation of street lights but moving the FPL utility line on the west side of the road, with the 400-watt lights attached to those utility poles. “The completion of the street lights doesn’t have anything to do with our contractor,” Webb said. “Those street lights are independent of what he’s doing. We’re relying on our contractor to move forward.” Webb pointed out that the contractor also has the next leg of four-laning from the M Canal north to Northlake Blvd. Seminole Pratt from south of 60th Street to Orange Blvd. will be widened to four lanes in a similar manner as the project from Southern to north of Sycamore. That

project is anticipated to begin next August. Similar widening of Seminole Pratt from Orange Blvd. to Northlake Blvd. is under design, with construction scheduled to start in 2015. A future two-lane road is planned to continue Seminole Pratt from Northlake Blvd. to the Beeline Highway, although that project is not yet in the design phase at the present time. The county road projects do not include closing existing intersecting streets, and will not affect the ability of traffic to enter or leave Seminole Pratt, with the exception of impacts at intersections that will not have median openings. Those intersections will be limited to

“right-in, right-out” movements. Cross streets in that area are too closely spaced to allow proper traffic movements, so while some street intersections will have fully open medians, making left turns and U-turns possible, roughly every other street will have a “filled in” median, which will require the driver entering the road to proceed either north or south on Seminole Pratt to the next opening to make a U-turn if needed. Rights-of-way have been acquired as needed. Additionally, it was necessary to acquire easements, some temporary and some permanent, to allow for construction of the road and proper drainage adjacent to the road. The county has also acquired entire

parcels of open land in several areas to allow for construction of drainage ponds to store surface water runoff. For widening Seminole Pratt from Orange to Northlake Blvd., the county already owns an easement for the required width of rightof-way, and only those parcels required for retention ponds are being acquired, as well as embankment easements and construction easements throughout the project, and “corner clips” at some side streets. Meanwhile, the portion of the road running through CalleryJudge Grove will remain unchanged until discussions take place with the land’s future developer, Webb said.

the tower would be redesigned as angled parking, but the site would lose only two spaces. She also asked how many carriers would be on the tower. Bernardo said it would be four, with two carriers already signed on should the application be approved. Hertz said Wellington prefers multiple carriers on towers. “The ordinance goes far out of the way to promote co-location,” he said. “If you don’t go high enough, you can’t co-locate. The idea is to get more people on one tower so you have fewer towers.” Though some board members were concerned about the height of the tower, Hertz noted that the tower must be located above the tree line to provide the best service. Board Member Mike Drahos asked how many other 120-foot towers there are in Wellington. “There are not many that short,” Bernardo replied. He pointed out that the cell tower at the International Polo Club Palm Beach is 165 feet tall. Board Member Paul Adams said

he favored the tower in that location. “People are less likely to have land lines,” he said. “Most of them are in need of service in their own home. This pole will be a minimal visual impact among renters who have the most need. This is a public safety issue.” Drahos was concerned that residents who responded in favor of the tower were not aware how large it would be. “I think it’s our responsibility to recognize snake oil when we see it,” he said. “What I didn’t see was where, within that Facebook page, it was stated that they want to put a 120-foot tower up in the middle of Wellington. I didn’t see business owners in here today speaking in favor of this.” Drahos said he believes the public will be upset once they learn of the tower. “If the public is not up in arms now, I can assure you when this tower does go up, people will be upset about it,” he said. “There are other alternatives. I don’t see Palm Beach island or the Hamptons putting 100-foot towers up

in their communities. Wellington has high standards, and we expect people to live up to those standards.” But Mariaca said she has friends in the area who she is unable to call on their cell phones. “I’m concerned about residents not having cell phone service,” she said. “They have to step out of their homes to make a call. I think [the applicant] has demonstrated they need the height to get the service.” PZA Board Vice Chair Tim Shields said the board was not there to argue the merits of the cell phone tower but whether the project met the variance requirements. He said it did. Adams made a motion to approve the appeal and variance, which passed 5-2, with Drahos and Coleman opposed. Controversy arose when it was time to hear the conditional-use permit application. Planning & Development Services Director Tim Stillings said staff had not prepared a list of conditions because it was recommending denial of the application. “We didn’t want to

give mixed messages,” he said. But some board members said they did not want to come back to hear the issue again. “This is disrespectful of our time,” Shields said. “It was on the agenda, but they didn’t think it would get approved.” Further, Hertz said the applicant shouldn’t face the burden of renoticing the meeting and making another presentation because staff was not prepared. Adams suggested approving preliminary conditions, such as the 120-foot height and the color of the pole, and then letting staff work with the applicant for a larg-

er list before the item goes to the council. But Drahos said that would be “passing the buck.” Coleman made a motion to send the item back to staff for recommendations, which was seconded by Drahos. The motion failed 5-2. Mariaca then made a motion to recommend approval of the conditional-use permit requiring a flagless flagpole, 120 feet tall, with five cell phone carriers, as well as any further staff recommendations for landscaping and color. Adams seconded the motion, which passed 5-2 with Coleman and Drahos opposed.

the Department of Environmental Protection in Palm Beach County, so we investigate wastewater discharges like this one,” he said. A health department inspector who visited the site reported that the spill had been contained and that none of the wastewater appeared to have drained into the farmer’s pond nearby. “There’s a pretty good-sized swale along 40th Street,” O’Connor said. “That did fill up, and then they rerouted it to a containment area. As a precaution, water utilities is going to test some of the wells. If there is any contamination, they will help figure out how to clean it up, but there is no boil-water notice or anything like that at this time.”

FEMA

RPB Seeks Map Change

continued from page 3 correct what seems to be an inaccurate map based upon out-ofdate elevation information, old models and some pretty extreme assumptions that have been made,” he said. Hmara added that many of the municipalities, including Royal Palm Beach, have sent letters to

Wechsler

Better Schools?

Workers clean the spilled sewage after a spill in The Acreage. PHOTO COURTESY INDIAN TRAIL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

continued from page 14 But, she argues, 50 years down the road, public schools will be better. Of course, there are trade-offs. Your children may not do very well, which could pull down the chances for your grandchildren. The hard work you put in to ensure the very best for your family will result in your descendants having poorer lives. If you are still alive to watch, you will see your children living

FEMA. “In addition to that, we have encouraged support again from our congressional delegation, and they, too, have sent at least one letter that I know of to the director of FEMA,” he said. Hmara said the combined effort persuaded FEMA to increase the time line, giving a total of eight months for the hearing process, including three months for local governments to generate data to submit to FEMA, which has indicated it will schedule a public hearing in April or May 2014. in small homes or apartments in not very good neighborhoods, clipping store coupons, and learning how to do with less. Those people who ignore Benedikt’s suggestions may even feel shame as their children go to the best colleges and have lives filled with the best. But, and here is her real point, it will lead to schools that are better for everyone else. And you can be proud to know that the sacrifice of your children’s chances, and their children’s chances, will lead to a better school system for everyone. Maybe. Perhaps. Possibly.

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NEWS

A SECOND CHANCE RESCUE HOLDS 24-HOUR ADOPTION EVENT IN GREENACRES

A Second Chance Puppies & Kittens Rescue held a 24-hour adoption event Saturday, Sept. 7 at River Bridge Animal Hospital in Greenacres. The 1970s disco-themed “Caturday Night Fever” event had raffles and prizes, and Duffy’s provided lunch for volunteers. More than 17 cats and kittens were adopted. For more info., visit www.asecondchancerescue.org. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

A Second Chance Puppies & Kittens Rescue supporters.

Eddie Castro adopted Kaiju, who is ready to go to his new home.

Ruth Douthitt shows off her disco outfit with Wookie.

Jessica Pereira adopted Sara, held by volunteer Gemma Ford.

Gemma Ford, Dr. Stuart Fox and Traci Goldberg.

Volunteer Camille Caravetta gives Harrison a snack.

HEALTH & FITNESS SPOTLIGHT

Tips For Creating Healthy And Tasty Lunches For Your Children By Lynnette Laufenberg Special To The Town-Crier Making sure that your carefully prepared lunch doesn’t get ignored or ditched in the trash can be a tricky feat. Here’s how to avoid those expensive, high-fat, premade lunches, and give your kid a meal that will make him or her the envy of the cafeteria. 1. Get input from your children about what they want. They’ll be more likely to eat what they choose (except, of course, nutritional zeros like chips and soda). 2. Prep lunches with leftovers from dinner the night before. You’ll be more creative and less frazzled in the evening. Save some chicken breast for salad with red grapes and celery, a slice of meatloaf for a sandwich or cooked vegetables

for pasta salad with Italian dressing. 3. Strive for balance. Healthy lunches should have a complex carbohydrate such as wholegrain bread or pita, a source of protein (peanut butter is fine), at least one serving of fruit or vegetables and one source of dairy (string cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese or milk). 4. Get creative: Use cookie cutters to carve sandwiches into fun shapes or include the fixings for “ants on a log” (peanut butter or cream cheese and raisins on celery). 5. Sneak in fresh vegetables and fruits. While your child may leave a whole apple untouched, she may love diced apples in her chicken salad sandwich.

6. Cultivate adventurous eating. Introduce new foods gradually, pairing them with your child’s favorite snacks. For example, if he loves carrots with ranch dressing, slip in some cucumber and zucchini slices. Be persistent! Children may not accept the new food initially, but after several times offering the same thing over the course of a few months, they may surprise you. 7. Indulge in desserts, but don’t go overboard. Oatmeal raisin cookies pack a nutritious punch, and puddings and Jell-O come in lowsugar and low-fat varieties. You don’t want to deprive your children, but you also don’t want them to be high-wired on sugar or falling asleep in class from a heavy, rich treat. Offer this as part of their

lunch once or twice a week, not daily. Here are a few extra tips: • At the beginning of the week, boil a dozen eggs to use in egg salad, tuna salad or as a late afternoon snack. • Wrap a frozen juice or drink container with a paper towel to keep the condensation from getting the rest of the lunch moist — your child can then use the damp paper towel to clean sticky fingers and faces. • Don’t get stuck in a rut: If your child ignores her sandwiches, try stacking cheese and salami on wholegrain crackers instead; swap the peanut butter and jelly for pita with hummus or cinnamon-raisin bagels with cream cheese and jelly.

• Add a favorite healthy snack, such as grapes, granola bars, trail mix or string cheese, for an afternoon pick-me-up. We all know that having healthy eating habits is very crucial for our children’s growth, but having some kind of physical activity on a regular basis is also important. There are so many options out there to get children active. Ultima Fitness offers a Tae Kwon Do program targeted for both children and adults all year long. The Xtreme Tae Kwon Do program will strengthen both the mind and body. Parents have seen their children focus better

and achieve success in academic studies. Adults are more confident and feel better about themselves with increased energy and concentration. In Tae Kwon Do, students learn to respect life through mental, physical and philosophical studies. For more information, visit www.wellingtontaekwondo.com. Lynette Laufenberg, a certified personal trainer, is program/fitness director at Ultima Fitness/ Xtreme Tae Kwon Do. Ultima is located at 12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 795-2823 or visit www.ultimafitness. com.

Page 18 September 13 - September 19, 2013

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PALM BEACH HORSE PARK

LATEST NEWS

Where will your pets go when a hurricane comes to town?

We are half-way through the 2013 hurricane season. If a strong hurricane were to hit Palm Beach County, I bet you don’t have a place where you can seek shelter WITH your pets. But, once the Palm Beach Horse Park’s “Wellington Civic Center” is built, you will have a very viable, safe option. This main building on the property will serve as an Emergency Management Shelter during severe weather emergencies. It will be built to such standards that it will be capable of enduring sustained winds of 160+ miles per hour and will accommodate 700-800 small pets in cages as well as approximately 2,000 people! That’s a much needed…major benefit to our community! We welcome your input and ideas – this is YOUR community. Please contact us at: 561-333-3100 or Email: palmbeachhorsepark@gmail.com www.PalmBeachHorsePark.com 13860 Wellington Trace, Suite 6 • Wellington, FL 33414

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Think Your Horse Has An Ulcer? Visit Your Vet!

No one thinks much about stomachs until there’s a pain, and then that’s all you can think about. It’s true about people, and it’s true about horses. Horse ulcers are fairly common. “In a word, ulcers in horses are caused by stress and more stress,” Dr. Scott Swerdlin said. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 21

September 13 - September 19, 2013

Page 19

Seminole Ridge Steamrolls Past John I. Leonard

The Seminole Ridge High School varsity football squad rolled over the John I. Leonard Lancers last Friday night, winning 45-14 before a capacity crowd at Callery-Judge Stadium. The win lifts the Hawks to a 2-0 start on the season. The Hawks scored on every possession in the first half. Page 27

Shopping Spree A Town-Crier Publication

inside

Business

Ballet East To Open In West Palm Sept. 28

Ballet East, formerly Susan Lyle Studios, has announced the opening of its new studio, located at 2365 Vista Parkway, Suite 7, in West Palm Beach. The new studio features three large dance rooms, stateof-the-art Harlequin floors, a locker room for female students and a spacious lobby. The school, under the artistic direction of Chelsea Nasby, will open its doors to the public with a free opening reception Saturday, Sept. 28 from 6 to 8 pm. Page 22

Sports

RPBHS Wildcats Shut Down Pahokee High School 21-14

The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team bested Pahokee High School 21-14 on Friday, Sept. 6 in Royal Palm Beach. In a game rife with penalties that stopped the clock and dragged the game past 10 p.m., the Wildcats pushed through to seal the win, putting them at 2-0 this season. Page 27

THIS WEEK’S index Tails from the Trails............................. 21 BUSINESS NEWS................................... 22-23 SPORTS & RECREATION.........................27-29 COMMUNITY CALENDAR............................. 30 CLASSIFIEDS......................................... 30-33

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FREE-W

IFI!

grill subs salads soups tacos burritos coffee smoothies self-serve frozen yogurt

Let us plan your next birthday party!

Come and celebrate your special day with your friends while enjoying frozen yogurts, your choice of cupcakes, etc. Kid and adult friendly! For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Anne Caroline at 561-784-1133

Welli Deli is open Monday - Saturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., serving breakfast and lunch. 13501 South Shore Blvd â€˘ Wellington, Florida 33414 â€˘ 561.784.5833 WelliDeliPWTW8.2.13.indd 1

8/19/13 9:04 AM

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Page 21

Think Your Horse Has An Ulcer? Visit Your Vet Soon

No one thinks much about stomachs until there’s a pain, and then that’s all you can think about. It’s true about people, and it’s true about horses. I never thought about horses having ulcers at all, ever, and then suddenly, they were all around me. I ran into someone who owned a horse I’d raised and heard he (the horse, not the new owner) now had ulcers that were being treated. One of my current horses seemed to have an ulcer as well. Just to round things out, even I had weird stomach pains and had to have an endoscopy. Happily, no ulcer, but still… what was going on? “In a word, ulcers in horses are caused by stress and more stress,” said Dr. Scott Swerdlin of Palm Beach Equine in Wellington. “And stress can come in many forms. It can be the result of competition, or preparing for competition. Ulcers are common in race horses, polo ponies, dressage horses and jumpers.” It is more typical in horses who are fed a high-grain diet, less roughage and kept in a stall for most of the day. “In other words, things horses wouldn’t normally do,” Swerdlin said. “Ulcers are an example of a disease caused by what we’ve done to horses. Any horse can get an ulcer, and there’s a much higher incidence of ulcers than most people suspect.

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 “As many as 80 percent of horses may have some degree of gastritis, stomach inflammation or ulcers,” Swerdlin said. “We see ulcers in horses you wouldn’t think of as being in a stressful situation,” added Dr. Jordan Lewis, also of Palm Beach Equine. “Any abrupt change in a horse’s daily routine can bring on an acute attack pretty quickly. We see it in so-called ‘weekend warriors’ who ignore their horses during the week, then jump on and ride them hard over a weekend.” Shipping a horse can also be very stressful, or changing barns. “The signs can be mild, such as grinding their teeth, especially in foals, and what’s called ‘grazers,’ which are horses who take a bite of grain then walk around a bit, then take another bite,” Lewis said. “Some horses are ‘dunkers,’ who dunk their hay in water before eating it to make it softer. They may look worried or go off their feed. Nervous horses, spooky horses, horses who colic repeatedly, have poor coats, poor body condition and who don’t perform well — all of them should be checked for ulcers.”

The only sure way to diagnose an ulcer is to have the horse tubed. During a gastroscopy, the horse is lightly sedated and an endoscope is passed through the nose into the stomach. The results can vary from Grade 0, which is normal, through Grade 4, with extensive lesions and areas of deep ulceration. “Bute and Banamine not only don’t help, they can irritate and exacerbate ulcers,” Lewis said. “The best thing to do is have your vet examine the horse to determine the exact problem. The vet may recommend a medication such as GastroGuard, which is the only FDA-approved product that will cure a horse’s ulcers during a 28-day treatment period. Using other products may make the situation worse by causing the stomach acid to rebound.” There are other changes a horse owner can make: feeding good quantities of a soft grass hay, reducing sweet feeds or high-carb, highsugar feeds, keeping to a less-stressful routine a horse understands and accepts, and giving a horse adequate turn-out time. If you suspect your horse may have gastritis or possibly an ulcer, you should check with your vet. If you’re also into alternative medicine, you can palpate the horse to check for certain reactions that tend to point toward a stomach problem. Dr. Mark DePaolo has posted a video on YouTube illustrating the pressure points and various reactions from different horses. Watch it at www.youtube. com/watch?v=Fr05hMmLCY4. A friend of mine who knew about this holistic approach tried it on my mare, and she did,

Dr. Jordan Lewis and Dr. Scott Swerdlin with a horse that doesn’t have ulcers. in fact, react in a way that indicated ulcers. She was a nervous type, and had recently joined my herd after a life of being moved frequently and losing a pasture mate. A good diet, light work, plenty of turn-out time with other relaxed horses and a steady routine helped her feel much better. “Ulcers are one disease people try to treat by themselves,” Swerdlin said. “And they can get into a lot of trouble. Horses have a lot of moving parts. You have to look at the whole picture.”

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Business News

Ballet East To Open School In West Palm Beach Sept. 28

Ballet East, formerly Susan Lyle Studios, announces the opening of its new studio, located at 2365 Vista Parkway, Suite 7, in West Palm Beach. The new studio features three large dance rooms, state-of-the-art Harlequin floors, a locker room for female students, a spacious lobby equipped for students to complete

their schoolwork and ample parking. The school, under the artistic direction of Chelsea Nasby, will open its doors to the public with a free opening reception Saturday, Sept. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests are welcome to enjoy hors d’oeuvres while viewing the new space and enjoying a short performance. Ballet East’s mission is to pro-

Professional dancer Jarrett Reimers (left) and Ballet East student Carley Anderson rehearse a scene from the recent Ballet East production of Arabian Nights. Photo courtesy KRG Photography

vide the highest quality of dance education through an accelerated training program. The school seeks to produce students with superior artistic qualifications to enhance future employment and to enrich the cultural growth of the community. Ballet East offers three different program options for returning and prospective students. The children’s division is a program dedicated to the fundamentals of dance, creative movement and class etiquette. The children’s division prepares students who are dedicated and serious for the more rigorous pre-professional program. Students selected for the pre-professional program are trained thoroughly in technical ballet classes on a daily basis. The accelerated ballet training is reinforced through structured modern, contemporary, jazz, acrobatics and tap classes that assist in the development of movement quality and dynamics. Ballet East will also offer an open class program for students who have rigorous academic schedules and would like to begin or continue training. Certain open classes will be specifically designed for theater students. Aside from Nasby, faculty members include Marcie Bowers-Russo, Wendy Broxson, Doreen Cafarella,

Kimberly Dawn Smith and Charlene Shaw. This season, Ballet East will add world-renowned master instructor Olivia Pardina to the faculty. The faculty has collectively trained students who continued their training with the Juilliard School, the Boston Conservatory, SUNY Purchase, the University of the Arts (UARTS), Marymount Manhattan, the Ailey School and Florida State University, to name a few. Additionally, students trained by the faculty have continued with professional companies such as American Ballet Theatre, Ballet West, Boston Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, Cirque du Soleil and Columbia City Ballet. The Ballet East Youth Ensemble, an assembled collection of serious

young dancers who wish to further their intensive training, offers additional performance opportunities. Students who exhibit both the technical talent and desire to become professionals are selected to join this group. The members strive for excellence in both performance and technique under the direction of highly accredited instructors and choreographers. The school will also host semiannual productions at the Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens. Both performances will feature students of the school with a selection of mixed repertory as well as a full ballet production. For more information, call (561) 966-3650 or visit www.balleteastfl. com.

Nelson Returns To President’s Circle

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is honored to welcome Mike Nelson to another year on the President’s Circle trustee level. Nelson is a founder and five-year veteran of the President’s Circle. Nelson is the president of Effective Solutions Inc., which actively represents private owners and corporate entities in political and governmental representation, land use, land

development, real estate valuations and acquisitions, management of litigation, real estate management, construction, property and liability insurance and more. Born in New York and raised in Miami, Nelson attended North Miami High School, Miami-Dade Community College and Florida Atlantic University. He has been a Wellington resident since 1984.

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Business News

Wycliffe Golf & Country Club Appoints Marketing Director

The Wycliffe Golf & Country Club has appointed Debbie Fenimore to fill the role of marketing director, a newly created position. Prior to accepting the job, Fenimore served as marketing director at the Fisher Island Club, an exclusive private island residential community, club and resort. She also held the marketing director position for a private residential community in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as Turnberry Isle Yacht & Country Club. In her new role, Fenimore will spearhead the execution of Wycliffe’s strategic marketing initiatives, oversee and direct new member-focused marketing, lead generation, enhancement of online marketing efforts, competitive intelligence, communications, public relations and market positioning to champion the task of cultivating the club’s future growth. “We’re delighted to have Debbie join our team,” said Steve Malvinni, Wycliffe’s chief operating officer. “She brings a wealth of marketing experience, wisdom and a proven

track record in the residential marketing arena with managerial and director-level marketing roles. I have no doubt that her insights, can-do attitude and infectious enthusiasm will lead Wycliffe Golf & Country Club to new levels of success.” Fenimore earned a degree in marketing and international business from Florida International University. “I am excited to work with such a talented and energetic team at Wycliffe Golf & Country Club,” Fenimore said. “I was looking for a culture that focused on strengths, above-the-line management strategies and is intentional about celebrating successes. I believe I have found that here.” The Wycliffe Golf & Country Club is a private club community to more than 1,000 families that call Wycliffe home. The community is located at on the border of Wellington, known for world-renowned horse farms, equestrian and polo competitions and an upscale lifestyle. Wycliffe residents celebrate a friendly, socially active, casual club

Debbie Fenimore and resort lifestyle. The community offers best-in-class value for its gracious estates, lovely carriage homes and condominium residences, and members enjoy the club’s two championship 18-hole golf courses, 16 Har-Tru tennis courts, spa and fitness center, as well as casual and elegant dining with panoramic views of the golf courses. For more information, call Cheryl Loder at (561) 964-9200, ext. 109, or visit www.wycliffecc.com.

September 13 - September 19, 2013

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Dr. Bernice King To Speak At Women Of Excellence Awards

Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and chief executive officer of an Atlanta center created to honor his legacy, will deliver the keynote speech at the 2013 Women of Excellence Awards on Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. King, nationally and internationally known as a powerful, motivating and life-changing orator, was appointed CEO of the King Center in January 2012. Her mother, the late Coretta Scott King, founded the center in 1968 after the civil rights leader was assassinated. Presented by the West Palm Beach alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the nonprofit Delta Heritage Foundation, the event will honor seven Palm Beach County women and one organization for their outstanding service and achievements to enrich the lives of individuals in Palm Beach County. The honorees were selected by

a committee after a nomination process. Awards will be presented in the areas of the arts, education, business executive, social action, humanitarian, health and wellness and Keeper of the Torch. The Fortitude Award also will be presented to an outstanding member of the sorority. The local honorees include: Trina Slade-Burks (arts), Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler (business), Dr. Camille Coleman (education), Dr. Eugenia Millender (health), Estella Pyfrom (humanitarian), Alberdia Floyd (social action), Genesis Community Health (Keeper of the Torch) and Alma Horne (the Fortitude Award). Founded in 1913 by students at Howard University, Delta Sigma Theta is a public service sorority of more than 200,000 predominantly black college-educated women. Tickets to the Women of Excellence Awards cost $75, and proceeds are used for scholarships. For tickets, call (561) 758-1277 or (561) 366-3020, or visit www.wpbdst.org.

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

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NO CALL TO0 HOT!

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Award Winning Food

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Page 27

Seminole Ridge Steamrolls Past John I. Leonard 45-14

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Seminole Ridge High School varsity football squad rolled over the John I. Leonard Lancers last Friday night, winning 45-14 before a capacity crowd at Callery-Judge Stadium. The win lifts the Hawks to a 2-0 start on the season. Seminole Ridge started the game shaky, fumbling the opening kickoff, but recovered it deep in their own territory. A brief rough start eventually turned into a high-powered offense that ran on eight cylinders

most of the night. The Hawks scored on every possession in the first half. The Hawks drove 95 yards, consuming eight minutes off the clock for the first score. Running back Kerrith Whyte ran in from just 3 yards out. Jacob Curran’s point after gave Seminole Ridge an early 7-0 lead. John I. Leonard responded as soon as they touched the ball on the ensuing kickoff, running it back 65 yards for the touchdown to cut the lead to 7-6. The Lancers’ point-after kick was blocked.

Hawk receiver Pernel Rattray tries to pull away for more yards.

Seminole Ridge would mix it up on offense to move the ball. A crucial decision to go for the first down on fourth and five on the Lancer 15yard line proved to be effective, as the Hawks converted with a yard to spare. E.J. Elien would eventually run it in from the left side to extend the Hawk lead to 13-6. The Hawk defense stifled the Lancer offensive attack most of the night. It was the special teams that the Lancers needed to put points on the board. The Lancers ran back a second Seminole Ridge kickoff 100 yards for the score to close the gap, 28-14. But the Hawks put in another score to close the half 35-14. Turnovers and the Hawk defense haunted the Lancers throughout the game. The final score came in the fourth quarter, when Hawk kicker Jacob Curran on a fourth and 15, hit a school-record 51-yard field goal. Seminole Ridge closed out the game 45-14. Seminole Ridge quarterback Zach DeCosta threw 11 for 13 for 165 yards and three touchdown passes. Elien rushed for 149 yards and a score. Whyte is credited with a score. Running back Darrell Hickman also had a rushing score. Receivers Pernel Rattray, Jalen Young and tight end Tanner Zaskey each

Hawk defenders Jalen Young and Kyle Grieser leap to make a tackle. Photos by Gene Nardi/Town-Crier

had a touchdown reception. Curran had the 51-yard field goal. Seminole Ridge was back in action Thursday, Sept. 12 at Park Vista

High School, but the score was not available at press time. The Hawks return to the field Friday, Sept. 27 at Palm Beach Central High School.

RPBHS Wildcats Shut Down Pahokee High School 21-14

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team bested Pahokee High School 21-14 on Friday, Sept. 6 in Royal Palm Beach. In a game rife with penalties that stopped the clock and dragged the game past 10 p.m., the Wildcats

pushed through to seal the win, putting them at 2-0 this season. In the first quarter, both teams struggled to make moves, but incurred multiple penalties that helped keep points off the board. Early in the second quarter, the Wildcats made a costly mistake. Running back Demarcus Holloway fumbled the ball on the RPB 8-yard

Wildcat Demarcus Holloway is taken down by a Pahokee defender.

Photos by Lauren Miro/Town-Crier

line. Pahokee capitalized on the mistake and ran in a touchdown to take the lead 7-0. The Wildcats turned the tide at the end of the second quarter. With just over a minute left in the half, Pahokee had a pass interference penalty called on them, pushing Royal Palm Beach to the 22-yard line. Quarterback Toddy Centeio threw the ball to D’vonte Burden for a touchdown with about 40 seconds left on the clock. An extra-point kick by Devin Wallace tied the score at 7-7 at halftime. Royal Palm Beach came out for the second half with renewed vigor, scoring two touchdowns in the third quarter. Charles Perry and Holloway pushed past the Blue Devils’ defense to move the Wildcats down the field. With 5:58 left in the third quarter, Alon Sims ran in a 25-yard touchdown, and Royal Palm Beach took the lead. An extra-point kick from Wallace made the score 14-7. Four minutes later, the Wildcats sealed their win after a failed fieldgoal kick by the Blue Devils. Then, Charles Perry pushed 13 yards into the end zone. With 1:51 left on the clock, an extra-point kick from Wallace made the score 21-7. Though Pahokee fought back in the fourth quarter and managed to

RPB quarterback Toddy Centeio looks to hand off the ball. score, it wasn’t enough. As the clock ticked down, Royal Palm Beach took the win 21-14.

The Wildcats travel next to West Boca Raton High School on Friday, Sept. 20 for a 7 p.m. game.

Page 28

September 13 - September 19, 2013

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sports & recreation

Florida-Based Team Wins Inaugural Polo Youth Series Sunday, Sept. 1 was the final round of the inaugural United States Polo Association National Youth Tournament Series, which culminated in the Zone 3 team from Florida winning the Cecil Smith Cup by defeating the team from Zone 2 by a score of 9-4. The finals, played at the Virginia International Polo Club in Upperville, Va., were the culmination of several months of intense tournament play. The winning players — Justin Daniels, Juan Bollini, Wesley Finlayson and Grant Ganzi — are all from the Wellington area. Daniels hails from the International Polo Club Palm Beach, Ganzi and Bollini are from the Grand Champions Polo Club, and Finlayson is from the Port Mayaca Polo Club. The final match was an intensely competitive one. In the first chukker, Finlayson and Daniels scored two goals together against Zone 2’s one, scoring again in the second chukker for a 3-1 lead. The Zone 2 team scored another goal in the third chukker, but Finlayson and Daniels both scored two goals again for a whopping four goals, which upended any possible upset. Even though both teams scored two goals in the final chukker, the

match was set, and Zone 3 was the nationwide winner. Finlayson was named the Most Valuable Player and Daniels’ mare, Lolita, won Best Playing Pony. “On behalf of the entire membership of U.S. Polo, I would like to congratulate the Zone 3 team on its victory in the inaugural United States Polo Association Youth Tournament,” said Chrys Beal, the USPA’s Junior Polo committee chair. At the semifinals on Saturday, Aug. 31, Zone 3 defeated Zone 4, while Zone 2 defeated Zone 1. The Zone 4 team won the third place match, 6-4. In an effort to help expand the sport among youth in the U.S., the junior polo program’s mission is to cultivate and promote junior polo throughout the United States by providing the organizational structure to support junior polo clinics, tournaments and international competition. Junior polo has seen a great deal of recent growth by partnering with the U.S. Pony Club and other youth equestrian organizations to develop new polo-playing members of the association. The U.S. Polo Association was organized and exists for the pur-

The victorious Zone 3 team of Justin Daniels, Grant Ganzi, Juan Bollini and Wesley Finlayson. poses of promoting the game of polo, coordinating the activities of its member clubs and registered players, arranging and supervising

polo tournaments, competitions and games, and providing rules, handicaps and conditions for tournaments, competitions and games,

including the safety and welfare of participants and mounts. For additional information, visit www.uspolo.org.

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Page 29

Sierra Lyn Rush To Compete At Miss Rodeo Florida Pageant

Acreage resident Sierra Lyn Rush is one of 13 contestants to compete in the upcoming Miss Rodeo Florida Pageant. The annual pageant will take place Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27-28 in Okeechobee. Miss Rodeo Florida Pageant is open to young ladies from Florida who wish to promote the sport of rodeo. Queens attend rodeos, parades, community events and speak to schools educating others about the sport of rodeo. Winners are chosen from four age groups: Miss Rodeo Florida, ages 19-25; Miss Teen Rodeo Florida, ages 15-18; Miss Rodeo Florida Princess, ages 11-14; and Miss Rodeo Florida Sweetheart, ages 7-10.

All contestants compete in the areas of speech, modeling, personal interview and impromptu questions. Miss Rodeo and Miss Teen Rodeo Florida contestants also compete in horsemanship and rodeo knowledge. Rush will compete for the title of Miss Rodeo Florida Princess. The first portion of the competition begins on Friday morning with the horsemanship portion. The contestants will execute a set pattern, a freestyle pattern, a flag carry and a queens run. Following the riding portion, the contestants will conduct a horsemanship interview. The horsemanship portion of the pageant will be held at the Agri-Civic Center in Okeechobee. At 6:30

p.m., they will present their state speech, answer questions and model at the Stars and Stripes Dinner and Fashion Show at the Okeechobee KOA Resort’s CC building. The pageant concludes Saturday at 12:30 p.m. with a luncheon at the Okeechobee KOA Resort. Tickets are available at Eli’s Western Wear in Okeechobee, or call Michelle Harper (863) 634-6397. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. The Miss Rodeo Florida Association is a nonprofit dedicated to helping young ladies build confidence and achieve dreams, while promoting the sport of rodeo. For info., visit www.missrodeoflorida.com.

Kevin Perkins Golf Academy’s After-School Program Underway

Golf pro Kevin Perkins.

The Kevin Perkins Golf Academy is currently conducting its popular Junior After-School Fall Golf Program at the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington. The program is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 17 and takes place Tuesday and Thursday afternoons

from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information about the Junior After-School Fall Golf Program, and other programs provided by the Kevin Perkins Golf Academy, visit www.kevin perkinsgolfacademy.com or call (561) 301-3783.

Acreage resident Sierra Lyn Rush will complete later this month.

Page 30

September 13 - September 19, 2013

Saturday, Sept. 14 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Story Time: Hats, Hats, Hats! for ages 3 and up Saturday, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. Celebrate hats of all kinds through story, song and rhyme, then make a crazy hat to wear home. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Teen Advisory Posse for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Crafts for Kids for ages 4 to 8 on Saturdays, Sept. 14 and 28 at 3 p.m. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Anime Club for ages 12 to 17 on Saturdays, Sept. 14 and 28 at 3 p.m. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • St. Peter’s United Methodist Church (12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) will feature “Jazz at St. Peter’s” with Copeland Davis on piano on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. For more info., call (561) 793-5712, ext. 13. • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a free Blues Brothers Tribute Concert on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. Call (561) 753-2484 or visit www.wellingtonfl. gov for more info. Monday, Sept. 16 • The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon Monday, Sept. 16 at 11:30 a.m. at the Greenacres Community Center (501 Swain Blvd.). The featured speaker will be Congressman Ted Deutch. Call Mary Lou Bedford at (561) 578-4807 or e-mail marylou@ cpbchamber.com. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host A Curious Day with Curious George for ages 4 and up Monday, Sept. 16 at 3 p.m. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

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community calendar

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Paper Aviation for ages 8 and up Monday, Sept. 16 at 4 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Women of Note Chorus will offer free vocal lessons in barbershop quartet singing Mondays, Sept. 16, 23 and 30 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Palm Beach Central High School (8499 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington). For more info., visit www. womenofnote.com or call (877) 966-7464, ext. 2. Tuesday, Sept. 17 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Imagination Illustrations for ages 5 to 7 on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Fabulous Finger Puppets for ages 5 and up Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 3:30 p.m. Hear traditional fables from Latin America and create finger puppets. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host City of Bones for ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. Do you know enough to be a Shadowhunter? Gear up and join in for food, games and trivia. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Sunshine Snackers: The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook for ages 7 to 13 on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 793-2418 or visit www. loxahatcheegroves.org for more info. Wednesday, Sept. 18 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Peter and the Wolf for ages 7 to 13 on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. Call (561) 7906070 for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive)

will host Not Your Grandma’s Bingo for ages 5 and up Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 3:30 p.m. Create your own card, see if luck is on your side and win a prize. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Take ‘n’ Bake for adults Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. Try a recipe from one of the pre-selected cookbooks and discuss your results. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Gamerz Nite for ages 12 to 17 on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. Bring your Yu-Gi-Oh! or Magic: TG cards and join a game, try a new board game, or just play Smash Bros. and other Wii games. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors will meet Wednesday, Sept. 18 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. • A Quarters Auction will be held Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way) to benefit the Reilly Hyland Animal Sanctuary in Loxahatchee Groves. Call Julie Bryant at (561) 797-1501 or visit www.my.tupperware.com/juliebryant for info. Thursday, Sept. 19 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host The Palm Beaches in the Year 1513 on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 2:30 p.m. Government Research Service Librarian Bob Davidsson will discuss Native American tribes, village sites and the history of the Palm Beaches at the time of explorer Juan Ponce de Leon’s arrival in 1513. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Wookies, Jedis and Droids, Oh My! for ages 7 to 12 Thursday, Sept. 19 at 4:30 p.m. Use the Force and create Star Wars-themed crafts. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Heart of the Cards for ages 12 and

The Town-Crier up Thursday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. Bring Yu-Gi-Oh cards and get ready to battle, trade and make new friends. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). Call (561) 7905100 or visit www.royalpalmbeach.com for info. • American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390 will meet Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 30 (9610 Stribling Way). For more info., e-mail WellingtonLegion390@gmail.com or call (561) 301-2961. Friday, Sept. 20 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Are You Ready to Lego? for ages 3 to 6 Friday, Sept. 20 at 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info. • Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host Oktoberfest Brews on Friday, Sept. 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Guests will enjoy beer pairings along with a wealth of beer knowledge at this free event. Call (561) 9044000 for more info. • Dave Ramsey’s nine-week Financial Peace University will be held at Chenoweth Community Class (14161 Greentree Drive, Wellington) beginning Friday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Call Kim Chenoweth at (954) 643-3555 to register. For more info., visit www.daveramsey.com. • Three new exhibitions will open at the Armory Art Center (1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach) and joint receptions will be held Friday, Sept. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. Exhibits will feature the work of Red Morgan, Mark Cohen and a collection of artists representing the African Diaspora. For more info., visit www.armoryart.org or call (561) 832-1776, ext. 33. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@ gotowncrier.com.

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GARAGE SALE WELLINGTON — THIS SATURDAY SEPT. 14TH 7:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. — 880 Lemongrass, Off of Greenview Shores, Multi-Family, Many Items, Good Bargains, Household Items, Clothes, Furniture, etc.

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OFFICE/ WAREHOUSE SPACE 2 Spaces Available Now 1 space 3,000 sq. ft. with paint booth. and 2nd space 3,000 sq. ft. without paint booth

Located behind Al Packer West Call 561-662-0246 or 334-740-3431 For More Information.

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1918 19th Ln, Greenacres, FL 33463 County of Palm Beach, Florida and intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations State of Florida,forthwith

Craig Allison Publish :Town-Crier Newspapers Date: 09-13-13

EMPLOYMENT HELP WANTED BAKERS ASSISTANT — Part-Time (24 Hours) Mon, Tues, Wed. Call Anita 561-452-8481 H I R I N G F I R E E X T I N G U I S H SER TECHNICIANS — Needed Full-Time will train. Benefits include paid vacation, holidays, sick days, must be 18 or over. Employee Health Insurance available. Clean Driver’s License. Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 561-683-1333 WELLINGTON TOWNCAR AND C A B D R I V E R S — F u l l - Ti m e / P a r t - Ti m e . S e e k i n g d i s p a t c h er w/experience as well as retirees welcome. 561-333-0181 DRIVERS: $5,000 Sign-On Bonus! — Great pay! Consistent Freight, Great Miles on this Regional Account. Werner Enterprises: 1-888-567-4854 MEDICAL ASSISTANT NEEDED — Front/Back for Pediatric Office. Part-Time Pediatric Experience Preferred. Ask for Margie. 561-793-3232

WANTED LITERARY AGENT Specializing in Magazines

Email: mistylulee@aol.com

VOLUNTEERS LOOKING FOR INTERNS OVER 16 YEARS OLD — who want to work at a children’s zoo Sundays 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 561-792-2666

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JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. “We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks” 561798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

BIRD GROOMING - MOBILE A MOBILE BIRD GROOMING! — We fly to you for all your birds needs. Grooming & so much more. 561-215-2658

CLEANING - HOME/OFFICE

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

DRIVEWAY REPAIR 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

GRADING MARCINKOSKI GRADALL INC.— Specializing in Dirtwork, Grading for Slopes, Swales, Lakes, Berms, Etc. 40 Years Experience. 561-736-8122

HANDYMAN THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Repairs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 8012010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties.

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

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets/countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 791-9900 or 628-9215

CLEANING — Residential & Commercial home & office cleaning. Home organization for closets / bathrooms & more. Since 2005 in Palm Beach County references available.Call Vera 561-598-0311

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

H ello , M y name is Brenda — I have lived and cleaned homes in the Western Communities for over 25 Years. Great references. 561-460-8380 MAGIC CLEANING SERVICE — Residential & Commercial, Honest, Reliable, Reasonable Rates. C all today 5 6 1 - 6 6 2 - 9 0 8 5

CLEANING AND MORE AFFORDABLE RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CLEANING — Also available for baby sitting, pet sitting & caregiver. References available. 561-667-8030

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

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

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

MASSAGE THERAPY MOBILE MASSAGE THERAPY — Full Body Swedish Massage to Targeted Deep Tissue Massage. COUPLES MASSAGE $120 Mention This ad. Call Florence 561-255-8470 Lic#MA 54559

PAINTING J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit ourwebsite at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com 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 TRIPLE QUALITY PAINTING, INC. — The finest materials, service & price. Painting Exterior & Interior, Pressure Cleaning, Roof, & Patios, Roof Cleaning, Wood Repair & Faux Finishes Lic. # U21140 754-245-0859 or 561-557-3113

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

PRESSURE CLEANING 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

ROOFING 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 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC-0067207

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

SCREENING JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call us 7983132. www.poolscreenrepair.com

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

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS A Q U AT I C S P R I N K L E R , L L C — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990

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

TREE SERVICE 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

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

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PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

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WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

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