After four years on the Palm Beach County Commission, District 6 incumbent Jess Santamaria faces Glades activist Michael E. Jackson in the Democratic primary Aug. 24.
The winner of the primary will face Republican candidate John Carroll and independent candidate Andy Schaller in November.
For Santamaria, public service is a way of life. He said his strength of character and willingness to help others stems from the fact that his father died when he was just three years old, and his mother raised six children by herself. Santamaria’s father was a judge, and the young Santamaria was told how fair and ethical his fa-
ther was, so he wanted to be the same way.
“The strength I have comes from a very tough early life,” Santamaria said. “There was the war in the Philippines, and the fact that my father died when I was three.”
A self-made man, Santamaria rose from humble beginnings to become a successful businessman and real estate developer in his adopted hometown of Royal Palm Beach.
“After the war, the only thing we had was the shirts on our backs. That’s what has created the person in front of you today,” he said. “I am someone who knows what it is to have nothing. The person in front of you is a mixed up kid… I have the Spanish heritage of my parents, and I have the
Philippine environment, but I am totally American in mind. My mind is no different than yours. I have 10 years of corporate world experience at IBM and Exxon, and some 30 years in development.”
Santamaria said he was “called” to public service because he got angry when he saw what the county commission was doing at the expense of good people and residents. It also saddened him that people were calling his home “Corruption County.”
Fighting that corruption has been Santamaria’s central focus while in office. He noted that he had no intention of serving more than four years, but toward the end of his first term, Santamaria realized that all his work had not been
See SANTAMARIA, page 20
Glades Activist Michael Jackson Seeks County Commission Seat
By Ron Bukley
Town-Crier Staff Report
Democrat Michael E. Jackson, a lifelong resident of the Glades communities, is running in the Aug. 24 primary against incumbent District 6 County Commissioner Jess Santamaria.
The winner of the primary will face Republican candidate John Carroll and independent candidate Andy Schaller in November.
Jackson has more than 20 years of government, business and community-building experience, focused in his home communities.
“The only times I’ve been away is a couple of times for college,” said Jackson, who has a bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in public administration from Florida A&M University.
After returning home, Jackson became a teacher for seven years
at Lakeshore Middle School and Pahokee Middle Senior High School.
Jackson was elected to the South Bay City Commission in 1992 and served four years. Toward the end of his second term, Mayor Clarence Anthony suggested he apply for the open job of city administrator, a post he held for five years.
In 2001, Jackson became regional director for the Broward County service center for the South Florida Water Management District, leaving in 2004 to set up his own governmental affairs consulting service. He ran unsuccessfully for county commission in 2006, coming in second in a fourway Democratic primary to Santamaria.
After Santamaria was elected, he offered Jackson a position as Glades liaison to the county com-
mission. “Basically, it allowed me to be directly responsible for enacting, promoting and carrying out $440 million worth of projects over the last three years,” Jackson explained.
The projects included completion of a regional water facility serving the Glades area, which required him to get those communities to embrace the concept. “Literally, they were giving up their utility, which heretofore was probably their biggest revenue generator,” Jackson said.
In looking back over his career, Jackson said helping his community ranks as his top accomplishment. “I started out with the idea of giving back to the community that afforded me the opportunity to grow and nurture myself,” he said.
Jackson believes he is the best
See JACKSON, page 20
Wellington Adjusts Speed Limits On Village Roadways
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
People traveling on Wellington roads should be prepared to check their speed now that the Wellington Village Council voted Tuesday to lower the speed limit on several roadways throughout the village.
Council members, concerned with safety and roads being used as a cut-through for drivers, ordered a speed study be done on 22 roads. Pinder Troutman Consulting Inc., the village’s traffic consultant, suggested several modifications, which were amended by village staff to include similar roads that were not addressed.
The council voted to alter the speed limit on seven roads, raising or lowering each of them to 40 mph. The speed limits on Forest Hill Blvd. and Big Blue Trace between South Shore and Southern boulevards were lowered from 45 mph to 40 mph. Stribling Way from Lyons Road to Forest Hill Blvd. was set at 40 mph, a change from 35 mph east of State Road 7 and 45 mph west of SR 7. Greenview Shores Blvd., which formerly had a 35 mph limit south of Wellington Trace and a 45 mph limit north to Binks Forest Drive, was changed to 40 mph for its entire length. Aero Club Drive between Greenbriar Blvd. and Binks Forest Drive was changed from 45 mph to 40.
Wellington Trace west of Forest Hill Blvd. and east of Paddock Drive was lowered to 40 mph, but raised from 35 mph to 40 between Greenbriar Blvd. and Paddock Drive.
Additionally, all neighborhood roads were set to 25 mph unless otherwise posted.
Mayor Darell Bowen said he wanted to see exact recommendations for the speed limits on each road.
“Just to change these for the sake of having them all the same is not a good idea,” he said. “To
say that we’re reducing these just for safety’s sake alone is not necessarily a good idea.”
Keith Jackson of the Ingenuity Group, who was standing in for consultant Andrea Troutman, said the goal is not necessarily to create a standardized speed limit throughout the village. He noted that several collector roads would mostly remain 45 mph.
“I don’t think that you should look at it as standardizing something,” he said. “I think you should look at it as a common speed limit. There are areas that are 45, there are areas that are 40.” But Bowen said he felt that the roads leading in and out of the village, such as Binks Forest Drive and Forest Hill and South Shore boulevards, were different from roads within the village and should retain a higher speed limit.
“They’re getting people out of here in the morning and getting them home in the afternoon,” he said. “I question lowering the speed limits on those streets.” Bowen worried that the lower speed limit would put off residents who use some of the roads as a pass-through to get home. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore said he supported the lower speed limits because Wellington’s roads are used to bypass more heavily traveled roads.
“It’s not just our residents who are using it as a bypass,” he said. “It’s those people who come and use our roadways as through ways, and the only way to discourage them, as they do in Royal Palm Beach, is to lower the speeds.” Priore compared it to when the village voted to lower the speed limits in equestrian zones because of the horses.
“Now it’s children and cars,” he said. “Our roadways are used by children to get back and forth to school, even though they’re on bike paths. But some of the bike paths are near the roadway.” Bowen said he would like to see
CAR & BIKE SHOW
Bidder’s Protest Delays Vote On New Tennis Contract
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
said. In May, the council voted to seek proposals for the programming and maintenance of the Wellington Tennis Center that would cut village costs.
Since 1999, the facility had been operated by tennis professional Tommy Cheatham and his company, Cheatham Inc. The village was spending about $180,000 a year in personnel, maintenance and utility costs.
The bidding opened on July 14 and the village received proposals from three companies: Cheatham Inc., A1A Tennis LLC and Perry Sinett Inc. On July 21, each bidder gave an oral presentation, and on July 28 a selection committee reviewed the proposals and scored each one, Barnes said. The committee, which was made up of Grounds and Facilities Manager Bruce Wagner, Parks & Recreation Interim Director Bruce Delaney and Director of Financial Management & Budget Mireya McIlveen scored Cheatham the highest overall in five
Cheatham proposed a $145,000 annual contract with a $16,000 estimated utility cost, but noted that the village would not have to pay a $34,435 salary, bringing the estimate to $126,565. The proposal would save the village $56,012 off its current costs.
The proposal also states that Cheatham would pay a portion of the tennis center’s gross revenue to the village on a tiered basis annually. The company agreed to pay 2 percent of all annual gross revenue up to $300,000, 3 percent for all annual gross revenue between $300,000 and $400,000 and 4 percent on annual gross revenue over $400,000.
So for annual gross revenue of $500,000, Cheatham proposed to pay the village $13,000.
However, during the oral presentations, which were open to the public, Cheatham requested $110,000 in additional funds for its maintenance program, Barnes said.
“There was a component for programming and one for maintenance,” Barnes said. “Both Sinett and A1A Tennis basically said ‘here’s the total proposal and we’re going to do all the maintenance at no additional cost.’ And Mr. Cheatham’s proposal indicated that there was going to be an additional cost.”
A1A proposed to provide both the maintenance and management of the facility, which “would eliminate Wellington’s cost for maintaining the tennis courts and any other subsidies or funding from Wellington in support of the
Municipalities Show Interest In Adopting County Ethics Rules
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics last week authorized Executive Director Alan Johnson to work with municipalities interested in enacting ordinances that mirror the county’s new code of ethics.
At the Aug. 5 meeting, Johnson said a referendum passed by the county will be on the November ballot incorporating the code of ethics and the new inspector general’s office into the county’s charter.
Johnson added that he has been speaking to local municipalities, many of which have indicated they want to join before the referendum goes into effect.
“While the commission is not taking a position on the referendum, the response to the movement toward this local referendum has been pretty extraordinary on the part of the people in the municipalities,” Johnson said, noting that South Palm Beach recently approved a resolution supporting the Commission on Ethics.
Johnson, a Wellington resident who joined the Commission on Ethics from the state attorney’s office, said he needed direction on entering agreements with municipalities and other governmental organizations.
“My recommendation is that we go ahead and enter into local agreements with any local municipality that would like to, to be terminated on Jan. 1 when the referendum would go into effect, but that we only include the Code of Ethics and the Commission on Ethics ordinances,” Johnson said, explaining that the ordinance creating the inspector general’s position needs to be vetted by the Implementation Committee.
Johnson stressed that he has not lobbied municipalities, but they are approaching him. He estimated that at least six municipalities would enter into agreements if there was a viable code.
Ethics Commissioner Ron Harbison said he felt it would be a public service to accommodate the municipalities so they don’t have situations that predate the effective date of the referendum.
“If we have to wait until January, any complaints that would arise prior to that time, we would be precluded from hearing them,” Harbison said. “That would be unfortunate if, in fact, those municipalities had attempted to be covered by the code prior to that time. If it’s just a matter of changing some wording in the code just to accommodate those, I’m sympathetic to
the duplicate cost. I think the inspector general matter is a little more complicated.”
County Attorney Lenny Berger said it could be as long as March before the new county referendum and ordinances are in place, assuming they are approved on the November ballot.
“It might not be as short a time as we think,” Berger said. “Cities will have to adopt their own version of this. A city has to have two public hearings for their ordinances, then there will inevitably have to be some training period for them, because employees will have to know what’s expected of them. That will be the learning curve that each city has to do. There will be some wear and tear on your executive director. As far as drafting language and the interlocal agreements, I don’t see that as a terribly difficult problem.”
Jamie Titcomb, executive director of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, encouraged the commission to offer its service to the municipalities.
“We have been approached by a number of our municipal members who are obviously very interested in getting involved with the code of ethics,” Titcomb said. “It’s very typical for a municipality to adopt one of the county’s ordinances as its own when it wants to mirror what’s being done. I hear from members of the public that there is a very high level of interest in getting ethics compliance at the municipal level as well as countywide as soon as possible.”
Titcomb said passing local ordinances would be reasonable stop-gap measures to get up and running until the referendum goes into effect and ancillary ordinances are approved.
“I would encourage you to see this as a positive extension of your duties,” Titcomb said. “Hopefully we won’t overtax your executive director, but the league stands ready to help if you need our help.”
Titcomb said some of the motivation by municipalities might be politically driven, but regardless of the reason, it is an avenue for people who want to comply in a system that they can get involved with prior to the time that the structure is complete.
“They need a method to get on board and get going on this,” Titcomb said. “It seems like the most reasonable approach is to allow them to adopt a county ordinance as it exists, and when the referendum kicks into place, we’ll deal with that at that point in time.”
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will hold a public forum on “Running a Business in a Down Economy” on Tuesday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).
“This is the business expansion and retention program where we hold a business forum in a different community every quarter,” said Susan Giddings, the chamber’s vice chair for economic development. “We gear it to what the municipality feels is important to their particular businesses. In this particular forum, we are doing a few short programs. One is geared toward advertising in a down economy to help the business owners make the most of the dollars they have, because that’s the first place they go to cut back, and it’s the worst place you can cut back.”
The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) will give a presentation on free services for businesses, and the Village of Wellington will speak about its economic development initiatives, Giddings said
“The Village of Wellington will be doing a presentation on what they’ve done for the business community, their business-friendly initiatives and their economic development program,” she said.
The key is open dialogue, Giddings said. “After we provide them with information, we’re going to have an open dialogue with the business owners,” she said. “They can ask questions of the village if they have specific questions, and we will ask them questions, too, about what their issues are and what the chamber can do to better help them.”
Giddings said a recent boost for the Wellington economy was transmittal approval by the county for a comprehensive plan amendment supporting traffic exemptions for the creation of a medical arts district centered around Wellington Regional Medical Center — an initiative the Palms West Chamber supported.
“It was nice to see the community come out and support it,” Giddings said. “It’s very important, and it shows why the task force and the economic development initiatives are regionally important.”
Another chamber-supported economic development initiative, the creation of an industrial research park at the site of Royal Palm Beach’s old wastewater treatment plant, was dropped following strong opposition from residents near the site.
“Hopefully Royal Palm is going to regroup and find another location,” Giddings said. “They have the right vision. They understand the need for economic development, and they understand the need for an employment center. They just need to take some time to regroup and find a location that the community feels is better suited for it.”
Giddings said planning issues are complex, and it takes time to get people to understand what it is her group is trying to accomplish, such as reducing driving time in an era of diminishing fuel supply and roadway availability. “When people don’t understand things, they tend to be negative about them,” she said.
For information about chamber economic development programs, e-mail economicdevelopment@ palmswest.com or call Giddings at (561) 753-7296.
TOWN-CRIER
Pick Tautiva, Klein In U.S. House Dem Primaries; Support Jess Santamaria; Put Andrews On School Board; Add Small To Court
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 24 for the primary election. We’ve analyzed the races on the ballot, and in recent weeks, the Town-Crier has been offering our opinions on some of the items voters will find on the ballot: U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 16, DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY — Wellington teacher Ed Tautiva and Palm City businessman Jim Horn are the two Democrats facing off for the right to challenge freshman Republican Tom Rooney for Florida’s District 16 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Tautiva is a seventh-grade civics teacher with a vision for the future. He is well spoken and civically minded with a clear plan of what he hopes to accomplish in office. His ideas not only look to fix our present crises, but to put the nation in a position for future prosperity. Horn has proven himself as a selfmade businessman. Of the two candidates, Tautiva’s ideas are more traditionally Democratic, while Horn’s appear more conservative. However, our knowledge of Horn is limited. Of all the candidates this primary season invited in for a sit-down with the Town-Crier’s editorial board, Horn is the only one who did not avail himself of the opportunity. That alone suggests he is not likely to be cognizant of the needs of the Palm Beach County portion of this district. The Town-Crier endorses Ed Tautiva in the Congressional District 16 Democratic primary.
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 22, DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY — In 2008, Congressman Ron Klein faced a primary challenge from Paul Renneisen, who ran on a predominantly antiwar platform. Now, two years later, Renneisen again is challenging Klein in the Democratic primary. And again, Klein is the better choice. Like other leaders in Congress, Klein understands that while the U.S. presence in Iraq and Afghanistan isn’t popular, the only way to get out is to do so responsibly, not abruptly. Renneisen’s point of view was asked and answered by the electorate two years ago when Klein won decisively. If the question is whether voters are satisfied with the accomplishments of the 111th Congress, that is to be answered in November, when the winner of this race will likely face well-funded Republican Allen West. For now, the question is who is the stronger Democratic candidate, and the answer is clearly Klein.
The Town-Crier endorses Ron Klein in the Congressional District 22 Democratic primary.
PALM BEACH COUNTY COMMISSION, DISTRICT 6, DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY — Four years ago, the Town-Crier strongly supported the election of Jess Santamaria because we believed he would bring a unique, absolutely incorruptible point of view to the Palm Beach County Commission. Now that four years have passed, like his style or dislike his style, that has been the case. It is because of the work of Santamaria that Palm Beach County is on the verge of having the ethics rules, regulations and enforcement
Support For Santamaria
I would like to address Mr. Frank Morelli’s letter to the editor last week. I was first intrigued by the title, “Santamaria, Big Government Spender,” because Commissioner Santamaria is a fiscal conservative. As I read the article, I was appalled at Mr. Morelli’s distortions, misrepresentation of facts and lack of appreciation of what Jess Santamaria has done for the western communities as a citizen and commissioner.
The first and largest issue is the newly created Office of the Inspector General. Morelli states that it will cost taxpayers “one percent on top of the already outrageous cost of permits.” Wrong. This money will come from a onequarter percent deducted from the price of companies winning goods and services bids in Palm Beach County. This Inspector General entity will be financially self sufficient, and the cost to the taxpayers will be zero. Commissioner Santamaria led this fight from its inception and ultimately, all seven commissioners approved the grand jury recommendation to be placed on the ballot this November. I consider this to be Commissioner Santamaria’s greatest achievement while in office.
Next, Mr. Morelli had the gall to write that Jess Santamaria is not watching out for seniors, the poor or the unemployed in the Glades.
Jess has been a long-time member of the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA) and has been there for seniors on every issue. Regarding the poor? Jess gave up his entire salary as a commissioner to donate to the Lord’s Place to help the homeless. Unemployment in the Glades?
The first step Jess took as commissioner was to hire Michael Jackson, a respected leader in the Glades to be his liaison out there.
During Jess’ tenure as commissioner, $404 million has gone to the Glades for area project funding. Commissioner Santamaria has supported having an inland port or industrial complex on 850 acres between Belle Glade and South Bay to help ease the job starved situation in the Glades. Furthermore, realizing that the sugar industry has to go to Miami to get trained workers to operate the heavy machinery, Jess donated $20,000 out of his own pocket to get the youths of the Glades in vocational training. Jess is keenly aware of the plight of the people in the Glades.
Oh yes, one more issue about the commissioner Mr. Morelli labeled “big government spender.”
The year before Jess Santamaria was elected, our property taxes increased by $110 million. Since Jess was elected in 2006 to represent us, our property taxes have decreased by $85 million. It is clear that Mr. Morelli is completely misinformed on the county is-
mechanisms to finally begin to clean the stain of corruption that has hung over county government for far too long. From time to time, there have been individual issues with which we disagree, but overall Santamaria is exactly as he appears to be — a principled man who puts the people above party, special interests and developers. If the county commission were made up entirely of people like Santamaria, we would most likely have a far more honest and transparent government. He is challenged in this election by Glades activist Michael E. Jackson. Jackson is passionate about issues he holds dear to him, as well as the future of the Glades communities. He would make an admirable voice on the county commission, but not in place of Santamaria at this moment in time. The Town-Crier strongly endorses Jess Santamaria in the County Commission District 6 Democratic primary.
PALM BEACH COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD, SEAT 6 — Last week, we endorsed the re-election of incumbent School Board Member Bill Graham in the Seat 3 race. One of the primary reasons for our decision was the fact that there will be at least three new faces on the board later this year, and Graham would provide an experienced voice. While the race for Seat 6 is without an incumbent, there is one lifelong educator among the three — Marcia Andrews. Recently retired, Andrews worked for the Palm Beach County School District for 35 years. The other two challengers — businessman Dean Grossman and barber Ron Young — don’t have that same background. And while we were very impressed with both of them, and having someone with a non-educational point of view is useful, the School Board needs to function as an entity leading an educational institution when it reconvenes in November. And the only candidate who will understand all the issues from the start is Andrews. The Town-Crier endorses Marcia Andrews in Palm Beach County School Board District 6.
PALM BEACH CIRCUIT COURT, GROUP 33 — In the Circuit Court Group 33 race, lawyers Jaimie Goodman, Lisa Small, Kenneth Lemoine and Andrew Daire are vying to replace retiring Judge Kenneth Stern. After speaking to the candidates, it is clear that each one of them would make a capable and fair judge. That being said, out of the four candidates, we were most impressed with Small’s experience not only in the courtroom, but in the legal community. She has extensive experience advocating for families, small businesses and individuals. Additionally, Small has spent a year as a traffic-hearing officer juggling a high volume of cases, an experience that will serve her well on the bench. She has also served on the board of both the Palm Beach County and Florida bar associations, where she has had to hand down fair and impartial judgment while dealing with her peers. This background suggests she will be both fair and impartial in the courtroom. The Town-Crier endorses Lisa Small for Palm Beach Circuit Court, Group 33.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
sues. However, I do agree with one thing he wrote: “the ways to cure the ‘illness’ of corruption is to elect honest men and women.” That is why we need to re-elect Jess Santamaria, an honest man with integrity.
Brian Hanley Royal Palm Beach
Jess Santamaria:
‘Born
To Serve’
This letter is written to firmly endorse Jess Santamaria for county commissioner for a second term. I have supported Jess since he decided to run for office, and this support continues because he has not only proven to me, but the Palm Beach community that he is worthy of our support and respect. First and foremost Jess is an honest candidate — an understatement in today’s political arena — who cares about us. Through his monthly community forums he keeps us informed about what’s going on by breaking down issues so that lay people can understand. Second, transparency is a must, and Jess definitely serves as an example of this and supports this. He feels that we must serve by example. There is a saying, “When the people lead, the leaders will follow.” The Office of the Inspector General is a major accomplishment to reverse the “corruption county” identity that we have acquired, and will also support the people’s interest in issues
that directly affect them as well as making things transparent.
Jess has brought $404 million to the Belle Glade community under his leadership while bringing in unprecedented revenue to include a host of other savings. He saved us taxpayers more than $60 million by opposing an unnecessary landfill that all the other commissioners were ready to pay almost 400 percent over the appraised value. What Jess does for me and others is make us pay attention and understand that each one of us can make a difference, and we must all come together and do our part.
I was truly impressed when he proposed a moratorium on rock mining until our water safety can be evaluated. So many environmental hazards have caused sickness in our communities that it is crucial that the people we put in office are truly working for us, for it’s not how we come with high intention, it’s how many leave with them intact.
In closing, I certainly hope that our young and upcoming public servants who are the future of this great nation can regain faith and pride in our fragile government and believe in the foundation of this country by getting opportunities to meet, hear and emulate the integrity of men like Jess Santamaria who are truly “born to serve.” Amanayea Abraham Royal Palm Beach
NEWS
Thank You, Dr. Rauchwerger
There is no miracle in dentistry; the miracle is a good dentist. For that, I sincerely thank Dr. Sergio Rauchwerger and his caring staff at Smile Designs in Wellington for giving me back my smile.
Shirley Goldman Suburban Lake Worth
Alperstein
Responds To Morelli Letter
Frank Morelli tried to do a hatchet job on Jess Santamaria in a letter to the Town-Crier. Instead he only showed a lack of the facts and an obvious bias against the commissioner.
Let’s start with the cost of the new Office of the Inspector General. It will not cost homeowners one percent; in fact, it will not cost them anything. It will cost contractors who want to do business with the county only 0.25 percent of their contract with Palm Beach County.
Morelli feels comfortable with current law enforcement to stem
the tide of the changing Palm Beach County from being called “Corruption County,” despite the fact that we now have a fourth commissioner resigning. He intimated that Tony Masilotti is an honest man who was snookered by the law. He said Santamaria is not looking out for seniors or the poor. Is he not aware that besides the multitude of charities Mr. Santamaria gives money to, he also donates all of his salary to a charity every year?
Santamaria did not reportedly give a $4,000 personal check to a constituent; he actually did it. And for his generosity, the man continued to berate him in a public forum. Then he expects Mr. Santamaria to stem the unemployment in the Glades, when President Obama cannot achieve his promise to bring down unemployment to eight percent despite spending almost a $1 trillion of stimulus money. Jess Santamaria is a watch dog on spending, corruption and the public welfare. We not only need him to be re-elected, we need six more just like him.
Morley Alperstein Wellington
Ed Tautiva: Civics Lesson Turns School Teacher Into A Candidate
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
Wellington teacher Ed Tautiva hopes his leadership experience and knowledge of government will inspire voters to choose him in the Democratic primary for the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida’s 16th Congressional District.
In the Aug. 24 primary, Tautiva faces Palm City businessman Jim Horn. The winner gets the chance to unseat freshman Republican Tom Rooney in November. Horn did not return calls requesting a sit-down interview.
District 16 takes in large portions of the western communities and northern areas of Palm Beach County before heading north to the Treasure Coast and swinging across the state to Port Charlotte.
Tautiva, 45, came to the United States from Colombia when he was seven months old. He grew up in Boston and later joined the Army National Guard. He graduated from Salem State College in Salem, Mass., with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in business.
In Boston, Tautiva worked with incarcerated youth teaching HIV and AIDS education. In 2001, Tautiva moved to Florida with his wife, Sherry. They have a daughter and live in Wellington. Tautiva teaches seventh grade civics at Okeeheelee Middle
School. After learning about how government works, his students encouraged him to make a difference in the system. After speaking with his rabbi, he decided to run for office.
“He said the House of Representatives needs to be run by the people, for the people,” Tautiva said. “You know this better than I do. You should step up to the plate.”
Tautiva said his top accomplishments are his daughter, who is an honor student at Suncoast High School, his 17-year marriage, and his honesty and integrity.
Tautiva said that his ability to communicate well will help the residents of District 16.
“I believe that you have to look for the win-win situation,” he said. “You can’t be extreme on one side or the other. My rule of thumb is ‘seek first to understand, then to be understood.’” Upon arriving in Washington, Tautiva said his top three goals would be to get on the environmental committee and help the nation move toward renewable energy, to end the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and to make the government more in touch with the people.
Tautiva said that he would push to bring renewable energy research to Florida. He noted that although New Jersey is a smaller state that gets less sunshine, it
leads the nation in solar technology. “We are the Sunshine State,” he said. “We should be leading the nation in solar technologies. I want to bring jobs here in renewable energy.”
The U.S. can also save money by ending the wars, Tautiva said. He said he would make it a priority not only to end them, but to make sure the public knows what is going on overseas.
“We are taking money from China, billions of dollars,” he said. “And we are now in the business of nation building. That’s not what the anti-terrorist wars were about. Look what’s happened to our economy.”
Another top goal would be to encourage elected officials to have more communication with their constituents. “There seems to be a Catch-22 or a double-edged sword,” Tautiva said. “The people in Washington sometimes get comfortable in Washington. If you’re not listening [to your constituents], if you’re not asking questions, if you’re not talking, if you’re not communicating with your district, then you’re really not representing them when you go to vote. You’re going to vote on what you think they want.”
Although Horn has said that he is more qualified to represent voters because of his business background, Tautiva said Horn’s business skills could be a hindrance.
“I’m quick to remind people that those skills that you need in business are not the same skills that you need in government,” Tautiva said. “In business, you are looking for the high profit margins. In government you’re about serving the people for no ulterior motive.”
He also noted that Horn has been absent from several Democratic events and that his views are “not traditionally Democratic.”
“He was a Republican for 18 years,” Tautiva said. “One week before he signed up for this election, he became a Democrat.”
Tautiva noted that he was registered independent before becoming a Democrat, but said he had always ascribed to traditional Democratic values.
Tautiva said he would like to see the nation focus on the future and invest its dollars that are spent on war into stimulating the economy. Although the government plans to pull troops out by August 2011, he said the resources are needed sooner. “We’re hurting now,” he said. “We need those resources now. We need that money — actually, we needed it yesterday.”
Tautiva also noted that he believes the country has become fearful of outsiders after the 9/11 attacks and said that he supports immigration.
“After 9/11, our country became fearful of anything foreign
or any foreigners being allowed in,” he said. “And we have forgotten that we are a nation of immigrants. The Arizona law that passed is just in support of my theory that we are not the same people we were back before 9/11.”
Tautiva called the recently passed healthcare reform bill a “health insurance reform bill,” but said that it was a step in the right direction.
“There are people who were not covered before who are now covered,” he said. “I think that it was a step in the right direction. From this step, people will move more toward a single-payer system.”
Tautiva said that he would like to see manufacturing jobs brought back to America. “Our middle class has been decimated because we’re not making anything,” he said.
Additionally, he said he would like to see the nation “get off the oil addiction.”
“This crisis out in the Gulf of Mexico is the perfect opportunity for us to say, ‘Let’s reinvent ourselves, let’s get off this oil addiction,’” he said. “But Congress is so entrenched with the lobbyists and special interest groups for oil companies.”
Tautiva said his strengths are that he listens well and looks at all sides of an issue before making a decision, but noted that because of that, he is not quick to
Ed Tautiva make a decision. He said voters should choose him because he is a public servant who understands the working class, who will listen to constituents and who has a vision for a better future.
“I’m an ordinary citizen stepping up to the plate,” he said. “If more ordinary citizens were to step up to the plate, this country would be in better circumstances. If more people were to do that, their voices would be louder, not only by votes, but in what they have to say.” For more info., visit www. edtautiva.com.
ELECTION 2010: STATE SENATE DISTRICT 27,
Fort Myers Attorney Peter Burkert Eyes Aronberg’s Senate Seat
By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report
Fort Myers attorney Peter Burkert is seeking to replace departing State Sen. Dave Aronberg, running a campaign highlighting his ability to work well with both Democrats and Republicans.
Burkert, 58, faces State Rep. Kevin Rader (D-District 78) in the Aug. 24 Democratic primary for the District 27 seat in the State Senate. The long, thin district runs from West Palm Beach to the Gulf Coast, taking in portions of the western communities, especially the southern areas of Wellington and large swaths of Loxahatchee.
Either Burkert or Rader will face the winner of a three-person Republican primary in the Nov. 2 general election. Aronberg, a Democrat, is leaving office to run for Florida attorney general.
Burkert moved to Florida from Michigan with his family when he was a child. The family later moved from the Tampa area to Broward County, where Burkert finished high school. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and a law
degree from Florida State University.
After graduating from law school, Burkert spent about eight years working for one of the largest law firms in Fort Myers representing insurance companies and other businesses. He formed his own law firm in 1986 and represented injured workers against insurance companies. Since 2008, Burkert has mostly done mediation work.
“I am a Florida Supreme Courtcertified mediator,” he said. “I don’t do divorce and family law, but I get hired and I go in and mediate cases.”
As for his top accomplishments, Burkert first noted his wife and his four children, but also stressed his accomplishments battling for working people and consumers to protect their rights.
“I hope my accomplishments would include the efforts I have made on behalf of working people and consumers to protect their rights in the courtroom and the laws that are made in Tallahassee,” Burkert said. “I worked hard to do that, and not only do a good job for them, but do a good job for
them in the courtroom and be successful at that, and get them the benefits they deserve. In Tallahassee, I want to try to achieve changes to the laws that would benefit working people.”
In 2006, Burkert ran for office in State House District 73, generally considered a safe Republican seat based in Lee County. He did better than expected in that race, taking 47 percent of the vote.
Burkert said he was “drafted” to run for Seat 27 by the Democratic Party during President Barack Obama’s visit to Fort Myers in 2009. “They thought I did well and was able to cross over and get independent votes and Republican votes to get the numbers I achieved,” Burkert said. “This seat, District 27, is a seat that requires a person’s ability to do that.”
If elected, Burkert said that he wants to focus on the economy, job creation and insurance, as well as Everglades restoration.
Burkert stressed that insurance is an area where he differs widely from Rader. Burkert said that he finds it troubling that Rader had voted six times in the past two
years for bills that would raise property insurance rates or allow insurance companies to raise rates above the rates regulators would allow. Burkert noted that Rader works in the insurance industry.
“In the realm of property insurance,” Burkert said, “we need to work on bills that require additional capitalization. Some of these companies are under-capitalized.”
Burkert supports some government intervention to help job creation, but as far as business incentives, he said that the businesses receiving such incentives must prove the firm can generate jobs.
“One of the examples I use is there was a business incentive given to a tropical fish farm company,” Burkert said. “While I am sure that jobs were created, I am not sure it had a public benefit. We should be giving the incentives to companies who produce renewable energy and manufacture solar panels, and other companies that have a broader public benefit and create Florida jobs.”
Burkert also said he would look into the area of sales tax exemptions and fight to collect sales tax on Internet purchases.
As for Everglades restoration, Burkert said he supports in large part the re-establishment of the region’s historic water flow and the land purchases necessary to make it happen, championed by Gov. Charlie Crist.
Concerning the proposed amendments on the November ballot, Burkert supports amendments 5 and 6, which would change the way Florida’s legislative and congressional districts are drawn.
While he understands the sentiment behind the “Hometown Democracy” Amendment 4, he does not support it. If Amendment 4 passes, referendums would be required for land use changes. Burkert said it could mean chaos because developers and political consultants would hire lobbyists to try to sway people on what they were presenting to local government agencies.
“I understand why it’s here,” Burkert said. “People are frustrated by overdevelopment, by sprawl, and by their county commissioners having a cavalier attitude toward the comprehensive plan. That’s why it got on the ballot so easily. I am a purist regarding the state’s constitution. To put this kind of stuff in the constitution is a bad idea. It ought to be done legislatively.”
As far as the cancer scare in The Acreage, Burkert feels that
Delray Beach State Rep. Kevin Rader Seeks Promotion To Senate
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
State Rep. Kevin Rader (D-Delray Beach) faces Fort Myers attorney Peter Burkert in the Aug. 24 primary for the chance to face one of three Republican hopefuls on Nov. 2 for the State Senate District 27 seat being vacated by Dave Aronberg in his bid for Florida attorney general.
District 27 winds its way from downtown West Palm Beach across the state to Fort Myers in Lee County. It covers portions of the western communities, especially southern areas of Wellington and large swaths of Loxahatchee.
Rader, 41, is a partner in Advanced Insurance Underwriters, which has 11 offices around the state, including one on Okeechobee Blvd. just east of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. He is married to Rabbi Amy Rader. They have four children.
Rader currently represents District 78, a state house seat covering western Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and sub-
urban Lake Worth, then crosses Lake Okeechobee to take in portions of the City of Okeechobee and then heads back east to Fort Pierce. “It’s a gerrymandered seat,” he said. “It’s done that way so they pack Democrats so I have a very safe-performing Democratic district.”
The northern part of his seat is heavily minority, heavily unemployed and vastly different than the socioeconomic level of the communities in southern Palm Beach County, he noted. Rader has represented the area in Tallahassee for two years. He pointed to passing ethics legislation this year as one of his top accomplishments.
“Obviously, some of our county commissioners and city commissioners here in Palm Beach County have broken some federal, state and local statutes,” Rader said. “Sen. Aronberg was my State Senate sponsor on the ethics bill, which basically put more teeth in the penalty and jail time and financial penalty for breaking a local ordinance.”
Rader also said he championed an unemployment compensation bill that would have drawn $441 million in stimulus money to help the Unemployment Trust Fund, which went bankrupt last August.
“What happened the last year, we had such high unemployment that it took all the money out of it, so we went in the red. We borrowed from the federal government between $200 to $300 million a month through March. We have to start paying that back. It’s going to be the biggest business tax increase in Florida’s history.”
His top priority as a state senator would be to focus on jobs and the economy. “The more you can do to stimulate the economy, the less cuts you’re going to have to do to healthcare and education, where about 85 percent of the tax dollars go,” Rader said. He wants to find new industries that would complement what the state and the county have been doing with Scripps and Max Planck in the biotech sector. In addition to biotech, he believes the area can also become a leader in green tech-
nologies such as wind and solar industries, wave technology and biomass.
Rader said the state legislature can help improve Florida’s economic situation by streamlining sales tax rules and joining in a national lawsuit to enact an Internet sales tax, which would go a long way toward plugging anticipated budget shortfalls.
Rader also wants to focus on education, specifically pre-K and post-high school education. Children with pre-K experience are better prepared to start elementary school than those without, which creates a rift among children that only grows year by year. At the other end of the spectrum, approximately one-third of high school students do not go to college, he said. “That’s an enormous number of students every year who either don’t graduate from high school or don’t go off to college,” he said.
Rader gives Florida’s handling of the BP oil spill a rating of 2 or 3 on a scale of 10. “We had a special session three weeks ago that
the legislature wanted to grandstand on,” he said. “I think we met for 52 minutes, where the speaker stood up there and said, ‘We’re not going to be up here so the governor can get his name in the paper.’ … So far the legislature has done absolutely nothing.”
When it comes to amendments on the November ballot, Rader opposes Amendment 4, dubbed “Hometown Democracy.”
“I think Hometown Democracy would take an industry that has been battered and drive them out of the state,” he said.
However, Rader strongly favors Amendments 5 and 6, the “Fair Districts” amendments that would change the way federal and state district lines are drawn.
“You wouldn’t have legislators drawing their own districts,” he said. “The district I represent right now is a gerrymandered district. It isn’t even contiguous by land — only over the water. District 27, which I’m running in, is only connected by water as well.” Rader said that as a state senator, he would advocate that dis-
tricts be drawn more logically, including seeing that Lee County is represented by someone from that area in the future. Rader and his Democratic opponent Burkert have been waging an increasingly bitter primary battle. Burkert has criticized Rader on insurance issues because of his connection to the industry, but
Peter Burkert
Kevin Rader
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
AUG 8 — Several residents called the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Wellington last Sunday morning to report a loose bull along State Road 7. According to a PBSO report, a deputy was dispatched to the intersection of SR 7 and Forest Hill Blvd. after several residents complained that a large brown bull was feeding along the roadway. The bull came from a fenced in area near SR 7, but the deputy was unable to locate the hole in the fence from which the animal exited. According to the report, the deputy called Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control to handle the situation.
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AUG 4 — A Royal Palm Beach woman was arrested early last Wednesday morning on drug charges following a traffic stop on Southern Blvd. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation pulled over 24-year-old Melissa St. Firmin for traveling 65 miles per hour in a 50-mph zone. St. Firmin was arrested for drunken driving, and a search of the vehicle found 4.5 grams of marijuana. St. Firmin was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where she was charged with driving under the influence and possession of marijuana under 20 grams.
AUG 6 — A man was arrested on drug charges last Friday evening at a home in Wellington’s Grand Isles community following a trespassing complaint. According to a PBSO report, a resident of Grand Isles called the PBSO substation in Wellington to report an unwanted guest. A deputy arrived and made contact with 46year-old Patrick Binnall, who was found to have a warrant for failure to appear in court for a traffic violation. Binnall was also found to be in possession of a crack pipe. He was arrested and taken to the county jail where he was charged with failure to appear in court, possession of narcotics equipment and driving with a suspended license.
Beach was dispatched to a home in Counterpoint Estates last Saturday evening regarding a delayed residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 1 and 6:30 p.m. last Wednesday, someone smashed the window on the northeast side of the victim’s home and stole a red, 5500-watt generator with a Subaru engine from the victim’s garage. The victim said that he arrived home last Saturday to find the manual from the generator outside, the front door unlocked and the rear sliding glass door open. A box containing a dog kennel was also removed from the garage and left leaning against the house. He said that a neighbor saw the kennel box outside last Wednesday. According to the report, footprints were found on the tile floor in the kitchen, and dried blood was found on the window frame. The stolen generator was valued at approximately $550. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
AUG 8 — A Royal Palm Beach man was arrested on charges of drunken driving early last Sunday morning following a traffic stop on Southern Blvd. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation stopped a 2004 Dodge Ram driven by 36-year-old Eric Cook for swerving in and out of its lane of travel. The deputy made contact with Cook and noticed signs of impairment. A second deputy arrived and administered a roadside sobriety test. According to the report, Cook was arrested and breath tests revealed he had a .248 bloodalcohol level. He was charged with drunken driving.
AUG 6 — A West Palm Beach man was arrested on drug charges last Friday afternoon following a traffic stop on Forest Hill Blvd. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation pulled over 22-year-old Robin Alexis. The deputy discovered a large plastic bag containing 12 grams of marijuana in the vehicle’s center console. Alexis was arrested and taken to the county jail where he was charged with possession of marijuana under 20 grams.
AUG 6 — A woman was arrested last Friday night for shoplifting at the Macy’s department store in the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation was dispatched to Macy’s after a loss prevention officer observed 38-year-old Karlene Jessie putting several pieces of clothing in her purse and then exiting the store. Jessie was stopped by the officer, who recovered approximately $472 in merchandise. Jessie was taken to the county jail where she was charged with grand theft.
AUG 7 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm
AUG 8 — A man was arrested last Sunday afternoon for shoplifting at the Macy’s department store in the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation was inside Macy’s when he observed 48-year-old Jeffrey Mason conceal a pair of Nike sneakers, valued at approximately $65, in his backpack. The deputy revealed himself to Mason, who then apologized for taking the sneakers. The deputy then contacted a loss prevention officer. Mason was taken to the county jail where he was charged with retail theft.
AUG 8 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched last Sunday to the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road in response to a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim had placed her wallet in her friend’s right pants pocket while they were shopping. They stood in line to check out for approximately 30 minutes, and when they were finished, the victim’s wallet was missing. According to the report, the victim canceled her debit card and also made contact with customer service and the cashier to see if they had the wallet, but they did not. The wallet is tan with turtles and peace signs on it and contained $30 cash, a debit card and the victim’s license. According to the report, the deputy requested footage of the incident, but there was no loss prevention officer available at the time to review it. There were no suspects
See BLOTTER, page 20
His date of birth is 05/05/47. Padron is wanted for conspiracy to traffic in cannabis and failure to appear on charges of cultivation of marijuana and possession/production of paraphernalia. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was 60th Lane North in The Acreage. Padron is wanted as of 08/12/10. 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.
David Hamil
Agustin Padron
County Zoners OK Biz Park On SR 7 South Of Lake Worth Road
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
The Palm Beach County Plan-
ning & Zoning Board last week recommended approval to rezone a 9.2-acre site on State Road 7 from one residential unit per acre to a multiple use commercial development.
At the Aug. 5 meeting, the board discussed a business park called Legend Lakes Center on the east side of SR 7 about a half-mile south of Lake Worth Road.
The rezoning would allow the development of about 124,000 square feet of medical offices and/ or offices for professional use. The preliminary site plan indicated four two-story buildings of about 31,700 square feet each and 481 parking spaces. Access would be from SR 7.
The Legend Lakes Property
Owners Association, representing a surrounding residential community, has requested that the east perimeter buffer be located 60 feet inside the property boundary with a sodded buffer for the two property owners to the east, according to the county’s staff report. County staff recommended denial of the rezoning, contending that conversion of the low residential, one home per acre, to commercial office is inappropriate because the land-use change has not been approved.
“The planning department has determined that the applicant has not justified a change in land use to commercial office and has not demonstrated that the current LR1 future land-use designation is inappropriate,” said project manager Carol Glasser, who added that her staff also determined that the
plan is not consistent with the West Lake Worth Road Neighborhood Plan.
Jennifer Vail with Land Design South, representing client H&M Development, said the project has received community support other than two letters of opposition.
Manny Soloski with H&M Development said the company has been developing in Miami-Dade County the past eight years and has two developments in Broward County. Legend Lakes would be the company’s first venture into Palm Beach County.
“Our intent in developing real estate is not just to complete projects and turn around and sell them,” Soloski said. “We are holders of all of our projects, and this would be the case here. It’s a fullservice organization, and we are very hands-on. We construct our
own projects and in effect lease and ultimately manage them.”
Soloski said that some of the projects have full occupancy and cited one project, Whispering Woods Center in Coral Springs, which is surrounded by the Whispering Woods residential development.
“What we’ve found in developing this project is that many of our tenants are really from the community,” Soloski said. “They are the attorneys. They are the insurance folks, the doctors who live in that community who want to stay in that community and don’t necessarily have any interest to drive long distances to the urban core.”
Soloski said his company had attended Legend Lakes Estates homeowners meetings for about four months before applying for
any approval, with the understanding that if the homeowners did not want the project, the company would move on.
Vail pointed out that the project has received a letter of support from the Legend Lakes Estates Homeowners Association as well as the Lake Worth Road coalition not to oppose the land-use change from residential to commercial.
Commission members pointed out that the current zoning of one unit per acre is not economically viable for the property. Staff added that its recommendation of denial was because a request for a land-use change had not yet completed the approval process.
Chairwoman Sherry Hyman said she was concerned about the square footage. “This is 100,000 square feet of neighborhood commercial,” Hyman said. “To me it
looks pretty dense. I hope you can rent it.”
Soloski acknowledged that the economy is tough, but added that the company’s rental rates are favorable. “By virtue of building in this economy and taking advantage of that, and passing that on in terms of rental rates, we’re going to be very successful,” he said. In other business, the board recommended rezoning of 4.32 acres of property in The Acreage from agricultural residential to public use to allow it to be added to the existing seven-acre Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park. The property is south of Northlake Blvd. and 250 feet east of Hall Road on the north side of 89th Place North. The site has a single-family residence and a private stable that will both be converted to accessory structures as part of the park.
Congressman Klein Faces A Familiar Challenger In Dem Primary
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
Antiwar activist Paul Renneisen once again is challenging incumbent Ron Klein in the Aug. 24 Democratic primary for the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. Klein easily defeated Renneisen in the 2008 primary, 85 percent to 15 percent. Klein remains the heavy favorite this year as well.
The winner of the primary will face the winner of a Republican primary between David Brady and Allen West. West, who narrowly lost to Klein in the general election two years ago, is favored to win his party’s endorsement.
Starting from the Martin County line, the 22nd Congressional District includes parts of the western communities, suburban West Palm Beach and central Palm Beach County, continuing through the south county area and into Fort Lauderdale.
Renneisen, 56, was born in Milwaukee. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota. After graduation in 1976, he joined the Air Force and served as an instruction pilot at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas. From 1981-84 he served as an officer at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization air base in Europe, where he met his wife, Patricia. He and his wife have four children and live in Fort Lauderdale. He is a captain for American Airlines. Renneisen said he became interested in politics in 2006 after seeing no end in sight to the war in Iraq. While he supported several Democratic candidates who pledged to end the war, none of them delivered.
So Renneisen ran against Klein and lost in the primary. However, he noted that he received nine times more votes than anticipated in Broward County and six times more in Palm Beach County. He said he is running again in hopes to
help end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said the U.S. has achieved its objectives in the wars and should bring the troops home.
“I’m the most qualified candidate to bring our troops home,” he said. “There’s no question that with my experience in NATO, my work overseas and work in the private sector make me qualified.”
Additionally, he said that ending the war would help to ease the economic crisis. He noted that the government is spending $2 billion a week. “The cost of the war is the top issue in terms of economic devastation in the United States,” he said. “We cannot support this war.”
Renneisen said the money saved could be reinvested into District 22 to help stimulate the local economy. He pointed to the area’s heavy tourism industry as an area that could benefit from the money.
Renneisen has also proposed a 10 percent flat-tax option that would allow Americans to pay 10 percent of their annual income in taxes. “As a former businessman and former CPA,” he said, “I’m aware of the frustration every taxpayer goes through, whether wealthy or not. They all face a huge frustration trying to file income taxes.”
Ultimately, Renneisen hopes voters will choose him for his ideas and dedication to bringing troops home. “[Ron Klein] has let us down,” he said. “For four years he’s not delivered anything he promised. It’s time for him to be replaced.”
For more information, visit www. renneisenforcongress.com.
Klein, 53, was born in Ohio in 1957.
He attended Ohio State University and, after graduation in 1979, attended law school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Klein and his wife Dori moved to Boca Raton in 1985. They have two children, Brian and Lauren.
In 1992, Klein was elected to the Florida House of Representatives. From 1996 to 2006 he served District 30 in the Florida State Senate, where he was the mi-
nority leader. In 2006, Klein defeated 13term incumbent Republican Congressman Clay Shaw to take the District 22 seat.
While serving in office, Klein said that his top accomplishments have been working to help small businesses, passing the Homeowners’ Defense Act in the House and providing service dogs for veterans.
“I’ve spent a tremendous amount of time focusing on what we can do to get small businesses access to capital, and helping small businesses understand how they can find new ways of getting business for themselves,” he said.
He also noted his work on the Homeowners’ Defense Act, which passed in the House in 2007 and was reintroduced by Klein during the 2009 session. The bill would ensure the availability and affordability of homeowners’ insurance coverage for catastrophic events. It would create a regulatory consortium to oversee state insurance companies. “It would help get our rates down and provide more availability to private insurance,” he said.
Lastly, Klein said that he was proud of a bill he passed to provide service dogs to veterans. He said a local veteran of World War II approached him and said that many veterans returning home with injuries could benefit from a service dog. But the Veterans Administration wasn’t providing the service. “We took this idea, we introduced a bill and we passed it,” he said.
Upon returning to office, Klein said he would be faced with the challenge of helping create jobs, something he is prepared to tackle. He noted that at the beginning of the recession, the nation was losing about 700,000 jobs a month, although there are signs it is slowly turning around.
“My view is that until every single person who wants a job in South Florida can get a job, I’m not going to stop fighting,” he said.
To help create jobs, Klein suggested bringing back jobs in manufacturing and
incentives for energy businesses that will create jobs, which is his major goal upon re-election.
“I think the biggest thing is really jobs,” he said. “It’s jobs, it’s the economy, and it’s creating energy-alterative businesses — making our country energy independent. It strengthens our national security, it creates jobs and it enhances our environment. It’s three things all in one.”
Another issue that Klein said he is working on is preserving and protecting Medicare and Social Security against privatization, and helping to ensure the money goes to those who need it.
“It’s a sacred bond that we have with our senior citizens,” he said. “There are people out there who would like to privatize Medicare and Social Security. They want to change the rules. I just think that’s dead wrong.”
Klein noted that he would continue working to fight Medicare fraud. He pointed to a bipartisan bill he filed on going after billions of dollars of Medicare fraud in Florida.
“If we could get to these criminals and
punish them, it’s more money that’s in the Medicare system to provide care for our seniors,” he said. “Our Medicare and Social Security systems are extremely important. And those who want to blow them up and privatize them, I’m going to fight with every last breath against them.” Klein said that voters should choose him because he is committed to supporting his constituents and bringing all parties together to work toward a solution for current and future problems.
“I wake up every day thinking about how I can help the local community, whether it’s veterans getting their disability and their support, or whether it’s Medicare recipients getting what they need,” he said. “Local constituent service is the best thing that we can do. But I also am someone that believes that our greatest days are in front of us. Yes, these are challenges, but you need to bring Democrats, Republicans and independents together to meet these challenges and solve problems.”
For more information, visit www.ron kleinforcongress.com.
Indian Trail Seat 1 Candidates Discuss Parks & Recreation Policy
Each week leading up to the Aug. 24 primary election for the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors, the TownCrier will be asking questions of the four Seat 1 candidates. This week’s question: “How would you characterize the Indian Trail Improvement District’s recreation policy? Does more or less money need to be spent on parks? Should ITID run its own recreation programs or should all recreation programs be run through outside service providers?”
JENNIFER HAGER
ITID’s policy on recreation seems fitting, at least for the time being. I believe that the Acreage Athletic League is doing a fine job and should be able to continue managing community activities. Maintenance could be better at our parks, and here is where our money could be put to good use. I feel strongly about having inviting and safe places for families to enjoy recreation. The bridge that will be built to connect the existing Acreage Community Park to the new “expansion park” was a great idea. The bridge will allow easier, safer access for residents. (Now let’s start building it.)
Health
By Ron Bukley
Land clearing and construction began on the park in 2002. It’s still not finished. Come on. Does it take eight years to build a park? The kids want to play already. What has been started needs to be finished.
One last opinion on parks: Hamlin Equestrian Park (Nicole Hornstein Park) has the potential to be something for the equestrian community to be proud of. As a horseman, I see that facility mismanaged space. I also have safety concerns. There is room for great improvement on that property. I believe that ITID needs someone overseeing that property who KNOWS horses.
MIKE NICHOLS
Recreation is a very important aspect of the life of the community and is reflected in the type and quality of the numerous parks. Opportunities for organized sports as well as pick-up games for baseball, softball, basketball, tennis and the unique opportunities of an equestrian community are found scattered throughout the area. The current practice of a privately run recreation program on publicly maintained lands is a
good cooperative effort that I am in favor of keeping and enhancing. In South Florida, we have become accustomed to having the best. But in this “back-to-basics” economy that is putting a stranglehold on public and private pocketbooks, we need to think smarter and more efficiently. We want our parks and facilities, but we need to pay the mortgage. ITID was created in 1957 for the purpose of “reclaiming the lands within its boundaries for water control and water supply purpos-
es...” The district later expanded its powers to construct roads and recreation areas and facilities. So, while recreation is not the original objective of ITID, it is empowered to provide those services and should do so with excellence and efficiency. Current budget expenditures for parks is approximately 10 percent of the overall budget. Unfortunately, ITID is devoting less on parks than on the debt service. If elected, I will insist that ITID focus on continuing to eliminate
debt, which will free up more dollars for improvement in parks.
BILL RILEY
I think ITID’s recreation policy is working just fine now. I think the Acreage Athletic League is doing just fine. I know we don’t have district employees who could do a better job. As for the funding on our parks, if it’s in the budget now, let’s use the money to do what we can to make the parks as best as they can be with the funding we have. I don’t think at this
Department Well Info Expo Aug. 14 Tennis Contract?
Staff Report
2 p.m. at Acreage Community Park, 6701 140th Ave. North. “We’ve invited various water filtration companies that are certified within Palm Beach County to explain how their filtration systems work and what they are designed to do,” Palm Beach County Health Department spokesman Tim O’Connor said. “In addition, we also have our biological and drinking water engineers, who are
going to be available to talk about the various methods and what we look for in contaminants in all the systems in Palm Beach County, whether it be well water or the municipal water supplies.”
The expo follows the past year’s concern regarding the possibility of elevated incidences of cancer in The Acreage. Random testing of wells in The Acreage showed no link to the types of cancer shown to have elevated levels, but did cause some concern, especially with radium found in raw water and concentrated in well filters, which successfully remove radium. Health department representatives will be able to answer questions regarding regulatory compli-
ance and provide guidance based on Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Environmental Protection and county health department regulations.
“If a person has had their well tested, they’ll be happy to go over those results with them, and they can even coincide that with possibly one of the filtration systems that will be there,” O’Connor said. “It’s an overall informational seminar. We’re not offering water testing per se at this time, but we’ll be happy to talk and address any issues that people have as best we can. Hopefully, we have brought in some of the resident experts in these matters.”
O’Connor said the vendors have been screened for the prod-
ucts they market and are all licensed. “It is not going to be just a sales type of thing,” O’Connor said. “It really is designed for them to help us answer the questions that people have on filters and filtration systems. These are resident experts that I know and can trust and have the knowledge on all of this.” Presentations will include well water system maintenance and upkeep, how certain systems are best utilized and the different types of systems available. Vendors also will answer questions about well drilling, well maintenance, well depth, filtration methods and other related topics. For info., visit www.pbchd. com or call (561) 798-7082.
continued from page 1 the program, while Cheatham would not. Additionally, it claimed that the selection committee under-evaluated the company’s experience with similar programs.
However, the village denied the appeal based on the fact that A1A disagreed with the decision without providing a basis for overturning it. “In essence, your ‘protest’ simply disagrees with the recommendation,” Assistant Village Manager Francine Ramaglia wrote in an Aug. 3 letter. “Absent the committee acting arbitrarily, capriciously or fraudulently, there is no basis to overturn the decision of the committee.” A1A was given seven days to
time we should raise taxes for our parks or anything else. If an outside service provider obtains a permit from ITID, and adheres to the rules provided in that permit, that’s fine with me. I think our parks are important to our children; it might help keep them out of trouble. Let’s do the best we can without raising taxes.
RICHARD WAITE Candidate Richard Waite did not submit an answer to this question by press time.
appeal to Village Manager Paul Schofield. In a letter received by the village Monday from A1A President Dennis Grainger, the company reiterated its appeal and suggested that the village had used the bidding process to secure a better contract with Cheatham Inc. “There seems to be a trend with tennis facilities, especially in South Florida,” Grainger wrote, “to advertise request for proposals, not to bring in new and more effective tennis management, but to provide a bargaining tool with which to renegotiate the current provider’s contract.” If Schofield agrees to overturn the committee’s decision, the village will put out another request for proposals. If the appeal is denied, the decision will go before council for approval on Tuesday, Aug. 31.
Bill Riley
Mike Nichols
Jennifer Hager
Richard Waite
Paul RenneisenRon Klein
Pizzazz Hosts ‘Pizzazz Gives Back Day’ To Benefit Little Smiles
By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report
Pizzazz Hair Design hosted its annual fundraiser Pizzazz Gives Back on Sunday, Aug. 8. This year’s event benefited the charity Little Smiles.
Last Sunday, the salon opened its doors strictly for the fundraiser. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., stylists from all five Pizzazz locations — Village Commons, the original Wellington Mall, Abacoa Plaza, Mirasol Walk and Kobosko’s Crossing — came together and donated their time and money doing customers’ hair and nails to benefit Little Smiles, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families who are in hospices, hospitals and shelters, through leisure
items and activities. Little Smiles provides toys, games, celebrity meet and greets, tickets to theme parks and events, and any other wishes or needs sick children might have to make them happy.
“We have had 30 to 40 people come in since 9 a.m., and it’s about 2 o’clock,” nail tech Ashley Umgelder said at the Kobosko’s Crossing location. “And in two hours, we made $1,000 worth of donations.”
Some stylists brought their families along to participate in the fundraiser, such as stylist Ken McBriar, who brought his wife Risa and daughter Ava Rose. “God blesses us with a lot of things, and eight hours of our time is worth it to give back for all the hours and days we have in a year,” he said.
The Pizzazz locations are usually closed Sundays. The event attracted many regular customers for the fundraiser.
Breanna Berry, who has been going to Pizzazz for four years, wanted to get her hair done, knowing that all the money would benefit Little Smiles. “I thought, if I’m going to get my hair done, I might as well do it for a good cause,” Berry said. “And it just feels good giving back.”
Others gave donations even if they did not get their hair done. Jane McGrogan took time out of her busy day and stopped by to donate to Little Smiles after seeing owner Dennis Marquez on the morning news. “I saw the owner on TV early this morning, and I had to come in today and donate
some money,” she said.
For the stylists at Pizzazz, donating their time and money is something that they strongly believe in. According to Marquez, everyone working there decides which organization the salon should raise money for.
“Every year we do a fundraiser,” Marquez said. “We have done fundraising for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Hospice of Palm Beach County and the Alzheimer’s Foundation. We always ask everyone who they would like to give back to. Every one of our team members gives their time and talents. People give them $10 tips, and they put them in the donation box. This is also a way for the stylists to teach their children how to give back.”
Pizzazz has been helping Little Smiles for several years with the organization’s annual Stars Ball.
“The annual ball is wonderful,” stylist Georgina Garcia said. “The children get their hair and makeup done by us here at the salon.
Then they go to the bridal shop and get nice clothes for the ball. They get picked up in a limo and pull up to the ball, where there is a red carpet for them to walk on. They sign autographs, and they are stars for the night.”
That is another event in which Pizzazz staff members donate their services to Little Smiles.
Pizzazz is celebrating its 36th year in business. Marquez and his wife Kristina opened their first salon in 1974. “I was right out of cosmetology school,” Marquez recalled. Marquez attributes the salon’s success to his enjoyment of being a stylist. “It’s my passion to serve people with quality while making them look better,” he said. “But it’s the people — my customers and stylists — who make Pizzazz so great.”
For more information about Little Smiles, or to make a donation, visit its web site at www.little smiles.org. To find a Pizzazz Hair Design location near you, visit www.pizzazzhair.com.
“This really gives them a chance to be happy and feel good about themselves,” stylist Teresa Richards said. “Some of these children that we have helped are not even here with us anymore, and it just breaks our hearts.”
PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Stylist Ken McBriar works on a customer’s hair.
Stylists Charlene Pisani and Teresa Richards.
Customer Breanna Berry (left) just finished getting her hair done by stylist Letty DePietto (right).
Nail tech Ashley Umgelder works on a customer’s toenails.
Jane McGrogan came in to make a donation to Little Smiles.
Risa McBriar, wife of stylist Ken McBriar, gets her nails done.
WEST PALM BEACH ANTIQUES FESTIVAL AT THE SOUTH FLORIDA FAIRGROUNDS
Valerie Solomon
with their daubers.
Temple President Robert Solomon pays the first Bingo winner, Sylvia Moore.
Roger Hoffman of Crystal Cupboard displays some Royal Doulton figurines.
Lee Frankel, a silversmith at Third Rock Jewelry, works on a shark’s tooth.
David Tenney and Philip Di Michele look over a silk rug for sale by Rezza Ektera of La Maison.
Gilded Pillow owner Jennifer Mercer with a princess doll.
Cindy Rainey buys a teapot from R.C.Hassell of Clayton’s Antiques.
Pat Camacho tries on an emerald and pearl necklace with help from Rosaria Varra.
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
‘TASTE OF THE TOWN’ AT BJ’S WHOLESALE SHOWCASES LOCAL RESTAURANTS
Tree’s Wings & Ribs’ Izzy Navarro and Manager Erin Peel.
Kimberly Berardo and General Manager Robert White of the Original Pancake House.
Kim Reynolds and Lesa Cardin at the raffle table.
Philly Connection owner Debbie Neipling with her husband Dan.
Brocko the Clown makes balloon animals for Aiden and Matthew Lehrhaupt.
Gendy and Augustin Suarez with daughters Yendy and Yaniret, who enjoy some ice cream.
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
BJ’s Wholesale Club in Royal Palm Beach hosted its “Taste of the Town”
7. Shoppers sampled dishes from area restaurants and participated in activities such as face painting and raffles. Restaurants included Chappy’s Food Cart, Kobosko’s Kreamery, Centanni Italian Restaurant, Domino’s Pizza, Tree’s Wings & Ribs, KFC, Philly Connection, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Mario Bros. Gourmet Pasta, I’m Greek Today, Original Pancake House and more.
‘SKATE WITH STARS’ BENEFIT SUPPORTS BREAST CANCER VACCINE RESEARCH
Members of the public were given the opportunity to skate alongside Olympic and national championship figure skaters as part of “Skate with Stars” held Saturday, Aug. 7 at the Palm Beach Skate Zone. A benefit for Pennies in Action breast cancer vaccine research, the event preceded the Skate Zone’s Summer Sizzler Skating Show. The show featured performances from students and stars alike. For more information about Pennies in Action, visit www.penniesinaction.org.
ARTHUR R. MARSHALL FOUNDATION CEREMONY HONORS ITS SUMMER INTERNS
The Arthur R. Marshall Foundation held its annual graduation ceremony for its summer interns on Thursday, Aug. 5 at the West Palm Beach office of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, one of the program’s key sponsors. Danielle Cameron and Daryl Houston of the Community Foundation spoke, Curt Fonger was master of ceremonies and John Marshall gave a presentation on what the interns did throughout the summer. The student interns were Adrienne Smith, Dylan Scott, Ed Pritchard, Angelique Giraud and Jim Wally. For more info., visit www.artmarshall.org.
Nancy and John Marshall with a plaque naming summer interns who have graduated over the years.
Curt Fonger addresses the interns.
The interns gather for a group photo.
PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER
Melissa Nicholas performs a backward glide.
Delaney Catalano performs to “Beauty and the Beast.”
Alya and Luke Weisberg perform a duet.
Jake Bracha (center) with Olympians Mark Ladwig and Amanda Evora.
Olympians Jeremy Barrett and Caydee Denny spin.
Melissa Nicholas talks to the crowd about Pennies in Action.
PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
A Record-Breaking Summer ArtCamp At Lighthouse ArtCenter
The Lighthouse ArtCenter recently concluded its “Once Upon a Paintbrush” Summer ArtCamp, which had a record-breaking number of campers ages 4 to 12 who created art inspired by their favorite fairy tales, superheroes, storybook characters and more.
In each of the different storybook and adventure-themed weeks of summer, campers combined literary staples and imagination to make art, fine crafts and ceramic creations.
Even with two weeks left in the camp, the Lighthouse ArtCenter had already surpassed last year’s enrollment numbers by 20 percent.
The Lighthouse ArtCenter School of Art is thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive response to its 2010 Summer ArtCamp. “I feel most inspired when in the ceramic studio, but I love the whole camp,” said camper Tommy Gougherty, who attended the camp each week. His father Buddy Gougherty said, “He would rather be at the Lighthouse ArtCamp than anywhere else.” Robots, cars and machinery were the themes for the Aug. 2-6 session, where campers designed
and constructed the technology of the future. The following week was themed “Kid Power!” and campers heard stories in which kids saved the day, and created art that celebrated the grand power of children.
Campers ages 4 and 5 met in the museum and worked on a variety of projects that were based on the themes of the week and were developmentally appropriate for this age group. Campers ages 6 to 12 met at the Lighthouse ArtCenter School of Art from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This full-day program comprised three different classes through which the campers rotated. Each class had a variety of projects, all based on the theme of the week.
The Lighthouse ArtCenter Museum is located at 373 Tequesta Drive in Tequesta, one-half mile west of Old Dixie Hwy. The Lighthouse ArtCenter School of Art is located at 395 Seabrook Road in Tequesta, one-eighth of a mile north of the intersection of Tequesta Drive and Seabrook Road. The School of Art is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For additional information, call (561) 748-8737 or visit www. lighthousearts.org.
Send school news items to: The Town-Crier Newspaper, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.
IOA Donates $10,000 To The King’s Academy
Insurance Office of America
Senior Vice President David Lodwick recently presented the King’s Academy with a $10,000 check to support the Mane Event, TKA’s annual dinner and auction. This year marks IOA’s 10th year of continued support.
Insurance Office of America is among the fastest-growing independent insurance agencies in the U.S. and is Florida’s largest privately held insurance agency. The Lodwick family has been providing insurance services for TKA for the past 40 years. Lodwick is a former mayor of Royal Palm Beach.
“This is a milestone year. It marks a decade of strong support from IOA,” TKA President Jeff Loveland said. “IOA has generously supported the auction since its inaugural year. IOA’s support of the auction has been instrumental in the event’s success year after year, and we greatly appreciate the continued commitment to our school.”
IOA’s sponsorship allows proceeds from the event to directly benefit the students and programs of the King’s Academy. Their financial support assists the King’s Academy in its endeavor to graduate Christian leaders who seek to impact their world for the king of Kings.
The Mane Event, which will have an Italian theme, is set for March 5, 2011. It will feature live and silent auctions, entertainment and a seated dinner.
For sponsorship or ticket information, call the King’s Academy Development Office at (561) 6864244, ext. 319.
The King’s Academy is a nationally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool through 12th grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International, and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. The King’s Academy
Education Experts: How To Inspire Your Child
The new school year starts Aug. 17, and parents are seeking the best back-to-school sources for supplies and clothes for their kids. But there are other ways to prepare your child for school — ways that can plant important seeds for their development and their success.
“The best way to prepare your child or teenager to return to school is to talk to them about expectations,” said Malcolm Gauld, president of Hyde Schools, a network of prep and charter schools whose curriculum has been rooted in character education for more than 40 years.
“Get them fired up,” he said, “not only about their school work, but — and this may be even more important — their attitude toward their work, as well as their relationships.”
Gauld and his wife Laura are the authors of The Biggest Job We’ll Ever Have and parenting seminars that help parents connect to their role as their children’s greatest source of inspiration.
“Parents are busy taking care of so many things, it can be difficult to stay focused on our own attitude, let alone our kids’ attitude,” Laura Gauld said. “But it is imperative that we continue to set
high expectations for them, and to remind them to have high expectations of themselves.”
According to the Gaulds, the importance of setting high expectations will ultimately reward your child with, for example, freedom of choice such as admission to their college of preference.
“But we cannot look only to external achievements, such as grades, test scores or college acceptance as indicators of personal development,” Malcolm said. “Alone, these achievements do not ensure a full, well-lived, successful life. For that we must set high expectations for attitude. A good attitude will take kids further than any report card in life.”
The Gaulds offer parents these simple guidelines to help them give their kids “the right stuff” at the start of the new school year:
• Set High Expectations and Let Go of the Outcomes Whether it’s about academics, sports or areas of personal growth, parents need to aim high with expectations and resist “lowering the bar” when they sense that their children are having difficulty achieving success.
“This can be difficult for parents,” Laura said. “We live in an
achievement culture that measures kids by test scores and identifies winners early in life. Parents can become afraid to let their children struggle to learn something for fear of a lower grade. But letting go of the outcome — that is, whether your kids win or lose — allows children the benefit of a true learning process, as well as the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions without feeling judged.”
• Allow Obstacles to Become Opportunities — Parents can get caught up in trying to “fix” their children’s problems (conflicts or difficulties with their teachers, friends, teammates and the like) instead of seeing the potential for positive learning opportunities.
“Don’t rush in to help your child in all challenging circumstances. Weigh the situation,” Malcolm said. “Often, a scenario is ripe with opportunity for your child to think, assess, learn, act and grow. This is what helps develop real self-esteem. Not allowing that experience by fixing things takes that opportunity away from your child.”
• Value Success and Failure Success is not the only path along which children move ahead in life. As parents know from their own experience, failure can teach pow-
erful lifelong lessons leading to profound personal growth. Give your children the same opportunity to learn.
“We all want to eliminate the painful elements of our experience from our children’s lives, but we can’t,” Laura said. “They need to encounter similar struggles in developing their identity. If we rob them of this, we cause them greater hardship as adults. Give them some facts and your good advice from experience, then let them grow.”
• Inspiration is Job No. 1
“Parents, don’t forget that children share a deep yearning to be inspired by you,” Laura said. “When all of the noise of their athletic heroes, movie stars and pop music performers subsides, kids are most inspired by their parents. And contrary to the messages in our media and materialistic culture, we will not inspire our children with our financial or professional achievements.”
“We best inspire our kids when we share our struggles and reach for our best,” Malcolm said. For more information about Malcolm and Laura Gauld and the Hyde Schools, visit www.great parenting101.com or www.hyde. edu.
(L-R) Ray Dorsey, Anne Zimmer, David Lodwick, TKA President Jeff Loveland, TKA Chief Financial Officer Randy Martin and TKA Director of Development John Lopez.
serves students and their families across Palm Beach and Hendry counties at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach, its Clewiston campus on Caribbean
Avenue, and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens and Royal Palm Beach. More information about the King’s Academy is available online at www.tka.net.
Camper Carly Burbage shows her artistic creation.
WHS Grad’s Pediatric Cancer Foundation A Finalist For Pepsi Grant
In her role as president of the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, 1998 Wellington High School graduate (and homecoming queen) Amy Jo Young Osborn has worked tirelessly to raise funds for families affected by pediatric cancer. After losing her son Austin Hatcher “Hatch” Osborn to cancer in 2006, Osborn and her husband Jim started the foundation in their son’s name, with the mission to help equip families with the tools necessary to cope with pediatric cancer.
On Aug. 1, the foundation was announced as a finalist in the Pepsi Refresh Project for the month of August. The foundation’s application “Hatch’s House of Hope: Empowering Children with Cancer and Their Families” was selected as a finalist from a pool of thousands of applications. Competing against hundreds of other finalists in the $250,000 category, supporters can go online or text to vote
for the foundation each day during the month of August. The two finalists with the most votes at the end of the month will win the $250,000.
“We need as many daily votes as possible,” Osborn said. “After just one day of media attention, we have risen in the ranks from 251st to 44th, but what most people don’t realize is that we need their votes every day this month.”
Anyone can vote via text and/or online.
To learn more about the foundation and its participation in the Pepsi Refresh project, visit www.hatcherfoundation.org or www.refresheverything.org. To text your vote daily, text 101703 to 73774. For daily reminders to vote, become a fan of the Austin Hatcher Foundation on Facebook. The mission of the Austin Hatcher Foundation for a Carefree Childhood is to support research toward the diagnosis, treatment and development of a cure for
pediatric cancer, and to provide support and hope to children and families undergoing treatment, as well as those who have lost children due to cancer.
The foundation has developed a landmark group of programs and services essential to help cancer-stricken children and their families function within their community. All services provided by the foundation are free of charge, funded solely by the generous donations of its supporters.
Hatch’s House of Hope is a unique Austin Hatcher Foundation concept designed to empower children and families affected by pediatric cancer to thrive. The landmark cancer care center equips children and their family members with the educational, emotional and social skills necessary to succeed. Specifically, these services include problem solving skills training, neurocognitive testing, educational programming to help effected chil-
dren overcome their cognitive and learning deficits, emotional counseling for the cancer-affected child, their siblings and parents, and marital and financial counseling to ensure a safe environment to maximize the family growth as a whole. All services at Hatch’s are free to its guests, funded entirely by donations. Erlanger Medical Mall in Chattanooga, Tenn., is the site of the first Hatch’s House of Hope, which opened Sept. 18, 2009. It is the model for other houses in the planning stages nationwide. For more information, visit www.hatcherfoundation.org or www.hatcherfoundation.org.
Pepsi is giving away millions of dollars each month in the form of grants from $5,000 to $250,000, to the ideas that receive the most votes after being selected to compete in the challenge. For additional information on the Pepsi Refresh Challenge, visit the Refresh Project’s web site at www.refresheverything.com.
Five Locals Finish U.S. Navy Basic Training Veronica Drane
Navy Seaman Garrett Wiggs, Recruit Tiffany Romero, Recruit Nicholas Borrajo, Seaman Daniel Bernardo and Seaman Vanessa Gonzalez recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, the seamen completed a variety of training, which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations.” This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet.
recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Its distinctly Navy flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.
Battle Stations is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each
Wiggs is the son of Brenda and Michael Wiggs of Wellington, and a 2008 graduate of the Kings Academy. Romero is the granddaughter of Ernesto and Sonia Gonzalez of West Palm Beach and
a 2008 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School. Borrajo is a 2008 graduate of Wellington High School. Bernardo is the son of Veronica Bernardo of West Palm Beach and Domingo Bernardo of Port St. Lucie, and a 2008 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School. Gonzalez is the daughter of Rebeca and Jacobo Gonzalez of Wellington, and a 2008 graduate of Palm Beach Central High School.
Send Palms West People items to: The Town-Crier Newspaper, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.
Army National Guard Pvt.
Veronica L. Drane has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla.
During the nine weeks of training, Drane studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military cour-
tesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.
Drane is the daughter of Ronald and Lauren Drane of Loxahatchee. She is a 2009 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School.
Amy Jo Osborn and Hatch at Hatch’s birth.
Komen Health Sciences Leader Thompson To Speak At Luncheon
The South Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure announced that the keynote speaker at the fifth annual Pink Ribbon Luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 20 will be Liz Thompson, senior vice president of medical and scientific affairs for the global Komen for the Cure organization. Thompson is responsible for leading Komen for the Cure’s extensive health sciences team. A well-known expert in the cancer health arena, Thompson joined Komen in 2008. She has excelled in initiating, developing and managing programs to drive innovation in breast cancer research while maximizing the promise of Komen to save lives and end breast cancer forever.
“The South Florida affiliate is at the front line of the battle against breast cancer,” Thompson said.
“South Florida survivors, family members and others have a passion to find a cure that is a critical weapon for us. And they’re not alone. The growing biotech and scientific community here can help provide the support necessary to win. I’m looking forward to speaking in such a dynamic, vital climate.”
The Pink Ribbon Luncheon and breast cancer education seminar, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton, is expected to be a sold-out fundraising event attended by about 450 people. Reservations are $100 per person. Organizers recommend register-
ing early. To register, or for additional information, visit www. komensouthflorida.org or call (561) 514-3020. Fern Duberman will serve as chair of the luncheon for the fifth year, and Kathleen Bocek will serve as co-chair. Honorary chairs are Lisa and Bob Marton, a couple whose struggle to outwit breast cancer before it can strike is documented in the new book, Previvors, written by Woodfield resident Dina Roth Port.
“This isn’t just a woman’s disease, this is a family disease,” Duberman said. “We tend to exclude men when talking about breast cancer, but they too need to know the challenges associated with the disease. The luncheon is an educational forum that has successfully transcended gender and generational differences. Whether this is your first luncheon or your fifth, I encourage you to come out and support the Komen South Florida Affiliate in our mission to eradicate breast cancer forever.”
In addition to Duberman and Bocek, this year’s committee
members are: Barbara Shashoua, Haddassah Yuster, Gary Pyott, Penni Fromm, Nina Greenfield, Eileen Gerstel, Francine Miller, Hermaine Raimi, Diane Danois, Joanne Applebaum and Marc Zum Tobel.
Braman Motorcars Palm Beach is presenting sponsor. Additional event sponsors include the Continental Group, Titan International Security Services, Event Studio Productions, Lisa and Mark Delevie, Lisa and Robert Marton, the Marton Bute Marcus Wealth Management Group of Merrill Lynch, the Regency Collection and Life Publications.
Komen founder and CEO Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker spoke at last year’s luncheon, which raised $92,000 with 75 percent of the proceeds staying in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties. Funds are used for outreach and education, mammograms, diagnostic tests and treatment for the medically underserved.
Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end
Pink Ribbon Luncheon Committee members.
breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement.
Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events
like the Komen Race for the Cure, the group has invested more than $1.5 billion to fulfill the promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call (877) GO KOMEN.
Wellington Resident, Dressage Judge Betsy Berrey Dies At Age 65
judge and a member of the USDF
education program faculty, passed away on July 24 after a courageous struggle against cancer. She was 65. A Wellington resident, Berrey was a USEF dressage judge for more than 20 years, officiating at numerous shows from coast to coast. She was beloved by riders, not only for her educational and helpful comments, but especially for the brilliant and kind smile with which she greeted each competitor as they entered the arena and proceeded down the center line to “X.” What can be an intimidating moment for even an experienced rider became an inspiring one thanks to that smile of encouragement.
In addition to a busy judging schedule, Berrey was honored to be on the “L” program faculty. She spent many hours teaching classroom and ringside sessions, helping would-be judges learn how to evaluate and comment on each movement, and nurturing dozens of apprentice judges who learned
their skills by sitting at her feet and judging beside her. She encouraged many people to become judges and was always supportive, offering a helping hand, wise counsel and her smile.
To provide a special educational tool for riders, trainers and judges, Berrey created “The Winning Edge,” a four-volume series of instructional DVDs that cover all the USEF National Dressage Tests as well as key FEI Dressage Tests. The DVDs feature Berrey’s close friend Chris Hickey, a renowned dressage rider and trainer, and Pan American Games double gold medalist in Brazil. For each test, Hickey performs a mounted warm-up that demonstrates key movements and comments on strategies for success. Berrey judges each test in real time, with scores and comments for every movement. The result is a unique insight into how a highly successful rider and an equally capable judge assess performance at every level.
Berrey began riding as a child in Chicago, back in the day when
there were a dozen stables in the city, and what are now jogging paths along Lake Michigan were bridle paths. She started out on American Saddlebreds and moved on to hunters and jumpers, with a little dressage thrown into the mix. She hung up her spurs for a number of years to marry and raise her three children in Winnetka, Ill. and Dayton, Ohio. During this time, she spent over a decade as a lamaze teacher, pioneering more empowering techniques for childbirth. Still, horses were always on her mind, and she knew dressage was the discipline that interested her most. In the early 1980s, Berrey became an active dressage competitor, and soon began pursuing a career in judging as well. She earned USDF bronze and silver medals along the way, showing extensively in the Midwest, New England and Florida.
Because of her long experience as a rider, plus her perspective from the judge’s box, Berrey’s Ride-a-Test clinics were highly popular, providing a way for rid-
ers to hone their competitive edge in a structured training environment. Her clinics were best known in Wellington, where dressage riders flock in the wintertime to compete, to watch top riders on top horses, and to educate themselves and their horses.
Berrey fought her illness with the same determination and optimism that were her hallmarks as a rider, judge and instructor of future judges. She did everything possible to overcome the challenges she faced. When it was apparent that her struggle was nearing an end, she spent her remaining time at her son Adam’s home with family and friends gathered around.
Berrey often treated them to her beautiful smile as they shared the dozens and dozens of cards and letters from people whose lives she had touched. Many of these notes began, “You may not remember me, but I scribed for you…” “I was in the L session you taught several years ago…” or “Every time I rode for you, your comments helped me improve…”
On a sunny summer afternoon, surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren, Berrey passed on peacefully. But her smile, like the Cheshire cat’s, will linger in the mind’s eye of the dressage community, which will never cease to imagine her sitting at “C,” waiting for the next dressage test, confident that it will be the best one yet.
Berrey is survived by her children Adam, Ellen and Kevin, her grandchildren Eli and Adela, her son-in-law Steve Hoffman, and her sisters Emily Meyer-Siegel and Jean Stark. She is also survived by Roxie, her beloved Corgi, who stood by her throughout her ordeal. Roxie has taken up residence with Berrey’s daughter and family. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family in care of Adam Berrey, 1313 Washington St., #515, Boston, MA 02118. The family is establishing the Betsy K. Berrey Memorial Trophy, to be awarded each year at one of the major dressage shows in Wellington.
Berrey’s family suggests that anyone wishing to honor her may donate or volunteer for a cause that is important to them. “My mother always followed her own path, pursued her passion, and encouraged other people to do the same,” her son Adam said. “The best way to remember her is to take meaningful action about what matters most to you, and follow your own passion.”
Liz Thompson
Betsy Berrey, “S” dressage
“L”
Betsy Berrey
LAW ENFORCEMENT GROUP HOSTS AWARDS CEREMONY AT
WHS
Donate Food At Brad Paisley’s Aug. 14 Concert
Country music superstar Brad Paisley is urging all his fans to bring donations of food and water to his concert Saturday, Aug. 14 at the Cruzan Amphitheatre. For the person who brings the most, there’s a special reward — he or she and a guest will be invited to meet Paisley himself.
Feeding South Florida is the organization that will be collecting the food for distribution to those in need. Formerly known as the Daily Bread Food Bank, it is a notfor-profit organization that distributes approximately 24.3 million pounds of food each year through a network of 700 other not-forprofit agencies in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.
Bring your donation to the Feeding South Florida area outside the main gates of the amphitheater from 2 to 7 p.m. only. They will weigh it and the person who brings the most will win the invite to meet Paisley. But even if you don’t win, you are doing your part to help those less fortunate in South Florida. And in these times of economic hardship, it is just one more way ordinary people can make a difference.
Feeding South Florida is also currently initiating a mobile giving campaign. If someone uses their cell phone to text “FEED” to 52000, they will give a donation of $5 to Feeding South Florida (automatically charged to their cell phone bill). Feeding South
Florida can provide six meals for every $1 donated. Therefore, this $5 donation serves 30 meals. Through member agency feeding programs for children in need, the mentally and physically challenged, battered women, the elderly, people living with HIV/ AIDS, the homeless and the working poor, Feeding South Florida strives to serve those in need with compassion and impartiality. Feeding South Florida also undertakes an advocacy role for those in need by educating and engaging the community at large to fight hunger and poverty. For more info., visit www.feedingsouth florida.org.
For more information about the Brad Paisley concert, visit www. livenation.com.
Convention Center To Host Credit Seminar
During difficult economic times, residents of the Palm Beaches are bouncing back, but many are still in need of guidance to their many financial situations. Credit Seminars of America will be presenting a series of educational and practical seminars to help those individuals re-establish their credit and improve their financial situation; holding their first of many seminars on Saturday, Aug. 14 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
The seminars were founded on the mission to bring together residents who have been negatively affected by the economy, with local businesses and professionals
who can help in the recovery process; the initial event is one not to miss. The following services will be on site: credit repair, mortgage, bankruptcy, automotive, real estate and insurance. “By working together, we can bring back financial stability to our community and generate more economic activity for our local businesses, which will hopefully create more jobs for our displaced workers,” event organizer James MacDonald said.
Have a business that can join in this cause? Then become a sponsor/vendor. Each will be allotted 15 to 20 minutes to explain what their services are and how they can help each attendee, depending on their individual circumstances.
Partnering with businesses, professionals, governments and economic agencies in the community is a necessity to keep this mission alive.
This session is available at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Attendees are not required to attend both time slots. Registration is $15 at the door. Refreshments will be provided.
For more information on registration and sponsorship opportunities, contact MacDonald at (561) 880-7242 or by e-mail at credit seminarsofamerica@gmail.com.
CAFCI To Host Talent Show,
Friendship Ball
Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement in Florida Inc. (CAFCI) will host its 15th annual talent show on Saturday, Aug. 28 at 5 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151
County
The third annual Palm Beach County Black Law Enforcement (PBBLE) Awards were held Sunday, Aug. 8 at the Wellington High School theater. The awards ceremony was a joint effort between the Palm Beach County Black Law Enforcement Foundation, Dot’s Success Academy, the Village of Wellington and the Palm Beach County Democratic Party. (Above) Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher is awarded for her work in the community, flanked by PBC Democratic Party Vice Chair Terrie Rizzo and PBBLE founder Shaheed Freeman. (Below)
PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER
X102.3 HOSTS CUSTOM CAR & BIKE SHOW AT THE AMERICRAFT EXPO CENTER
X102.3’s second annual Custom Car and Bike Show was held Saturday, Aug. 7 at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Big rims, butterfly doors, lights, candy paint and earth-shaking sound systems made up the event, which also featured performances by hip-hop acts, martial arts demonstrations, vendors handing out freebies and more. For more info., visit www.thenewx 1023.radio.com.
Santamaria Fighting Corruption
continued from page 1 completed. He agonized over the decision for many weeks.
“I remember the sentence that my teacher told me,” Santamaria said, “of how evil succeeds when good men and good women do nothing. I promised myself since the time I was 16 years old that I would not be someone who does nothing. That’s why I am here.”
Santamaria said his top accomplishment has been exposing the anomalies and abuses of government, characterizing himself as a commissioner who bucks the system by speaking out when he sees wrongdoing.
“I saw the expanding corruption in government in the municipalities, and how the county was rotten,” he said. “All this corruption is because business and government are in cahoots. That’s why I ran for office the first time, and I thought four years was going to do it. I had no intention of doing four more years.”
Four years ago, the voters chose him as the best candidate, Santamaria said, and the reasons have not
Speeds Wellington Changes
continued from page 1 a study that confirms Priore’s claims because he felt that it took longer to cut through Wellington than to use roadways such as SR 7 and Southern Blvd. “I haven’t had an expert tell me that all of these roads need to go to 40 miles per hour and why,” he said.
Councilwoman Anne Gerwig said she was concerned about raising the speed limit near two
Burkert Fort Myers Attorney
continued from page 5 evaluating where fill dirt had been brought in from, he said.
However, Burkert was not happy that a “cancer cluster” label was placed on the community before the necessary testing was done. “We need to find out what’s wrong before we put that label on that community,” he said.
Burkert said his opponent Rader has not been effective in his term in office, and that Rader had not shown an ability to make things happen.
“I do think he takes legislation seriously, but I think he tends to tilt at the wrong windmills. He picks fights that are unwinnable,” Burkert said.
Burkert also said that when Rader tries to do something, he
Rader
A Sitting State Rep
continued from page 5
Rader noted that he has voted against insurance-favored issues such as tort reform and Medicaid reform. “I think most insurance executives would not like my votes on tort reform, which cost them billions of dollars a year,” he said. “Medicaid reform would have brought all of Medicaid, not just in the three test counties, under managed care, which would have benefited their bottom lines, billions upon billions of dollars.”
While Burkert accused Rader of supporting insurance rate increases, Rader noted that the Office of Insurance Regulation, not the state legislature, controls insurance rates. Countering Burkert’s suggestions that Rader is not an effective legislator, Rader asserted that shows Burkert knows nothing about the legislative process.
“I think these are the desperate attacks of someone who really doesn’t have anything going for him,” Rader said.
get anywhere by firing deputies.
changed. He noted that he has lived in the district for more than 30 years.
“I know the area inside out,” Santamaria said. “I have been involved with everything that moves in District 6. I know what goes on, and that’s above the surface, under the surface, behind the surface, and I know who’s dishonest, and who’s for real and who’s a fraud.”
Santamaria said he is “the opposite of everything you have seen in politics.”
“Most everyone is there to improve their position and powers,” he said. “Sometimes it’s ego, and sometimes it’s money. They think that if they’re in power, they are above the law.”
Santamaria said his goals remain the same as they were when he first ran — cutting down on corruption and waste while being the watchdog for the community.
“I still have to let them know they are not going to get away with it,” he said. “I don’t think we would have had the inspector general and the rules and independence of that office had I not been around. I think we have a pretty good inspector general concept. That was No. 1.”
While getting an independent inspector general was his biggest
schools on Stribling Way east of SR 7. Jackson said that although there are always enforcement issues, if the speed limit is properly marked with a sign, the village would not be liable.
Initially, Forest Hill Blvd. between South Shore and Southern boulevards was not included in the change, but Councilman Howard Coates worried that if the speed limit remained 45 mph, traffic would still cut through the village.
Vice Mayor Matt Willhite said that it was a mistake and should have been included.
does it clumsily, and cited the case of the cancer scare in The Acreage, where he felt his opponent had been grandstanding rather than actually trying to pass legislation to help the community.
“I have spent more time in this district in the last year than my opponent has,” Burkert said. “I go to meetings, and I am there for three hours. He’s there for five minutes or 30 minutes. I have a clear picture of the cancer cluster. I have taken the time to study this and talk with the people of that area and try to formulate a plan that would help them.”
While Burkert credited himself for campaigning in both sides of the district, he said Rader has not spent enough time on the state’s west coast. “I think he has not shown the willingness to come over to the west coast that I have shown to come over to the east coast,” he said.
Rader pointed out that Democratic leader Franklin Sands (DWeston) named Rader ranking member on the Insurance, Banking and Policy Committee as a new member. He also got an ethics bill passed in a Republican legislature where all other ethics bills did not get through. Rader further called attention to endorsements he has garnered from the AFL/ CIO; the firefighters, police and teachers unions; Planned Parenthood; former Congressman Robert Wexler; Congressman Ted Deutch; and numerous other elected officials.
As his top strengths, Rader lists his passion and knowledge. “I get involved,” he said. “I don’t sit by and wait for things to happen.”
His weakness is organization, he said. “Typically I have a lot of things on my desk. There’s a famous Albert Einstein quote, ‘A disorganized desk is a sign of genius,’ so I have a lot of things on the top of my desk and a lot of things in my car. It’s not my priority to have things very neat.” Rader said he compensates by having people around him who keep him focused.
accomplishment, Santamaria also called attention to his work cutting down on wasteful spending.
“There is a lot of waste. I saved the county $65 million because they were ready to vote 6-1 on the landfill site [west of Wellington],” he recalled. “By some stroke of luck, [Commissioner] Karen Marcus said let’s postpone the vote, and the rest is history. I got a lot of people to show up and oppose it.”
As it turns out, the landfill site was not only overpriced; it was not even necessary, Santamaria said.
The county commission is facing difficult budget years ahead, and Santamaria said the county should cut expenses by selling land that is sitting idle, including Mecca Farms.
“We are going to be losing money on Mecca Farms,” Santamaria said. “Keeping Mecca Farms is costing us millions and millions of dollars a year in debt service and maintenance.”
Santamaria also said Sheriff Ric Bradshaw would have to cut some from his budget.
“However, if we are going to cut,” Santamaria said, “we need to cut on the administrative end. I agree with the sheriff that the area of deputies is not waste. We don’t
Gerwig said the village should encourage drivers to use Forest Hill Blvd., but Willhite noted that once the new Town Center is completed, more residents are expected to travel in the area to visit the building and amphitheater.
“I think one of our most prevalent duties and responsibilities up here is the safety of our community,” Willhite said.
The council voted 4-1 to approve the changes with Bowen dissenting. He said he opposed not because of the speed limits, but because of the process used to make the changes.
Burkert summed up by stating that his background and experience make him a better choice to serve District 27. “I have the background and the experience to serve in this seat,” he said, “and the willingness and the desire to serve it well.”
Burkert said that he would work to emulate the energetic style that Aronberg showed on both sides of the district.
“Dave Aronberg was a good senator and served both sides well. He was a person who was willing to make the trip back and forth,” Burkert said. “I am a person who can do the same. It will be tough to fill his shoes, but I can come close to doing that. I can serve the entire community well with the skill sets I have, broadly speaking to all the issues that are of concern to this 147-mile-wide district.”
For more info., visit www.vote forpete.com.
Rader does give Burkert credit for seeking elective office. “I don’t think anyone gets into this business trying to run for office if they don’t care about trying to help public policy,” he said.
However, Rader asserted that Burkert is running a “fraudulent campaign.”
“He wants to pull the blanket over your head, and he wants to hide who he really is,” Rader said. “I think he would have done a lot better and people would have connected with him a lot better if he just talked about himself. When he has a five-minute speech, he talks negative about me for four minutes of the five.”
Rader said people should vote for him because he truly cares about working for the people.
“I’ve worked very hard the last two years to do the best job possible,” he said. “We are losing two great state senators from Palm Beach County this year in Ted Deutch and Dave Aronberg. I hopefully will be able to stand up in the ways that they stood up as well.” For more info., visit www.kevin rader.com.
We need them on the road.”
While Santamaria has been criticized for not doing enough for the Glades, he disputes that. He supports the inland port idea, he said, but not at the Okeelanta site, and he said he also knew that proposal was going to be turned down in Tallahassee when the Department of Community Affairs reviewed it.
“It did get turned down, and we wasted a year and a half,” he said.
“They moved it to the right place, and the environmentalists are supporting it. It’s going to take some time. In the meantime, what else have I been doing? I have been trying to get marinas to become resorts.”
He is also working to get better educational opportunities for the Glades. “I am raising funds from both the county and also personally for vocational courses through Palm Beach State College,” Santamaria said.
To stimulate jobs, Santamaria said the county must find areas outside of construction and real estate. “I have supported our Tour-
Jackson Government Experience
continued from page 1 candidate in the race because he has prepared himself academically and professionally for 20 years.
“I come at a time when there is almost a disdain for government,” he said. “I see myself in terms of ideology and how I relate to people, businesses and segments of the population as being one that’s positive. I’m going to avail myself in a way I believe that the current commissioner does not.”
Jackson’s top three goals include economic development, looking at how to continue to build infrastructure in the district and specifically in the Glades, and advocating good fiscal management. He also wants people to play a larger role in government.
“There is a level of apathy that’s higher than I’ve ever seen it before,” he said.
In the area of fiscal management, Jackson wants to move the county away from cutting by percentage to a truly zero-based budgeting scenario where each department must prove its worth each year.
Right now, Jackson’s priority is to get in front of enough people to show the differences between himself and the incumbent.
“Commissioner Santamaria has had four years to deliver on his platform… and I really believe that he has not done a satisfactory enough job,” Jackson said. “Large population segments of the district have been let down by his votes.”
Jackson pointed out that Santamaria voted against the site for an inland port, which Jackson said is badly needed to create jobs in the Glades. Santamaria also recently voted against Wellington’s proposal for a medical arts complex. “I know for certain that this is something I wouldn’t vote against,” he said. “I can’t imagine voting against something of this magnitude in terms of economic development and job opportunities.”
To balance the budget in tough economic times, Jackson said he would be willing to make budget cuts in areas that have previously been off-limits, such as the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office budget.
“I think it has come to a point that we’re going to have to,” Jackson said. “I think what has happened is the PBSO has grown too big, assuming jurisdiction in municipalities.”
Blotter continued from page 6 or witnesses at the time of the report. AUG 9 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to a self-storage business on Belvedere Road on Monday regarding a burglary. According to a PBSO report, the
ist Development Board and our Convention Center,” he said. “We do have a lot of natural amenities that are attractive to both foreigners and out-of-state people.”
Santamaria said he is working hard to win the Aug. 24 primary, making sure that his voters turn out to vote for him. He noted that Jackson is popular in the Glades.
“In that area, he will win overwhelmingly,” Santamaria said.
“He will beat me there by a landslide. He’s very well-liked there. If the people in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee and The Acreage don’t vote in numbers for me, he could pull an upset.”
However, Santamaria said his record of service to the community and his long-standing residence in the western communities are what make him stand out.
Santamaria said Jackson has a pleasing personality and is certainly intelligent, but he doesn’t think there is a lot of substance to Jackson’s message. Santamaria, meanwhile, said his message is clear, and it’s the one
When asked about specific PBSO budget areas he would look at, Jackson said there is too much overtime spending and excessive take-home vehicles.
Jackson agrees with those who criticize the county for increasing the tax rate. “I would not have increased the tax rate, when you consider the overall economic devastation, with people having to walk away from homes, when you consider people losing their jobs, and the increase in homelessness, there’s no way I could approve any tax rate [increase] at this time,” he said.
If elected, Jackson vowed to work hard and get things done for District 6. “I know Commissioner Santamaria has done a lot of good things, but I think his strong point is as a business person and not as a commissioner,” he said. “He has not paid close enough attention to what has happened in the Loxahatchee/Acreage area with the cancer cluster. I believe his overall leadership has not been where it needs to be.”
Regarding the Acreage cancer issue, Jackson said he feels there is a problem, and he would not let up until a cause is found. “I would exhaust all county resources that have any relationship with environmental issues and concerns,” he said. “I would work closely with the state and other agencies to make sure all the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.”
In the wake of four forced resignations by county commissioners in the past four years, Jackson said he applauds Santamaria’s advocacy for the inspector general’s position to correct the problems.
Jackson also spoke in detail about his relationship with Santamaria and how he came to be running against a man who gave him a job four years ago.
Jackson stressed that he took Santamaria up on his offer to be Glades liaison with the specific understanding that Jackson intended to run again for county commission in four years.
“He embraced that and basically said that if I helped him in the Glades communities, he would help me,” Jackson recalled, noting that Santamaria told him he did not intend to seek re-election. “He said, ‘If you agree to work with me, then I will support your candidacy in 2010 if you decide to run.’ We had that conversation and that understanding up to a week before he announced [his re-election bid].”
Jackson said he resigned the fourth year of his position as liaison and as board member of the
victim said that he had last
obvious reason to vote for him.
“I am the only one who can change Palm
corruption image,”
said. “There is nobody else who can do it.” For additional info., visit www. re-electjess.com.
Glades Utility Authority to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.
“A week after our last meeting, I woke up and picked up the paper,” Jackson recalled. “It was then and only then that I found out that he was going to run for reelection. I called [Santamaria] and told him, ‘Commissioner, I’m not upset with you, but I am disappointed because you reiterated to me just a week ago what you have been reiterating to me over the last three and a half years that you wouldn’t run again.’ To pick up and read it in the newspaper, I haven’t got over that yet.” Jackson feels Santamaria’s strengths are his business acumen and philanthropy, but his weakness is his inability to include the ideas and issues of others who disagree with him.
“[Santamaria] is very closed in his approach to dealing with business people in government,” Jackson said. “He doesn’t seem to understand the issues enough to make informed decisions.”
Jackson said his top strengths are a strong overall experience and academic preparedness to be a county commissioner. “The disciplines I have educated myself in have provided me the theoretical framework to be successful,” he said.
That is exactly why voters should elect him to the county commission, Jackson said.
“I’ve worked on the elected side, I’ve also been an administrator, and I’ve also had a relationship with the state government in working with the South Florida Water Management District,” he said. “I think I have prepared myself over the last 20 years to offer myself as the best candidate.”
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Keith Johnson and J. Hale with a 1985 Olds Delta 88.Andrew Hillestad, Kerwin Rodriguez and Rubin Gomez.
Twins Ray and Richie Miranda with X102.3 Program Director Mark McCrazy and Music Director Preston Lowe.
Michael E. Jackson
Jess Santamaria
Beach County’s
Santamaria
Great Service, Nice Horse Art At Alligator Art
Mark Kellerman and his wife Alison have owned Alligator Art in the same location for nearly 15 years, at 13873 Wellington Trace, in the Wellington Marketplace shopping center. Being in Wellington, the store features equestrianthemed art. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25
Sem Ridge Girls Get Ready For Volleyball Tryouts
The Seminole Ridge High School Lady Hawks girls volleyball team hosted open gym from Monday, Aug. 9 to Friday, Aug. 13. Returning and potential members had the opportunity to meet in the Seminole Ridge gym each day to practice their skills before team tryouts next week. Page 39
A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION
Business
Authentic Italian Cuisine At Disalvo’s Trattoria In West Palm
The DiSalvo family has announced the recent opening of DiSalvo’s Trattoria, a family-style, authentic southern Italian and Sicilian restaurant in West Palm Beach. The family-friendly eatery is now open for lunch, dinner and offers catering and delivery. Page 33
Spor ts
Area Baseball Stars Istler And Poyner
Commit To Play Ball At Top Universities
After being recruited by some of the top baseball programs in the country, this month Palm Beach Central High School’s Bobby Poyner and Wellington High School’s Andrew Istler made their commitments. Poyner will attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, while Istler will travel to Raleigh, N.C., and play for the Duke University Blue Devils. Page 37
Great Service, Nice Horse Art At Wellington’s Alligator Art
A few weeks ago I was poking around in a box of assorted old stuff when I came upon a rolled up picture of stylized horses.
The picture wasn’t on regular paper, but on a thin, flimsy material almost the consistency of tissue paper. I was frankly amazed it had survived as well as it had. I recalled my mom buying it almost 40 years ago when she visited Bangkok.
Somehow it never got framed and ended up in the odds-and-ends stack. It was much too pretty to stay in a drawer, so I decided to frame it and hang it.
I brought it to a local crafts store’s framing department. The girl behind the counter was very helpful. We gingerly unrolled the picture and tried various frame and mat combinations until we found something that looked pretty good. “How much?” I asked. She did some figuring and turned with a smile. “About three-fifty.” Three hundred and fifty dollars? She nodded. No thanks, I stammered, rolled my picture back up and walked out. I knew I could do better than that.
The following week, I took my slightly tattered picture with me and headed out to the thrift stores. At the third one I found a lovely wooden frame (with a picture in it) that was the right size and color. I bought it for $9.89, removed the picture, which had been cleverly attached with blue painter’s tape, and sat down with the Yellow Pages.
I made a list of five nearby framing stores, and knew I’d found my guy on my third call. The man sounded friendly, had a good sense of humor, and the prices he quoted me were a lot more reasonable. Two days later, I brought
Tales From The Trails
By Ellen Rosenberg
my frayed picture and used frame to Alligator Art.
Mark Kellerman, the owner, was on the phone when I came in. His caller, a customer with a seemingly compromised sense of location, apparently kept asking for directions, as Mark very patiently kept repeating the store’s location: 13873 Wellington Trace, in the Wellington Marketplace shopping center. (Repeat this a dozen or more times; that’s the part of the conversation I heard.) So while I was waiting, I browsed. And I was impressed. Covering the walls, filling the front window, and leaning in careful stacks on the floor were all sorts of great horse pictures. There were paintings, photos, big ones, small ones, framed, unframed, race scenes and polo matches, barn landscapes and horse portraits. And the more I looked, the more I liked. Mark eventually escaped his caller, and we got down to business. The slightly torn condition of the print didn’t faze him at all. We looked through some different mats, he figured up sizes and materials, and quoted me a great price: right around $50 for the whole deal, including glass and hanging wire. Oh yes, we had a deal.
Mark Kellerman at his Alligator Art store in Wellington.
Then, being a reporter-type person, I asked him about his shop and the artwork.
Mark and his wife Alison have owned Alligator Art in this same location for nearly 15 years.
Mark grew up in Chicago and eventually became vice president of merchandise management for the Ben Franklin Craft Stores chain. When they went out of business, he decided to use his knowledge of framing to
open his own store. Being in Wellington, featuring equestrian-themed art was a no-brainer.
“All of our original art is done by local artists or photographers,” Mark said. “When we first opened, some local artists came in to have their works framed and asked if they also could display some pieces. That worked out fairly well, and evolved into our being a sort
See ALLIGATOR ART, page 26
If Something Goes Wrong, I Will Blame Friday The 13th!
Today is Friday the 13th, which is supposed to be unlucky.
Some people believe that; some people don’t. Some people believe it in degrees — they don’t feel jinxed but they’re going to take some precautions, just in case. These are the people who wouldn’t go so far as to get married on a Friday the 13th but, if their shoelace breaks, they think, “Of course. Friday the 13th.”
Getting married on a Friday the 13th will be seen as tempting fate, whether that’s what was intended or not. If the marriage ends in divorce, the groom’s friends won’t say, “Oh, well. Today’s marriages only have a 50/50 chance of survival anyway.” They’ll think, “He got married on Friday the 13th! He was doomed from the start! What did he think was going to happen?” and, possibly, “Hey, do you think his ex is ready to date?”
Yet I’m on the side of these people, not
Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER
because I’m superstitious but because I’m always looking around for something to blame.
So I will start my day by poking my nose out from under the covers to assess the situation. Because it’s Friday the 13th, that nose will sniff for trouble, right from the start. While the nose sniffs, the brain will start imagining things.
Say the nose doesn’t smell smoke. Any other Friday, the brain would think, “Oh, good.
The house isn’t on fire.” But today the brain will think, “Oh, great. The power is probably off. Nothing electrical is working and that’s why nothing caught fire.”
See how it works? When I get out of bed, I won’t be able to put my feet in my slippers. Why? Because I was a good girl and put them away in the closet the night before. But that’s not how the Friday the 13th brain works. The Friday the 13th brain wanted those slippers right under those feet... and now look, the whole day is ruined.
So being “jinxed” becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Because I’m looking for trouble, I’m going to find it.
No one made coffee. Of course. We’re out of milk. Naturally. My favorite jeans are in the wash. I may as well die.
Never mind that as recently as yesterday, I was chiding myself for not setting up the cof-
fee machine, running out to buy milk or doing that last load of laundry. Never mind that I wanted to watch TV instead. Today, it’s all the fault of this rotten, jinxy, doomed day.
So now I have a bad attitude.
I get into my car, and it’s low on gas. I suppose it needs oil, too! And the tires are low on air! Oh, what else could go wrong?
The answer is: plenty. Seemingly overnight, the price of gas went up, the gas station ran out of the weight of oil I need, and I don’t have any quarters for the air machine.
Miserably, I will overpay for gas and ignore the oil and air issues. I will try to go on my merry way, but if the engine seizes up or I get a flat tire, you know what I’m going to blame that on — Friday the 13th.
It’s a wonderful day for anyone who has been avoiding their responsibilities.
It’s a wonderful day for me.
In fact, happy Friday the 13th!
‘Rizzoli & Isles’ Proves Cable Continues To Top Networks
Rizzoli & Isles, a terrific TV version of the Tess Gerritsen novel series, is one of those great cable shows that pop up to remind us that despite the almost total lack of anything requiring talent and/or taste on summer television, good shows can be done.
In other words, instead of excusing the major networks for not bothering to provide decent entertainment in prime time, we should be asking first why they cannot create really good shows and second why the people on the networks should not be fired and replaced by the cable producers.
The show itself (10 p.m. Mondays on TNT) is pretty much a standard cops and very strange group of robbers show. After 20 years of Law & Order and seeming generations worth of CSI shows, we now demand a certain level of dementia or, well, almost anything, to explain crime. How often do we ever see a simple case?
The one thing most of the cable crime shows have in common is the creation of interesting lead characters. They can vary greatly, although there is always a high charm level, even for those characters that by any nor-
Alligator Art
Rosenberg Column
continued from page 25 of small local gallery showcasing their work.”
Mark likes working with local artists. They’re close by, so it makes it easier if a client wants to meet them to commission a special piece, such as a portrait of a favorite horse or dog, or if a customer wants a piece customized.
“Our relationship helps the artists and it helps us,” he said. “When someone gets a new picture, they need it framed, and we’re right here. Our artists are not in competition with each other. Each one offers something different, both in subject matter and in medium.”
He then ticked off several of the artists.
“Gisela Pferdekamper works in acrylics,
‘I’ On CULTURE
By Leonard Wechsler
mal definition would be strange. Think Adrian Monk.
And Rizzoli & Isles, having the advantage of an excellent series of books by Gerritsen as a back story, provides these characters. Jane Rizzoli is a top, very tough cop. Although in the books she is described as sort of ordinary looking, this is television, so she looks exactly like Angie Harmon. Not surprising, since Harmon plays the role. And, I must admit, I have always liked the actress. She is not only beautiful, but no matter how tough her character has to be, she still manages to come off as a lady. Watching her quaking more at the notion of picking out a fancy dress with her mother (well-played by Lorraine Bracco), than at facing crazed serial killers, she be-
and her pictures are whimsical fantasies involving what I call round-bottomed horses and are very unique,” Mark said. “Sharon Castro does photographs of race horses and jockeys, and is now moving toward more abstract photos. Nancy Tilles works in oils and does equestrian lifestyle portraits, along with paintings of fish and floral arrangements. Alex Gureckis is a landscape photographer. I’ve enjoyed watching their art evolve over the years.”
Then he told me about a really interesting process called giclee (pronounced ghee-clay and French for “spray of ink”). Using this process, the artist can reproduce any work for a customer, on either paper or canvas, and it can be sized smaller or larger to fit an existing space. The giclee looks like an original painting, not like a print. More interestingly, the giclees can be customized in interesting ways.
“If you like one of Nancy’s florals but the
comes the natural center of the crime-fighting group. The quirkiness of her strange family, almost a must these days, improves the series.
Medical Examiner Dr. Maura Isles (Sasha Alexander) is also very good as Rizzoli’s best friend. Her character, called “Queen of the Dead” by colleagues, is so socially klutzy that it is easy to overlook how pretty she is. She manages to keep men away by diagnosing their ills on quiet, romantic dates, and then wonders why she is alone. But, besides providing a bit of comedy, she manages to make Rizzoli seem more centered. And the two women play wonderfully off each other, a sort of Sex and the City in the city morgue.
The rest of the cast comes across as real and interesting. Since the series is based on a fairly long series of well-plotted books, none of the characters is a simple stereotype, something more than a few network shows could learn from.
The plots are interesting. The first show, which used up a lot of back story from a couple of books, was about a serial killer who had almost killed Rizzoli before she captured him. It looked like he was killing
flowers are too red, she can change them to pink or orange,” Mark said. “One customer liked a painting of people sitting on a fence watching a polo match, but they weren’t into polo. The polo got changed to a horse jumping a fence. This process lets you can own a truly unique piece of art.”
Alligator Art (Mark and Alison are Gators fans) also offers a wide variety of horse-related prints, classic scenes of hunting, racing and polo, and more than 1,000 custom frames. Mark offers a Frequent Framer program: clients get a $50 credit for every $350 they spend toward custom framing. He has about 4,000 active members.
I’ll be picking up my newly framed old horse print this week. I also have my eye on a couple of giclees of those “round-bottomed” horses. I have an empty wall on which they’d look just fine.
For more information, call Alligator Art at (561) 792-9020.
again despite being in prison. Of course, it took time to find his apprentice. And, because of the time, the audience got a great chance to meet and get to know the regulars in the series.
The plots are a bit intricate, in the same league as the best of the network series, although driven by enough flash to provide some good previews — a good way to lure us in. So far, and it’s only a few weeks in, we’ve had a serial killer, girls at an expensive college becoming hookers to pay their tuition, and an exorcism.
But it does hold your interest. Comparing this to Fox’s The Good Guys is ludicrous. The stories are stronger and the performances are much more detailed. It is a scandal that cable stations can provide so many interesting shows while the far-higher-paid networks provide dross.
Ah well, as year by year I get hooked on more of these shows, I probably will stop caring about the garbage plied by the regular networks. If more people feel the same, the networks might become irrelevant. NBC has already crossed that line; which network will follow?
Some of the equestrian art on display at Alligator Art in Wellington.
Young Cuban Artist To Display Work At Armory Art Center
Rafael Carrillo Alejandro Domenech recently relocated from Havana to West Palm Beach to join his family who left in 2007. Within weeks of his arrival, Domenech experienced tremendous success among local collectors and art enthusiasts.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Armory Art Center will feature his work in a solo exhibition opening Friday, Sept. 10 and continuing through Friday, Oct. 22.
An opening reception will be held Sept. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. sponsored by Whole Foods Market.
Domenech began painting when he was 15 years old at the elementary workshop Manero in Havana City. The ghostly, gray urban streets of the city served as an infinite canvas for an adolescent Domenech, who recorded his artistic visions on the walls of
public buildings. His works still reflect the backdrop of his adolescence, incorporating graffiti art, wall etchings, wire fences and traces of revolutionary propaganda among the cityscapes, bringing to attention the deterioration of the Cuban infrastructure and neglect of its architectural legacy.
Domenech’s message, often perceived in Cuba as problematic and negative, is not intended to be political; rather, it conveys the loneliness and emptiness within himself.
“People overthink the work — make it more difficult,” Domenech said. “It’s simple and personal... it’s just what I’m feeling.”
To experience what he feels as an artist, Domenech suggests contemplating for one hour about what it would feel like to be the only person left in the world.
“Supplies were limited, and we had nothing to paint on,” Domenech said. “We used discarded sheets, bricks found in the street and other construction remnants as our canvas. The paint we used came from whatever was discarded by construction workers. I’ve only been here seven weeks and the response to my work has been wonderful. I’ve been able to purchase real canvas and supplies at an art supplier store. America has been so good to me.”
In 2005, the 17-year-old Domenech attended the San Alejandro National Academy of Fine Arts where he was recognized and praised for his great achievements in contemporary art, including his participation in the ninth and 10th Biennial of Havana featuring international artists.
Domenech graduated with high honors as sculptor,
‘ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY’ COMING SEPT. 25 TO THE SCIENCE MUSEUM
The South Florida Science Museum will feature the exhibit “Animal Grossology” opening Sept. 25 and running through Jan. 9. “Animal Grossology” brings to life all the gritty and gross facts about some of nature’s most disgusting critters. The exhibit contains solid science and introduces it in a way that makes children giggle with a larger-than-life look at nature’s blood-sucking, vomit-munching, slime-making and dookie-loving creatures. The South Florida Science Museum is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach. Admission costs $9 for adults, $7.50 for seniors 62 and older, $6 for children 3-12, and is free for museum members and children under 3. For more info., call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsm.org.
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painter and draftsman and was accepted at Havana’s prestigious Superior Institute of Fine Arts in 2009.
The opening reception will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission to the opening reception is free for Armory members and $5 for nonmembers. Armory gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Armory’s mission is to provide high-quality visual art school and art gallery services that stimulate personal self-discovery and generate knowledge and awareness of art as part of life.
For more information on the Armory Art Center, or to sign up for classes, visit www.armoryart.org or call (561) 832-1776.
(Right) La Esquina by Rafael Carrillo Alejandro Domenech.
Rascal Flatts At Cruzan Sept. 24
Country music megastars Rascal Flatts will perform Friday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cruzan Amphitheatre as part of the JC Penney Presents Rascal Flatts Nothing Like This Tour. Opening the show will be Kellie Pickler and Chris Young. “We hope to take our fans on a chronological musical journey of the last ten years of music and aim to squeeze in the most music we’ve ever done in a live show,” bassist and backing vocalist Jay DeMarcus said.
Rascal Flatts recently wrapped the Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable Tour, which played 57 shows during its run of June 2009 to this past March with a fan attendance near 800,000. This total also includes the two sold-out stadium concerts at Chicago’s Wrigley Field and Columbus’ Crew Stadium last summer.
Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney have delivered 11 No. 1 singles to the top of the chart and have more titles in Billboard’s Top 100 Songs of the Decade than any other group in the format. In the last ten years, the band has sold more than 20 million albums and 25 million digital downloads while all six of their studio albums made Billboard’s Top 100 Country Albums of the Decade listing. As the most awarded country group of the new millennium, Rascal Flatts has brought home nearly 40 trophies from the Academy of Country Music, American Music Awards, Country Music As-
sociation, People’s Choice Awards and more.
In concert, Rascal Flatts continues to be one of the hottest touring acts of the decade with more venue attendance records than any other country act. They have played 400 dates as a headline act, more than 700 since 2000, with a ticket tally of nearly six million. Gary, Jay and Joe Don have traveled to visit U.S. troops in Iraq on a USO Tour and partnered with the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital in Nashville to raise more than $3 million over the past few years. Visit www.rascalflatts10.com to learn more about a decade of Rascal Flatts. They were recently tapped to
receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
A new Rascal Flatts album is slated for this fall. For additional information on the group and its tour, visit www.rascalflatts.com. Tickets cost $58.75 and $45.25 for reserved seats and $35.25 for the festival lawn. There is also a festival lawn four-pack for $99 that includes all parking fees. Tickets are on sale now at www.livenation.com, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 or at the PNC Bank Box Office at the amphitheater. All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, parking and service and handling charges.
Rascal Flatts: (L-R) Joe Don Rooney, Gary LeVox and Jay DeMarcus.
Authentic Italian Cuisine At Disalvo’s Trattoria, Now Open In West Palm Beach
The DiSalvo family has announced the recent opening of DiSalvo’s Trattoria, a family-style, authentic southern Italian and Sicilian restaurant in West Palm Beach. The family-friendly eatery is now open for lunch, dinner and offers catering and delivery.
The lunch menu at DiSalvo’s Trattoria features classic Italian specialties including paninis, homemade calzones, parmigiana, pasta al forno dishes, as well as their specialty soups, salads, subs, wraps and burger selections.
The dinner entrées bring the best of southern Italian and Sicilian cuisine, including the most tantalizing antipasto dishes, chicken, veal and fish entrées such as chicken marsala, veal francese and grouper mediterraneo.
DiSalvo’s Trattoria also offers create-yourown pasta dishes and classics such as lasagna and chicken parmigiana. Also featured are Specialita DiSalvo’s, which are their own family recipes including Anelli Pasquale, Zio Tommaso’s Spitini and Tour of Sicily. DiSalvo’s is also the home of “Da” Meatball, the “world’s best meatball.”
Founder Pasquale “Patrick” DiSalvo has had a successful career as an entrepreneur, real estate developer, certified public accountant and business owner in Palm Beach County for almost 30 years. He now owns and operates DiSalvo & Associates, PA, a certified public accounting firm, with his two children, Scott and Jill.
DiSalvo recently decided to follow his passion for food and open DiSalvo’s Trattoria. He wanted a place where family and friends could meet close to his home to enjoy his family’s recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
DiSalvo and his family have focused on every detail to make DiSalvo’s restaurant feel like home. The DiSalvos are committed to bringing the best authentic southern Italian and Sicilian food at affordable prices in a clean, fun and friendly atmosphere where you feel like family, too.
(Above) Pasquale “Patrick” DiSalvo invites you to savor the authentic southern Italian and Sicilian cuisine at DiSalvo’s Trattoria. (Below) At DiSalvo’s, everyone is treated like family.
DiSalvo’s Trattoria is conveniently located at 1760 N. Jog Road, Suite 180, just a quarter-mile south of Okeechobee Blvd. in the Palm Beach Plaza. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit the restaurant’s web site at www.disalvostrattoria.com or call (561) 275-7000.
New Locations For Redbox DVD Kiosk
Redbox, the popular bright-red, fully automated DVD rental kiosk, has announced the opening of new locations in Loxahatchee and Royal Palm Beach. Redbox delivers convenient, affordable access to new release DVDs and catalog titles. With a rent and return anywhere policy, consumers can now rent DVDs from the Redbox kiosks in Loxahatchee and Royal Palm Beach and return them to any of the more than 21,000 Redbox locations nationwide.
New Redbox locations in the western communities include Walgreens (12001 Southern Blvd.), Winn-Dixie (5060 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road) and WinnDixie (1135 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.).
“By placing our Redbox kiosks where consumers already shop, Redbox makes it easy for movie lovers and people on the go to rent the latest new release DVDs at an affordable price,” said Gary
Cohen, Redbox senior vice president of marketing and customer experience.
Redbox rents movies for a low nightly cost, and new users are invited to register their e-mail address at www.redbox.com to receive a free one-night rental code. Also, as part of the Free Movie Monday promotion, every Redbox consumer can register their mobile phone at www.redbox.com to receive a free one-night rental the first Monday of every month.
Each Redbox kiosk holds 630 DVDs, representing up to 200 of the newest movie releases. Consumers simply use a touch screen to select their favorite movies, swipe a valid credit or debit card and go. Redbox users may keep the DVD for as long as they like and are charged a low fee for each night they keep the movie. Consumers can visit www.redbox.com to reserve their DVD online and pick it up immediately at the Redbox location of their choice.
WRMC Celebrates Breastfeeding Week
Most women are aware that breastfeeding gives babies a healthy start in life. Research is clear that breastfeeding is vital for infant growth and development, providing nutritional and health advantages that last far beyond infancy. Breastfeeding has also been shown to be vital for women’s health by lowering the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancers, diabetes and even cardiovascular disease throughout life.
The 2010 World Breastfeeding Week theme, Breastfeeding: Just 10 Steps the Baby-Friendly Way, draws attention to simple steps that hospitals, healthcare providers, workplaces, the community and families can take to help mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals.
Appropriately, Wellington Regional Medical Center chose World Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 1-7) to launch its new worksite lactation program that provides support to employees who are breastfeeding by providing a private place to express milk during work hours, reduced-
cost breastfeeding supplies and equipment, free breastfeeding classes and informational materials as well as postpartum assistance and support.
The Lactation Center provides the encouragement and support women need to reach their breastfeeding goals. Staffed by experienced international board certified lactation consultants with specialized knowledge of breastfeeding and child development, they work with moms to find solutions when questions arise, providing information and reassurance. Services include:
• Consultation and support to new moms in the hospital
• Outpatient consultation to moms following discharge
• Facilitating ongoing monthly support groups
• Offering breastfeeding supplies and a variety of manual and electric breast pumps for purchase or rent
The hospital’s celebration of 2010 World Breastfeeding Week included educational
WRMC international board certified lactation consultants Gina Johnson, RN and Pat Rizzo.
exhibits placed throughout the hospital, special gift bags presented to new moms and a daily raffling of Ameda Breast Pumps.
A monthly meeting of the Lactation Tea and Support Group, which is facilitated by the lactation consultants, of-
fers continued breastfeeding support. In addition, LaLeche League holds monthly meetings at the hospital and is open to anyone, regardless of where they give birth. For more information, call (561) 798-8664 or visit www. wellingtonregional.com.
Dr. Konda Gets ICANL Accreditation RIBBON CUTTING FOR LA LA LAND IN WELLINGTON
Dr. Prasad Konda of Advanced Cardiology Associates of the Palm Beaches has been granted accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Nuclear Medicine Laboratories (ICANL).
The laboratory is one of a growing number of nuclear cardiology laboratories in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico to be so recognized for its commitment to high-quality patient care and its provision of quality diagnostic testing.
The ICANL was established with the support of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, the Society of Nuclear Medicine, the Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologist Section, the American College of Cardiology, the American College of Nuclear Medicine, the Academy of Molecular Imaging, and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
The ICANL provides a peer review mechanism to encourage and recognize the provision of quality nuclear cardiology and nuclear
medicine diagnostic evaluations by a process of voluntary accreditation. Participation in the accreditation process is voluntary. Accreditation status signifies that the facility has been reviewed by an independent agency that recognizes the laboratory’s commitment to quality testing for the diagnosis of heart disease.
Advanced Cardiology Associates of the Palm Beaches is located at 13005 Southern Blvd. on the Palms West Hospital campus. For more information, call (561) 798-5500.
Morselife Partners With Stroke Of Hope
MorseLife, the charitable nonprofit senior care organization in Palm Beach County, has forged a new partnership with the Stroke of Hope Club, a nonprofit organization with the mission of serving the clinical, educational and support needs of stroke survivors and their families in Palm Beach, Martin and Indian River counties.
Established in 1984, the Stroke of Hope Club offers a full complement of services for stroke survivors and their families, including aphasia center classes which focus on improvement with speech and lan-
guage deficits; speech therapy; computer, reading and writing instruction; communication support groups; cognitive skill support; caregiver training; education; and information and referral services.
Established in 1983, MorseLife provides healthcare, housing and supportive services to seniors and their families throughout Palm Beach County and the region. Its services include short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, homecare, independent and assisted living, geriatric care management, adult daycare, meals-on-wheels
and research and education.
Dr. Alan Sadowsky, senior vice president of home and community-based services for MorseLife, noted that the organization’s geriatric care management agency, Just Checking, has served as a resource for the Stroke of Hope Club for many years, in areas of caregiver support groups, counsel and referral.
For more information or referral to the Stroke of Hope Club, call the Palm Beach County office at (561) 627-2202 or visit its web site at www.strokeofhope.com.
The Palms West Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of La La Land in Wellington, located at 10120 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 180 in the Pointe at Wellington Green. La La Land is an indoor playland and café created to bring children’s fantasies into real-life adventures. It is primarily for children as young as infants to early elementary school. For more info., call (561) 793-0280. (Above) Chamber ambassadors with La La Land staff members.
Area Baseball Stars Commit To Play At Top Universities
Bobby Poyner and Andrew Istler have been friends, teammates and rivals since middle school.
After their days together at Wellington Landings, the two chose different paths. Poyner headed to Palm Beach Central High School, while Istler went to Wellington High School. Before the two enter their senior years, they have made even bigger decisions.
After being recruited by some of the top baseball programs in the country, this month the two made oral commitments. Poyner will attend the University of Florida in Gainesville. Istler will travel to Raleigh, N.C., and play for the Duke University Blue Devils.
POYNER COMMITS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
I met Bobby Poyner in first-hour physical education class at Wellington Landings Middle School with Mr. Deaton. Always the first pick in whatever sport the class played that day, Bobby’s athletic skill was apparent from day one. His jump shot was accurate, he was the best kickball player, and he quarterbacked the flag football team.
More importantly, he was one of the top pitchers on the varsity baseball team as a sixthgrader. By eighth grade, Poyner and Istler led the Wellington Landings Gators to a perfect 13-0 season and the county championship.
As Bobby and I became friendly, I of course wanted him to attend Wellington. But for an opportunity to be coached by “the best in the country,” Scott Benedict, he chose Palm Beach Central. While I was upset with the decision, it has paid off. Poyner has made an oral commitment to play for Florida, where coach Kevin O’Sullivan is developing a powerhouse program.
“I definitely believe I wouldn’t be going to UF if I didn’t go to Palm Beach Central. That has made all the difference,” Poyner said. “Without the Central coaches, I wouldn’t be where I am today... They’re really good and have truly made a huge difference in me as a player.”
Wolverine Watch
By Josh Hyber
While I’ve seen him play just a handful of times during his high school career, I have followed his accomplishments online. For his junior season, the left-hander posted a 9-3 record with a dominant 1.60 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 64 innings. At the plate, he had a .310 batting average and 16 RBI. He played first base when he wasn’t pitching.
Poyner credits his success to the coaching staff he chose three years ago. “Former players of [Benedict] say they learn more from him than they do in the big leagues,” he said.
Along with Benedict, pitching coach Brian Stitt has helped Poyner go from throwing in the upper 70 mph range to consistently throwing 86 to 88 mph. Stitt also has improved his mechanics, developing a changeup and curveball to go with the fastball.
While players from the big leagues give credit to Benedict, Benedict in return gives high praises to his players. Benedict said Poyner’s work ethic is one of the best he has seen and commends his natural talent.
“Bobby kind of reminds me of when I had Sean Burnett at Wellington in 2000,” the coach said.
Ten years later, Burnett, a left-handed relief pitcher, is a member of the Washington Nationals.
Always wanting to be coached by the best, Poyner’s mindset hasn’t changed. “Florida was always my dream school, and they have some of the best coaches in college baseball,” he said.
In Gainesville, Poyner will play for three coaches who have ties to Palm Beach County. O’Sullivan was an assistant coach at Florida Atlantic University in 1994-95. Assistant coach Brad Weitzel coached at Palm Beach Community College from 1984-87 and assistant coach Craig Bell coached Palm Beach Lakes High School for eight years and Wellington for one.
Poyner also has played with the best talent South Florida has to offer. Former Broncos shortstop Alex Hernandez, who was a teammate of Poyner’s for three years, plays at North Florida.
“He’s one of the hardest-working players I’ve been around,” Hernandez said. “I’ve been around a lot of Division I talent, and I’d rank Bobby right up there. He’s an excellent player.”
When talking about teams, though, the conversation starts and ends with the Wellington Landings team from 2007. Eleven players from coach Lou Mascia’s team are on varsity baseball rosters in Palm Beach County. “That team was so much fun,” Poyner said. “Istler and I pitched in pretty much all of the games. We gelled together and played well as a team.”
Istler agreed. “It was great. We had a bunch of great players, and I learned a lot from our coach Lou Mascia,” he said. “It also wasn’t so bad going undefeated.”
While baseball is surely not an individual
sport, coaching and teammates alone haven’t gotten Poyner to where he is today. In 2010, Poyner was a member of the All County and All Conference first teams in Palm Beach County.
The 6-foot, 185-pound Poyner is in a perfect position to make an early contribution in Gainesville. If the current Gators roster stays intact, only four left-handed pitchers will be on the roster when Poyner arrives. While Poyner hopes to “get some innings” early, the ultimate goal is much larger: to play in Omaha, Neb., in June at the College World Series.
As Tim Tebow went from being a Florida Gator to a Denver Bronco, Poyner aims to go from being a Wellington Landings Gator to a Palm Beach Central Bronco to a Florida Gator.
ISTLER HEADS TO DUKE
The first thing I have to say is I’m sorry to the driving instructor who took me, Doug Conti and Andrew Istler driving on Pierson Road. While we nearly crashed into a fence (I won’t reveal the driver), the day was memorable. The laughs could be heard for miles and the jokes cannot be repeated.
While I can say that Istler is a safe driver, he can also pitch a baseball and play center field better than most in Palm Beach County. After being recruited by Columbia University, Dartmouth College and the University of Pennsylvania, the Wellington High School pitcher/center fielder made an oral commitment to Duke University.
“I want a school with good academics and a good baseball program,” Istler said. “Duke is a perfect match.”
Two years after Wellington track and field star Ashley Brasovan committed to Duke, Istler will also become a Blue Devil. Brasovan noted something important that Wellington prepared her for in North Carolina.
“We [Wellington athletes] have an advantage in the heat and humidity, whereas most of the other athletes come from cooler, less humid climates,” she said.
Istler has the talent to be mentioned in the same class as past Wolverines greats. If his senior season plays out as his junior season did, Istler will go down as one of the top pitchers in school history.
From 1999 to 2005 (excluding 2002 and 2004), a Wellington player was picked in the first round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. With the exception of catcher Brian Snyder in 2003, all of those selections were pitchers (Bobby Bradley, Sean Burnett, Justin Pope and Tyler Herron).
“There have been some incredible pitchers to come out of Wellington,” Istler said. “If I have a great senior year, hopefully I can be compared to them.”
The comparisons have already begun and will continue at the college level. At Duke, the two most notable pitching alumni are Chris Capuano of the Milwaukee Brewers and Scott Schoeneweis, who pitched for seven teams in a 12-year career in the majors. Capuano, an eighth-round draft selection, and Schoeneweis, a third-round selection, were stars in Raleigh. If Istler performs at a high level, there is no limit to how high he could be drafted.
Like many high school baseball players entering college, Istler will have to sacrifice
one of the positions he plays. A 7-1 record as a junior has convinced Duke coach Sean McNally to have Istler come in as a pitcher. Seeing time in the outfield is less of a possibility, but Istler said the Blue Devils’ coaching staff has assured him he will get plenty of opportunities.
Wherever Istler is playing, he has the ability to perform at a high level. His junior season was highlighted by a 1.41 ERA. At the plate, he batted .500 with 18 RBI.
In 2010-11, Istler will be the Wolverines’ leader and a force at the top of the batting order. With catcher Alex Tannone and shortstop Mitch Morales, the team has hopes of a strong year while getting younger. Outfielder/first baseman Thomas Kirchner and third baseman Peter Rivera also return.
Before Istler takes his talents to Duke, he still has one more year of high school baseball to prove he belongs in the elite class of WHS pitchers.
FOREVER COMPARED
In the late 1990s, the Great Wellington Pitching Debate was between Bobby Bradley and Sean Burnett. In the 2000s, the debate has been “Andrew or Bobby?” “Istler or Poyner?” Who is better, Wellington’s Istler or Palm Beach Central’s Poyner?
The two are different. They attend different schools. One is a right-hander, the other is a left-hander. Istler’s second position is center field, while Poyner’s is first base.
But at the same time they are similar. They share the same hometown, a lot of the same friends, and a friendly rivalry that started at Wellington Landings.
“He is a great player, and we love the rivalry we share,” Istler said. “If people compare us then I’ll take it as a compliment.”
Poyner clearly remembers the occasions when he and Istler matched up on the mound.
“During the spring, Palm Beach Central beat Wellington with me and Istler both on the mound,” Poyner said. “However, over the summer when I pitched against him, his team beat mine. As far as comparisons, it just depends on the day. We both have our good and bad outings. He’s a great pitcher. Not to mention baseball is a team game. Whoever’s team shows up to play that day usually wins.”
In Gainesville and Raleigh, when Poyner and Istler are on the mound, expect many wins.
Palm Beach Central’s Bobby Poyner winds up for a pitch.
Wellington High School’s Andrew Istler takes a swing.
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SEM RIDGE GIRLS GET READY FOR THIS YEAR’S VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS
The Seminole Ridge High School Lady Hawks girls volleyball team hosted open gym from Monday, Aug. 9 to Friday, Aug. 13. Returning and potential members had the opportunity to meet in the SRHS gym each day to practice their skills before team tryouts next week.
PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
MacKenzie Davis (red) attempts to block a hit by Heather Shapiro.
Megan O’Hara sets the ball.
Freshman Madison Dickson prepares to serve.
Alexa Garden puts the ball over the net.
Jenna Kratz receives the ball.
Heather Shapiro serves.
ALYSSA BRANDER FINISHES TOPS IN NATIONAL DIVING COMPETITION
Nine-year-old Alyssa Brander of Wellington competed at the AAU National Diving Championships held Aug. 2 and 3 in Coral Springs. She was a top-five finisher in the one-meter and three-meter events for 10-yearolds. Brander also achieved AllAmerican status in both events. She dives for the Boca Dive Team at Florida Atlantic University and is coached by Olympian Michelle DavisonSandelin. Brander is a fourthgrader at Elbridge Gale Elementary School. (Left) Brander shows off a certificate from the AAU proclaiming her AllAmerican status. (Right) Brander with Davison-Sandelin.
Wellington’s Martin Takes First In Treasure Coast Senior Tour
Ken Martin of Wellington earned his first Treasure Coast Senior Tour title on Friday, Aug. 6 by conquering the heralded champion course at PGA National, site of the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic each March.
A teaching professional at the Village Golf Club in Royal Palm
Beach, Martin closed with a four under par 68 for 138 to beat firstround leader Chris Campbell of Vero Beach by a stroke. The head professional at Vista Plantation, Campbell shot 71 for 139.
Martin birdied all four par-5 holes and for the day, made seven bird-
ies, a bogey and a double bogey. Campbell, who shot 68 Thursday, Aug. 5, had two birdies and a bogey. Martin earned $1,000 and Campbell $800 from the $4,631 purse.
In a separate best ball of three event the first day, the winning team
with a 61 comprised Joe Bostic, Turtle Creek Club, Tequesta; Fred Harkness, Jonathan’s Landing, Jupiter; and Pete Oakley, Palm City.
The TCST’s seventh tournament of the year had 15 entries. Remaining on the schedule for the 50-andolder circuit will be the Treasure
Coast Senior Open Sept. 2-3 at Mirasol and the Tire Kingdom Tour Championship Oct. 19-20 at Trump International in West Palm Beach. For additional information and entry, visit the Treasure Coast Senior Tour web site at www.treasure coastseniortour.com.
• ACADEMY FOR CHILD ENRICHMENT — In the heart of Royal Palm Beach, the Academy for Child Enrichment offers free VPK. Infants through after school day and night care, 6:30 a.m.midnight, Monday through Friday. Meals included. Se habla Español. Special rates for fall registration. Visit www.smallworldpbc.com for more info. The academy is located at 700 Camellia Dr., RPB. Phone: (561) 798-3458. Fax: (561) 793-6995.
• ALL-STAR KIDS — Every parent wants a safe, clean and caring childcare center for their child. At All-Star Kids, they address all of your child’s needs in a fun and loving environment. Small classes with caring, certified teachers, giving your child the attention they need to be successful. The children are exposed to a wide range of experiences to foster an excellent learning environment. All-Star Kids offers programs for children six weeks old to pre-K as well as after school. Visit All-Star Kids to see this wonderful school in action — they would love to meet you and your child! All-Star Kids is located at 14390 Orange Blvd., Loxahatchee. For more info., call (561) 792-5440.
• LOXAHATCHEE COUNTRY PRESCHOOL — Loxahatchee Country Preschool at 16245 Okeechobee Blvd. has been serving the area for over 20 years. It is Apple and Gold Seal accredited. Owners Anita and Frank Rizzo purchased the school in 1998. They introduced educational diversity into the curriculum. The school tuition includes Spanish lessons, gymnastics, computer and swimming lessons. Their method of self-paced discovery recognizes that all children do not mature and develop at the same rate. They strive to achieve a feeling of selfesteem through personal discovery and accomplishment. The non-sectarian philosophy promotes social development through understanding diversity and appreciation of cultural differences. Snacks are included in the tuition price. For more info., call (561) 790-1780.
• MOVEMENT ARTS DANCE ACADEMY — Movement Arts will be holding two auditions for their new dance company. The auditions will be on Saturday, July 17 with an additional audition on Saturday, Aug. 21. The company will be for students ages 6 and up who are interested in competing and performing at local events. The studio is also currently accepting registration for the 2010-11 school year. Movement Arts offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hiphop, baton twirling, boys-only classes, and more for students age 2 through adult. For more information on auditions or classes, call the studio at (561) 792-9757. More information about the studio can be found at www.movementartsdanceacademy.com.
• NOAH’S ARK — Noah’s Ark is located on Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves. They offer free VPK. Low rates and special registration for fall. They offer care for infants and preschool children as well as after-school care. Se habla Español. Noah’s Ark is conveniently located at 14563 Okeechobee Blvd. between Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves elementary schools. Call (561) 753-6624 for more info.
• SACRED HEART SCHOOL — Sacred Heart is committed to cultivating the intellectual, creative, social, moral and spiritual needs of each student. They provide students with an environment that will challenge and encourage them to reach their potential, preparing them for the competitive nature of the world. Sacred Heart’s basketball, soccer and softball teams consistently rank in the top three in the league; the marching, concert and jazz bands have taken top honors locally and in statewide competitions; their Odyssey of the Mind teams have placed in the top five at the state level. Sacred Heart School will prepare your child for life… with love! For more info., call (561) 582-2242 or visit www.sacredheartschoollakeworth.com.
• ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL — St. David’s is a small Christian school located at the northwest corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace. Their mission is to minister to each child and family by providing an environment of love, security, belonging and learning. They are committed to low student-teacher ratios (kindergarten and first grade never have more than 12 students per teacher). A combination of the A Beka and Creative curriculum is used for all students ages 2½ through first grade. The combined curriculum allows for teaming through student play and exploration, along with the use of workbooks and teacher-guided activities. Visit www.stdavidsepiscopal.com or call (561) 793-1272 for more info.
• TEMPLE BETH TORAH PRESCHOOL — A quality educational foundation is the basis for future academic success. If your child is between 15 months and kindergarten, Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool is Wellington’s oldest and most respected preschool. Your child will enjoy a variety of activities that will make them smile, while promoting learning and social development. Activities include reading and writing skills, computation skills, gymnastics, computers, foreign language, and art and music appreciation. The school also features a state-of-the-art playground. All of this is available in a secure, loving and nurturing environment. Gold Seal, NAEYC-accredited program with full-time and part-time programs. Now enrolling for preschool 2010-11. VPK is available. For more info., contact Sandy at (561) 7932649 or psdirector@templebethtorah.net.
• TEMPLE BETH ZION PRESCHOOL AND RELIGIOUS SCHOOL — At Temple Beth Zion’s preschool, children of all faiths learn and play together in a loving, nurturing learning environment. The school is Apple accredited school using the Creative Curriculum program. The school is accepting applications for ages 2 through 5. They offer free VPK classes that have no hidden fees or required extra hours. Ask about the “Mommy & Me” program. “My First Jewish Experience” and “More Jewish Experience” (ages 5-6 & 6-7) is a fun Montessori-style experience including art, music, holidays, prayers and customs. For more information, call (561) 798-3737 (preschool) or (561) 798-8888. Visit www.templebethzion.net for details.
• THE KING’S ACADEMY — The King’s Academy is a private, non-profit, college-preparatory, interdenominational Christian school. Located on a beautiful 60-acre campus, the school community consists of grades K-4 through 12. The academic program is designed to challenge motivated students of good moral character who are in the middle to upper range of academic ability. Honors and Advanced Placement classes are available for all students in preparing for college-level work. Students may participate in a multitude of clubs, athletic and fine arts programs. For more information, visit www.TKA.net or call (561) 686-4244, ext. 335.
• THE SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE MUSEUM — The South Florida Science Museum reaches more than 55,000 students each year through educational programs at the museum and outreach to local schools. Programs explore all fields of science and are aligned with the Sunshine State Standards. These programs are adapted to reach students in many different learning environments, including public and private schools, out-of-school time, scout troops and other community organizations. For more info., call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsm.org.
• WELLINGTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL — Established in 1981, Wellington Christian School is celebrating 30 years of educational excellence. WCS offers preschool through high school (PK3-12th grade). Wellington Christian School’s award-winning curriculum has set the path for students to be successful with 98 percent of graduates attending colleges and universities all over the country. The mission of Wellington Christian School is to impact the world by educating students in a Christ-centered, loving atmosphere that pursues spiritual and academic excellence. WCS is accredited by SACS and CSF and provides a low faculty-to-student ratio, a college preparatory academic program, interscholastic and intramural athletics, and fine arts programs. Call (561) 793-1017 or visit www.wellingtonchristian.org for more info.
COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR
Saturday, Aug. 14
• The Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host “Palms 101: Not Another Queen Palm Workshop” on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon in the auditorium. The workshop is tailored for homeowners on a quest for more knowledge on palms. Palms will be available for purchase at the end of the workshop. The cost is $30 for members and $40 for non-members. For more info., call (561) 233-1757 or visit www.mounts.org.
• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host its second annual Back to School Bonanza on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. The storewide event includes a breakfast barbecue for a $5 donation to the Police Athletic League, magic show, in-store samplings of all-natural lunchbox favorites and a free ID card, compliments of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. There will be emergency vehicles on display for all to explore. For more info., call (561) 904-4000.
• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Creative Writing for Teens” on Saturday, Aug. 14 at 3 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Learn how to give and receive constructive criticism and do writing exercises to improve your skills. Bring a sample of your writing to share. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.
• The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens (4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach) will host its annual Bon Festival on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 4 to 9 p.m. Bon is inspired by Obon, Japan’s traditional three-day holiday honoring ancestors. Call (561) 495-0233 or visit www.morikami.org for more info.
• Downtown at the Gardens (11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Drive, Palm Beach Gardens) will feature “Acoustic Set Saturday” on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Center Court. Several different acoustic musicians will play acoustic music from Dave Mathews, Indigo Girls, Eagles and more. For more info., call (561) 340-1600 or visit www.downtownatthegardens.com.
Sunday, Aug. 15
• TCIN.TV will feature live broadcasts of Night Shul with Matt Auerbach at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 15, followed at 10 p.m. by Elsie Bell’s Secrets with Deb Welky Miles. Watch this new Wellington-based Internet TV station at www.tcin.tv.
Monday, Aug. 16
• Pierce Hammock Elementary School will
hold its Red Carpet Premiere on Monday, Aug. 16 from 8 to 10 a.m. Students are invited to come meet their teachers, bring their supplies, see their new classrooms, purchase uniforms and buy student planners. For more info., call the school at (561) 651-0400.
Tuesday, Aug. 17
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Bookmaking: For the Birds” for age 10 and up Tuesdays, Aug. 17 and 24 at 4 p.m. Make a creative book with feathers to display your favorite poem or story. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host an Open Mic Night for adults on Tuesday, Aug. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Perform poetry, short prose, an essay, a dance, play an instrument or sing a song for an audience of all ages. Pick up the rules when you pre-register. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.
Wednesday, Aug. 18
• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will present “Fish Tales” on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 2 p.m. for ages 3 to 5. Listen to stories about fish, sing songs and make a craft. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Once Upon a Time: Beauty and the Beast” for children of all ages on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.
• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Financial Planning in Tough Times” on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. Maisie Ross of the Palm Beach County Extension Service will discuss basic rules for economic survival, offering tips for stretching the dollar and advice for weathering a financial storm. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Socrates Café” for adults on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. The Society for Philosophical Inquiry initiated the concept for this discussion led by Marji Chapman. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.
Thursday, Aug. 19
• Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will feature “Mom’s Morning Escape” on Thursday, Aug. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. Moms will receive a free coffee or tea and muffin from the coffee
COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR
CALENDAR, continued from page 44 bar. Register by phone at (561) 904-4000 or at the customer service desk. For more info., visit www.facebook.com/wholefoods marketwellington.
• The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host a Speed Networking Event on Thursday, Aug. 19 at Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive). The cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Registration and cocktails are at 5:30 p.m., and the event will begin at 7 p.m. sharp. Call (561) 792-6525 to register.
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Candy Sushi” for age 12 and up on Thursday, Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Create your own candy sushi with various sweet treats. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.
• Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host “Sushi Making by Genji” on Thursday, Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Participants will learn about different types of sushi and practice making their own rolls. All materials will be provided. There is no charge. Participants must be 12 or older to attend. Register by phone at (561) 904-4000 or at the customer service desk. Visit www.facebook.com/wholefoods marketwellington for more info.
• The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Thursday, Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). Call (561) 790-5100 or visit www.royal palmbeach.com for more info.
• TCIN.TV will feature a live broadcast of Eye On Your Money, a financial talk show featuring Ben Boynton, Randy Pfeiffer and Donna Talbot, Thursday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. Watch this new Wellington-based Internet TV show at www.tcin.tv.
Friday, Aug. 20
• The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens (4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach) will feature “Sushi & Stroll” on Friday, Aug. 20 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Call (561) 495-0233 or visit www.morikami.org for more info.
• Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Gallery (605 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth) will celebrate the “Dog Daze of Summer” on Friday, Aug. 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. with a display of work representing dogs and their friends throughout the animal kingdom. Fine art and functional art pieces will be in abundance as well as many doggy friends and their owners. Mingle with all of the artists at a wine, cheese and dessert reception at the back
of the gallery. For more info., contact Joyce Brown at jclay6@aol.com or (215) 2059441.
• Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will feature “French Cuisine Inspired by Julia Child” on Friday, Aug. 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Participants will learn the basics of French cooking and have the chance to ask cooking questions. There is no charge. Register by phone at (561) 904-4000 or at the customer service desk. Visit www.facebook.com/wholefoodsmarketwellington for more info.
Saturday, Aug. 21
• Buckler’s Craft Fair & Food Drive will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 21 and 22 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center (9067 Southern Blvd.). This event features one-of-a-kind items, custom home décor, delicious fudge and gourmet delights, jewelry, furniture, country and traditional crafts, folk art, hair accessories, candles, baby items, artwork, pet items, wearable art and garden decor. Call (386) 8600092 or visit www.bucklercraftfair.com for more info.
• The YWCA of Palm Beach County will host “It’s All in the Game” on Saturday, Aug. 21 at 11:30 a.m. at Bear Lakes Country Club (1901 Village Blvd., West Palm Beach). The event includes a buffet luncheon, Chinese auction and lots of games. The cost is a $50 donation. Proceeds will support YWCA programs, including Harmony House and Y-Girls. RSVP to (561) 640-0050, ext. 115.
• Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement Inc. will host its 15th annual CAFCI Business Expo on Saturday, Aug. 21 from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). Other activities include food sampling, a raffle, games, face painting and various activities for children. The cost to rent a table is $50 for CAFCI members and $75 for non-members. Sponsorships are also available. For more info., or to purchase a table, call (561) 791-1618 or (561) 315-3598.
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Chess Club meeting for ages 8 and up on Saturday, Aug. 21 at 2:30 p.m. Basic game knowledge is required. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. Email: news@gotowncrier.com.
CHRISTY’S NY CHEESECAKE NEEDS MORE HELP! — FT Counter position. Experienced only. 5:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Drug Testing. 561-795-3244
VOLUNTEER AT AN ANIMAL
SANCTUARY HORSE FARM - 14 + up, community Service. 792-2666
TEACHERS/TUTORS P/T Flexible Hrs. Great Pay. MATH • STUDY SKILLS SAT/ACT Certification/Experience Required Fax: 828-8128
Email:tutorking@wpb3331980.com
DENTAL ASSISTANT - Wellington
upscale dental office, 2 Saturdays per month a requirement, must have experience and expanded duties certificate, excellent pay and benefits. Please call 561 204 4494 and fax resume to 561 204 2840.
DENTAL OFFICE ASSISTANT
MANAGER — Minimum two years dental experience, two Saturdays per month required, must have knowledge of PPO dental insurance, breakdowns and verification. Excellent pay and benefits. Please call 561 204 4494 and fax resume to 561 204 2840.
JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. —Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted KRAMER REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING — FAST • FAIR • FRIENDLY SERVICE Commercial/ Residential. New installation and repair. CAC 1816299 561-902-7497
A/C SALES & SERVICE — New, used, scratch & dent. If you used anyone but Glover’s A/C, you probably paid too much! U10163. 7937388
EAST COAST AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. — Service • Sales • Repairs • Installation ALL MAKES & MODELS. Call us before you replace you’re A/C Unit! FREE 2nd Opinion. 561-4782662. Credit Cards Accepted.
J.C. TEETS & CO. — Concierge Accounting. discreet, confidential, individualized service to manage all of your personalized financial needs.Visit us at www.jcteets.com or call 561-632-0635
FAMILY CHILDCARE — available in my Acreage home. Affordable rates.References available. Licensed. Call 561-795-0740
HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561-572-1782 HOUSECLEANING —Reliable with long term clients. Over 12 yesr experience. Ref. available. Karen 561632-2271
MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support &troubleshooting www.mobiletec.net. 561-248-2611
D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3339433 or Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach We accept major credit cards.
DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates. A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716
IMPRESS CONSTRUCTION CORPORATON — All phases of General Construction Robert Betancourt 561-722-7681 CGC1512363
THE MASTER HANDYMAN — no job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers Tom (954) 444-3178
BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC. — REMODEL & REPAIRS Interior Trim, crown molding, rotttenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets/ countertops,wood flooring. Bonded Ins.U#19699 791-9900 628-9215
ANMAR CO .—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528
HOME INSPECTIONS — Mold inpections, air quality testing, US Building Inspectors mention this ad $20.00 Off. 561-784-8811
BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE
Home • Life • Renters
Motorcycle
RV
Golfcart
Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/rCavanagh
HOME TURF— Lawn maintenance, landscape, irrigation, tree removal, hurricane prep,stump grinding, HOA/POA specialists. www.hometurfservice.com 561333-5989 No Obligation FREE QUOTE.
MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS Air Quality Testing, leak detection. US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811
RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior, Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102
JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473
COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/Exterior, residential painting, over 20 years exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident
LICENSED PLUMBER - Beat any legitimate estimate. A/C service lowest price. Complete service, new construction, replacement. CFC1426242 CAC058610 Bonded & Insured. 561-601-6458
POOL PLAS TERING AND RESURFACING — Lic. U19996. 561722-7690.
TOWN-CRIER
CLASSIFIEDS CALL 793-3576 TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE!
ELITE POOL SERVICE — You dealt with the rest now deal with the best.” All maintenance & repairs, salt chlorinators, heaters, leak detection. 561-791-5073
J&B PRESSURE CLEANING
Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Call Butch 309-6975
MINOR ROOF REPAIRS — Roof painting.Carpentry.Lic. #U13677.967-5580.
HORIZON ROOFING QUALITY WORK & SERVICE — Free estimates, No Deposits. Pay upon completion, res/comm.reroofing, repairs, credit cards accepted. 561-842-6120 or 561-784-8072 Lic.#CCC1328598
ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.
ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING
ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207
SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600 CLASSIFIEDS CALL 793-3576
JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 798-3132. ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities.
