town-crier newspaper may 23, 2014

Volume 35, Number 21May 23 - May 29, 2014Your Community Newspaper Serving Palms West Since 1980

TOWN-CRIERTHEWELLINGTON ROYAL PALM BEACH LOXAHATCHEE THE ACREAGE

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DEPARTMENT INDEXNEWS ..............................3 - 12OPINION ................................. 4CRIME NEWS ......................... 6PEOPLE ................................ 13SCHOOLS ......................14 - 15COLUMNS ..................... 16, 23NEWS BRIEFS ...................... 18BUSINESS .....................24 - 25SPORTS .........................31 - 33CALENDAR ...........................36CLASSIFIEDS ............... 38 - 42

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OPINIONTake A Moment ToRecall The MeaningOf Memorial DayFor many Americans, Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer, celebrated with barbecues and family gather-ings. Although theres nothing wrong with a Memorial Day barbecue, its important to take the time to remember why it is that youre free to celebrate. Its not too much to ask for each of us to take a moment and give thanks to those who lost their lives. Page 4

By Lauren MirTown-Crier Staff Report

Struggling to maintain a balance between Wellingtons growing equestrian industry and preserv-ing the areas character, members of the Wellington Village Council asked its staff this week to draft recommendations for changes to the Wellington Equestrian Preserve.

At a workshop Tuesday, May 20, council members asked village staff to bring forward specific is-sues so that the council can craft out a future vision for the Wel-lington Equestrian Preserve.

We just want a starting point, Councilman Howard Coates said.

In the two-hour discussion, council members stressed the need to balance the competitive eques-trian industry that is already here with the interests of more casual, year-round residents who wish to have access to bridle trails and other safe places to ride without congestion.

We want to help benefit the industry, but we need to make sure were balancing that, Councilman Matt Willhite said. We dont want to choke whats already out there.

Wellington Projects Manager Mike ODell told council mem-

bers that there are 1,703 parcels on more than 8,000 acres of land that is privately owned in the Equestrian Overlay Zoning Dis-trict (EOZD). About 240 parcels are vacant.

Of the remainder, 729 of the properties are used for equestrian purposes, and 636 that are single-family homes with no barn or other equestrian use.

ODell said there is the possibil-ity for the number of properties with equestrian uses to double, effectively doubling the intensity of the equestrian preserve.

There are 815 stables with 9,257 permanent stalls, ODell said. We average between 2,500 and 3,000 temporary stalls during season. Right now, we have in permitted use 12,300 stalls during peak season.

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig asked for clarification. Are you suggesting that number can dou-ble?

ODell said there is that possi-bility, though it is not likely.

I want you to understand that although not all parcels that are vacant or single family will con-vert, we could raise another 4,000 to 6,000 stalls, he said. We could

By Ron BukleyTown-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Vil-lage Council gave final approval Thursday, May 15 to rezoning and land use changes so Aldi can build its flagship grocery store on approximately 2.25 acres on the west side of State Road 7, just south of Okeechobee Blvd.

The council also gave site plan and architectural approval for the 17,018-square-foot grocery store after discussion of the need for a deceleration lane on SR 7. Access will be provided at three points, including one on SR 7.

The Royal Palm Beach Planning

& Zoning Commission unani-mously recommended approval last month but advised that the council consider a deceleration lane at the SR 7 entrance.

Councilman Fred Pinto asked about the lane, and Planning & Zoning Administrator Bradford OBrien said it had not been re-quired by the Florida Department of Transportation but that the council could request it.

Village Manager Ray Liggins said that the entrance did not meet the projection of 75 turns per hour to warrant a deceleration lane, although every other right turn on SR 7 has a deceleration lane.

Aldi representative Jeff Wil-liams said he supported further research into the lane as a safety issue. If there is any safety issue, we want to alleviate it and make it safe for the customers, the neigh-borhood and our employees, Williams said. Our request would be to allow FDOT to make that decision.

Pinto said he would not want to make the deceleration lane a condition of approval, and Wil-liams suggested that they put the application in as is and ask FDOT if the lane is warranted.

Williams said the additional cost would be an estimated $100,000,

See HORSES, page 4

Wellington Seeks To Craft Vision For Equestrian Future

486 RPBHS Grads Urged ToDiscover Their Unique Talents

Royal Palm Council Moves Aldi Grocery Store Forward


Each of us has a unique talent or skill to offer that was the message bestowed upon Royal Palm Beach High School gradu-ates Monday at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. As they turned their tassels, the 486 gradu-ates were encouraged to find their passion and share it with the world.

In my years attending Royal Palm, I have observed a multitude of talented athletes, dancers, sing-ers, actors and mechanics, to name a few, Salutatorian Alexa Aguilar said. Whatever your talent is, find it, own it and learn to love it. Finding your talent and having the passion for it is the key to your success.

The Class of 2014 will hold a special place in the heart of Prin-cipal Jesus Armas. On Aug. 17, 2010, you and I walked the halls of Royal Palm Beach High School for the first time together, he said. Each of us had our own sets of

expectations for how the next four years would go.

Four years later, Armas said, he couldnt be prouder.

Youre all here, and I am, too, he said. I am proud to say that for the first time in the 17-year

history of this school, a class will graduate from Royal Palm Beach High School having had only one principal.

He said that getting all 486 graduates there that morning was

Seminole Ridge Bids Farewell To Impressive Class Of 2014

CHANGES MADE AT CYPRESS KEY IN RPBSEE STORY, PAGE 4

WELLINGTON CHARTER TASK FORCE SETSEE STORY, PAGE 3

See RPBHS GRAD, page 19

INTO THE WOODS

which would require him to re-submit the site plan through Aldi.

I would have to resubmit it because its a major cost and a major change to our site plan, he said. It would also have additional implications on our time frame.

Pinto said his concern is for the safety of the residents, but at the same time he did not want to hold up the project.

Theres nothing that says it has to be done day one when you open your doors, Pinto said. If its not a day-one requirement, your project can proceed as it is, and this can be done after the fact.

Liggins agreed that the project See ALDI, page 18

By Julie UngerTown-Crier Staff Report

On Tuesday, May 20, 564 stu-dents from the Class of 2014 graduated from Seminole Ridge High School in a ceremony at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center.

Lines wrapped around the build-

ing at 7:30 a.m. before the crowd began surrendering their tickets at the door to find a seat for the 8 a.m. ceremony. The constant stream of parents, family and friends filing through the doors carried a feeling of excitement, pride and celebration.

Pomp and Circumstance

played by the band greeted stu-dents as they descended into the room and to their seats, in a wave of young men clad in silver gradu-ation garb and young women in red. The Army JROTC captivated the crowd with its Presentation of Colors before attendees said the Pledge of Allegiance.

On stage, Principal James Campbell was joined by Super-intendent E. Wayne Gent, Area Superintendent Dr. Matthew Shoe-maker and class faculty sponsors Tamara Licavoli and Kay Mat-thews, as well as other Palm Beach County School District officials.

Gent addressed the audience, announcing that the Palm Beach County School District will be graduating more than 11,500 se-niors this year, who have earned more than $110 million in schol-arships. The graduates will be attending the top colleges and universities across the country.

Were all individuals, and

Elbridge Gale Elementary School Aftercare presented Into The Woods Junior on Friday, May 16 to a packed house. Aftercare counselors Andrew Spinelli and Ashlley Rodriguez, along with Hallie Kamen and Denise Halperin, put together the play, which the children worked on for six months. Shown here are Hermione Williams, Abraham Gordon and Fernanda Morales as Grandma, the Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood.

MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 8PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

See SRHS GRAD, page 12

could be done without having the deceleration lane immediately, but Williams said his hesitation would be if they had a grand opening and then had to tear up the frontage again to build the deceleration lane. He added that there is also the possibility of installing a traffic light at that intersection, and that a deceleration lane could impede their ability to get the signal.

Liggins said the light is not warranted currently, but might be when the 53 acres across the street is developed, which he said is unlikely in the next several years.

Councilman Richard Valuntas

ITID Unveils Budget For Next Fiscal Year


Residents of The Acreage will see an average 9 percent increase or about $40 per acre in their Indian Trail Improvement District assessments next year, with some units seeing an increase as high as $92 per acre.

At a budget workshop Monday, ITID staff said the increase can be attributed to an increased Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office budget, as well as needed drainage improvements, notably along the M-1 Canal.

ITID Finance Director Donald Rinzel said the most current ver-sion of the budget will be about $12.97 million, down from $13.11 million last year.

The 2014-15 budget includes an increased administration cost of $78,000.

That is basically the cost of

the increased sheriffs patrols, he said.

About $72,000 would pay for 40 hours more in patrols, as well as the cost of insurance for the deputies.

The total administrative budget is about $1.68 million, as pro-posed.

Rinzel said about $850,000 is being carried over from the current year to pay for maintenance and upgrades to the M-1 Canal.

In the meantime, ITID has decreased its spending on parks and maintenance. The parks bud-get dropped slightly, from $1.5 million to $1.49 million, while maintenance decreased by about $750,000.

Our focus is going to be mainly on canals and drainage improve-ments, he said. We will be doing improvements to pump stations,

See ITID BUDGET, page 18

GRADUATION 2014

Twins Nathan and Aaron Ehly, Parker and Garrett Johnson, Theresa and Alicia Morales, and Bayley and Brianne Cook all graduated from Royal Palm Beach High School on Monday as part of the Class of 2014.

Seminole Ridge High School graduates Samuel Smith,Sydney Shivers, Victoria Simmons and Monique Costner.

Palm Beach Central Salutes Its 671 Graduating Broncos


Palm Beach Central High School sent 671 graduating se-niors into the world Wednesday, bidding farewell to a senior class that made numerous contributions to the community and earned wide recognition for their personal ac-complishments.

Principal B.E. Butch Mondy Jr. said that the 2014 senior class had been awarded millions in scholarships and that many of the graduating seniors will begin their college careers as sophomores or juniors due to their completion of Advanced Placement courses.

Their participation in St. Bal-dricks events raised more than $35,000, and the National Honor Society Dance Marathon raised almost $25,000 to fight childhood cancer. That is the most in the State of Florida, Mondy said, adding that those and other initia-tives raised more than $73,000 in the fight against childhood cancer.

Seniors donated 545 units of blood, and a fundraiser for To-gether Against Genocide raised $24,500 toward its Darfur Dream Team sister school program the No. 1 fundraiser for that cause in the nation.

The Senior Ensemble won the Critics Choice award and 18 su-

perior ratings at the district level, three at the state level, while the play Beauty and the Beast drew the highest ticket sales in the history of the school.

A PBCHS senior placed first in the state in technical drawing, second in architectural drawing,

See PBCHS GRAD, page 7

Maria Gomez, Andrea Pelaez, Manuela Guerrero, graduate MiguelOrtega, Jaquelin Adendando and graduate Christian Gomez.

Steckler RecountsPast Four Years AsInspector GeneralOutgoing Palm Beach County Inspector General Sheryl Steck-ler reviewed the challenges and successes of her past four years as the countys first public watchdog at a meeting Wednesday in Wellington. John Carey was hired this month as the countys new inspector gen-eral. He will begin his job June 23, at the start of a four-year contract. Stecklers last day is June 27. Page 3

New Posch BoutiqueOpens In Wellington Green CommonsPosch Boutique Palm Beach held its grand opening party on Saturday, May 17 at its new store in the Wellington Green Commons shopping plaza. Guests enjoyed food, drinks, music and giveaways, as well as browsing for beautiful clothes and accessories. Page 9

Lox Groves Elementary Holds Spring CarnivalLoxahatchee Groves Elemen-tary School held its annual Spring Carnival & Silent Auction on Saturday, May 17. Attendees enjoyed food, vendors, bounce houses, games and a silent auction. Page 5

May 23 - May 29, 2014 www.gotowncrier.com The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier www.gotowncrier.com May 23 - May 29, 2014 Page 3

NEWS


Outgoing Palm Beach County Inspector General Sheryl Steckler reviewed the challenges and suc-cesses of her past four years as

the countys first public watchdog at a meeting hosted Wednesday by County Commissioner Jess Santamaria at the original Wel-lington Mall.

John Carey was hired this month

Sheryl Steckler Recounts Past Four Years As Inspector Generalas the countys new inspector gen-eral. He will begin his job June 23, at the start of a four-year contract. Stecklers last day is June 27.

Careys previous job was as inspector general of the U.S. De-fense Intelligence Agency.

When Steckler arrived in 2010, she had jurisdiction originally only over Palm Beach County govern-ment. I really walked into pretty much a stack of papers, boxes, a desk, a table and a computer, and that was it, she said. Since then, we have done lots of things. Weve made policies and procedures. At the end of the day, we have built the foundation for the Office of the Inspector General.

Shortly after she went to work, all 38 municipalities came under the offices jurisdiction, along with the Solid Waste Authority.

In the blink of an eye, we went from one jurisdiction to 41 juris-dictions, Steckler said.

One of the most critical things that has challenged her is the question, Who watches you? she said.

Lots of people watch us, she said. For example, the As-sociation of Inspector Generals. We have a peer review, which will be coming up next year. The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation; we were accredited in record time

with a flawless and exceptional accreditation.

She said that the report, as well as all the reports the office has produced, can be found at www.pbcgov.com/oig.

We built that accreditation very strongly because of all the attacks we were getting, and because you needed the comfort to know that we knew what we were doing, Steckler said. Those are profes-sionals in the field who are at least letting you know that we know what were doing.

She added that the office has received Criminal Justice Agency status, which expands the offices access to information and data-bases that can only be used for certain purposes.

It is very difficult to get this status, especially the first time around, Steckler said. In fact, my county partners went three or four times before they got it. We actually got it on our first try; so its another impressive part of the office that we are recognized as.

One of the most significant ac-complishments of the office over the past year has been with pig-gyback contracts, she said.

Piggybacks are a big issue, especially for smaller municipali-ties, Steckler said. Theyre not wrong, but youve got to do it right.

She explained that piggyback contracting is when a municipality buys something similar to another municipal contract, thereby cir-cumventing the bidding process.

If I want 10 sidewalks, 8 feet distance, and somebody else has a contract, the county or city that has a contract for 10 sidewalks, 8 feet distance, you dont have to compete it. You can just piggyback right over onto that contract, Steckler said.

However, there are caveats, including that the contract has to be active.

We found a lot of issues throughout the community, and we did some training for the mu-nicipalities, she said. We have topic training with the municipali-ties and the county departments separately, and theyre learning a lot. Our business community is another very important part for our stakeholders to understand. When we see things in the business community where its not fair and equitable, they need to step to the plate and help us fix that.

Through 150 trainings and speeches over the past four years, she said her office reached more than 5,400 people. A big part of it was you didnt know what we did, and I think today you have a much better, clearer idea of what we do, Steckler said.

Reports the office has published on its web site include one on po-lice radio communication issues, which emerged from a West Palm Beach contract.

Nobody was talking to each other between the cities, and it was really becoming a highly criti-cal issue, because if your police radios dont work, youre at risk, she said. Plus the officer is at risk, and being that I have a law enforcement background, if my radio is not working, thats not a good thing.

Her office decided to do an enterprise audit and look at the contract, starting with the way it was written, which did not protect the government.

Steckler said one of the issues that was worked out in a consor-tium was that the contract did not provide a powerful enough signal to penetrate the large buildings in downtown West Palm Beach, which was addressed.

Another problem has emerged from the countys Engineering Department bid policy.

Theres a requirement under the law that when you do the bid process, you have to score and rank, but what theyre doing is if 15 people bid, they are subjec-tively eliminating seven of them, and then theyll rank and score the

See STECKLER, page 18


A five-person Charter Review Task Force will weigh in on neces-sary changes to Wellingtons char-ter after council members voted last week to establish the group.

Council members hope to put any necessary changes to the charter to a referendum on the March 2016 ballot, with task force members meeting as early as July.

Since 1996, some of these things havent been talked about, Councilman Matt Willhite said. I think this is needed.

Council members voted unani-mously to create the task force, giving it a sunset date of Jan. 1, 2016, well after any ballot referen-dums would have to be submitted to the Palm Beach County Super-visor of Elections.

Among the appointees are for-mer County Commissioner Ken Adams, former Village Attorney

Jeff Kurtz and equestrian activist Victoria McCullough. Each mem-ber was given one appointee, for a total of five members.

Mayor Bob Margolis appointed McCullough, Willhite appointed Adams and Councilwoman Anne Gerwig appointed Kurtz, while Councilman Howard Coates ap-pointed former Assistant Village Manager Francine Ramaglia and Vice Mayor John Greene ap-pointed Michelle McGovern.

Greene said he wanted to be sure the group was called a task force not a committee, as originally presented because it will have a limited scope and time frame.

I want to be clear that this will not be a permanent group, he said.

Willhite agreed, noting that a task force still must have open meetings and take public input.

These will be open meetings, he said. They will take public

Wellington Council Creates Task Force To Review Village Charterinput, and they fall under the Sunshine Law.

Further, he said, the task force can only make recommendations to the council. From there, the council must choose whether to put any recommended changes on the ballot.

Wellington residents will have a chance to vote, Willhite said. We will discuss [the recommen-dations] and vote to put changes on the ballot, which will go to a vote. If residents dont approve of what were recommending in the char-ter, they can vote it up or down.

The task force recommenda-tions will go to the council with a majority vote, Village Manager Paul Schofield said. Similarly, the ballot referendums will pass if a simple majority of residents vote for it.

Willhite suggested the task force aim for the March 2016 Welling-ton municipal election.

Hopefully, we can get the task force together, get ideas, get public input and then get it before the council, he said. Then it can be drafted for the ballot questions and put on the March 2016 ballot.

Gerwig asked whether there was a possibility of getting the referen-dum on the upcoming November election, but council members said they thought it would be too rushed.

I dont think its feasible, Greene said. I cant imagine they could get through all the material and be able to get it back to the council in time for a vote.

Gerwig then asked if there was a difference in price between a March or November election. Vil-lage Clerk Awilda Rodriguez said a municipal election costs roughly $43,000.

If the county is having an elec-tion and we can piggyback on that, its less, she said. The majority

of the cost is to hire poll workers. When theres a November elec-tion, the county pays for that.

But Wellington will already be shelling out for its regular munici-pal election, Gerwig pointed out.

Greene said one advantage to a November referendum is a higher voter turnout. We would get more input from residents, he said.

Willhite noted that the earliest would be November 2015, and Margolis said county elections are every two years. It would have to be November 2016, Margolis said.

The village election would be sooner, Willhite said. He said vot-ers in municipal elections would have more interest in Wellington issues.

If theyre coming to vote for their elected officials, hopefully they are interested in voting on is-sues related to the village, he said.

Margolis said he expected the

task force to meet for approxi-mately a year.

Willhite asked whether there would be a staff liaison to the task force, and Schofield said it would be the village attorneys office. Because there are so many legal issues involved, I think it would be appropriate to be handled by that office, he said.

Council members said they wanted a final recommendation by Aug. 1, 2015. That will give us enough time to decide on it, Willhite said.

Greene asked whether the task force could bring items to the council separately for decisions, but Village Attorney Laurie Cohen said that the charter is too inter-twined and that one decision could affect other recommendations.

Gerwig made a recommenda-tion to approve the resolution cre-ating the task force, which passed unanimously.

Sheryl Steckler speaks Wednesday in Wellington.


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In a week marred by continuing revelations of a scandal in the Department of Veterans Affairs, the entire country is getting a better look at what our men and women who put their lives on the line for our country deal with each day.

From hospital overcrowding and alarmingly long wait times, to a system that falsifies information, taking advantage of veterans for its own gain years of allegations and hidden information came to light this week as the Department of Veterans Affairs ordered an audit of all its healthcare facilities across the country.

Its a fitting topic to be on the minds of citizens as we prepare to mark Memorial Day on Monday, remembering and honoring those men and women who died in service to our country. The holiday is a day of remembrance, of taking just a moment to think of all the people who have sacrificed their lives so you can continue to live yours.

For many Americans, Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer, celebrated with barbecues and family gatherings. Although theres nothing wrong with a Memorial Day barbecue, its important to take the time to remember why it is youre free to celebrate that day. Its not too much to ask for each of us to take a moment and give thanks to those who lost their lives, as well as the family members and loved ones of those soldiers who have suffered such great loss.

There are many too many families out there who will wake up that day not to

enjoy food and friends, but to mourn the loss of a family member. Memorial Day is an opportunity to show the loved ones of those lost that they are not alone. We mourn with them.

Though the VA scandal is unfortunate, if there is a silver lining in a 24-hour news cycle dominated by the topic, let it be that everyone across the nation remembers to stop and give thanks to our fallen brethren.

If you want to pay tribute to those who have died in service to our country, we strongly encourage you to visit one of the two observances planned here in the western commu-nities:

The Village of Wellington will honor all veterans on Monday, May 26 with a Memorial Day Parade starting at 8:15 a.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex. The parade will march along Forest Hill Blvd. from the community center to the Wellington Veterans Memorial at South Shore Blvd., where the Memorial Day Ceremony will take place at 8:30 a.m.

The Village of Royal Palm Beach will host a Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 26 at 9 a.m. at Veterans Park on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. The morning will feature American Legion Post 367, Boy Scout Troop 111, the national anthem sung by Lexi Luca, and speeches by local dignitaries and veterans.

Still Fighting An Independent

Inspector General

More than ever, it appears we need an independent Office of Inspector General, a position called for and supported by only one county commissioner, Jess Santamaria, and against oth-ers on the Palm Beach County Commission who supported the 14 city allegations of budget considerations and preferred to push the office under the county

clerk, where it would be less independent under the control of the clerk not a bad maneuver, but transparent and clumsy. I would point to two recent acts of impropriety among who knows whats out there...

The first was the case of the City Manager Louie Chapman, who, according to the Office of Inspector General, along with another employee, misled the Delray Beach City Commission about a $60,000 trash bin pur-chase without the commissions permission, and though the alle-gations were denied by Mr. Chap-

RON BUKLEYManaging Editor

LAUREN MIRNews Editor

NEWS

man, his defense failed when he was shown an e-mail in which he personally authorized part of the purchase. Mr. Chapman offered to resign in exchange for two years severance pay. The other employee was a 28-year veteran who tendered her resignation but was asked to stay to the end of the year.

The second case was equally compelling but unrelated to the first case. It involved a developer who was selected by the county commission who, according to the Palm Beach Post, was im-properly enriching himself to the

tune of $100,000 in an under the table scheme.

One could reasonably speculate that for the 14 cities who would not support an independent in-spector general, it may have had nothing to do with any budget considerations but everything to do with an independent in-spector general and you would probably be right.

It would appear that Palm Beach County still has people who want keep the status quo as Corruption County.

Richard NielsenRoyal Palm Beach


The Royal Palm Beach Village Council approved changes to the Cypress Key mixed-use develop-ment on the north side of Southern Blvd. east of Crestwood Blvd. on Thursday, May 15.

The council approved architec-tural changes to townhouse units that take them down from three to two stories, while also reducing the square footage of the projects commercial component.

Planning & Zoning Director Bradford OBrien said the appli-cant wants to change the previous-ly approved and vested site plan to reduce the square footage from 125,000 square feet to 120,800 square feet.

In addition to reducing the height of the townhomes, the applicant proposed to change the mix of unit types, as well as omit an internal road that would have run inside the interior green space of the townhomes to the garages,

RPB Council OKs Reduced Townhouse Height At Cypress Keyand reorient the garages to the outside. The roads were also redesigned to allow emergency vehicles better access to the de-velopment.

The applicant has received approval from the Florida De-partment of Transportation to put a traffic light at its center entrance on Southern Blvd.

George Gentile, representing developer K. Hovnanian Homes, said the 35-acre site was approved in 2005 as a mixed-use project.

It was started by the previous owner but never completed. It included 124 townhomes and 23 single-family homes that wrapped around the outside of the project.

Gentile said the height of the townhomes had been reduced to two stories to make them more compatible with surrounding single-family residential neighbor-hoods. The units retain the same square footage of 2,400 to 2,500 square feet as before. We think the two-story units fit better with

the neighborhood, he said.Gentile added that the rede-

signed single-family homes would also be more compatible with surrounding neighborhoods.

Councilman Fred Pinto com-mended Gentile on the revised design. He asked whether the approval the council was being asked for that evening would be for the entire development or just one portion.

OBrien said it was primarily for the residential portion, although

technically the approval was for the entire mixed-use development. A separate builder could be before the council at some point asking for further modifications to the commercial component.

Councilman Jeff Hmara agreed that the changes represent an attempt to make the development more compatible with the sur-rounding neighborhoods.

Councilman Richard Valuntas made a motion to approve the ap-plication, which carried 5-0.

The Friends of Wellington Re-gional Medical Center Auxiliary, along with the WRMC medical staff, recently presented $13,000 in college scholarships to 13 high school seniors to pursue programs of study that will prepare them to become physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists and medical researchers.

Each of the students received a $1,000 Camilla Combs Memorial Scholarship Award to be used toward their college education.

The 13 students selected rep-resent four Palm Beach County high schools: John I. Leonard High School, Wellington High

School, Park Vista High School and Suncoast High School.

Criteria for scholarship selec-tion included academic achieve-ment, extracurricular activities, community service, financial need, character, motivation and goals.

A recognition ceremony and ice cream social was held at the hospital on Thursday, May 8. Students, along with their family members, physicians, auxiliary members and members of the WRMC administration were on hand to congratulate the students.

Scholarships are funded through year-round auxiliary

fundraisers and gift shop sales, as well as through the support and generosity of the hospitals medical staff.

We are pleased to continue the tradition of honoring the achievements of young scholars in the communities we serve, said Nancy Tuccinardi, president of the Friends of Wellington Re-gional Medical Center Auxiliary.

Wellington Regional Medical Center is a 233-bed acute care facility and medical center that has served the area since 1986.

For more information, call (561) 798-8500 or visit www.wellingtonregional.com.

WRMC Auxiliary And Medical Staff Present Scholarships

To 13 High School Graduates Young Singers of the Palm Beaches is pleased to announce that it has received a $165,000 grant from the Community Foun-dation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Young Singers will use the money to support the formation of a satellite program in the Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay region, offering the children of the Glades access to choral music education and training. The new program will be called Choirs in the Glades.

Young Singers is an 11-year-old community organization com-prised of 350 Palm Beach Coun-ty children from second grade through high school.

Based at the Kravis Center, YSPB draws children from all

over Palm Beach County. Howev-er, the great distance between the two ends of the county has always presented transportation and time obstacles for children living in the Glades areas.

We are grateful for this won-derful opportunity provided to us by the community foundation to reach out to a significantly under-served segment of our county, Young Singers Executive Director Beth Clark said. We have already begun the process of engaging other stakeholders in the Glades to be part of this wonderful program supporting the kids in the Belle Glade, Pahokee, South Bay and Canal Point communities. This is also an important first step in making Young Singers truly a

countywide asset to our children. I want to particularly thank all of the elected officials who wrote letters supporting our program and plans.

The three-year grant is provided by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Fund.

One of the goals for this years arts and culture grant making was to support projects that focus on bridging cultural divides, said Brad Hurlburt, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. The Young Singers new choir... is a shining example of a program that has the potential to unite the community in a unique way.

Learn more about the Young Singers at www.yspb.org.

Young Singers Awarded Grant For Glades Music Education

HorsesVision For The Future

continued from page 1go from 12,000 stalls during sea-son to something between 16,000 and 18,000 stalls.

Mayor Bob Margolis asked how that translates to the number of horses in Wellington.

ODell said his staff estimates that about 3,000 to 4,000 horses live in Wellington year-round, with that number jumping to 6,000 horses by Dec. 1 each year. At the peak of the season, from January through March, about 12,000 horses reside in Wellington.

Were equating one stall to one horse, he said.

Gerwig asked whether that accounts for the horses being trail-ered in from outside of Wellington.

We cant tell how many are day visitors, ODell said. You can see horse trailers coming in on a regular basis, but its difficult to monitor that number.

The Palm Beach County Prop-

erty Appraisers Office values the Equestrian Preserve Area at rough-ly $1.76 billion, with $1.23 billion in taxable value, ODell said.

Among the decisions the coun-cil will have to make, he said, are ways to manage growth, expand bridle trails and manage manure.

When the EOZD was created in 1999, ODell said the goal was to preserve and protect the neighborhoods, conserve open space for equestrian trails and promote green space by including clustered development. The goal was to maintain the rural character and overall density of the area, he said.

He noted that the preserve has changed vastly since 1999, and council members would have to decide what exactly they want to preserve and protect.

What specifically are we pre-serving? ODell asked. The horses? The land? The lifestyle? Or is it all of the above? We have to ask ourselves what we see for the future of the Wellington Equestri-an Preserve.

Coates asked what the original

vision for the equestrian industry in Wellington was.

Within the original vision, how much focus was there on an equestrian industry? Coates said. From my standpoint, that seems to be out of everybodys control. There is an industry, whether it was envisioned or not, and it affects a very substantial number of people in this area. We have to deal with it.

Village Manager Paul Schofield said when the EOZD was drafted in 1999, the industry in Wellington was much smaller.

What existed in 1999 was far less, he said. There were only two significant venues, and they were significantly less intense than it is today.

Those venues included the Win-ter Equestrian Festival, which was then run by Gene Mische.

Their best day all season was probably your average Wednes-day or Thursday out there today, Schofield said.

There was also polo, which Schofield noted has grown sub-stantially since then.

It was not as intense as what is being played at the International Polo Club today, he said. We have the same patterns as we did in 1999, but what has changed overall is the intensification.

Though the comprehensive plan amendment to create the EOZD did not address specific visions for the equestrian areas such as limiting intensities or development Schofield noted that Wellington has long tried to create an eques-trian master plan.

Weve been trying to get it for 12 years, he said. It always dies at the Equestrian Preserve Com-mittee level.

Last year, a draft of an equestri-an master plan made it to the coun-cil, but was voted down, Gerwig noted. I lost that vote, she said.

Schofield said drafting one vision for the equestrian area is difficult because there are very diverse, vocal sects within the community.

Its always died because of conflicts in the equestrian com-munity, he said. The equestrian industry we have today is very

different than what was envisioned in 1996 [when Wellington was in-corporated]. They didnt envision WEF would have 10,000 visitors per day.

Coates said that although he wants to honor the original vision for the equestrian area and pre-serve the lifestyle of year-round residents, he doesnt want to stifle the industry.

If we cut industry off complete-ly, then I believe the property will collapse, he said. If you dont have the shows and polo, I dont believe people would stay in the higher-priced parts of this area. From my understanding, the closer you are to the venues, the higher your property value is.

Schofield noted that during the downturn, homes closer to the show grounds and other venues maintained their property values better.

You dont want to kill the goose that laid the golden egg, Coates said. We need a thriving industry.

Schofield said that although the EOZD has rules and regulations,

they are vague and often manipu-lated for the benefit of whomever is using them. Theres more than one way to interpret them, he said. People use this to their advantage because of the lack of specificity.

Crafting a more specific vision would help Wellington manage its future as an equestrian destination, whatever that future may be.

You have to decide what your vision is for the equestrian com-munity, Schofield said. What do you want to preserve?

Council members asked staff to present some options to the Eques-trian Preserve Committee and the council for discussion, opting not to bring in a consultant.

Id like to see staff advise us as to what the issues are, Coates said. At least we will have specif-ic things submitted to us that we can decide on. Im not in favor of going out to a professional group because Im not sure any group would have a unique understand-ing of the issues in this community better than what the people on the committee bring to the table.


NEWS

Royal Palm Beach High School raised the Allstate Foundations #GetThereSafe campaign flag on Wednesday, May 14. The Allstate Foundation started its Get There Safe campaign to encourage teens to arrive safely to their destination. Teens are encouraged to take selfies before and after driving to show they are wearing their seatbelt and drove safely to their destination. After uploading the selfie to social media, teens have a chance to win a performance by artist Austin Mahone.

GET THERE SAFE: RPBHS AND ALLSTATE ENCOURAGE TEENS TO DRIVE SAFE

Crichanni Watson shows off the Get There Safe flag.Justin Arnone, Crichanni Watson, Bob Cavanagh

and Maureen Witkowski lead the way.

Tevin Argue climbs the rock wall.

Justin Arnone and Crichanni Watson raise the flag.

Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School held its annual Spring Carnival & Silent Auction on Saturday, May 17. Attendees enjoyed food, vendors, bounce houses, games and a silent auction. There was music from the Seminole Ridge High School Jazz Ambassadors and mixed martial arts demonstrations by K2Life.

LOXAHATCHEE GROVES ELEMENTARY HOLDS SPRING CARNIVAL & AUCTION

Sempai Andrew Ronie breaks a piece of wood held by Sempai Tyler Bertolomi.

Geneva White and Hannah Thomas visit with PBCFR Capt. Chris Yurick and driver Mike Novak.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Dakota Parks and Jada Milo play on the monkey bars.


Sarah Davis and Gianna Moscariello head down the waterslide. Principal Richard Myerson gets dunked.

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CRIME NEWS


MAY 15 A Lake Worth woman was arrested last Thursday night on charges of theft after she was caught shoplifting from the TJ Maxx store on State Road 7. Ac-cording to a Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office report, at approx-imately 2:53 p.m., an employee of the store called the PBSO substa-tion in Royal Palm Beach to report a theft in progress. According to the report, a loss prevention officer observed 23-year-old Tiffany Jack-son enter the store and select sever-al handbags and items of clothing. Jackson concealed the items in her waistband and in a large bag before passing all points of purchase and exiting the store without attempt-ing to pay. According to the report, Jackson got into a white Mitsubishi Galant and attempted to flee, but the deputy conducted a traffic stop, recovering $1,466 in stolen items. Jackson was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where she was charged with retail theft, three counts of resisting an officer with violence, possession of marijuana less than 20 grams and escape.

MAY 17 A resident of the Equestrian Club called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Sat-urday morning to report a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked her black 2012 528i BMW outside her home at approximately 1 a.m. Saturday morning. Sometime between then and 11 a.m., someone removed the vehicle from the driveway. According to the report, the victim said the keys were left in the ve-hicle. Video surveillance footage showed an unknown white male get out of a light-colored vehicle at approximately 2:39 a.m. and approach the victims BMW. Ac-cording to the report, the suspect was able to open the door, start the vehicle and drive away. The suspect was described as a white male in his 20s or 30s wearing a hat. The victim said her vehicle has Lojack, which was activated. There was no further information available at the time of the report.

MAY 17 A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was called to the Wellington Amphitheater last Saturday night regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked his vehicle in the parking lot at approximately 8:30 p.m. and locked the door before attending an event at the amphitheater. When he returned at approximately 11:25 p.m., the vic-tim discovered that someone had smashed his drivers side window and stolen a Samsung cell phone valued at $250. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

MAY 17 A Boynton Beach woman was assaulted last Sat-urday night outside a restaurant on Okeechobee Blvd. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was on patrol in the area and heard a loud disturbance. The deputy made contact with the victim, who said she was walking out of the restaurant, which was hosting a large party, when she was assault-ed by two unknown black females. The victim said she was punched in the back of the head and her hair was pulled. She said she would not be able to identify the suspects and did not know them. There was no further information available at the time of the report.

MAY 18 An employee of

Woman Arrested For Shoplifting In RPB

a taxi company called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach early last Sunday morning to report a theft of fare. According to a PBSO report, the taxi driver picked up a white male client at a gas station in West Palm Beach. The suspect asked to be driven to a home on Lakeview Drive. According to the report, when the victim dropped the suspect off, the suspect said he would get the money to pay him, however, the suspect never returned. There was no further information available at the time of the report.

MAY 19 A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home in Sugar Pond Manor on Monday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8:30 p.m. last Sunday and 7:30 a.m. the follow-ing morning, someone entered the victims vehicle through an un-locked rear door hatch and stole $5 in coins and a silver ring valued at approximately $20. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

MAY 19 A resident of 66th Street North called the PBSOs Acreage/Loxahatchee substation Monday afternoon to report a case of fraud. According to a PBSO report, the victim became aware of possible fraud recently when she received a welcome letter from a bank that she did not have an account with. According to the report, the bank is located in West Palm Beach. The victim called and spoke with an employee, who said four accounts were opened in her name on April 3. The suspect(s) used the victims name and Social Security number, but listed an in-correct middle name and an incor-rect maiden name for the victims mother on the account. The victim was able to close the account to prevent any further fraudulent use. There was no further information available at the time of the report.

MAY 19 A deputy from the PBSOs Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called Monday afternoon to a home on Orange Grove Blvd. regarding a theft. Ac-cording to a PBSO report, some-time between 5 p.m. last Sunday and 4 p.m. the following afternoon, someone stole the mailbox from in front of the victims home. The victim said the mailbox, post and crossbar were taken, leaving a hole in the ground. According to the report, the victim had recently replaced the mailbox after some-one hit his old one, but he did not know if the incidents were related. The mailbox was described as a red mailbox on a white post with a blue crossbar, valued at $125. There were no suspects or witness-es at the time of the report.

MAY 20 A resident of 94th Street North contacted the PBSOs Acreage/Loxahatchee substation Tuesday afternoon to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim had ordered a gold and white ladies watch from Amazon.com. The victim had a tracking number for the package, which said it had been delivered by UPS Tuesday. When the victim arrived home from work, she could not find the package. According to the report, the victim contacted UPS and the driver said he had hung the package on the victims fence. The victim said she did not know who would have taken the package. The stolen watch was valued at $1,080. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

THE INFORMATION FOR THIS BOX IS PROVIDED BYCRIME STOPPERS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY. CRIMESTOPPERSIS WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT SHOWN HERE.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the publics help in finding these wanted fugitives:

Linda Hall is a white female, 55 tall and weighing 130 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. She has multiple tattoos. Her date of birth is 04/16/83. Hall is wanted for felony charges of grand theft, dealing in stolen property and false verification of ownership, as well as failure to appear on charges of no drivers license. Her last known address was North Fox Trail Road in Royal Palm Beach. She is wanted as of 05/15/14.

Marion Simmons is a black male, 61 tall and weighing 150 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 03/15/93. Simmons is want-ed on felony charges of burglary of a dwelling and grand theft. His last known address was Shoma Drive in Royal Palm Beach. He is wanted as of 05/15/14.

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.

Marion Simmons

Linda Hall


NEWS

Rameau Estime, Mike and Elda Jean Baptiste and Sternley Cyrius.

Antoinette Clarke and Kya Batist.

Mary Cozzi, Barry Zeidel, graduate Chris Cozzi and Gregory Cozzi. John Lafalaise congratulates graduate Joshua Leconte.

Melissa Velez and Liana Rivera.

Bianca Morales, Maria Giminez, graduateManuel Morales and Carmello Morales.

Graduates Hunter Waters and Chelsea Goodman.

Superintendent E. Wayne Gent addresses the graduates.

(Left to right) Principal B.E. Butch Mondy Jr. talks about the accomplishments of the senior class, Valedictorian Tanner Waters addresses the class, Salutatorian Alexa Morrow gives her speech, and Senior Class President Shelby McCleary at the podium.

PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Valedictorian Tanner Waters, Salutatorian AlexaMorrow, Senior Class President Shelby McClearyand Student Government President Aviva Mucha.

Scott Houchins conducts the Traditions and Senior Singers.

PBCHS GradA Class Of Leaderscontinued from page 1

second in cabinetmaking and third in related technical math. Other se-niors led the way in athletics, with conference titles for the boys and girls soccer teams, boys and girls bowling teams, and the boys and girls cross country teams.

The football team won the dis-trict championship for the second consecutive year, while the girls basketball team also won the dis-trict championship.

In athletics this year, we have 21 seniors who made all-confer-ence, 10 all-area, 12 all-county, three state qualifiers and one named player of the year, Mondy said.

Mondy saluted the graduating seniors for all they have achieved.

We have just heard about the wonderful accomplishments of the Class of 2014, Mondy said. This is what they have done. Lets take a moment to talk about who they are. They are truly the most caring group of men and women that I have had the honor to meet. Their participation and giving to service clubs to assist the needy and the unfortunate was incredible.

Seniors spent time in elemen-tary schools reading to students, raised money to fight childhood cancer and help oppressed children worldwide.

Intentions do not accomplish anything, Mondy said. Eventu-ally, you have to step up and make a difference. These young men and women before us today not only stepped out but stepped up. Seniors, you are truly difference-makers. Thank you so much for the gift that you have given and the legacy that you leave at Palm Beach Central High School.

Salutatorian Alexa Morrow, who graduated with an hon-ors point average of 5.08, will be attending the University of Florida to study electrical engi-neering. She said the senior class has achieved the unimaginable through its numerous events dur-ing the year.

Our school has consistently immersed itself in communi-

ty involvement, Morrow said. Through various events, our school has raised a substantial amount of money in order to make a difference. Our class has left an unforgettable mark in the history of Palm Beach Central a mark that we can be proud of.

Successes notwithstanding, Morrow said some failure is inevi-table. Sometimes it may shroud your judgment and consume your thoughts, but once youre down, will you just lie down and wait for your life to get better, or pick yourself up and embrace the lesson and move on? she asked. Nobody can escape failure, but everybody has the opportunity to gain from it.

Valedictorian Tanner Waters maintained a 5.15 HPA, won the 2014 Pathfinder Audubon Society of the Everglades Scholarship and will attend Duke University to study environmental law.

Waters said the combination of freedom of thought, expression and individualism all roll together to form an immutable mind and soul.

This continual pursuit for bliss can never be fully achieved unless one discovers his or her own pas-sion, he said. Some people have already found their direction in life by the time they graduate from high school. Others discover theirs much later. If we were placed on this earth for a reason, were exclusively programmed for a different cause. Find a cause you are fervent about that sparks your passion and will give your life its most meaning, and pursue it with an indomitable spirit.

Waters quoted from Ulysses by Alfred Lord Tennyson to illustrate conviction: I will drink Life to the lees: all times I have enjoyd/Greatly, have sufferd greatly, both with those/That loved me, and alone, on shore, and when/Thro scudding drifts the rainy Hyades/Vext the dim sea: I am become a name.

Never be stationary in your existence, Waters said. Never accept mediocrity. Never be OK with just enough. Being idle is the antithesis of progress. You will never make your mark on society unless you recognize the need for change and then act.


NEWS

The first Trader Joes store in Palm Beach County opened Friday, May 16 at Wellingtons Village Green Center on State Road 7. Crowds flocked to the new store to check out its unique products, and guests enjoyed demonstrations, samples, shopping and more. Trader Joes is located at 2877 S. State Road 7. For more info., visit www.traderjoes.com.

BIG CROWDS AS LONG-AWAITED TRADER JOES STORE OPENS IN WELLINGTON

Pam Homer, Jon Townsend and Brittany Morichette make orange chicken and rice.Arianna, Rafael and Lisbet Hierro browse the flower section.

Caitlin Feinberg and Fernanda Morales as Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood.

Durke and Bergen Fulton show off their face and arm paint.

Elbridge Gale Elementary School Aftercare presented Into The Woods Junior on Friday, May 16 to a packed house. Aftercare counsel-ors Andrew Spinelli and Ashlley Rodriguez, along with Hallie Kamen and Denise Halperin, put together the play, which the children worked on for six months.

ELBRIDGE GALE AFTERCARE STUDENTS PRESENT INTO THE WOODS JUNIOR

The bakers, Esteban Rodriguez and Melanie Ruiz,with the witch, Amber-Shea Brown (center).The cast of Into The Woods on stage.

PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Ashlley Rodriguez, Hallie Kamen,Denise Halperin and Andrew Spinelli.


The three blind mice and the three little pigs.Hermione Williams, Abraham Gordon and Fernanda Morales.


NEWS

The Wellington Art Society awarded art scholarships at its meeting on Wednesday, May 14 at the Wellington Community Center. Five local students received $1,000 to further their art education. For more info., visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.

WELLINGTON ART SOCIETY AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO FIVE AREA STUDENTS

Suzanne Redmond, Raymond Burks and Leslie Pfeiffer.Oliver Pennanen shows off his award and his artwork.

Deanna, Susan andOlivia Harry with Zeus.

Students Laura Gorgon (left) and Isabella Pezzulo (right) with their artwork.

Posch Boutique Palm Beach held its grand opening party on Saturday, May 17 at its new store in the Wellington Green Commons shopping plaza. Guests enjoyed food, drinks, music and giveaways, as well as browsing the beautiful clothes and accessories Posch Boutique has to offer. For more info., visit www.poschboutique.com.

POSCH BOUTIQUE PALM BEACH OPENS IN WELLINGTON GREEN COMMONS

Models Alexandrea Broker and Hayley St. Pierre show offsome of the great fashion options at Posch Boutique.

Owner Megan Mosera shows Olga Maguire one of the pieces.


Megan Mosera, Ashleigh Kehrt and Susan Harry.


Olivia and Deanna Harry greet customers with elegant snacks.

Posch Boutique Palm Beach owner Susan Harry andAshley Martini, a local stylist and author of Styletini.

Susan Harry with model Jimmy Rivas.

Susan Harry with VictorConcepcion and Megan Mosera.

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NEWS

Salutatorian Erica Hyltonaddresses the graduates.Superintendent E. Wayne Gent.

Valedictorian OliviaMeingasner at the podium.Principal James Campbell.

Tyler Smith, Brooke Collier and Mark Meyer. Kirk Sookhoo, Jose Ruiz, Cody Summerlin and James Carter.

Lyshun Clarke, Jayline Montasand Shakayla Williams.Graduate Kristy Rhemer and her family.

Jayline Montas (center) with her family.

Levi Coleman and Levi Ruiz.

Hunt Family with graduate Connor Hunt,color guard/JROTC Jacklyn Hunt and SeminoleRidge Junior ROTC instructor Col. Hans Hunt.

Ali Gadzinski, Kendyl Blakeney, ElaynahEdwards, Daylee Fisher and Torey Bulger.

Thomas Walker, Toni Tomlin, Dani Jury and Nick Murphy.

Graduate James Carter (center)with Jayme and Jakob Carter.

Alyssa Plotke, Eilleen Perez, Jennifer Murillo and Ashley Perez.

Morgan De Chabert, Danielle Lagos and Marcus Singletary.

Shelby Blakeney, Don Paul Walker and Kaitlyn Breen.

SRHS GradHawks

Celebratecontinued from page 1

thats really a remarkable thing, Gent proclaimed. Were all unique, and although we share this moment and this graduation, graduates are like a box of fire-works, about to be ignited.

He encouraged the new gradu-ates to explore their own paths.

Only you will be able to decide how you will light up the sky, and only you will be able to decide what youre going to become, Gent said. The wonderful thing is that you have choices. The possibilities are endless, and that possibility is the real thing that we are celebrating here today.

After Gent told the students to light up the sky, the sound system played part of Katy Perrys song Firework.

Senior Class President Janae Moodie opened her speech with lyrics from Drakes song Started from the Bottom.

Moodie described the chal-lenges the students overcame, such as trying not to fall on the stairs, figuring out the even and odd day schedule, and learning the ropes of the school, before reminding the students that they not only overcame those initial challenges, they crushed them.

Today, while we still maintain much of the innocence of the ear-lier years, we are bolstered by the knowledge that we have gained in this all-embracing institution of learning, Seminole Ridge High School, Moodie said. We will be wounded many times of our lives, but we have been equipped with the knowledge to reconfigure our wounds into wisdom.

Salutatorian Erica Hylton of-fered advice to the students for when they find their passion.

One: do not be afraid to fail. We have all failed before, and we will likely fail again, but what

matters is the success that we have in this moment. Two: go out and try something new. The world is much larger than Loxahatchee would have us believe. There are so many places to travel, books to read and adventures to find. Three: lean on your friends and let them lean on you. No matter where you go, you will never be alone, Hylton said.

Valedictorian Olivia Meingas-ner focused on how the students started as strangers and are leaving as Hawks. They are a family now.

Now is the time that we grow up and take on more responsibility than we ever had before, she said. We set out into the real world and see how the past 18 years of our lives have shaped us. I wish each and every one of you the best of luck in your new beginning, wher-ever it may be.

Campbell said that leader-ship is the term dominating his thoughts when reflecting on the Class of 2014.

This years graduating class has some truly outstanding lead-ers, he said This group has been leading since the first day I arrived on campus three years ago... Students in this class were continuously leading their peers.

During the presentation cer-emony, there were cheers, hoots, hollers and clapping as students, faculty, family and friends cheered on graduates walking across the stage.

Once all of the students crossed the stage, Moodie instructed her fellow graduates to move their tassels from the right side of the cap to the left.

After the ceremony, students returned their gowns, keeping their caps, and then picked up their diplomas. Reuniting with family and friends, the new high school graduates met with friends and posed for pictures that will create lasting memories.

For those unable to attend, video of the ceremony is available at www.palmbeachschools.org.


You may mail your submission and photo to

Wellington The Magazine

12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31

Wellington, FL 33414

Be sure to mark your envelope with WELLINGTONS NEXT TOP MODEL on the outside.

or e-mail us at [email protected]

*18 years and younger must have written consent from parent or legal guardian. Wellington The Magazine reserves all photography rights and may use your story and image/photos in all promotional and editorial context. All results are nal and winner(s) names will be published on or about December 2014.

Who will be... WELLINGTONS NEXTtop model?

Do you have what is takes to become the next runway superstar? Have you always dreamed of becoming a high-profile model? Are you often told You

should be a model? Well then, Wellington The Magazine would like to help you make your dreams come true. If you or someoneyou know has what it takes to be Wellingtons Next Top Model, visit our web site and enter today!

Wellington The Magazine is excited to announce the launch of our newest series, Wellingtons Next Top Model, a monthly spotlight on some of Wellingtons most beautiful people, all of whom seriously have what it takes to be the next runway superstar. Beginning in June, we will team up with local fashion retailers, hair and makeup industry professionals, and others, who will work with our models to get them camera ready for a full-on model shoot courtesy of Abner Pedraza, a professional photographer with Wellington The Magazine. Each month, we will feature a different model and share a bit about their pursuit of becoming a professional model. When the series is concluded, we will ask our readers to help us decide who should be named Wellingtons Next Top Model, earning the top prize: a professional modeling portfolio, in print and digital versions, valued at more than $2,500, as well as being featured on Wellington The Magazines December cover as winner of the contest. Think you have what it takes or know someone who does? Visit us online at www.wellingtonsnexttopmodel.com and submit your information and photo.

We are looking for men and women ages 16* and up of all backgrounds, shapes and sizes. Everything from the cute girl next door to the exotic, dark-haired beauty, to plus-sized models and striking men everyone is welcome.


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Dr. Donna Kleban Named Chair Of Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

Dr. Donna Kleban has been named event chair for the Ameri-can Cancer Societys 2014 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

The walk, scheduled for Oct. 18 at the Meyer Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, serves as a powerful and inspiring morning, uniting a community to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about ways to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society lead the fight against the disease with groundbreaking breast cancer research, information, support and added access to care.

Kleban, a board-certified sur-geon who specializes exclusively in the treatment of breast cancer and other diseases of the breast, has dedicated her professional career to caring for those affected by breast cancer, and now she is dedicating her personal time to do the same. As event chair, Kleban hopes to create awareness of the disease and provide early detection tips, as well as raise much-needed funding to support the American Cancer Societys efforts in finding a cure.

Kleban, a Wellington resident,

has two sons Alexander, 14, and Michael, 12. She enjoys other pursuits such as skiing, gardening, exercise, reading and listening to classical music.

I am honored to serve as event chair for the 2014 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, Kleban said. Each and every day I see individuals who have been affected by this disease, and I know deep in my heart that we can find a cure. The advancements in treatment options are so vast to-day, and we proudly have so many survivors living today. Together, we can do more to ensure that this is a disease of the past.

The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program funds breast cancer research, provides up-to-date breast cancer infor-mation, ensures everyone has access to breast cancer screening and treatments, provides services that improve the quality of life for patients and their families, and educates men and women about the importance of early detection and prevention.

The annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk sees more than 6,000 pink-clad partic-ipants each year, many of whom

Keurig, a pioneer in single-cup brewing, celebrated Mothers Day by surprising new moms at Wellington Regional Medical Centers Labor & Delivery Department with a special gift. Moms who de-livered a baby on Mothers Day received a congratulatory Keurig Special Edition brewing system gift, helping them prepare for late nights and early mornings ahead with their new babies.

Dr. Donna Kleban with her sons, Alexander (left) and Michael.are breast cancer patients and survivors. The walk also includes family members and friends of those who have been affected or who have lost their fight against the disease.

Cypress Trails Elementary School fifth grader Amanda Ng has fundraised over $2,000 for the Childrens Miracle Network Hos-pital in preparation for the recent American Natural Beauty/Royal Majesty community service pageant. Not only did Ng come home with the Royal Majesty national title, her personal introduction won her the spokesmodel title as well. She will be speaking at future fundraising events on behalf of the pageant. She also took first place in the county recently for her math fair project. Im intrigued with geometry, said Ng, who has been a science/math fair winner at Cypress Trails since kindergarten and has earned her name to be placed on the science excellence plaque at Cypress Trails next to her brother Alex, who earned the title six years ago.

Navigating healthcare issues can be difficult, especially for seniors on Medicare. Many people find themselves uncertain about their Medicare benefits and op-tions, which can result in delays in coverage, financial penalties and higher healthcare costs.

One local SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) counselor, Manny Athavale, made a difference in the lives of two Lake Worth residents who were having difficulty receiving vital Medicare services and supplies. Athavale, worked with Edith Steingisser to help her resolve an issue her husband was having with a Delray Beach Medicare supply company. She thanked Athavale for helping her resolve the issue with the supply company, which allowed her husband to receive vital Medicare supplies.

SHINE Worker Helps With Medicare Issue

I was at my wits end, and I truly appreciated your patience and guidance in this matter. The service you and other SHINE counselors provide to seniors must be very rewarding, Steingisser wrote. Keep up the good work so that others can benefit from your assistance and advice.

The SHINE program is a free, confidential and unbiased Medi-care counseling program that works with seniors, disabled adults and their caregivers to navigate the complex world of Medicare.

SHINE is a Florida Department of Elder Affairs program, operated locally by the Area Agency on Aging/Your Aging and Disability Resource Center.

Visit www.floridashine.org or call (866) 684-5885 to work with a local SHINE Medicare counselor.

Shelby Pollard has achieved certification for industrial biotech-nology from the Biotech Academy at Seminole Ridge High School.

Pollard also received certifica-tion from the National Society of High School Scholars.

Pollard, 16, is now considered a senior and graduated with the Class of 2014 on May 20 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center.

Shelby Pollard Of SRHS Certified

By Biotech Academy

Shelby Pollard

KEURIG GIFT TO MOMS

For more information, or to sign up a team, contact Sharon Horton at (561) 650-0136 or [email protected], or visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/palmbeachfl.


SCHOOL NEWSFLAMENCO DANCE

TROUPE SHINESRosarian Students Join Junior Rangers

The New Horizons Elementary School Flamenco Dance Troupe, under the direction of parent volunteer Maria Matute and teacher sponsors Erin Santiago and Betty Baez, competed in the Palm Beach County Dual Language Competition held at Okeeheelee Middle School. Students from dual language programs partici-pated in events, including dictation, declamation, spelling and an artistic program. The New Horizons Flamenco Dance Troupe won first place for the artistic program portion of the competi-tion. Teachers were also awarded certificates for their dedication to the Spanish program in Palm Beach County. Shown here are Erin Santiago and Betty Baez with the New Horizons Flamenco Dance Troupe.

Rosarian Academy third-grader Caleb Miller and his younger brother, Aiden, a second-grader, are on a quest to be sworn into the Junior Ranger Program of all 59 national parks in the United States with the end goal of an invitation to the White House.

Since starting this mission three years ago, the boys have 16 parks under their belts and have mapped out an additional six national parks to hit this summer.

After learning about Mount Rushmore in his kindergarten class, Caleb brought home One Hundred Best Vacations for Fami-lies with Children from the Ro-sarian Academy book fair, saw Mount Rushmore in the book, and told his parents he wanted to go there for summer vacation.

Calebs interest and excite-ment spurred his parents, Jeff and Ruthann Miller, to MapQuest the surrounding area and book a trip

to Mount Rushmore in South Da-kota, along with Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons national parks in Wyoming.

In 2011, while visiting their first national park, the Miller family was introduced to the Junior Rang-er Program at Mount Rushmores education center. Each national parks Junior Ranger Program gives the child activities to com-plete based on his or her age.

The goal is for junior rangers to help preserve and protect the national parks as they learn about nature and history and have fun exploring the parks.

Upon completion of the required activities, children are sworn into the Junior Ranger Program for that particular park and given a badge with a certificate of completion signed by a ranger.

During this first trip, we were told if you become a junior ranger in all 59 national parks, you get

Wellington Elementary To Honor Vet May 30

The Wellington High School Chorus, under the tutelage of conductor Bradford Chase, spent months preparing for their mo-ment in the sun. They shined on Mothers Day weekend as the group, backed by a professional orchestra, helped deliver a rous-ing performance in the New York premiere of The Cry of Jeremiah at New Yorks famed Lincoln Center.

WHS Chorus Impresses At Lincoln Center

The performance, a big hit with the near-capacity crowd, earned rave reviews from the New York Concert Review, which wrote, The chorus radiated,with pas-sionate ensemble singing.

Referring to the lengthy stand-ing ovation the chorus received, the reviewer added, When the last note was sounded, the audience sprung up as one in a thunderous ovation.

invited to the White House, Jeff Miller said. This put Caleb and Aiden on a quest to reach the goal of visiting all the national parks.

So, with the support and guid-ance of their parents, Caleb and Aiden sit down each year to assess the parks they have not visited in order to map out their summer vacation to visit as many parks as possible.

This summer, the Millers will travel to California to visit Death Valley, Chanel Islands, Pinnacles, Lassen Volcanic, Redwood Forest and Joshua Tree national parks.

Ultimately, the Miller boys leave each park as junior rangers to spread the word about their adventures and continue to protect the environment at home and at school.

Each year, Caleb returns to his kindergarten teachers class to present on his experience of visit-ing Mount Rushmore and hopes

to spark the same excitement and park stewardship that started when he too was in kindergarten.

For more info., visit www.rosarian.org.

Aiden and Caleb Miller with their collection of their junior ranger badges and patches.

Wellington Elementary School Principal Dr. Eugina Smith Fea-man has announced the school will honor American Red Cross Courage Award winning educator Cpl. Burt Richards of the Veterans Speakers Forum and his sidekick, G. I. Joe.

Seven classes of first-grade students will perform a show in his honor in recognition of Memorial Day at Wellington Elementary School on Friday, May 30 at 8:30

a.m. in the cafeteria. The school will then present an outstanding recognition award to Richards for all he has accomplished in educat-ing the students at Wellington El-ementary School, honoring those who served and American history.

The show and celebration is also for his 84th birthday. For more info., call (561) 734-7263.

(Right) Cpl. Burt Richards with his sidekick, G.I. Joe.


SCHOOL NEWSWLMS ACADEMIC

GAMES WIN AT TOURNEYOsceola Creek Honors Scholar-AthletesOsceola Creek Middle School

recently announced the recipients of the Scholar-Athlete Award for April. The award is sponsored by the School Police and honors varsity athletes who also excel in academics, effort, behavior and school spirit, and serve as role models for others.

This months honorees carry high grade point averages, as well as play varsity sports.

Boys volleyball honored Dustin Drake, 14, an eighth grader.

Dustin Drake is my scholar athlete, coach Shayne Sanderford said. He not only is a member of the volleyball team, but he also maintains a 5.0 GPA. Between practices every day and two to three games a week, Dustin finds the time to study and keep his GPA above the bar. This is Dustins first year playing on the volleyball team, and he is not only becom-ing a good volleyball player, but is an excellent role model both in character and academics. He shows great sportsmanship on the court, and I believe he will go far

in whatever he chooses to do in the future.

Drake, who has perfect atten-dance, is also a member of the schools baseball team. He is un-decided on a college, but is set on a career as a civil engineer.

Boys and girls track and field honored Riley Bresnahan and Josiah Jones.

It is with great pleasure that I nominate Riley Bresnahan for Scholar Athlete of the Month, said Athletic Director Judy DeCos-ta, the girls track coach. As a member of the Osceola Creek Middle School girls track team, she has demonstrated hard work, leadership and determination. She has been selected to compete in the mile at the Palm Beach County Re-gional Track Meet. Ms. Bresnahan is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and volunteers as a youth soccer coach. She would like to attend Dartmouth College and study neurology or sports medicine.

Bresnahan, 13, an eighth grader, is carrying a 5.20 grade point av-

Principal Nicole Daly, Riley Bresnahan, Dustin Drake, Josiah Jones and Officer Sandy Molenda.

MacMillan Earns PTA Volunteer AwardWELLINGTON EL KIDS LEARN ON LAPTOPS

Wellington Elementary School students in third through fifth grades have the opportunity to work on new laptop computers in their classrooms every day. Along with visiting the tech lab once a week, these grades have accessibility to laptops in their class-rooms. Science teacher Kristine Freys students enjoy learning science concepts while completing tasks utilizing the schools new laptop computers. The laptops can be used for all subject areas. It is not only a fun way to learn with these digital, interactive lessons, but also increases their typing skills at the same time. Wellington Elementary School is proud of students technology skills. Shown here is science teacher Kristine Frey assisting her fourth-grade students with an interactive science lesson.

Wellington Landings Middle School Academic Games students competed in the National Tournament of Events in Knoxville, Tenn. from April 25 to 28. Nicholas Caravello, an eighth grader, competed in one team award and placed first in World Events. Jonah Smith, a seventh grader, competed in two team awards and placed first in World Events and second in Propaganda. Madeline Nahom, a sixth grader, competed in the team award for World Events and placed third. Nahom also received a perfect score individually in the LinguiSHTIK competition. Three teachers, Mrs. Walsh, Mr. Cartegena and Mr. Phibbs, coached, judged and acted as managers and chaperones during the trip. WLMS Academic Games looks forward to forming another competitive group begin-ning as soon as this summer for next years competition. Shown here are Jonah Smith, Nicholas Caravello, Christopher Cartegena, Margie Walsh and Madeline Nahom.

erage, and also is a member of the schools girls soccer team.

Josiah Jones has earned the honor of scholar athlete, boys track coach Jay Mermelstein said. His 3.30 GPA and domination on the track has put him at the top. Josiah will be representing Os-ceola Creek at the regional meet, participating in the 1600 and 800 meters.

Jones, 13, also plays on Osce-ola Creeks soccer and basketball teams, and is a member of the

Just Chillin club, which raises awareness of fellow students whose families cannot afford cool weather clothing. Jones, a sixth grader, isnt set yet on a college, but is set on a career as a medical doctor.

Supporting the program are Subway, Dominos Pizza and Burger King, located at Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and Orange Blvd., and Dairy Queen in Royal Palm Beach, which donated free food coupons.

The Palm Beach County Coun-cil of PTA/PTSA has awarded four scholarships to active PTA volunteers. This year, the county council chose two graduating seniors and two adult volunteers to each receive $500 to help offset the cost of their future education endeavors. Winners were chosen based on an original essay and letters of recommendation.

The student applicants essays responded to the prompt Being a PTA member means while adult applicants described in their essays what PTA Empowering Families! means to them.

Emily MacMillan is an active PTA volunteer and teacher at Binks Forest Elementary School. She feels that she must be willing to become involved with students and parents beyond academic guidance. She shared how her PTA and school come together to provide a great deal of support to their families. Its an honor and a privilege to be working with such a hard-working PTA, she said.

For the past three years, Mac-Millan has volunteered at many of the schools events and enjoys being a part of bringing families together. My involvement with PTA gives me the ability to make

valuable contributions to my class discussion and my coursework, MacMillan said.

Stephanie Sanders is an active PTA volunteer and teacher at Ad-dison Mizner Elementary School. She is currently working on her masters degree in educational leadership and looks forward to becoming an administrator one day. One day, when I am an administrator, I will count on the PTA to empower the families at my school, she said.

Sanders included in her essay that strong school-family part-nerships lead to increased student achievement, and a solid PTA is necessary for this to take place.

Taylor Combs, a senior and ac-tive student volunteer at Park Vista High School, will be attending the University of Florida in the fall. She is looking forward to further-ing her education and becoming a doctor and surgeon in the future.

Combs said that being involved with PTA has taught her that the greatest gift in life is the ability to give. It means that others always come before you, she said.

Kaitlyn Doering, a senior at Boca Raton High School, has been involved with her PTSA for four years. She attends the monthly

meetings and enjoys offering sug-gestions for school improvements and receiving updates on programs and events. PTSA values our opinions, and we are making a real contribution to the success of our school, she said.

Doering is looking forward to being an elementary school teach-er in her future. There is nothing more rewarding than being a part of changing the lives of children and that is the best part of being a PTA member, she said.

On Friday, April 11, Wellington Elementary School honored volun-teers with a breakfast and great entertainment. Principal Dr. Eugi-na Feaman thanked the volunteers for their dedication, hard work and commitment to the school. A delicious breakfast followed. Fourth grader McKenna Tosner sang You Are Our Heroes, and Music Teacher Mr. Dave Morrison had his recorder duos perform songs. Recorders were played by fourth graders Daniel Mills and Christopher Morrison, as well as fourth grade duo Eric Chang and Robert Campbell. Pictured here are some of the dedicated volunteers at the breakfast.

VOLUNTEERS HONORED


FEATURES

Memorial Day weekend aahhhhhh.There are a number of ways to deter-

mine the official beginning of summer the summer solstice, the last day of school, the arrival of flip-flops in all the stores but none speaks to me quite like Memorial Day.

I dont care what the calendar says, the teacher says or Americas marketing machine says, summer arrives with the smell of hamburgers on the grill, the sight of frosty bottles in the cooler and the taste of fresh blueberry pie. There are flags, bunting and banners everywhere, but you blindfold me, spin me around, put me in the car and drive me down the street, and

I will tell you if its summer or not.Sniiiiiiiiiiff! Yup, its summer.You know whats hard about summer?

The fact that school lingers on for weeks after Memorial Day. Wake up and smell the hamburgers, people!

Oh, those last few weeks of school are hard. The teacher

town-crier newspaper may 23, 2014

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