WELLINGTON - St. Michael Lutheran Church, 1925 Birkdale Drive, is having a Family Fun Fair 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 1. Free admission.

The event will include a Vietnam Era Huey Helicopter, one-eighth scale steam locomotive, classic car show, food, games, bake sale, plant sale, craft booth, silent auction, smoothie booth, raffles, popcorn, cotton candy and have children's games like a bean bag toss and a lollipop tree.

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WELLINGTON - Wellington's Fall Festival takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Village Park Gymnasium, 11700 Pierson Road.

The festival will feature a costume contest, haunted house, hay maze, hay rides, door to door trick-or-treating, face painting and there will be food available for purchase. All activities require the purchase of $10 coupon booklets or the purchase of an all- access bracelet for $20.

Nicole Evangelista, community projects manager, said she expects between 3,000 to 5,000 people to attend.

Because of budget cuts this year no one may have attended the festival, but fortunately for the village the Palms West Chamber of Commerce stepped in to help raise the money to keep the event alive.

"We're saving Halloween in Wellington. The village needed an organization to come and take a leadership role in it," said Jaene Miranda, CEO of Palms West.

Miranda said Palms West committed to raising $18,000 for the festival and she said several larger companies stepped to sponsor the festival while smaller businesses were asked to give $500.

Tom Monticello, owner of Visions Salon in Wellington, was one of those donors.

"Anything that helps the kids in wellington safe," he said. "They need a safe environment to go trick-or-treating. It's worthwhile to have something like that."

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From Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 9

Halloween Safety

It’s that time again when children enjoy dressing up and roaming the neighborhoods in search of some of their favorite candy. Halloween may be a fun holiday for the kids, but for parents, trick-or-treat time can be a little tricky. To make Halloween a treat for all, follow these safety tips.

Costumes
• Purchase costumes that are flame-retardant
• Keep costumes short to prevent tripping and falling and use bright colors
• Use make-up instead of a mask so that children can see.
• If you must wear one, avoid wearing it while walking from house to house
• Carry only flexible props
• Use reflective tape or markings on costumes so children can be seen at night

Trick-or-Treaters
• Start early, end early
• Walk, don’t run and cover one side of the street at a time
• Use sidewalks or walk facing traffic
• Don’t walk between parked cars or crisscross back and forth across streets
• Don’t cut across lawns or driveways. Use the walkway to the front door
• Visit houses with lights on and especially the homes that you and your parents know
• NEVER eat anything before your parents have had a chance to examine all your treats
• Eat only wrapped candy, and nothing that is homemade or anything like an apple or other fruit
• Younger children should be with an adult. Older youth should always be in a group. Never walk alone.
• Never enter a stranger’s home, no matter what your friends say
• Always be polite. It never hurts to say ‘THANK YOU’

Parents
• Have your child eat dinner before going out
• Children should carry a flashlight with fresh batteries or non-toxic light sticks
• Ideally, young children of any age should be accompanied by an adult
• Set time limits
• Older children should carry a watch, especially one that can be seen at night
• Know what neighborhoods your child will be in and who they are with
• Instruct children not to eat treats until the are inspected by you
• Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspect
• Explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism

Homeowners
Remove all obstacles from your lawns, walkways, and steps
Have a well-lighted home, both inside and out, to prevent vandalism and to prevent injuries to trick-or-treaters
Confine your pets
Use battery operated lights or non-toxic light sticks in jack-o-lanterns
Give commercially packaged treats instead of home-packaged items
Motorists
Drive slow and be aware that excited children may forget some of these safety rules
Adult Halloween partiers should have a designated driver

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WELLINGTON - St. Peter’s Child Enrichment Center, 12200 Forest Hill Blvd., is having its annual costume parade at 9:15 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 30 and 9:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31.

Each student will parade across the stage in the Fellowship Hall.

Call 954-605-7275 for more information.

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WELLINGTON - The Wellington Library, 1951 Royal Fern Drive, will be showing the PG-rated movie "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" and serving popcorn starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28. Ages 12 to 17 are welcome to attend.

Call 561-790-6070 for more information.

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WELLINGTON - Chick-fil-A at the Mall at Wellington Green, 10300 West Forest Hill Blvd., will be donating 20 percent of sales its collects Wednesday, Oct 29 to the Learning Tree.

The Learning Tree is a yet-to-be opened special needs preschool. The location of the future school is also, as of now, undecided.

Founder of the nonprofit corporation Wende Rosado said, "There's really only two preschools in Palm Beach County that offer what these children really need."

Rosado was inspired to open her own preschool after her difficult experience of getting her daughter into a special needs preschool.

"In one years time the change they did in my daughter's life was amazing," she said.

Rosado said it's been a struggle finding big sponsors and donors to help get the preschool up and running. She is excited that Chick-fil-A decided to help.

"Chick-fil-A has been awesome and they've really backed us up," she said.

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WELLINGTON - Bestselling author Barbara Taylor Bradford will be at the Wellington Library 2 p.m. Thursday to discuss her latest book "Being Elizabeth." Bradford has authored 24 books since 1979 including the Emma Harte family saga.

There will be a question-and-answer period as well as a book signing.

All tickets have been given out, but if a ticket holder does not show up additional people will be allowed to attend.

Call 561-790-6070 for more information.

Jason Parsley can be reached at jeparsley@tribune.com.

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ROYAL PALM BEACH - The reopening of the village's boat ramp has been delayed until Nov. 10. The ramp is located behind Brass Ring Pub, 10998 Okeechobee Blvd.

The boat ramp's driveway and parking area will be paved and a pedestrian bridge over the canal will be added near the ramp.

The boat ramp is an entry point in to Royal Palm Beach's canal system. Only residents are allowed to use the canal system.

The pedestrian bridge is being built so a 10-foot-wide paved off-street bicycle path can continue. The completed bike path will run from the subdivision of La Mancha to Seminole Palms Park, 151 Lamstein Lane.

Jason Parsley can be reached at jeparsley@tribune.com.

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Royal Palm Beach - The village's annual Fallfest has been postponed because of rain to Thursday, Oct. 30 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Veterans Park, 1036 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

The festival will feature live music, magic show, build-your-own scarecrow, pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating, craft vendors and games. There will be roving entertainment around the park like jugglers and magicians. The village will also provide a hayride shuttle for overflow parking from the Cultural Center and Village Hall.

"We decided to create a family festival-type of atmosphere, instead of the standard costume and parade," said JoAnn Rowe, assistant director of parks and recreation. "This is an event where the entire family can come out and have a good time."

Rowe expects between 1,000 to 2,000 people to show up.

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WELLINGTON

Trunk or Treat - Parking lot featuring cars with open trunks filled with goodies. Information: 6:15 p.m. Oct. 26., St. Michael Lutheran Church, 1925 Birkdale Drive, Wellington. Call 561-793-4999.

WEST PALM BEACH

Spookyville - A family-friendly, old-fashioned Halloween targeted for children 12 and younger. Costume contest, parade, children's activities, and magic shows. Information: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26; 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31, South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd. Cost: $5; ages 2 and younger admitted free.

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WELLINGTON -

Howl at the Moon - The event will feature a dog costume contest, Silly Pet Tricks by Elite Greyhound Adoptions, and Canine Good Citizen Testing by Marc Street, pictures with your pet, pet adoptions by Pet Haven Rescue, microchip implantations, portraits painted by your pet, face painting and Trick or Treat bags for the dogs. Information: 9
a.m. to Noon, Oct. 25, 2975 Greenbriar Blvd.
St. Peter's Annual Harvest Fest - Craft vendors, barbecue dinner, bake sale, rummage sale, bounce house, rock wall climbing, bungee acrobatics, gladiator jousting, a 21-foot slide, 45-foot obstacle course, bungee run, face painting, ponies, and entertainment such as the Wellington Twirl National Champs, Gospel Truth singers,
Celebration, Joys-R-Us singers and TNT Gymnastic. Information: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 25, St. Peter's United Methodist Church, 12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd.

WEST PALM BEACH

Spookyville - A family-friendly, old-fashioned Halloween targeted for children 12 and younger. Costume contest, parade, children's activities, and magic shows. Information: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26; 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31, South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd. Cost: $5; ages 2 and younger free.

LOXAHATCHEE

Halloween Party - Face painting, tattoos, parade of costumes, jump roping, juggling, hula hooping, pumpkin decorating, scarecrow making, crafts, games and snacks. Information: 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 25., Palms West Presbyterian Church, 13689 Okeechobee Blvd. Loxahatchee. Call 561-795-1854.

PALM BEACH GARDENS

Harvest Hayride and Fall Festival - An old-fashioned hayride, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, live music, children's games. Information: 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 25, Burns Road Recreation Center, 4404 Burns Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. Call 561-630-1100.

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Palm Springs - The Haunted Halls of Horror opens Friday in Palm Springs at the YMCA, 2085 S. Congress Ave. The three-day haunted house costs $10 or $8 with a $2 coupon that can be found on its Web site.

The haunted house was started six years ago in Wellington resident Chris Gideos' garage. It became an instant hit and since then he has had to move it to several different locations including the Lake Worth Playhouse. All of the proceeds will benefits Hugs Not Drugs in Lake Worth.

He said his haunt is different than others because it is not about actors just jumping out and scaring you.

"We tell a story, it's interactive...we bring the audience right in to the show," he said. He has more than 50 actors lined up to participate this year, most of whom are returning.

The house is open 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 24 to 26.

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ROYAL PALM BEACH - A county Bookmobile arrives in Royal Palm Beach Monday in the absence of the recently closed Royal Palm Beach Branch Library, which is undergoing an expansion project.

The bookmobile will be located in the library's parking lot, 500 Civic Center Way. The bookmobile will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and closed on Sundays.

The library has been closed for three weeks as it undergoes a renovation that includes expanding the 8,000 square foot library to 20,000 square feet. It's expected to be closed for at least a year.

Residents can also visit the Wellington Branch Library, 1951 Royal Fern Drive, or the Okeechobee Branch Library, 5689 W. Okeechobee Blvd., when it reopens in November.

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Sen. Barack Obama is making an aggressive push for Florida's 27 electoral votes this week with a spree of events throughout the state including a stop in Lake Worth where he had a job summit Tuesday at Palm Beach Community College.
Florida voted for President George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004. In 2000 Bush won the state by 537 votes. According to the Real Clear Politics Average Obama leads Sen. John McCain by 2 points. But the last two polls show a trend toward McCain.
Obama brought along Democratic Govs. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, Jennifer Granholm of Michigan, Ted Strickland of Ohio, Bill Ritter of Colorado and Google CEO Eric Schmidt and former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volker to discuss the economy and jobs.
He kept the crowd on a tight leash and stopped them from applauding several times in order to get the summit started. At one point he he even stopped them from booing after mentioning Sen. John McCain and said, "We don't need that. We just need you to vote."
Obama's guests spoke about the economy, energy, education and the governors touched on their respective states' economies.
"It was informative," Aaron Handler, 66, of Boynton Beach said. He then added, "I wonder how Gov. Sarah Palin would have answered these questions."
Handler said the summit gave him an insight into how Obama would conduct a meeting. He was impressed with his performance and called him a good listener.

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All eastbound lanes and one westbound lane of Southern Boulevard are closed at the site of a two-vehicle crash near Wellington between Big Blue Trace and Seminole-Pratt Whitney Road. The crash occurred at about 2 p.m., according to the Florida Department of Transportation. A tractor trailer ran into a pickup truck. Both vehicles have burned to the ground.
Hazardous materials crews are cleaning up a fuel spill, which is expected to take several hours. Estimated time for reopening all travel lanes is 6 p.m. tonight, according to FDOT.

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WELLINGTON - Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 17 for the first steeplechase in Palm Beach County in 23 years taking place at the Palm Beach Polo Stadium Thanksgiving weekend.
A steeplechase is a horse race with hurdles. There will be five races with a total prize of $200,000.
Elizabeth Hedley, event coordinator, said she expects between 7,500 and 10,000 people over the course of the day.
"[The day] will be like a huge wine or music festival...like a big tailgate party," she said. Besides just steeplechasing, the event, she said will have something for everyone. There will be a beer garden with flat screen TVs to watch the day's football, in between the races there will be Jack Russell terrier dog races, a demonstration by the Blackwater Parachute team, a hat contest, music and antique car displays. There will also be shopping village with a variety of vendors.

Tickets can be bought at www.equestriansport.com and www.palmbeachsteeplechase.com.

Jason Parsley can be reached at jeparsley@tribune.com.

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LOXAHATCHEE - Students and staff at Pierce Hammock Elementary School will be showing their support for breast cancer awareness Friday when they show up to school wearing pink.

"All of the students hopefully are showing up to school in pink and we are making donations to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure," said Assistant Principal Christy Schwab.

Schwab said the school will be having contests such as best dressed for the students throughout the day and will be giving out prizes.

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WELLINGTON - Residents of Wellington, Wycliffe, Farmington Estates and Victoria Groves may notice a slight chlorine taste and odor in the drinking water starting Oct. 20 through Nov. 3.

But there's nothing to worry about.

"It's just routine maintenance," said Sean McFarland, water facility supervisor.

In order to keep the water free of bacteria the water must go through periodic treatment and cleaning.

However, while the drinking water will not be affected, people who have specialized uses of water such as tropical fish owners, residents with pools, businesses, hospitals, and blood/dialysis clinics may need to make adjustments in order to continue to maintain their present water quality parameters.

Call 561-791-4037 for more information.

Jason Parsley can be reached at jeparsley@tribune.com.

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District 6 County Commissioner Jess Santamaria will discuss solving Palm Beach County's growing homeless problem at his monthly community forum from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, in the center court of the original Wellington Mall, southeast corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace.

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WELLINGTON - The South Florida Fairgrounds' annual Fright Nights opens Thursday, Oct. 9 and runs until Nov. 1. More than 35,000 people are expected to attend the scare fest.

"This is the most popular [Halloween event] south of Orlando," said Woody Graber, a spokesperson for Fright Nights. "It's the biggest thing in South Florida."

This year features three haunted houses: The Smiths, Country Bill's Meat Market and Dead End. There will also be a midway with games and eight major rides, and new this year, Sick Flicks Cinema, which will play horror movies all evening.

Coming back for the second year will be the world renowned Brothers Grim Sideshow, an authentic sideshow modeled after sideshows of the 1920s. The sideshow bills itself as the "The World's Greatest Collection of Human Oddities, Strange People and Novel Entertainers."

Some of its novel acts include a sword swallower, fire eater, a half-boy, a lizard man, a pumpkin head and a wolf man.

Jason Parsley can be reached at jeparsley@tribune.com.

If You Go:
What: Fright NIghts 2008
When: Thurs. through Sun. Oct. 9 to Nov. 1; also Sun. Oct. 26
Time: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. weeknights; 6 p.m. to midnight weekends
Place: South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd.
Parking: Free
Admission: Wristband $25; Ticket $15 (includes 1 admission to each attraction)

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WELLINGTON - Folke Peterson Wildlife Center, 10948 Acme Road, is having a "Morning Movie and Wildlife Encounter" from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 11.

The children will watch the movie "Open Season," which is about co-existing with wildlife. They will also be introduced to several of the educational animals at the center. Popcorn and juice boxes will be provided.

In August the center had a similar event.

"It was a huge success," said Heather Landstrom, the center's executive director. She said about 70 children and their parents showed up.

The center is asking for a $5 donation from each person.

Call 561-793-2473 for more information.

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WELLINGTON - Tito Mangiola, a Wellington artist, recently donated one of his lithographs to the Palm Beach International Airport's permanent art collection where it is currently on display.

The lithograph titled "Homage to the Village of Wellington" pays tribute to the village. The original artwork was created with oil on canvas painted in mosaic style.

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Lee Harris wants to bring a little bit of entertainment to this year's Fall Fling in November that is put on by the Wellington Art Society. To do so though he needs to raise $500 to rent the stage at the Wellington Community Center where the event will take place.

He said he was hoping the village would offer the stage for free or at a discount but so far he hasn't made any progress. So instead he has decided to take matters into his own hands and travel from business to business asking for donations to raise the money himself. He is about halfway there.

Harris wants to gather children and teenagers from around the community who will perform at the two-day art festival. He said there will be gymnasts, teenagers playing classical guitar, acoustic-type music, rock 'n' roll. He also said there will be actors from the Studio Theatre in Wellington performing.

"This is about trying to get the younger folks in to the arts," he said. But he also noted that "the real focus [of the festival] is supposed to be on the art."

Call 561-791-1818 to contact Harris.

Jason Parsley can be reached at jeparsley@tribune.com.

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