Town-Crier Newspaper August 20, 2010

VILLAGE SEEKING TRAVEL BASEBALL BIDS

STUDENTS HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL

ton held its second annual Back to School Bonanza on Aug. 14. The day featured food sample stations, free ID cards courtesy of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, a fire truck tour and much more, including a breakfast barbecue, which raised $300 for the Police

Domino Stresses Independence, Financial Expertise, Experience

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff

Report

State Rep. Carl Domino (R-Jupiter) hopes his success as a legislator and a financial expert will encourage voters to support him for the District 25 State Senate seat in the Aug. 24 Republican primary. Domino, 66, faces State Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff, an attorney from Fort Lauderdale. The winner of the GOP primary will face State Rep. Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton) and independent candidate Miranda Rosenberg in the Nov. 2 general election. District 25 stretches from Fort Lauderdale in the south to Juno Beach, sandwiched between Dixie Highway and the ocean. It then swings west into Palm Beach Gardens and parts of Royal Palm Beach and northern Wellington. The seat is being vacated by Senate President Jeff Atwater in his bid to become Florida’s chief financial officer. Domino is the son of a U.S.

State Senate, District 25 Republican Primary; District 27 Republican and Democratic primaries; and Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors, Seat 1. Page 4

Marine who retired to Orlando when Domino was in high school. He graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

After working one year, Domino went into the U.S. Navy and served three years, including one in Vietnam. He later received his master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University. From 1972 to 1987, he worked with the Delaware Group in Philadelphia, which he helped expand into a $20 billion business.

At age 42, Domino returned to Florida and started a money management business in West Palm Beach, which went from managing $5 million to $2.4 billion over 13 years. In 1997, he married his wife, Sharon. They live with their 10-year-old twins in Jupiter.

In 2000, Domino ran against Atwater for a State House seat and lost. When Atwater left the seat in 2002, Domino was elected.

Domino said his top accom-

plishments have been creating the homestead portability concept, which lets anyone who has built up tax savings by staying in the same primary home transfer their tax discount to another home, and helping to bring the Scripps Research Institute to South Florida.

“I was on the first airplane out there,” he said of Scripps. “I was out there with Jeb [Bush] and Jeff [Atwater].”

Domino said that his accomplishments in business, legislative experience, service to his country, dedication to his constituents and his efforts to help reform the local government investment pool make him qualified to represent the district in Tallahassee.

He pointed to the fact that he had several meetings on the Acreage cancer scare before any other legislator to establish a line of communication.

Domino criticized his opponent Bogdanoff for saying that she

Bogdanoff: I’ve Proven I Can Be Effective In Tallahassee

By Ron Bukley

Town-Crier Staff Report

State Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff (RFort Lauderdale) believes that her proven abilities as an effective legislator make her the best candidate for a promotion to the State Senate in District 25. Bogdanoff faces State Rep. Carl Domino (R-Jupiter) in the Aug. 24 Republican primary. The winner will face State Rep. Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton) and independent candidate Miranda Rosenberg in the Nov. 2 general election.

District 25 stretches from Fort Lauderdale in the south up to Juno Beach, sandwiched between Dixie Highway and the ocean. It then swings west into Palm Beach Gardens and parts of Royal Palm

Beach and northern Wellington.

The seat is being vacated by Senate President Jeff Atwater in his bid to become Florida’s chief financial officer.

Bogdanoff, who lives in Fort Lauderdale, grew up in North Palm Beach and graduated from Palm Beach Gardens High School. “Wellington was not incorporated when I left the northern part of the county, but it was here,” she said.

Bogdanoff first became involved in politics through her children. “I started as an active grassroots organizer in my volunteer time,” she recalled. “It had to do with public education and child advocacy.”

She ran unsuccessfully for the Broward County School Board in

1996 and was recruited to run for the State Senate District 31 in 1998 against Democrat Steve Geller, which she lost.

Bogdanoff has a bachelor’s degree in insurance and risk management from the University of Florida and a law degree from Nova Southeastern. “I had two kids and two foster kids when I went through law school,” she said.

Bogdanoff became an attorney in 2003, and the next year she won a special election for state representative in District 91. She served as majority whip for Marco Rubio from 2006 to 2008. She was then named chair of the Finance and Tax Council.

“I’ve developed a reputation as

County Finalizes Acreage LibraryPark Land Swap

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Palm Beach County Commission on Tuesday approved a long-awaited agreement with the Indian Trail Improvement District that clears the way for development of a county library in The Acreage and further development of Acreage Community Park.

The agreement was heralded by commissioners and ITID supervisors, although several dissidents said they felt the location of the library on ITID land east of Publix was not in the appropriate location.

Acreage activist Alex Larson was among several residents who said they opposed the library agreement because the county had purchased library land when it built other libraries. She was critical of the location, behind Publix and near residential areas and a pig farm.

“This is the one library where we have to donate the land,” Larson said. “Here, the people of The Acreage are donating the land when we have 17 libraries where we always paid for the land and it was spread out across all the people in the county.”

The agreement would finalize years-long negotiations for ITID to trade about 6.5 acres east of the Publix shopping center on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to the county to build a library. In return, ITID would receive about 46 additional acres of county property for Acreage Community Park at Orange Blvd. and 140th Avenue North. Each entity is getting a 75year lease on their respective properties.

ITID entered into an agreement with the county in 2001 for the acquisition and development of the 172-acre Acreage Community Park & Preserve property. With the assistance of a grant from the Florida Communities Trust, the county acquired about 131 acres of undeveloped adjacent property to be used as a preserve. The grant imposed certain perpetual restrictions on use of the property, including a large portion of the southern area of Acreage Community Park.

“This has been a long negotiation, especially regarding the park,” ITID Supervisor Mike Erickson said. “I think we have an agreement that is mutually beneficial to both parties, meaning the county and the Indian Trail Improvement District. Both parties have a win-win come out of this.”

Erickson said the trade saves taxpayers money.

“If we have to go buy a library site, we have to charge taxes to raise the money to buy it,” he said. “If Indian Trail has it in its possession already, we can work together. That’s what the last four years of me being at Indian Trail has been about — Palm Beach County and Indian Trail working together for the benefit of the citizens.”

Erickson said the trade for Acreage Community Park land more than compensates ITID for granting the county the lease of the library land.

“We can do something for the community that is going to benefit both the children and the adults,” he said. “It’s going to be a place that the community can call home, where we can have a small amphitheater, and we can have community get-togethers… We’re going to have all the amenities that a community deserves in a central park.”

ITID President Michelle Damone also spoke in favor of approving the agreement.

“I have been working on this since 1999, and I can’t believe that I sat in this room today with anyone who would oppose a library,” Damone said. “Small towns across America have had simple services such as schools, libraries and parks, and that’s what we’re talking about here today. Since I arrived here in 1996, and the one common thing that I’ve heard all Acreage residents say — other than a couple here today — is that they want a library.” Damone said Acreage Community Park is the “heart and soul” of The Acreage.

“We have some of the most talented athletes come out of The Acreage because we are so resourceful with the existing parks that we have,” she said. “We deserve the expansion; we deserve a community center. I honestly thought I was just coming here to thank you. I’m baffled that I would have to defend my constituents.”

Vice Chair Karen Marcus made a motion to approve the agreement, which was seconded by Commissioner Shelley Vana and approved 6-0.

ITID has scheduled a board workshop at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 8, where a major topic will be the southern expansion of Acreage Community Park.

Wellington Zoners Review Rules For

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board discussed the creation of a new zoning district last week that would provide for redevelopment in aging neighborhoods in the village.

The Neighborhood Residential Renaissance Overlay Zoning District would change land-use designations to attract potential investors to build in several neighborhoods.

“This ordinance is specifically drafted to aid in the redevelopment of our neighborhoods,” Strategic Planning & Economic Develop-

ment Director Martin Hodgkins said at the Aug. 11 meeting. “One of the items that we’ve looked at and have had conversations with the Wellington Village Council about is the need to provide some sort of zoning incentives for new construction.” The new district would allow minor commercial uses in the neighborhoods, such as daycare centers, and allow for the creation of live-work residential units. It also would allow increases in residential density to encourage redevelopment of older residential units, and provide for the creation

See PZA BOARD, page 20

County Candidates Clash At Forum In Royal Palm Beach

By Carol Porter Town-Crier

Report

on each candidate’s primary goals once elected. Carroll, a retired captain with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, said his goals are to eliminate wasteful spending, address the foreclosure crisis and address the cancer scare in The Acreage.

“We must maintain our current level of services without raising taxes,” he said. “There is duplication of services. We can have less government.” Santamaria said it is his intention to continue to be a public servant and keep up the pressure on government officials to keep them honest and ethical.

“My problem is the problem that has been proven in the last several years, when four out of the last seven commissioners have gone to jail or have admitted guilt,” he said. “The problem is we have an abuse of power, and it is

at economic development in a way that’s comprehensive and inclusive.”

Schaller said his top priority is to give District 6 a commissioner who is more accessible and open to the public. “Second is accountability,” he said. “We need resultsdriven performance and the same performance standards that are set in the private sector. We need to address housing and unemployment. We need to pursue alternative job creation ideas. They are equally important.” Next, candidates were asked whether they support cutting services or reducing taxes. Santamaria said that it remains

School Board candidates Marcia Andrews and Dean

Ten School Board Candidates Meet At P.W. Chamber Forum

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Candidates for three seats on the Palm Beach County School Board attended a forum hosted by the Palms West Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Aug. 12 at the Wellington Community Center.

Featured candidates included Jean Dowling and Chuck Shaw in District 2; incumbent Bill Graham and challengers Karen Brill, Steve Ledewitz, Tom Whatley and John Adams in District 3; and Dean Grossman, Marcia Andrews and Ron Young in District 6.

The candidates will face off for their respective seats in a non-partisan primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 24. If no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters will advance to the general election in November.

NewsChannel 5’s Jim Sackett and James Dubois of CalleryJudge Grove served as moderators. Candidates were first given a few minutes to introduce themselves.

Graham, the only incumbent on the panel, explained why he should be re-elected, noting that the current board has done well in difficult financial times.

“We have adopted a budget with no layoffs,” Graham said.

“Employees are continuing their health insurance at no cost, and art, music and other valuable programs have maintained. This is not what could be or should be, but what actually happened. This is in sharp contrast to many other districts around the state.”

But challenger Brill noted that the 2009-10 school year had been a tumultuous one, featuring controversies over curriculum changes led by former Chief Academic Officer Jeffery Hernandez and the fight over the ill-fated Senate Bill 6. She said the current board has been too complacent.

“We may be an A-rated school district,” Brill said, “but in 2009, only 69 percent of our Hispanic students and 60 percent of our black students, and 47 percent of our ESE students, graduated with a high school diploma… We need someone who is going to step up and change the course we are on and involve your community.”

Whatley agreed with Brill about the upheaval of the past year, noting that he was “in the trenches” fighting for the parents, teachers and students.

“We’ve had a superintendent of schools with a vote of no confidence not only from 10,000 teachers but also from 1,000 parents,”

Whatley said. “I will bring new leadership into the new decade.”

Ledewitz said he could “hit the ground running,” since he served in a similar capacity in Connecticut for 16 years. He felt he can offer what is needed to serve the teachers, students and parents of Palm Beach County.

“Critical thinking is what has made this country great,” Ledewitz said. “Different students have different testing styles. We have to take advantage of that. We also need cooperation between the stakeholders in education, including parents, teachers and others. We can’t sit back and have a dictatorial education program. Everyone needs to buy into the program, and then the program works.”

Adams pointed out that he grew up in Palm Beach County and attended school here. His children also attend county schools. His sister was a teacher in Palm Beach County, and he said he could only imagine what it would be like if she were teaching today without a contract.

“I own a small business,” Adams said. “We have a billion dollar capital budget that is made for construction, maintenance and remodeling of schools. I know how to look at these. There is not one school board member running who has that kind of experience.”

Young was the first of the District 6 candidates to speak.

“I’m a barber by trade,” Young said. “I listen to people all day long. I care about the people I know, and they are parents, students and teachers. I listen to their frustration. They talk about not having money for school books and the technology that’s needed. Last year was a record year for frustration, anxiety, anger and absolute disgust at the way things were being done. Because parents and teachers unified and spoke with one voice, things are changing for the better. Now is the time for a fresh start and a new look for the school board.” Andrews recounted her experience as an English teacher, an assistant principal and principal, and in working in the Palm Beach County School District office.

“You can trust me over the years to make a difference for your children,” Andrews said. “Retiring after 35 years with the Palm Beach County School District, the last two years I have actively been involved in all the issues related to education, including Senate Bill 6, the curriculum and working hand

See SCHOOL VOTE, page 20

Wellington Seeks A New

Travel Baseball Provider

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Organizations seeking to run Wellington’s travel baseball league have until Friday, Aug. 27 to submit a bid to the village. On Wednesday, the village sent out a request for a not-for-profit provider for its travel baseball program. Last year, the Wellington Village Council decided not to allow Wellington Baseball Inc. to continue as the village’s provider for the recreational league. The decision was made after the year-old non-profit organization said it would not abide by a 2008 mustplay rule that requires children who play travel baseball to also play in the recreational league. Instead, the village took over the day-to-day management of its recreational league, while Wellington Baseball Inc. continued to run the Wellington Colts travel baseball team. Wellington’s new travel provid-

er will be held to the must-play rule.

“The selected entity will be required to comply with all previously stated council directives, including rules regarding must play,” stated the Wellington request. “Each player must play the spring season of Wellington Little League recreational baseball each year to be eligible to play travel baseball.” Organizations interested in running the program must submit a proposal in writing to Project Manager Daryl Boyd no later than Aug. 27.

Proposals must include proof of non-profit status; the organization name; a list of potential board members; the program’s mission, goals, objectives and scope; a season time line; fee structure; the sanctioning body; and potential by-laws. For more information, contact Daryl Boyd at (561) 791-4000 or dboyd@wellingtonfl.gov.

Grossman.

Candidate Ron Young (right) speaks while John Adams listens.

Nominate West, Domino And Benacquisto In Republican Races; Give Dem Nods To Aronberg, Burkert; Put Nichols On ITID Board

The primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 24, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. We’ve analyzed the races on the ballot, and this week the Town-Crier offers our final opinions on some of the items voters will find on the ballot.

TOP OF THE TICKET — Before we get into the endorsements for races we’ve been covering, here are a few things that can be said regarding the top-of-the-ticket ballot items. Voters should beware wolves in sheep’s clothing. The Town-Crier strongly believes people running for public office should have served the public in some capacity, and not just decided to make use of a large bank account to buy themselves high office. There are credible, proven candidates in the Republican primary race for Florida governor (Attorney General Bill McCollum) and the Democratic primary race for U.S. Senate (Congressman Kendrick Meek). They are facing political newcomers who are only contenders because of their personal wealth. Voters should reject millionaires seeking to collect Florida as a trophy. Also on the ballot are two coronations: Florida CFO Alex Sink in the Democratic primary for Florida governor and Marco Rubio in the GOP primary for U.S. Senate. They are clearly better choices than their little-known contenders. In the GOP primary for Florida attorney general, voters should look toward the candidates with Tallahassee experience and support either Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp or Holly Benson. And finally, there’s the increasingly bitter Democratic primary battle in the race for Florida attorney general where State Sen. Dave Aronberg faces State Sen. Dan Gelber. We’d be remiss if we didn’t remind voters of all that Aronberg has done for his district — which includes a portion of the western communities — and will continue to do if he becomes attorney general. He has been a voice of reason in the State Senate and has proven he can work with the powers that be in Tallahassee. We believe he is the stronger of the two Democrats in this election, and we strongly support his candidacy.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 22, REPUBLICAN PRIMARY — While Allen West was unsuccessful when he challenged Congressman Ron Klein two years ago in the general election, he came very close for a Republican in a watershed year for Democrats. Not only that, but West was challenging the incumbent Democrat with almost no support from the GOP. And so, two years later, West has renewed his challenge, seemingly undaunted by his 2008 defeat. It is that tenacity that makes the retired Army lieutenant colonel the better choice in this primary. Although West’s opponent David Brady might have more moderate views that would appeal to swing voters, we believe West is the stronger candidate to carry the Republican message to the polls in November. The Town-Crier endorses Allen West in the Congressional District 22 Republican primary.

STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 25, REPUBLICAN PRIMARY — State representatives Carl Domino (R-District 83) and Ellyn Bogdanoff (R-District 91) are the two Republicans vying to replace Senate President Jeff Atwater. Although Bogdanoff has lived in Palm Beach County, her political career has been spent mostly in Broward County. Domino, on the other hand, has already proven to be an advocate for central Palm Beach County. He was eager to take a role in the Acreage “cancer cluster” and help residents establish communication with the state. Additionally, his leadership in securing the Scripps Research Institute for Jupiter shows he has both the experience and know-how to bring high-wage employment to the area. He has suggested he will continue to fight to bring similar business to the area, which is needed to help boost economic development. Additionally, Domino has proven that he can think indepen-

Tautiva, Burkert Best Candidates

Before voting in the Aug. 24 primary, Democrats need to do a little homework. Take a close look at local middle school civics teacher Ed Tautiva, who’s running against business consultant from Palm City, Jim Horn, for Congressional District 16. Tautiva embraces middle class, progressive values while Horn’s approach to many issues appears to fall in line with the right wing’s pro-corporate, anti-consumer agenda. Tautiva will represent the average constituent in District 16 and be a vast improvement over devout obstructionist Congressman Tom Rooney. In Florida Senate District 27, the race between Pete Burkert and Kevin Rader also needs to be dissected. Rader’s campaign accuses Burkert of being too close to big insurance, when the truth is that Burkert worked as an attorney for the insurance industry 24 years ago, just out of law school, but left the industry in 1986 and has never worked for the industry

again. Rader, on the other hand, voted for HB 1171, which would have allowed only the largest insurance companies in Florida to raise rates, unregulated by the Office of Insurance Regulation. He also voted “yea” on HB 447, which was essentially the same bill, but would additionally have made it harder for consumers to collect on claims. I thought that hypocrisy was a conservative value!

There’s no such thing as a perfect candidate, but if you do your homework, you’ll likely decide that Ed Tautiva is our best choice for Congressional District 16 and Pete Burkert is our best choice for Senate District 27.

Gwynne Chesher Wellington

Vote For Goodman

Regarding the upcoming primary election for Palm Beach County Circuit Court Judge Group 33 and your endorsement of Lisa Small, the good citizens of Palm Beach County should also be

dently of his party and will vote on what he thinks is best for his constituents. He is not afraid to stand up to leadership or vote across party lines. This mindset will serve the people of District 25 well. The Town-Crier endorses Carl Domino in the District 25 State Senate Republican primary.

STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 27, REPUBLICAN PRIMARY — The three-way race for the Republican nomination for the seat being vacated by Dave Aronberg includes former State Representative Sharon Merchant, former Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto and retired pilot Michael Lameyer. For us, this is a choice between Merchant and Benacquisto; Lameyer is too conservative for the voters in this district and stands little chance of winning the nomination. Supporters of Merchant, of which there are many, would point to her prior experience in the legislature as all the proof needed for choosing her over Benacquisto. However, while that may sound nice on paper, we have gotten to know Benacquisto’s governing style over the years, and find her to be not just a hard worker, but someone who knows what’s important and how best to make it happen. One need look no further than Wellington’s Safe Neighborhoods initiative, a multifaceted program that is one of the village’s greatest success stories of the past several years. The Town-Crier endorses Lizbeth Benacquisto in the District 27 State Senate Republican primary.

STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 27, DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY — Fort Myers attorney Peter Burkert and State Rep. Kevin Rader (D-District 78) are facing off for the Democratic nomination for the seat being vacated by Sen. Dave Aronberg. Although Burkert is from Fort Myers and is less known here than Rader, his background as a certified mediator suggests he will be able to bring both parties to the table to draft and pass meaningful legislation. Like Aronberg, Burkert appears willing to work with legislators from both sides to accomplish what is best for the district, rather than pushing to pass legislation in line with his party’s desires. Furthermore, Burkert has made a point in this race to visit both sides of the district equally, which suggests that he will represent both the sides of this strangely drawn district if elected. He appears to be an even-handed and independently thinking candidate who will represent all of District 27, regardless of party affiliation. The Town-Crier endorses Peter Burkert in the District 27 State Senate Democratic primary.

INDIAN TRAIL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, SEAT

1

— There are four candidates in the race to replace retiring ITID Supervisor Mike Erickson: Jennifer Hager, Mike Nichols, Bill Riley and Richard Waite. The choice is between the two candidates we feel are the most credible, and who would be able to work best with the current board: Hager and Nichols. It is clear that Hager deeply cares about The Acreage and follows the issues. However, the primary function of ITID is to deal with matters pertaining to water, drainage and roads, and to that end, Nichols is best suited for the job. Riley and Waite have been campaigning on an oppositional platform and would most likely be working against the other supervisors. While an opposing point of view isn’t necessarily a bad thing, The Acreage is struggling to come together as a community after earlier years of mismanagement and the divisive blow it was dealt from the “cancer cluster” issue. When all is said and done, The Acreage needs to move forward, and we believe Nichols is the most capable candidate in that regard. The Town-Crier endorses Mike Nichols for Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors, Seat 1.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

made aware of a wonderful but largely unknown (because he is a newcomer) candidate, local attorney Jaimie Goodman. Mr. Goodman’s honesty and integrity is beyond reproach. He is not accepting any contributions from special groups or individuals for his campaign. He has more than 27 years of credible litigation experience and exemplifies the criteria for this position by having the ethics, experience and personality to always make fair and appropriate legal decisions. Jaimie Goodman is easily the most qualified of all the candidates in the race and will proudly represent Palm Beach County in the courtroom if he is elected.

Caren Griffin Royal Palm Beach

Jess, A Good Man

I am one of the few people who can honestly say that a few weeks ago I knew nothing of politics, Jess Santamaria or even much of Palm Beach County. For the past month people have been telling me how much Jess has done for our county. But I

still tried to remain reserved. I wanted to meet Palm Beach County’s “white knight.” So just last week I met Jess face to face and he wasn’t what I expected at all. I expected a politician. I expected him to dazzle with words without saying anything meaningful. Rather, I met a man like you or me who does not care for politics in the slightest, and his attitude reflected it. He was honest in every sense of the word. Jess fed everyone at the meet-and-greet hard facts, not shiny words. It wasn’t exciting, but at the same time I knew that this was the man I wanted in office. We need someone who does their job for the people of our county, not for themselves. Jess serves you and me, and that is why he is truly “born to serve.” James Moran Royal Palm Beach

Get Inspector General Facts Correct

Editor’s note: The following let-

ter is in response to Frank Morelli’s Aug. 6 letter “Santamaria, Big Government Spender.”

The letter concerning County Commissioner Jess Santamaria and the creation of the inspector general’s office was off the mark in its assertions. If the author had checked his facts, he would have known that the new inspector general’s office will not cost us taxpayers one cent. Instead, it will be funded by those doing business with Palm Beach County who will pay one-quarter of one percent on any contract with the county. More research would have revealed the countless millions saved by Miami-Dade as a result of their creation of a similar agency.

Furthermore, Mr. Santamaria did not “create” this agency; it was voted on by the full county commission. The key is that the inspector general is fully independent,

not beholden to anyone, not in the hiring or tenure. Jess has kept his promise to us, his constituents, and never wavered in his commitment to helping those less fortunate. Rather than condemn him for that, the writer should have congratulated him for recognizing the true meaning of community and that our community does not end at Wellington or Royal Palm Beach. We are fortunate that Jess Santamaria has agreed to give all of us four more years of his time, his energy and his wisdom.

Arlene Olinsky Royal Palm Beach Support For Benacquisto

The Senate District 27 seat covering parts of Palm Beach, Glades, See LETTERS, page 20

Frontrunner West Faces Brady In GOP Congressional Primary

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

First-time candidate David Brady is facing retired Army Lt. Col. Allen West in the Aug. 24 Republican primary for the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. West, a well-funded candidate who gave incumbent Congressman Ron Klein a run for his money two years ago, is the heavy favorite. 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.

West, 49, was born and raised in Atlanta to a military family. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and master’s degree from Kansas State University, both in political science. West also holds a master of mil-

itary arts and sciences from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff Officer College in political theory and military operations. While in the Army, West was in Operation Desert Storm and in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He received numerous honors during his service.

In 2004, he retired with his wife and two daughters to Broward County. He spent one year as a teacher before returning to Afghanistan as an adviser to the Afghan army, a stint he finished in 2007.

West said he is a candidate who will stand up for what is right. “I think it’s important to restore honor, integrity and character in the government,” he said. “The local people of District 22 are looking for someone with principle.”

If elected, his top three goals would be to focus on revising the tax code, fixing illegal immigration and protecting the American people.

“We have to revise the tax code,” he said, noting that the cur-

rent, progressive tax system isn’t working. “We have to get away from class warfare.”

Instead, West said he would support a flat tax system for individuals and businesses.

West characterized illegal immigration as a “multiple-headed hydra” and criticized the federal government for its inaction. He noted that there are laws on the books to deal with illegal immigration at a federal level that aren’t being enforced.

“The federal government has not secured and enforced our borders,” he said. “It does not stand up to its constitutional mandate.”

In absence of the federal government enforcing laws on the books, West said he supports state laws such as the one recently passed in Arizona.

Regarding national defense, West said the government should be proactive in dealing with foreign threats.

“We need to get away from occupational-style warfare,” he said. Instead he would focus on strike

operations that would hinder enemy operations.

West characterized himself as an “independent thinker” who is “not a puppet” for any party. As for his opponent in the primary election, West said Brady is a “speed bump” he must get over to get to the general election and the congressional seat.

West said that voters should choose him so he can make their voices heard. “I will be their voice,” he said. “And I look forward to being their representative in Congress.”

For more information, visit www.allenwestforcongress.com.

Brady, 36, was born and raised in Miami. He graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in building construction with a minor in business.

Brady spent eight years in Phoenix working with a homebuilder.

After returning to Florida, he started his own company last year. He currently lives in Boca Raton. He said he is running in an effort to

bring common sense back to Congress.

Allen WestDavid Brady would represent his district. He said that it is a key difference between him and Klein, who “always voted Democrat.”

“We’ve lost a lot of rational decision-making in Washington,” he said. “I became fed up with the extremists who unfortunately almost always vote along party lines.”

Rather than fall in line with his party on all issues, Brady said he

“It is my goal and my job to represent the people and vote along the lines of what the district wants,” he said. Upon arriving in Washington, See DISTRICT 22, page 7

Pafford Seeks Another Term As ‘Conscience Of The Legislature’

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

State Rep. Mark Pafford (D-District 88) hopes that his experience and his desire to do what’s right will bring voters to the polls next week to re-elect him.

Pafford, 44, faces Wellington businessman Ron Miranda in the Aug. 24 Democratic primary. The winner faces token opposition from a write-in candidate in November.

District 88 stretches from Greenacres up through Century Village and portions of West Palm Beach, and west to include most of Royal Palm Beach.

Pafford is a third-generation Floridian who grew up in a middle-class family and attended area public schools. He received a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Florida Atlantic University.

After Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Pafford moved to West Palm Beach where he cut lawns for three years. He worked for Lois Frankel when she was in the State House representing District 85. Pafford then worked as CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association for nearly 10 years. He currently serves as director of leadership giving at the Lord’s Place, a regional homeless shelter.

Pafford ran for State House in 2002 and Palm Beach County Commission in 2006, but lost both elections. In 2008, he was elected to the District 88 seat by default when no other candidates filed against him.

Pafford said that his top accomplishments include being an independent legislator. “Being able to stick to what I think is right and not cut deals for the convenience of getting what you want done,” he said. “I sleep well every night.”

Pafford also pointed to several pieces of legislation he sponsored, including a bill that closed a documentary stamp loophole, a bill to fight public corruption and organized crime, and a bill that removed the statute of limitations for reporting sexual abuse in minors under 16. He said that voters should re-elect him because he has been a voice for the working class, families and seniors.

“I know the district well,” Pafford said. “Historically, this district has elected representatives who stood up for the small guy and tried to stand in the way of large corporations. I feel comfortable supporting the little guy.” If elected, Pafford said he would continue constituent support, sponsor and support meaningful legislation and continue to act as “the conscience of the legislature.”

“You’ve got 76 people right now who march in order,” he said. “They hit a button when they’re told to. We’ve done a lot of really bad things, I think. Corporate interests are represented very, very well in Tallahassee. I don’t think there’s enough attention put on the normal person.”

Pafford said one of the major issues in

the campaign is Florida’s regressive tax structure that relies on sales tax and property tax and does not provide a stable environment for businesses.

“It’s not the type of stability that business prefers,” he said. “There’s no longterm effort made to actually create a fair system of taxation.”

Pafford also said that Florida must take care of its senior citizens better.

“Tens of thousands of people are on wait lists,” he said. “And wait-list services are intended to keep people out of nursing homes. A 102-year-old woman was on the wait list for two years for services like combing her hair. She died at 103 years old on a wait list.”

Pafford noted that the rising need for assistance, coupled with the legislature’s penchant for cutting services rather than raising taxes, will force seniors to leave Florida. “Florida is not going to be the best place to retire to,” he said. “It’s already happening. When your revenue is so closely tied to tourism and the retirement industry, in my mind, the priorities are generally backward.”

Pafford said he would help central Palm Beach County by advocating for fair taxation, including bringing back “the millionaire’s tax.” He said he wants to bring more business to the area to limit the need for travel.

Regarding the Gulf oil spill, Pafford said the federal response was lacking, which forced Florida to take a leadership

role. He also noted that the cities affected by the response were not given an adequate role; instead BP was given a leadership role in the response.

“The fact that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has BP officials in its call centers takes from these folks [the affected cities],” Pafford said. “BP has a huge responsibility in this; at the same time, they’re a private company seeking revenue from oil sales and successful oil exploration. I found it disgusting, frankly, that BP has had that leadership role in determining how Florida responds to the issue.”

He said he would support a constitutional ban on drilling within 10 miles of Florida’s coastline. “I think that Florida has one of the most unique and pristine environments in the world,” Pafford said. “You’re not going to find another Everglades; you’re not going to find coastal marshes like Florida’s.”

To help the economy, Pafford said he would look into collecting taxes in other areas such as Internet sales and eliminating unnecessary exemptions. While he supported tax exemptions on items such as milk, he said exemptions on things like ostrich feed and stadium sky boxes should be reviewed. “I think what must occur is an honest discussion about the tax structure,” he said. “And really an honest discussion about where Florida wants to go. We don’t have any structures in place to provide for vulnerable people.”

In the past legislative session, Pafford said he voted against Senate Bill 6 and a bill that would have required women seeking an abortion to have an ultrasound. He said that he supports the two redistricting amendments on the November ballot but does not support the “hometown democracy” Amendment 4. Pafford said that voters should choose him because he tries to do what is right. “I’m honest,” he said. “I don’t hide or veil the work that goes on up there in Tallahassee.”

For more info., visit www.markpafford. com.

Candidate Miranda Puts Focus On Small Business Perspective

By Ron Bukley

Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington businessman Ron Miranda is challenging incumbent Mark Pafford in the Aug. 24 Democratic primary for State House District 88 on a platform of restoring the economy through supporting small business. The winner of the primary faces only token opposition from a write-in candidate in November. District 88 stretches from Greenacres up through Century Village and portions of West Palm Beach, and west to include most of Royal Palm Beach.

Miranda has a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in business from Youngstown State University in Ohio. He came to South Florida in 1982, eventually moving to Wellington in 1994. His wife Jaene is CEO of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce. They have two children, Michael, 18, and Nicole, 16.

Miranda has worked in quality assurance for General Foods and in human resources for Kraft Foods. For the past 17 years, he has run his own restaurants, first at Michael’s Pasta in Wellington. In 2001, he opened Nicole’s Pasta & Grill, also in

Wellington. “I think, without a doubt, we need more small business people in our state legislature,” he said. Miranda said he is in touch with the needs of small businesses and his employees, many of whose families are underemployed.

“I hear my employees on a day-to-day basis asking, ‘Can you give me more hours? My husband lost his job,’” he said.

“I understand what it is to cut a budget. I understand what it is to hire and fire people… I don’t think my opponent has that experience.”

Miranda’s top goal if elected is creating jobs and helping small businesses in Florida. “Other priorities would be in our educational system and our healthcare programs, but the main one is creating jobs for our economy,” he said. He said tax incentives are one means of creating jobs. “I think we should get more involved on a local basis to help businesses out in our communities,” Miranda said. “I think we need to take a look at not just what we’re doing, but the other type of tax incentives that are out there… What are some of the states doing that we’re not? Perhaps we may be

able to use that to attract businesses to the State of Florida. I’m not against taking somebody else’s idea to get jobs.”

He said the legislature is not focusing hard enough on drawing new jobs and businesses to the state.

“I see one issue. I’ve probably talked to at least a thousand people, and it is job creation,” Miranda said. “Even in elderly neighborhoods, they talk about that simply because they have children and grandchildren. They do have concerns about healthcare, and rightfully so, but it’s simply, ‘We need jobs.’”

Miranda wants Florida and the state legislature to learn from the Gulf oil spill.

“You could compare it to what happened with Katrina,” he said. “Could we have responded to it better? Yes. Did we know how? No, nor did they know how to respond to a major hurricane like they did in Louisiana.”

Miranda said he does not favor offshore drilling in Florida’s territorial waters.

To help Florida plug predicted budget gaps, Miranda said he would draw from his corporate background to look to make cuts.

“The corporations I worked with, they

would say, ‘This is our budget we have to work with, fix it.’ You have to make cuts, because you can’t look at, say, stimulus money. It’s gone,” he said. “We need to take a look at where there’s duplication, where we can combine departments, but we need to work within our means.”

Regarding proposed state constitutional amendments, Miranda said he opposes Amendment 4, which would require referendums for all land-use changes.

“I think that’s going to create massive red tape when comes to development in our community,” he said. “For every little change to have to vote, can you imagine how long that would take? The things that we have to go through now are enough.”

He said he would have favored the recently vetoed Senate Bill 6, which tied teacher performance to pay.

“I think anybody in any job needs to be measured to some degree,” Miranda said. “I don’t know how you can possibly be paid without being measured. The way it was proposed with the FCAT involved, it needs to be a little more localized… It can’t just be a basic performance because our schools are in different areas

and the teachers have different issues that they’re dealing with.” Miranda said he is different from his opponent in that he can respond more proactively to the economic downturn.

“I’m not here to put Mark Pafford down by any means,” he said. “I think that Mark

Mark Pafford

Ron Miranda See MIRANDA, page 20

Man Robbed While Walking On D Road

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

AUG. 14 — A Loxahatchee Groves man was robbed last Saturday night while walking down D Road. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, a deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to D Road after the victim called to report he had been robbed. According to the report, at approximately 10 p.m. the victim was walking north on D Road from Southern Blvd. when he was hit in the left ear and knocked to the ground by two unknown men. One of the suspects reached into his right pocket and stole $50. The suspects then fled in an unknown direction. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

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AUG. 11 — An employee of the Village of Royal Palm Beach called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Wednesday to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between Wednesday, Aug. 4 and last Wednesday, someone removed the handrails from a bridge on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. The handrails are 10 feet long, have three horizontal rails and are constructed of polished aluminum. The employee reported that in a similar theft, the rails were unscrewed, so during the installation of these rails, the bolts were damaged to make them more difficult to steal. According to the report, all eight sections were broken at the base, which indicates that the suspect(s) rocked them until they broke at the weld. The handrails were valued at approximately $5,520. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 11 — A resident of the Willows II community visited the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Wednesday to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9 p.m. last Tuesday and 7 a.m. the following morning, someone stole the victim’s tailgate from his truck while he was parked on Sparrow Drive. The tailgate is blue with a dent on the lower left side and numerous scratches. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

to Pinewood Grove after a resident called to report a suspicious person. While conducting a perimeter search, the deputy observed a red vehicle that matched the suspicious vehicle description leaving the area of the burglary. The deputy conducted a traffic stop on Wellington Trace and made contact with 19-year-old Dustin Broughton, 20-year-old Sean Daly and 18-year-old Metthew Pegram. According to the report, all three men said that they were in the area of the burglaries, and that they were going through cars to steal miscellaneous items. They were arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where they were charged with burglary to an unoccupied structure. AUG 14 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to a home in Madison Green last Saturday morning regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5 p.m. last Friday and 11 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s garage and stole a racing bike valued at $400. The victim also reported that two to three weeks ago, fishing rods were stolen from the garage, but she did not report it. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 15 — A resident of Wiltshire Village called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Sunday morning to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim said that he had left his garage open overnight. Sometime between 10 p.m. last Friday and 6 a.m. Sunday, someone entered the garage and stole a quart of orange juice from the fridge and an LED flashlight. The stolen items were valued at approximately $53.50. The suspect was later identified as 19-year-old John Long of Loxahatchee, who was also connected with two other burglaries. Long was arrested and taken to the county jail where he was charged with burglary to an unoccupied dwelling.

AUG. 16 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched Monday morning to a home on Shoma Drive in response to a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim’s house sitter left the home locked last Thursday afternoon and returned Monday morning to find the front door open and the house burglarized. The point of entry was a window near the front door, which had a six-inch hole in it. The suspect(s) stole an Xbox 360, a 42-inch flatscreen television, a Samsung surround sound system with a DVD player and four speakers, and an Apple laptop. The stolen items were valued at approximately $1,800. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 12 — Two residents of Pinewood Grove called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Thursday to report vehicle burglaries. According to PBSO reports, deputies responded to two homes in the community after they discovered that their vehicles had been broken into. According to one PBSO report, sometime between 8 p.m. last Wednesday and 8 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s unlocked car and stole a Sirius satellite radio valued at approximately $120. In a second report, the victim said that sometime between 1 and 2 p.m. someone entered the vehicle through the driver’s side front door. The suspect(s) stole a GPS, reading glasses and some change. The stolen items were valued at approximately $245. In both cases, DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 12 — Three Wellington men were arrested early last Thursday morning on burglary charges following a suspicious person report. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation responded

AUG. 17 — A Department of Agriculture employee called the PBSO substation in Wellington Tuesday morning to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim’s government vehicle was parked in a parking lot on State Road 7 with several other government vehicles. Sometime between 8 p.m. Monday and 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, someone removed all the tires and rims from the car and left it on pavers. The stolen items were valued at approximately $1,300. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Courtney Gross, a.k.a. “Ping,” is a black female, 5’3” tall and weighing 125 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. She has a tattoo on her back. Her date of birth is 04/11/76. Gross is wanted for public assistance fraud and grand theft over $20,000. Her occupation is secretary. Her last known addresses were Weybridge Circle in Royal Palm Beach and 40th Lane North in The Acreage. Gross is wanted as of 08/19/10. • Turia Roebuck, a.k.a. Turia Pilar Hayden-Roebuck, is a black female, 5’1” tall and weighing 160 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. She has a scar on one of her breasts. Her date of birth is 05/ 06/72. Roebuck is wanted for failure to appear on a charge of grand theft. Her occupation is laborer. Her last known addresses were Mulberry Road in Royal Palm Beach and Cobblefield Road in Wellington. Roebuck is wanted as of 08/ 19/10. 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.

Courtney Gross Turia Roebuck

ELECTION 2010: STATE SENATE DISTRICT 27, REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

Benacquisto Puts Focus On Community Background, New Ideas

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Former Wellington Councilwoman

Lizbeth Benacquisto faces former State Representative Sharon Merchant and retired pilot Mike Lameyer in the Aug. 24 primary for the chance to secure the State Senate District 27 seat being vacated by Sen. Dave Aronberg in his bid to become Florida’s attorney general. District 27 stretches from West Palm Beach across the state to Fort Myers in Lee County. It includes portions of the western communities, such as southern areas of Wellington and large parts of Loxahatchee.

The winner of the GOP primary will face either Fort Myers attorney Peter Burkert or State Rep. Kevin Rader (DDistrict 78) in the Nov. 2 general election.

Benacquisto, 42, was born in New York, but moved to Pembroke Pines when she was 10. Once settling in Wellington to raise her family, she became active in the community.

Following a successful leadership role in building Tiger Shark Cove Park, Benacquisto was elected to the Wellington Village Council in 2002. She was re-elected in 2006 and left earlier this year due to term limits.

Benacquisto lives in Wellington with her two school-age children and a collegeage stepson. She works as a Realtor. Returning to college as an adult, she graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University last year with a bachelor’s degree in organizational management.

Benacquisto said that her top accomplishments include her children, who are “very grounded;” finishing her college education; helping to build Tiger Shark Cove Park and Scott’s Place Playground; and establishing the Safe Neighborhoods initiative in Wellington.

She said she is best suited to serve District 27 because she is familiar with the district and its constituents.

“I’ve lived here for 16 years,” Benacquisto said. “I know the day-to-day ebb and flow and the trends of where we’re moving. I’m very in tune with it.”

Upon arriving in Tallahassee, Benacquisto said that her top three goals would be creating jobs, cutting government spending and drafting legislation to ban texting while driving.

To cut government spending, she would look to eliminate duplicate services. “We need to look at the actual cost of the business we do,” Benacquisto said. “We need to review contracts and make sure we’re getting the best value for our dollar.”

She said she would serve District 27 by creating incentives to bring high-wage jobs to the area, stressing that she is committed to all parts of the district.

To help the Glades area, Benacquisto would work to help bring an inland port to provide jobs, as well as working with the local government on zoning issues to help companies be able to invest in the area.

“I will be an advocate for the entire region,” she said. “When I believe in something, I will not stop until I know my voice

has been heard and action is taken.”

Benacquisto pointed to her opposition to a landfill in the western communities in which she rallied citizens and blocked it from coming in as an example of how she is able to get things accomplished.

Benacquisto said that Florida will be able to attract industries and more jobs by reducing the timetable for companies to invest by streamlining the approval and permitting process.

To help balance the budget without raising taxes, Benacquisto suggested a zerobased budgeting system that would assign a numerical value to every dollar spent.

“It’s a viable system to prioritize dollars,” she said. “For services that don’t rate high, we can say, ‘That’s a luxury item right now.’ We haven’t attacked the core issue; we have to find programs that never worked in the first place. I want a change in how we allocate our dollars. We cannot just cut. We have to rethink, prioritize and know how our money is spent.”

Benacquisto said that it took too long for officials to respond to the Gulf oil spill.

While she said she would never vote to lift the ban on offshore oil drilling, she said that she doesn’t support a constitutional ban. Instead, she would support measures to ensure another disaster doesn’t happen.

“We should make sure money is set aside by BP,” she said. “The claims process needs to be expedited so that those who were affected got paid. Some people lost their whole lives’ work.”

Benacquisto said that she does not support Amendment 4, the “hometown democracy” amendment.

“In this moment in time, when the economy is struggling, when folks are out of work… we cannot afford any further constriction of economic activity,” she said. “This is the time to be investing, expanding and allowing growth, innovation and business activity to occur. If you bog the process down so that investors, developers and regular citizens have to go through a vote of the people in order to see their project move forward, they’re not going to invest here.”

As for recent controversial past bills, Benacquisto said she stood against Senate Bill 6. She said she believes that teachers and stakeholders “should have been involved in the process” of drafting SB 6.

But Benacquisto noted that she would have supported a bill requiring women seeking an abortion to get an ultrasound. She said that she wanted an opportunity for women to be educated before they make a choice.

Though some have characterized her as a candidate who will fall in line with current leadership, Benacquisto said that is not the case. “That’s far off the mark when it comes to me and my record of service,” she said.

Throughout her campaign, Benacquisto said that voters have stressed that they want new representatives with new ideas that differ from those in office.

“‘Not the same old ideas.’” She said voters should choose her on Aug. 24 because she would be that voice. “Voters should put their trust in me because I understand their concerns, their worries, their hopes and desires for the future,” she said. “It is time for someone to be in the seat who represents the citizens of District 27.”

For more information, visit www.vote lizbeth.com.

“No matter where I go, it’s resounding. ‘We want a new voice,’” she said.

Merchant: Senate Needs A Business-Minded, Independent Voice

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Business owner and former State Representative Sharon Merchant is vying with two opponents in the Aug. 24 Republican primary in State Senate District 27. Merchant, 47, faces former Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto and retired pilot Mike Lameyer. The winner of the primary will face either Fort Myers attorney Peter Burkert or State Rep. Kevin Rader (D-District 78) in the Nov. 2 general election. The district crosses the state from West Palm Beach to Fort Myers on the Gulf Coast, including portions of the western communities, such as the southern areas of Wellington and parts of Loxahatchee. The district is now represented by State Sen. Dave Aronberg, who is leaving the seat in his bid to become Florida’s attorney general.

Merchant is a fifth-generation Floridian who was born and raised in West Palm Beach. Her father was an entrepreneur who started Merchant Transport, a heavy hauling and steel erection business. She received a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from Florida State University.

While in college, Merchant worked in the state legislature. She then served as a legislative assistant to District 83 State Rep. Marian Lewis from 1987-92. In 1992, Merchant was elected to succeed Lewis and served District 83 until 2000.

Merchant has run for the District 27 seat before, losing a Republican primary in 2002.

Merchant has homes in both Palm Beach and Lee counties. She is married

to Dan Turner. They have one son. She is currently vice president of her family’s business, Equipment Rental Services Inc.

Merchant said her top accomplishment is serving in the State House at a young age, at a time when the Democratic Party controlled the legislature and governor’s office. She was part of a Republican team that at long last took control of Tallahassee. Merchant served as the first Republican Transportation Economic Development Appropriations chair.

“I think I am the first and the last ever to voluntarily cut my own allocation,” she said, noting that she returned 2 percent of the allocated money to the state.

Merchant is disappointed in how the current legislative process has deteriorated, noting that legislation ran on time and in order during her time in office. “I think that some of the leaders have not done as good a job as they could have,” she said.

Merchant recalled that during her service, many legislators had been there several years and became experts in certain areas such as the budget.

“I think that very few House and Senate members have a deep understanding of the budget,” she said. “So I think what’s happened is staff has stepped up. They’re basically driving the whole process. And in my view, members who are elected have to be responsible for the bottom line.”

Merchant said that the legislature’s tendency to fill budget holes by taking money from other areas worked for a while, but could not work forever.

“If you take a non-recurring source of money and if you use it in general revenue, it’s like earning $65,000 a year and

wanting to live on $70,000,” she said.

“You could do it for a while. And then it comes time to start paying your creditors.”

Merchant said that she chose to run again after being dissatisfied with the decision-making in Tallahassee, especially regarding small business regulations. She said that her company’s unemployment compensation has gone up by 100 percent.

“It’s not going to put my business out of business,” she said. “But it will put a lot of small businesses out of business that are hanging on by their fingernails. I think there’s just no recognition of just how tough it is out there by some of those who are making those decisions.”

If elected, Merchant said that her top goals would be to help stimulate the economy and create jobs through business incentives.

“Most people, when you knock on their door, what they say to me is, ‘Are we going to survive as a state and as a nation?’” she said. “‘Am I going to be able to keep my house? Is there ever a time when things are going to get better and I can have a job again?’”

She said that she would spend time working on learning the budget and working with Enterprise Florida and the university system to help identify the types of jobs that Florida should target. “There needs to be a collaboration and coordinated effort that has fallen by the wayside,” she said.

Merchant distinguished herself from her opponents, noting that she has more experience and understands the way the legislature works, and also noted that she is less conservative on social issues.

Had she been in office last session, she said that she would have opposed several bills, including Senate Bill 6 and a bill requiring ultrasounds for women seeking abortions.

She decried SB 6 as “a lazy way to do politics” that was done with no debates, public input, amendments or discussion. While she said she supports merit-based pay for teachers, she felt the bill was pushed through without input from those affected or specifics on how teachers would be measured.

“If you send an elected person to Tallahassee, you expect them all to be leaders and all to ask questions,” she said. “I would expect that if we were changing any industry… those experts need to be at the table and there needs to be a collaborative effort and a discussion.”

Merchant said that being against President Barack Obama’s healthcare plan but requiring women to get ultrasounds is hypocritical.

“To say that we’re going to act as doctors and prescribe any kind of treatment, including an ultrasound, because we think that it’s a good idea is a lousy idea,” she said. “I think we’ll leave that to the doctors.”

As for the amendments on the November ballot, Merchant said she opposes the “hometown democracy” Amendment 4 but supports the two redistricting amendments.

Regarding the legislators’ response to the oil spill, Merchant categorized it as “disjointed.” She said legislators could have worked closer with the governor.

“All elected officials need to work together for the greater good,” she said.

Sharon Merchant

“They need to focus on putting out the right message.”

Merchant said that she supports the current offshore drilling ban but does “not like to tinker” with the constitution. Merchant said voters should choose her because she is an experienced legislator who will listen to voters and is independent of influence in Tallahassee. “I know how to get things done, and I have the courage to do what’s right,” she said. “I’m not willing to go along just to get along.” For more information, visit www. sharonmerchant.com.

Tea Party Movement Inspires Mike Lameyer To Seek State Seat

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Retired pilot Mike Lameyer is running against former Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto and former State Representative Sharon Merchant in the Aug. 24 Republican primary in State Senate District 27. The winner will face either Fort Myers attorney Peter Burkert or State Rep. Kevin Rader (D-District 78) to represent a district that crosses the state from West Palm Beach to Fort Myers on the Gulf Coast, including portions of the western communities. The district is now represented by State Sen. Dave Aronberg, who is leaving the seat in his bid to become Florida’s attorney general.

Lameyer served in the U.S. Marines in an active combat unit from 1965-67, including a one-year tour in Vietnam. After his discharge, he attended college in Miami and became a commercial airline pilot and flight instructor.

In the late 1970s, when the first fuel crisis hit, Lameyer said many airlines went out of business. He was hired as director of development by a Palm Beach corporation that invested in technology products. “All of that work created new jobs, so I’m very much into being able to create new jobs through soft and hard technology,” Lameyer said.

Last year, he attended a Tea Party rally and was impressed by the movement’s

District 22

GOP Primary

continued from page 4 Brady said his top three goals would be fiscal responsibility, education and national defense. He said he would push for Congress to balance the budget. “We have got to start balancing the budget sooner rather than later,” he said. “Within four to five years, I’d like to see a balanced budget.”

While Brady said he is not for raising taxes, he said it is “unwise” to believe that the government can cut taxes. “We’ve got to get our pennies in order,” he said. “It’s critical for future success.”

philosophy. “Their agenda is very simple: smaller government, less taxes, control back to the citizens of the United States,” he said. “The government must conduct itself within the confines of the Constitution, both federal and state.”

Lameyer said his stance on citizens’ right to bear arms, controlling illegal immigration, right to life and education reform have gained him the support of the Tea Party movement and other associated groups.

“They won’t endorse during a primary, but they can still support candidacies,” he said. “They’ve done a tremendous job supporting me all the way across the state.”

Lameyer describes himself as “the candidate who lives in the district,” in suburban Lake Worth. He has been married 30 years to his wife, Karen, who was a public school teacher for 25 years. Now retired, she teaches at the Good News Bible Club. They have four children, all of whom were raised in Florida.

Lameyer said working his way through college and becoming a commercial pilot and flight instructor, as well as his service in the Marines, rank as his top accomplishments. He said his business background qualifies him to serve in the State Senate.

“Being a director of corporate development, my career mostly concerns itself with problem solving,” he said. “I’m a

Another way to secure future success is through education reform, Brady said. “It should always be our top priority,” he said. “Education solves so many of society’s ills. The smarter the country is, the better off we will be.” Brady said that he would support funding the Department of Education to research the most effective way to teach core classes and work to implement them. Regarding national defense, Brady said he would support ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “We have completed our missions as we set out to do,” he said, adding that he would support work to minimize terrorist attacks by using intelligence, diplomacy and technology.

great problem solver. What we have now in government on virtually every level are problems, and we have career bureaucrats who don’t have one foggy idea how to solve these problems.”

His top three goals if elected would be to submit legislation to remove plea deals for anyone who kills a police officer, firerescue personnel or paramedic during the commission of a crime. “With the plea bargaining in the mix, too many hardened criminals walk with just a few short years imprisonment,” Lameyer said.

He also wants the state to stop “financing illegal aliens.” He estimates that cost to be about $4.1 billion for such things as food stamps, healthcare, Section 8 housing and education.

“Legislators are already talking about a $6 billion shortfall,” he noted. “You can’t take money away from the most needy to pay some other area that is not in the same level of need, and I would like to see this $4.1 billion that we use to support illegal aliens in the State of Florida. That money belongs to the legal citizens of the State of Florida.”

As for creating jobs, Lameyer said he does not understand why Florida was not considered when Kia, Toyota and BMW signed contracts to build new plants in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi. “Florida was not in the conversation,” he said. “I want to know why. They say those are right-to-work states. Florida is a right-

He said that his work in Washington, especially in balancing the budget, would help the residents of District 22. “It’s a rather affluent district,” he said. “The economy of the U.S. is critical. When we’re in a deficit it hurts constituents everywhere.” Brady said he is less extreme than West. He characterized himself as a more “center-minded” individual. And that is why voters should vote for him, he said. “If they want someone who will bring common sense and rational solutions to the issues facing America, then they will vote for me,” Brady said. For more information, visit www. dcbrady.com.

to-work state. Why weren’t the politicians in Tallahassee in this conversation?”

Another way to create jobs is to advertise in high tax states, he said. “We can get good jobs to move to Florida because we have a low tax base and no personal income tax,” he noted.

Lameyer said he favors continued research into natural gas and oil products. The drilling does not have to be on the water because most of it can be reached from land by slant drilling, he said. “The studies show it would create 350,000 jobs in the first 24 months,” he said.

Lameyer said he would support a zerobased accounting system. “Any company in the world has to have a zero-based accounting system so they know where every penny went, who it went to and why that person got it,” he said.

As an example, he cited a woman he saw checking out $400 worth of groceries with food stamps then putting them in her new Escalade. “We have to be losing millions of dollars,” Lameyer said. “I get phone calls every week from families who need help and can’t get help.”

He said he would try to get local property taxes under control. “I built a huge house out here in Wellington in 1972,” he said. “I know the problems out here, and I know that some of the people sitting on the town council out here had no problems raising taxes and fees.”

Regarding the proposed amendments on the November ballot, Lameyer said he strongly opposes the “hometown democracy” Amendment 4, which would require land-use changes to be voted on by referendum. He said it has been tried in other places and failed. He said he favors the two redistricting amendments. “I would prefer to see districts drawn with boundary lines rather than voter registration,” he said.

Although District 27 has not sent a Republican to Tallahassee since it was last redrawn, Lameyer said he hopes to break that pattern by appealing to Republicanheavy Lee County. “I don’t believe the Republicans really fielded candidates that would catch on in Lee County,” he said. “Many of them are middle of the road, not right leaning.”

Lameyer stressed that his beliefs are different than his opponents. “One of my opponents claims to be pro-family, yet that same opponent voted against banning partial birth abortions,” he said, referring to Merchant. “That same candidate voted against mandatory parent notification if a minor was seeking an abortion. Is that pro-family? No, it’s not.”

He also criticized his other opponent, Benacquisto. He noted that during her first year as a Wellington councilwoman, the village budget was $47 million, and during the boom years escalated to over $100 million. “She voted for these increases,” he said. “She voted for the new fee requirements.”

Lameyer said that although his opponents are both better funded, he has tried to compensate by going across the state meeting with people and listening to them. “I know what the people in the State of Florida want,” he said. “I will represent the people because nobody‘s bought me.” For more information, visit www.mike lameyer.com.

Lizbeth Benacquisto

Mike Lameyer

Indian Trail Seat 1 Candidates Make Their Final Pitch To The Voters

Each week leading up to the Aug. 24 primary election for the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors, the TownCrier has asked questions of the four Seat 1 candidates. This week’s final set of questions are: “How would you characterize the drainage services currently offered by the Indian Trail Improvement District? Are there any improvements you would like to see regarding drainage services?” and “Why should voters choose you on Aug. 24?”

JENNIFER HAGER

Drainage — There is always room for improvement in any aspect of business and in life. Nothing is perfect. When it comes to Indian Trail and the management of the current drainage system, I see plenty of room for improvement. Consider this: I am a teacher, not an engineer, but even I know that water doesn’t drain uphill. When it rains very hard and water is standing in my swale, I should see little ripples in the current indicating the direction of water flow — I do not see this in front of my house. Swales need to be maintained often. For example, these days there are many abandoned and foreclosed homes on almost every street. In many cases, these homes’ lawns are not being tended. Grasses and weeds inhibit water flow. ITID should consistently check for proper water drainage. Draining the canals before predicted rainfall and spot

Domino District 25

GOP Primary

continued from page 1 would vote against her constituents because she “needs to keep a seat at the table.”

“If you need to keep a seat at the table and you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re a place marker,” he said. “And this whole election has become that she’s a place marker for the people in Tallahassee.”

Unlike Bogdanoff, Domino said that he often stands against leadership and pointed to his vote against the bill requiring a woman seeking an abortion to have an ultrasound.

“An ultrasound is a medical issue,” he said. “I don’t want to tell

checking swales after heavy rains seem like reasonable ideas.

Message To Voters — Voters, I would like for you to know that I am running for elected office with the determination to improve the neighborhood in which we live. You should know that I am of independent mind and capable of making sound decisions. My voting tendencies will not be influenced. I realize that I will be elected into office by others who may share similar characteristics and beliefs. I intend to be the same person who sits on the board as I am right now today — your taxpaying neighbor, a loving wife, a doting mother, a dependable teacher, and an individual member of this struggling community where I can clearly see an incredible need for someone just like me.

MIKE NICHOLS

Drainage — Drainage services are one of the most important of all services as it relates to the primary responsibility of the Indian Trail Improvement District — water supply and stormwater control. Because our soils are sandy and loamy with low percolation rates, water ponds in the swales in front of your homes for several days after significant storms. If you have lived in other areas of South Florida where the Biscayne Aquifer’s limestone moves water rapidly, you do not see this problem. As a result, the movement of water horizontally along the swales to the drainage

doctors how to perform. I don’t tell a doctor to tell a patient that he needs to have an ear exam.

That’s a medical issue.”

He did, however, support a bill that would require parental notification for minors seeking a firstterm abortion. He said he opposed other similar bills because they did not include the option for a judicial bypass, which is required by law.

If elected, Domino said that he would push for a statewide ethics bill and require elections for any governmental body that can affect ad valorem taxes.

“I think that any governing body that can affect your ad valorem taxes should be subject to popular vote,” he said, noting that local governments are subject to vote, but that agencies like the South Florida Water Management

canals is much more critical in our area. It requires constant maintenance, especially in front of undeveloped lots where tree limbs and unmowed vegetation slow down the movement and increase standing water on adjacent properties, allowing for mosquitoes to breed. There are ways to increase the effectiveness of our current drainage problems without increasing costs. I plan to explore alternative avenues to make sure this happens.

Message To Voters — The voters in ITID should select me on Aug. 24 because I am interested in improving services, reducing debt and helping to foster an atmosphere of cooperation among stakeholders of our community. I would like to use my experience and skills to ensure the long-term

District have an appointed governing body.

To help central Palm Beach County, Domino said he would work with the community to attract high-wage employers to the area. Regarding the Acreage cancer scare, Domino said he would like to be sure all the relevant information is included in the database in Miami. He noted that he would like to see the database be more proactive and try to identify problems before they occur.

Although he said that he would like to see an answer to the problem, he isn’t sure that there is an answer. “You probably will never find out what happened,” he said. Domino said Florida’s economy has suffered because of its dependence on the real estate market. To help stimulate the econo-

health and vitality of our water resources and to help our community come together and realize our people are our most valuable asset. By cooperation and vision, improvement and expansion of our parks, increased efficiency of our drainage, enhancement of our roads and environment will become not merely a wish, but a reality.

BILL RILEY

Drainage — I think the drainage services are good in some parts of the district and poor in other parts. When I see water standing in a swale in front of a home after it has not rained in several weeks, I think, “someone is not doing their job.” When I look at knee-high grass in a swale, the only reason is that the water is not

my, he said he would push for incentives to bring businesses to the state. “We have to continue to look at regulations and red tape,” he said. “But there’s no magic wand on this. We don’t create jobs. The people do. We need to try to encourage the kind of people who create jobs to come to Florida.”

Domino said Florida did a good job handling the oil spill. He said there were some issues, including that several volunteers in Palm Beach County who wanted to help were unable to take a course that would allow them to. “The real problems were in Louisiana,” he said.

He said he still supports exploration for oil and gas, and only supports the moratorium in Florida’s territorial waters until it is safe to continue drilling.

Domino said that he supports

drained to the end of the road. Why? It has to be leadership that makes the decisions on what to fix and what to forget. I don’t have a problem where I live, but many others do. ITID has the job of maintaining our drainage. I don’t think they are doing a very good job for all the people who pay taxes for their services. Maybe some, but not all. Isn’t it time to get the priorities in order? After all, it is our tax money.

Message To Voters — I think people should vote for me on Aug. 24 because I want to represent all the people, not just the ones that have to get involved because they have a problem. I don’t belong to any special interest group, I have an extensive knowledge of Acreage history, and if elected I’ll keep the voice of the residents, first and

developing renewable energy sources but noted that he would want to include nuclear energy. He said that much of the technology is older technology but believes renewable energy is the way of the future. “We should continue to encourage it,” he said. “But we need to educate ourselves.”

foremost. One thing for sure: I won’t break the Sunshine Law, talking to other members on how I will vote on the board on a subject coming up, as some board members have. I have your interests at heart, you the taxpayers.

RICHARD WAITE

Drainage — The quarter-inch of drainage we now have is insufficient in case of a repeat of 1995. Royal Palm Beach gets four inches of drainage. We need one inch of drainage to be protected. Negotiations with the South Florida Water Management District should be done.

Message To Voters — I am running because I want you to have the whole story on issues and make sure your rights are protected.

Carl Domino

To balance the budget, Domino said he would look toward “thoughtful expansion of gambling” and collecting Internet sales tax to find additional revenue. However, he noted that there would need to be cuts. He suggested saving money on textbooks by utilizing technology

such as iPads or Kindles to condense a child’s loads. Domino said that in November he hopes voters will oppose the “hometown democracy” Amendment 4, but supports the two redistricting amendments. Domino said that voters should vote for him because of his experience and the fact that he will be a representative for them. “If voters study the resume of both candidates and if they think they’re hiring someone to represent their interests, they will vote for me,” he said. For more info., visit www.vote carldomino.com.

Bill Riley

Mike Nichols

Jennifer Hager

Richard Waite

FOODS

Tatiana and Jonathan Celestin with McGruff the Crime Dog.

PHOTOS BY DENISE

James, Tara, Kayla and Taylor Vernic of Wellington.

Zachry Construction’s Mike Alvarez, Crestwood Middle School Principal Stephanie Nance and PBSO Capt. Eric Coleman.

Representatives from Zachry Construction, RPB, the PBSO and area schools with some of the donated backpacks.

PBSO Detective Gabe Carino with Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School Principal Rich Myerson.

Steve Sylvester with Elizabeth and Jack in front of the PBSO’s Marine division boat.

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue’s Matt Lyons.

PBSO Capt. Jay Hart, Deputy Jason Gray, Sergeant Mike Tranchant and Corporal Alex Nunes.

Barbara Masi of the PBSO’s Animal Kindness Program with Dillon, an Irish wolf hound.

ACREAGE FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE JOINS AAU TO HOST NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

The Amateur Athlete Union and the Acreage-based USA Girls Flag Football hosted the inaugural AAU Girls Flag Football National Championship Aug. 14-15 at Mirasol Park in Palm Beach Gardens. The event featured 16 teams in three age divisions. Games were played under NIRSA rules (seven-onseven screen) in the Open and 19-U divisions; in the 13-U division, teams played five-yard rush with no screen blocking. Pictured here are some of the teams competing, all of which are from The Acreage. For more info., visit www.usagirlsflagfootball.com.

PHOTOS BY BRYAN GAYOSO/TOWN-CRIER

The U-19 Nemisis’ Kesann Dormand (left) makes the stop.

The U-19 12 Pack’s Morgan Laver breaks away from Hydra’s Kailah Casillas. The 13-U Transformers’ Savanna Martinez reaches for a first down.

The 13-U Transformers’ Bailee Machado looks for an out against the Ninja Turtles’ Gabi Oliver.

U-19 Hydra’s Taylor McClain looks downfield.

The 13-U Ninja Turtles’ Amber Davis catches a pass.

The U-19 12 Pack’s Morgan Laver attempts a pass as Hydra’s Ashley LaCroix tries to block.

The 13-U Beast Mode’s Emily Coulter avoids contact.

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw with Broken Star President Capt. Andrew Bilardello.

Melissa Rockwerk with her father, Andrew Panzer.

James Saxon with family and friends.

Crystal Fenner and her mother Tami of Loxahatchee.

James Saxon of Royal Palm Beach with Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

The PBSO’s Teri Barbera (right) with Annette Marvin, Joshua McGehee and Britany Barbera.

Terri Ferraro drops in a ticket at the Chinese auction table.

Bernadette, Courtney and Larry Wolfe with Michelle O’Boyle and Sandy Erb.

Christine Milanese gets a pedicure from Janet Ciraolo.

NEW TEACHERS AT NEW HORIZONS

New Horizons Elementary School has announced its new staff members for the school year. Pictured above are: (L-R) dual language resource teacher Mercedes Albert, first-grade dual language Spanish teacher Eva Vesga, Spanish teacher Ana Martinez, Pre-K speech and language teacher Sandy Gulkis, Pre-K ESE teacher Pamela Rothman, second-grade teacher Kelly McCravy, ESE teacher Tami Pippin and ESE teacher Sandy Cohen.

DePuy Named Dean Of Bachelor’s Programs

Dr. George DePuy, who has 38 years of higher education experience as an administrator and professor, has joined Palm Beach State College as the new dean of baccalaureate programs.

DePuy was chosen for the position after a nationwide search. He comes to the college from Florida State University-Panama City, where he worked for more than four years, first as campus dean and then project director.

DePuy said he is excited to come on board at a pivotal time for Palm Beach State, which began offering its first bachelor’s degree — the bachelor of applied science in supervision and management — in fall 2009. The college also received approval from the state earlier this year to offer bachelor’s degrees in information management and nursing.

“This is a whole new thrust for the college, and it’s exciting to be part of this initiative,” DePuy said. “The thing I like most about higher education is starting new degree programs.”

DePuy began his higher education career in 1972 as an assistant professor and director of engineering technology programs at SUNY-Binghamton. He also later served as director of the school’s Division of Technical Studies. During his 14 years there, DePuy was involved in starting eight new bachelor’s degree programs. His career also includes positions as chief academic officer at the University of California Berkeley Extension; founding president of DeVry University’s Silicon Valley campus in Fremont, Calif.; provost and vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at the University of Wiscon-

sin-Stout in Menomonie, Wis. He also has served as a dean at SUNY Institute of Technology in Utica, N.Y.

DePuy holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in engineering administration and a Ph.D. in instructional technology from Syracuse University.

Serving more than 52,000 students annually, Palm Beach State College is the largest institution of higher education in Palm Beach County, providing the bachelor’s degree, associate’s degrees, professional certificates, career training and lifelong learning.

For additional information about Palm Beach State College, visit the college’s web site at www.palmbeachstate.edu.

FAU’s Living Room Theaters Complex Scheduled To Open In October

Florida Atlantic University’s new movie complex in Boca Raton, operated by Living Room Theaters Inc. (LRT), will open its doors in October. The complex will include four 50-seat theaters that will be used during the day by FAU’s film study program in the School of Communication and Multimedia Studies.

Students will study film in a true cinema setting with outstanding picture and sound quality. On nights and weekends, the theaters will show a full schedule of foreign, classic and independent films, emphasizing new releases from around the world. There will also be a European-style café serv-

ing gourmet food, specialty coffee, beer and wine.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this unique public/private partnership,” said Manjunath Pendakur, dean of the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. “Not only will the theaters help our students and enhance our film studies program, but the new venture will help build film culture in this area and help strengthen the economy with new jobs.”

These all-digital theaters employ LRT’s proprietary digitizing technology, which enables even first-time directors and producers to distribute their independent films without the prohibitively high costs of making and shipping

traditional celluloid prints. LRT is able to showcase acclaimed films and independent filmmakers, from local to international, as well as groundbreaking movies that otherwise might be screened only at festivals. They also premiere many films that have not yet had distribution in the United States.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for our faculty and film study students,” said Susan Reilly, director of FAU’s School of Communications and Multimedia Studies. “Faculty will collaborate on special film series, and students will learn how to operate cinemas, how to write film reviews, and how to introduce foreign and independent film to new audiences.”

FAU’s Boca Raton campus will be the second site for LRT, which also operates a foreign/independent cinema in Portland, Ore. LRT is owned by the father/son team Diego and Ernesto Rimoch. Ernesto Rimoch is the well-known and award-winning Mexican producer of films including Mask, an adaptation of Julio Cortázar’s story El Perseguidor El Anzuelo (The Come On) and more.

For more information about FAU’s Living Room Theaters, contact Diego Rimoch at diego@ livingroomtheaters.com. For more information about FAU’s film study program, call FAU’s School of Communications and Multimedia Studies at (561) 297-3820.

Deadline Looming For Exchange Students To Find Area Host Families

Foreign high school students are scheduled to arrive soon for the academic semester and year homestay programs, and the sponsoring organization needs a few more local host families. The students are anxiously awaiting news of their new families. This is the last chance for these young ambassadors to fulfill their dreams, and the Aug. 31 placement deadline is rapidly approaching. According to Pacific Intercultural Exchange (PIE) President John Doty, the students are all be-

tween the ages of 15 and 18 years, are English-speaking, have their own spending money, carry accident and health insurance, and are anxious to share their cultural experiences with their new American families. PIE has programs to match almost every family’s needs, ranging in length from one semester to a full academic year, where the students attend local public and private high schools. PIE area representatives match students with host families by finding common interests and lif-

estyles through an informal inhome meeting. Prospective host families are able to review student applications and select the perfect match. As there are no “typical” host families, PIE can fit a student into just about any situation, whether it is a single parent, a childless couple, a retired couple or a large family. Families that host for PIE are also eligible to claim a monthly charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns for each month they host a sponsored

student. For the upcoming programs, PIE has students from Germany, the former Soviet Union, Venezuela, Argentina, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Brazil, Hungary, Korea, Mexico, Australia, China and many other countries. PIE is also participating in two special government-funded programs to bring scholarship students from the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union as well as predominantly Islamic countries such as Yemen, Syria, Jordan, Morocco, Kuwait, Iraq

and Qatar to the United States.

PIE is designated by the United States Department of State and is listed by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET), certifying that the organization complies with the standards set forth in CSIET’s Standards for International Educational Travel Programs.

Doty encourages families to contact the program immediately, as it will allow the proper time for the students and hosts to get to know one another before they ac-

tually meet for the first time. Families interested in learning more about student exchange or arranging for a meeting with a community representative may call PIE toll-free at (866) 5461402. The agency also has travel/ study program opportunities available for American high school students as well as possibilities for community volunteers to assist and work with area host families, students and schools. For additional information, visit www.pieusa.org.

Dr. George DePuy

An outside view of the new Living Room Theater at FAU.

Fashion Show With PBSO Personnel To Benefit Lupus Foundation

“Models of Success,” the charity fashion show to benefit the Southeast Florida Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America, will be hitting the runway Thursday, Sept. l6 at 5:30 p.m. at B.B. King’s Blues Club at CityPlace.

This one-of-a-kind fashion show will feature breathtaking attire from Bloomingdale’s Palm Beach Gardens, modeled by the men of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. In addition to enjoying eye-pleasing fashions, those attending Models of Success will also enjoy fabulous food and a silent auction.

The event will be co-chaired by Dr. Maureen Whelihan and attorney Gary Lesser. Whelihan is a board-certified ob/gyn who has been practicing in both West Palm

Beach and Wellington since 1997. Whelihan currently serves as the immediate past president of the Palm Beach County Medical Society and the Florida Ob/Gyn Society. Lesser is a managing partner at Lesser, Lesser, Landy and Smith, a South Florida personal injury law firm. Lesser concentrates his practice in general personal injury matters and has handled numerous high profile cases, including automobile injury, wrongful death and product injury, among others.

Other committee members include: Michelle Bacon and David Prather, Lytal, Reiter, Clark Fountain & Williams; Teri Barbera, PBSO; Martin Cass, Alpern Rosenthal; Kathryn Crabtree, Capital Guardian; Captain Carol

Gregg, PBSO; Guy Fronstin, Law Offices of Guy Fronstin; Laura King, Ironstone Bank; Monte Lambert, Forte Interactive; Sheila Preischl, Marine Exhaust Systems; James Rota, Dazzle Creative Events; Linda Seyedin, Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith; Lesley Shriberg, PBSO; and Paul Vattiato, Capital Guardian.

Additional fashion show VIPs include Honorary Chair Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and Tim Byrd “the Byrdman,” host of the television show Byrd’s Eye View. Byrd will serve as master of ceremonies.

For more info., contact the Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter at (561) 279-8606 or info@lupusfl.org. Tickets are still available, with individual tickets starting at $100.

Lupus is an acute and chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system is unbalanced, causing inflammation and tissue damage to virtually any organ in the body. Its health effects include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, miscarriages and organ failure. Ninety percent of the people with lupus are women.

The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that more than 1.5 million Americans have some form of lupus.

The foundation is the nation’s foremost voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus and providing support and services to all people affected by lupus. For more information, visit www. lupusfl.org.

Unity Of The Palm Beaches Celebrates Annual World Day Of Prayer

Unity of the Palm Beaches invites the community to join in 24 hours of prayer with the opening service on Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. This is open to the entire community, and the church has invited its interfaith spiritual community to participate in the evening’s activities.

Thousands of people will join Silent Unity — an international, transdenominational 24/7 prayer ministry — and Unity churches around the world on Thursday, Sept. 9 for the 17th annual Unity World Day of Prayer. This year’s theme is “Living in the Flow,” and

the prayer of affirmation is, “We are living expressions of divine light flowing forth into the world.”

“This meaningful event is an opportunity for us to make a positive difference in the community and to foster healing and wholeness through prayer,” said Rev. Rhonda Liles, senior minister at Unity of the Palm Beaches.

“World Day of Prayer also gives us a chance to recognize and celebrate our oneness with spirit, each other and our world.”

For more information about World Day of Prayer activities, visit www.unitypalmbeach.com.

“The theme ‘Living in the Flow’ has special meaning at Unity headquarters at Unity Village, Mo.,” Unity President and CEO Charlotte Shelton said. “In addition to our traditional prayer vigil, we will celebrate the restoration of our landmark central fountains.”

The fountains will be activated for the first time in almost a decade during a morning dedication ceremony Sept. 9 on the Unity Village campus, located near Kansas City. Shelton noted that Unity Village will also host a free afternoon seminar based on Eric Butter-

worth’s book In the Flow of Life “Butterworth was a Unity minister and bestselling author who has been called a modern-day Emerson,” Shelton said. “Thanks to a generous donation from the Eric Butterworth Foundation, his complete works will soon be permanently housed in the Unity Library and Archives.”

Unity World Day of Prayer involves people of all faiths joining in prayer for the health and wellbeing of the world as well as one another. In addition, each year, millions of individual names are submitted for prayer. Unity be-

lieves World Day of Prayer is an opportunity to transform individual lives and the world through prayer. World Day of Prayer services — including the opening service on Sept. 8 featuring keynote speaker Rev. Paul Tenaglia, with music by the vocal ensemble Spiritus and special guest singer Rosena Hill — will be live-streamed from Unity Village at www.world dayofprayer.org. Unity was founded in 1889 and helps people of all faiths apply positive spiritual principles in their daily lives. For more information, visit www.unity.org.

Acreage Athletic League Coach Gary Lauer Passes Away At 55

Acreage resident and Acreage Athletic League coach Gary Lauer lost a valiant battle with leukemia on Saturday, Aug. 14. This loss will be felt by the many people who knew him as a husband, father, son, brother, friend and coach. He was 55. Lauer leaves behind his wife Jean and daughters Brianna, Karlee and Morgan. Lauer had been a longtime resident of The Acreage area, spending 13 years on the fields coaching girls flag football and softball. All of his daughters are athletes, and he was their No. 1 fan and supporter. In memory of Lauer’s life, the family is holding a celebration of

life service at Acreage Community Park on Friday, Aug. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. The final goodbye to Lauer will be the releasing of white balloons at 8 p.m. at the park. The family welcomes all who knew Lauer to attend this park celebration and wear their Acreage Athletic League team jerseys as a show of honor and respect to their fallen coach. For additional information about the celebration of life event, call Sandra Love Semande at (561) 723-3898.

(Left and right) Gary Lauer with his wife

and daughters

Jean

Brianna, Karlee and Morgan.

(L-R): Tim Byrd, Dr. Maureen Whelihan and attorney Gary Lesser.

Rev. Rhonda Liles

Solid Gold Twirlers Compete At AAU Junior Olympics In Virginia

The Solid Gold Twirlers returned from the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympics with gold. The team competed in the Hampton Roads, Va. event held Aug. 2-6.

Opening ceremonies were held Aug. 2 in Virginia Beach ocean-side, concluding with a grand fireworks display. The team competed in the preliminaries held Aug. 3 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, where they qualified for finals. The team came home with a total of six gold medals, one silver medal and two bronze medals.

The team also had some individual athletes competing Aug. 4 in preliminaries and concluding Aug. 6 with medal ceremonies. Samantha Williams of The Acreage received two gold, one silver, one bronze and four copper medals. Veronica

Squires of Royal Palm Beach received a gold medal for her solo along with four copper medals. Madison Calloway of The Acreage received a copper medal. Kimberly Hoff of The Acreage received three silver medals. Jessica McHale of Royal Palm Beach received one bronze and three copper medals. Frances Novella of Wellington received two silver, one bronze and four copper medals. McHale and Novella also received a silver in advanced duet. Squires, Williams and Nicole Eppenbaugh of The Acreage received a silver for their trio performance. The Solid Gold Twirlers are coached by Debbie Cramer, Lisa Gabler and Stacey Hare. For additional information, visit the team’s web site at www.solidgold twirlers.com.

Locals Graduate

From Kaplan

University

“Graduates like you must use your education and skill set to make this a stronger, more vibrant and dynamic nation,” Ford told the approximately 730 graduates in attendance. “It takes courage and determination to improve your own life and the lives of those around you.”

The Kaplan University summer 2010 class, which included more than 4,200 graduates, earned associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees — as well as professional certificates — completely online. Many of them traveled from around the country and the world to attend the ceremony, meeting

Kaplan University celebrated the graduation of its summer 2010 class during a live ceremony Aug. 7 in Chicago. Harold Ford Jr., a former U.S. Congressman who President Bill Clinton once described as “the walking, living embodiment of where America ought to go in the 21st century,” served as the keynote speaker. The following local students were awarded degrees: Jerry Charles of Wellington was awarded an associate’s degree in nursing; Timothy Kozyra of Wellington was awarded a master’s degree in criminal justice; Rudy Ruiz of Royal Palm Beach was awarded a 2 + 2 bachelor’s degree in criminal justice; and Jennifer Brown Reid of West Palm Beach was awarded a master’s degree in teacher education.

face-to-face for the first time. Kaplan University has graduated nearly 27,000 online students since it began offering web-based degrees in 2001.

For more information about Kaplan University, visit the school’s web site at www.kaplan.edu.

Ryan Brackett Graduates Basic Navy Training

Navy Seaman Ryan D. Brackett, a 1999 graduate of the King’s Academy, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Brackett completed a variety of training, which includ-

ed 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.

Battle Stations is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each 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.

Kerr Graduates Air Force Basic Training In Texas

Air Force Airman Danielle Kerr recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Kerr completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate’s degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Kerr is the niece of Nancy Costen of Royal Palm Beach and a

(Front row, L-R) Coach Lisa Gabler, Samantha Williams, Coach Dennie Cramer, Coach Stacey Hare; (second row) Nicole Eppenbaugh, Grace Waldron, Frances Novella, Jessica McHale, Jessica Fialkowski, Rileigh Anderson; (back row) Jillian Souza, Kimberly Hoff, Shannon Little, Tina Carey, Madison Calloway and Veronica Squires.

2009 graduate of Royal Palm Beach High School.

Danielle Kerr

(Front, L-R) Madison Calloway and Jessica McHale; (back) Veronica Squires, Kimberly Hoff, Samantha Williams and Frances Novella.

YOUTHS AUDITION FOR CAFCI TALENT SHOW

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) held tryouts for its 15th annual youth talent show on Friday, Aug. 13 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The talent show will take place on Saturday, Aug. 28 at the cultural center, featuring youths ages five through 18. For more info., visit www.cafcipbc. org. (Above) Janique Radcliffe does an acrobatic cheerleading routine for judges Joyce Smith, Marjorie Smikle, Tamara Paul and Ernie Garvey. (Below) Amonee Allen models for the judges. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Rally For Israel At Temple Beth Zion In RPB

Temple Beth Zion in Royal Palm Beach will host a rally for Israel on Sunday, Aug. 22 from noon to 2 p.m.

Temple members will get an update on U.S.-Israel relations from Lyon Roth, a spokesperson for the Israeli Consulate, and Luis Fleischman, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council.

The following community leaders will be on hand for the event: State Rep. Mark Pafford (D-District 88), County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, congressional candidate Allen West, Rabbi Michael Korman of Congregation Anshei Shalom, Rabbi Leonard Zucker of Golden Lakes Temple and Rabbi Bertram Kieffer of Temple Beth Zion.

Attendees are encouraged to wear blue and white to show support for Israel. Temple Beth Zion is located at 129 Sparrow Drive. For more information, call (561) 798-8888.

Register For Acreage Xtreme Cheerleading

Acreage Xtreme Cheerleading sign-ups are scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Acreage Community Park pavilion.

All prospective players must bring a copy of their birth certificate and a $100 check for regis-

tration. Girls ages 9 to 17 are welcome to sign up for the team, which is now in its fourth season. For more information, contact Melody at melodydraws3@ aol.com or (954) 410-1709.

P.W. Community Foundation Golf Classic Oct. 1

The inaugural Palms West Community Foundation Golf Classic Tournament 2010 will be held on Friday, Oct. 1 at Breakers West Country Club on the prestigious Rees Jones course, with a 1 p.m. shotgun start.

After the afternoon play, the participants and their guests will enjoy an awards reception and barbecue dinner in the clubhouse’s main dining room. The cost is $600 for foursomes and $150 for single players. The price includes golf, the awards reception and barbecue dinner.

Dennis Witkowski, a wellknown face in the western communities and a veteran golf tourney organizer, has agreed to chair the event. He is joined by an exceptional group of business leaders helping on the event’s steering committee. The hope is to establish this tournament as a successful, classic golf event that will be held in the western communities for years to come, and will be an event that players look forward to participating in each year.

The Palms West Community Foundation is the nonprofit arm of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the Palms West Community Founda-

tion Golf Classic Tournament is to bring together chamber members and their guests in an effort to raise the money needed to meet the mission and annual goals of the foundation, and in the process to enjoy an afternoon of relaxed networking and golf.

Sponsorship opportunities for this event are still available. Call Maureen Gross at (561) 790-6200 or e-mail her at maureen@palms west.com for more information. Sign up your foursome today at www.palmswest.com/golf.

YWCA Seeks

Humanitarian Award Nominees

The YWCA of Palm Beach County is seeking nominations for its 2010 Barry Krischer Humanitarian Award. Established in 2008, the award recognizes a law enforcement, social services or healthcare professional who has gone beyond the normal “call of duty” to assist or advocate for a victim of domestic violence.

As state attorney for the 15th Judicial Circuit, Krischer made domestic violence a priority by establishing the Domestic Violence Elimination Program, which provides advocacy to battered women upon their entry into the criminal justice system; drafting and lobbying for domestic violence legislation; and helping create the Simon C. Fireman Home Safe Center for Children to decrease the trauma to mothers and their children during child sexual abuse investigations. The commended service must

have taken place between Aug. 1, 2009 and July 31, 2010. Nominations should include the nominee’s name, title, place of employment with phone number, supervisor’s name with phone number, a onepage description of the activity or activities with the victim, and the name and phone number of the person(s) making the nomination. The award will be presented at a special event in October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. For more information or to request a nomination form, contact the YWCA at (561) 640-0050, ext. 115.

Next LGLA Meeting Set For Aug. 26

The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will meet Thursday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd.). The speakers for the evening will discuss proposed road and land projects the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council has been addressing. The first speaker will discuss the widening project planned for Southern Blvd. from Forest Hill Blvd. to 20-Mile Bend. The next two speakers will discuss proposed commercial, institutional and recreational projects they are hoping to build on more than 180 acres that cover the area from Southern Blvd. to Collecting Canal, from A Road to C Road. For more info., call Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875.

NEW SCHOOL YEAR GETS UNDERWAY AT PALM BEACH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Summer break came to an end for public school students in Palm Beach County as the new school year started Tuesday. Pictured here are students, parents, faculty, staff and administrators at H.L. Johnson, Golden Grove, Elbridge Gale and Equestrian Trails elementary schools, and Wellington Landings Middle School.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ & CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

H.L. Johnson Principal Sharon Hench with Imani Tillett.

Antonella, Rosalba and Alexandra Johns (holding Ginger) wait to cross the street to H.L. Johnson Elementary School.

Joshua, Bettina, Julia and Madelyn Newcomb stop for a picture before school starts at H.L. Johnson.

Wellington Landings Middle School Principal Eric Paul with School Police Officer Bob Keating.

Gabriel Speegle and his son Stephen outside Elbridge Gale Elementary School.

Equestrian Trails dad and daughter, Sean and Isabella Griner.

Golden Grove teachers Cheryl Johndro, Holly Johnson, Terri Haggerty, Starr Boltd and Stephanie Field.

Yaimi, David and Marianne Abreu outside Golden Grove Elementary School.

Teachers and administrators gather for a group photo outside Golden Grove Elementary School.

PZA Board Renaissance Zoning Plan

continued from page 1 of property owners’ associations.

The measure is part of Wellington’s Economic Development Initiative, Hodgkins said. The zoning would be limited to the planned unit development district and would require a master plan to be adopted, a design style, a marketing plan and other measures. Village staff was seeking direction from the board to draft the ordinance. It will come before the board again before being presented to the council.

The zoning could apply to as many as 15 Wellington neighborhoods.

The areas listed in the staff report that could qualify for the new zoning district include: the 12th Fairway, Folkstone Circle, Goldenrod Road/Hyacinth Place, Hawthorne Place, Periwinkle Place/ Lily Court, White Pine Drive and Yarmouth Circle.

PZA Board Member Tim Shields wondered whether the 2acre minimum would cause developers to purchase several lots.

Hodgkins said the lot sizes vary from neighborhood to neighbor-

Bogdanoff GOP Senate

Primary

continued from page 1 someone who will take on the tough issues,” she said. “I’m not afraid of controversy. I’m persistent and will push it through. I feel like there’s a lot more to do, and term limits kind of put you in the position where you have to take the opportunity when it opens.”

She is against term limits.

“I’ve seen the damage,” Bogdanoff said. “I think there are good parts about them and bad parts. I’m thinking that eight years is not enough when you come to the legislature. Maybe 12 would be better… We have a lot of inexperience, and very often when you have inexperience, bureaucrats get to run the show.”

As her top accomplishments, Bogdanoff lists being the lead negotiator on a jobs bill that put $200 million in tax incentives and credits to bring jobs to Florida.

She said she is better qualified to serve District 25 in the State

County Race Candidates Speak Out

continued from page 1 his intention to cut spending and not reduce services if people could not do without them. Jackson also said that he would eliminate unneeded services and look at ways to reduce the tax rate. Schaller said the community must define what it feels is an acceptable level of service.

Carroll said that he supports lower taxes because increasing tax rates are killing businesses. Without new businesses in the community, the economy would not pick up, he said.

Next, candidates were asked where they stand on economic development projects, specifically the proposed inland port in the Glades and the proposed medical arts district in Wellington.

Jackson said he strongly supports both, sharply criticizing Santamaria for his recent vote against the medical arts district.

“Who am I to stand in the way

School Vote Election

Aug. 24

continued from page 3 in hand to make sure the district is represented in the best possible way. I am a leader, and I can get the job done.”

Grossman noted how his experience would help him serve parents, teachers and students. Grossman said he attended Palm Beach County schools and then the University of South Florida, and returned to teach in the Palm Beach County School District before entering the business world.

“I have been a businessman for over 16 years,” he said. “I have a vested interest in this system for the next 16 years because I have a five-year-old, a four-year-old and a 23-month-old. I look at them and say if I can’t make a difference in education, then who can? I am standing up and making a difference for what I believe for my children and all the other children in Palm Beach County.” District 2 candidate Dowling said she could give the school board the leadership it needs.

“I think the board needs more direction,” Dowling said. “I also hate with a passion the FCAT. I intend to do something about it. I

hood and even street to street. He said that typically, they were quarter-acre lots, which could cause a developer to purchase multiple lots.

The density allowed is four units per lot, Hodgkins said. Shields worried that with the density bonus provided under the new zoning district, it would be too cluttered.

“It just seems like a high concentration,” he said. “Then to also try to build in the conservation of the environment, I’m just trying to understand what the incentive would be.”

Hodgkins said there would be regulations to require open space, parking areas and other measures. He noted that other cities used creative design to put additional units on the same amount of space without making the area feel crowded.

Shields also was concerned about the types of commercial development that would occur in the area. “Could someone come in and purchase a series of units, tear them down and put in a convenience store?” he asked.

Hodgkins said the intention of including commercial development was for it to be part of a larger project. He said the intent was to include residential units.

“That’s a very good point,” he

Senate because she is very familiar with both parts of the district, living in Fort Lauderdale but growing up in Palm Beach County.

“I care about the community because I was raised here,” she said. “I think my record shows what I have accomplished. I’m a tenacious worker, I care about the citizens, I’m extremely accessible.”

Her top goals if elected are to improve the economy and attract more jobs. “We’re starting to see it, actually,” Bogdanoff said. “My staff is at a revenue-estimating conference. They’re starting to estimate increases in revenue, but there’s still an awful lot of people out of work.”

Other goals are to reduce regulation and maintain a good educational system.

“We have to continue tax incentives and tax credits to bring business here,” she said. “We need to work aggressively, which I did, to reduce regulation. The layers of regulation to open up a business are ridiculous.”

Bogdanoff said basic changes

of a dream, and block such a dream,” Jackson said. “Commissioner Santamaria mentioned it as a pipedream. I look at it as an opportunity to help develop those initiatives in those communities and those areas in that part of the county.”

Schaller concurred and said “yesterday’s dreams are tomorrow’s realities,” and if it wasn’t for pipedreams, there would not be medical advances. “When a community gets behind a project, it is 6,000 jobs,” he said. “It may not be perfect, but it has to be a dream to be realized. We have to start somewhere.”

Carroll said he supports the medical arts district, the inland port and a Palm Beach State College campus in the western communities. All will lead to more jobs, he said.

Santamaria, however, defended his vote, calling the medical arts district a concept that is not yet fully formed. He also warned that the project may be no more than a gigantic giveaway to developers.

“I have been behind eight or nine commercial developments,”

think with the proper organization of teachers and parents throughout the state, we can effect change.”

Shaw focused on his 41 years of experience as a “veteran educator in Palm Beach County” and about his experience in the public sector.

“My reason for running for the school board is tied to the issue of leadership, to accountability and to public service, and to give every opportunity to the people who live in this community to get the best possible school system we can possibly have,” he said. Sackett then asked the candidates a series of questions. Among them was what each candidate felt their primary goal would be if elected.

Dowling said that getting rid of the FCAT would be one of her main goals, as would be to “individualize education.” Shaw said he would work toward a balanced budget, hold the administrative staff of the school district accountable and take a serious look at district policies.

Young said the school board itself needs more of a role, and that the superintendent must take direction from board members. Andrews focused her comments about creating better working relationships with federal and state

said. “We should put in some minimum acreage so that if you were going to put in a commercial structure, there be some minimum acreage.”

PZA Board Member Elizabeth Mariaca said she was concerned about existing tenants who might be displaced by the redevelopment.

Letters

continued from page 4 Charlotte and Lee counties is now held by Democrat Dave Aronberg. There are three Republicans in the Aug. 24 primary: former Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto, retired pilot Mike Lameyer and former State Rep. Sharon Merchant.

This Republican primary will be another historic contest between a fiscal conservative, Benacquisto, and her opponents. Benacquisto plans to attract businesses by lifting the weight of government off the shoulders of the producers of wealth.

Increasing the cost of building permits, for example, to pay for a watchdog to keep politicians honest, or trying to create jobs by spending taxpayer money on “affordable housing” is the same rope-a-dope progressivism that has destroyed the economy.

Benacquisto favors creating

in the educational system are needed.

“Unless we systemically change the way we deliver education, we’re never going to completely fix it,” she said. “Our districts are too large. We have way too many students, too much bureaucracy and too much waste. We can create standards at the state level, but at the end of the day, the school boards have to spend the money properly and have to implement it properly.”

Bogdanoff added that the school districts have not done a good enough job attracting good teachers. “I strongly believe that good teachers should be rewarded and bad teachers don’t get rewarded or that they be asked to find another job,” she said.

Bogdanoff said she generally supported the controversial Senate Bill 6, which would have implemented some educational reforms, but she favored some strategic measures that she said would have given the teachers a little more comfort.

She was disappointed when SB 6 was vetoed. “Whatever was

Santamaria said. “The first golf course, the first bank, the first gas station, the first hotel, and I have been providing jobs for this community. Talk is cheap. I am the people’s candidate. I am not a special interest candidate. I will not just do favors for developers and special interests.”

Next, the candidates were asked how they plan to help diversify the Glades so they are less dependent on agriculture.

Carroll said supporting an inland port to create jobs is key. He said that up until now, the county had failed the Glades.

“Many of you have probably never been to downtown Belle Glade,” he said. “Some of you might think you are in a Third World country. We have done nothing to help them. Talk is cheap. Let’s do something. Let’s do something for the Glades by creating jobs.”

Santamaria noted that he had steered $404 million in funding to help the Glades. It has been one of his top priorities. The area now has a new hospital and a new water treatment plant.

legislators. Grossman said teachers must be paid better and need the resources to do their jobs.

Graham wants to focus on the budget, move away from the FCAT and replicate the newly opened Pine Jog Elementary School. Brill said her focus would be on training and attracting the best teachers possible while improving the graduation rate.

Whatley would focus on closing the communication gap between the superintendent, the school board and the public. Ledewitz wants to increase parental involvement, reduce administrative overhead and start high school one hour later. Finally, Adams said it is necessary to restore trust and morale in the schools and make sure schools are safe.

Another question focused on how the candidates would help better prepare students for college. The candidates, for the most part, supported dual enrollment and pre-apprenticeship programs, as well as teaching life skills.

When it comes to academic improvement, all the candidates said parents need to be more involved in their children’s education. The candidates also agreed that the system of high-rated schools being rewarded for their performance is unfair to underperforming and lower-ranked schools.

“We’re talking about folks who are good tenants now being displaced because of this,” she said. “I’m not sure I understand how that’s going to improve that neighborhood.”

Hodgkins noted there was no provision for any type of displacement.

“Typically, in a lot of those

jobs by allowing private businesses to supply products and services at lower cost to the consumer. That will mean your money will go further.

The race seems to be shaping up as one conservative (Benacquisto) a progressive light candidate. Voters who prefer progressive ideas such as rationing healthcare for the elderly, or tax and spend policies will have a choice on primary day.

It will be interesting to see what the outcome will be on Aug. 24 when Republicans go to the polls and decide if they want a social and fiscal conservative like Benacquisto, or more of the policies of President Obama.

Former councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto has distinguished herself as the one conservative who is most likely to lower taxes and open her arms to businesses that provide jobs. I believe she is

wrong, we could have fixed,” she said, adding that she anticipates it will be back next year. Regarding proposed state constitutional amendments, the “hometown democracy” Amendment 4, she said, would be problematic. “I think that people don’t realize the cost of government and the cost to the state,” Bogdanoff said. “There were 11,000 land-use changes last year. That would be 11,000 things on the ballot.”

She opposes the two redistricting amendments. “You can’t take politics out of politics, and I’ve never seen the courts not play politics,” Bogdanoff said.

As for the vetoed bill requiring pregnant women desiring an abortion to have ultrasound, she said she supported it because it was part of a larger bill. She also pointed out that 85 percent of all women seeking an abortion in their first term of pregnancy have an ultrasound as a medical precaution.

Bogdanoff was very critical of her opponent Domino, blaming him for waging a nasty campaign against her.

“I have the leadership of the

“I just met with the Belle Glade city manager,” Santamaria said. “We want to make the Belle Glade marina a resort. I have also put $20,000 of my own money into vocational courses for the kids out there.”

Schaller suggested bringing back some of the packing plants and some of the past efforts to make that area more successful.

Jackson said that a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to help the Glades. “I will also look at the economic issues around agriculture and look at ways of diversifying the growth for green markets and green industries,” he said.

Another question was about the role of government in economic development.

“Our role is to not tax everyone out of existence,” Carroll said, “but to do things in a way that will increase business.”

Santamaria said the role of government is to help people and not just fund projects to benefit the rich. “The problem we’ve had in the past is that government has provided incentives to enrich the rich,” he said.

Jackson said local government must help get projects moving, even if they looked like pipedreams, such as the medical arts district. “They can get beyond the dream stage and give people the opportunity to move beyond them,” he said.

Schaller said a level playing field is important, giving everyone equal opportunities to succeed. “If I can make it, anyone can do it,”

Miranda Business Perspective

continued from page 5

Pafford’s experience is not what mine is when it comes to running our state as a business. I don’t think he has that experience. My opponent’s voting record from a business perspective is one of the worst.”

As examples, Miranda said Pafford voted against first-time homebuyers receiving additional homestead exemptions. “I think that was a bad decision,” he said. “He voted against a piece of legislation that provided incentives for small, high-tech businesses coming in and having access to certain funding that was out there.”

Although Miranda does not re-

neighborhoods there’s a fair amount of turnover anyway,” he said. “Not to say that there aren’t some very long-term tenants in some of those dwellings.”

Hodgkins noted that most tenants have leases and contracts that would have to be adhered to by developers, but there would not be specific protection in the ordinance for tenants.

a woman of character who will go to Tallahassee and stand up to the tax-and-spend politicians. No more raiding the treasury to give away tax dollars to lost causes. If less government spending, more private sector jobs, and better healthcare is the change we are waiting for, then vote for Benacquisto. Frank Morelli Wellington

Support For Burkert In Senate Race

PZA Board Chairman Carmine Priore III said there was nothing preventing an owner from tearing down a home or unit and building something else.

Hodgkins said that his staff would review the board’s suggestions and return with an updated ordinance.

tial with their endorsements. A vote for Pete Burkert is a vote we can all be proud of.

Dan Liftman West Palm Beach

I have never seen an election season as loaded with negativity as this one. I’m disgusted with Bill McCollum, Rick Scott and other candidates bashing each other around the clock. I also resent getting calls from other officials adding to the mess with negative phone messages attacking candidates. It’s enough to make a person not want to vote at all. The District 27 State Senate race was beginning to seem like more of the same, until I met Democratic candidate Pete Burkert of Fort Myers. I’ve now met this fine gentleman several times, and I’m convinced he’s the real deal. As I’ve seen, people who listen to what he has to say quickly realize he knows

Florida Senate supporting me. I have over 300 community activists and elected leaders supporting me,” she said. “My opponent represents North Palm Beach, and I have virtually every elected official supporting me there. That should tell you a lot.”

She accused Domino of running misleading and inappropriate ads. “The truth is irrelevant to him,” Bogdanoff said. “If the truth is irrelevant to someone running for public office, you have to question whether or not they belong in public office.”

While critics say she is too close to the Republican leadership in Tallahassee and not independent enough to be an effective senator, she said it only makes her more effective. “Do you want somebody who has a seat at the table, who has the ability to get things done, or do you want somebody on the sidelines who is ineffective and doesn’t have a say?” she asked.

Bogdanoff said people should vote for her because of her proven record. “They want someone who is going to represent them

Ellyn Bogdanoff well and the things that are important to them based on their value system,” she said. “Somebody with good character, somebody with a high level of integrity and somebody who knows the community from top to bottom. I think there’s a lot more to do, and I still have a desire to serve.” For more info., visit www.ellyn bogdanoff.com.

he said. “I believe that government needs to be a conduit for success and not a roadblock.”

Also speaking at the luncheon were District 2 county commission candidates Paulette Burdick, a former Palm Beach County School Board member, and Sherry Lee, a Realtor and homemaker. They will face off on Nov. 2 for the seat recently vacated by the resignation of Jeff Koons.

Both pointed to the commission’s image of corruption as a reason new leadership is needed.

“We in Palm Beach County are facing a crisis in public trust, which has undermined our economic, political and financial pillars in our community,” said Burdick, a Democrat. “In these times of economic stress and difficulty for all of us, that I’m asking you to consider my experience and

side in District 88, he decided to run there because he feels District 85 is well-represented from his philosophy. “I don’t think District 88 is,” he said. “We have the option to move there, and we will if I’m elected.”

While Miranda is considered by some to be a one-issue candidate focused on the concerns of small business, he stressed that small business extends into almost every issue the state has to deal with.

“Our focus on helping existing businesses, creating jobs and getting additional businesses into the State of Florida is the whole issue, not just a single issue,” he said. “It’s the whole issue. It will provide us with the avenues to fund health issues, our environment and educational programs.

If we don’t start getting revenue for the State of Florida soon, we’re in trouble. Our tourism is going

motivation to let me represent you at the county.”

Lee said Koons’ resignation “signaled the end of business as usual in Palm Beach County.”

“I’ve never held public office before,” said Lee, a Republican. “I want to usher in a new era where my constituents can have a voice at the table. I’m a mom, and I have been a small business owner for the past 26 years. I believe that government, taxes and spending are out of control. I’m tired of politicians taxing and spending. I am tired of politicians who are out of touch. If we want economic recovery, we need government reform. We need to get the government off our backs and back on our side. I am one of you.” For more about the Palms West Chamber, call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palmswest.com.

down and we’re not getting new construction... I look at this from a business perspective. It’s a solution that I think will solve a lot of problems that are out there.” Miranda cites his work experience, owning his own business and knowing what is going on in the trenches as his strengths. As a weakness, he admitted to not being as familiar with everything that is going on as he would like to be. As his opponent’s strength, Miranda cites Pafford’s general concern for the welfare of the district. However, Miranda said Pafford is not effective in an economic downturn. “When I ask people what their concerns are, they are not talking about healthcare,” he said. “They’re talking about going to work and their children going to work.” For more info., visit www.ron miranda2010.com.

County Commission District 6 Candidates — (L-R) John Carroll, Jess Santamaria (incumbent), Michael E. Jackson and Andrew Schaller. PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Noah’s Ark Owner Jorge Perez Discusses VPK

Jorge Perez owns the Academy for Child Enrichment in Royal Palm Beach, Noah’s Ark Academy in Loxahatchee Groves and two Small World Preschool locations in Palm Springs. With the school year beginning, Perez offered some thoughts on the voluntary pre-kindergarten program. Page 33

WHS Junior On Board As Full-Time Quarterback

This season, the Wellington High School Wolverines open football season with a full-time starting quarterback. After two seasons of a quarterback-by-committee, junior Tyler Vanacore will be the No. 1 quarterback, with junior Ryan Higbee serving as the primary backup, according to coach Chris Romano. Page 37

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

Features

Trina Molgard Uses Knowledge To Help Customers At Red Barn In Loxahatchee

Trina Molgard was working at a dressage barn six years ago when she called Beck Hyslop, who had been working as a Purina representative. Little did she know, Hyslop had become co-owner of the Red Barn in Loxahatchee Groves. He asked if she wanted to change careers, and soon enough she became a manager at the Red Barn.

Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25

Spor ts

New Seminole Ridge Football Squad Aims To Take District Title

The Seminole Ridge High School football team is looking to add to last season’s success by winning a district title in 2010. Last year the Hawks qualified for the school’s first appearance in the district playoffs. The season ended with a loss to Treasure Coast High School. Page 37

Trina Molgard Uses Knowledge To Help Red Barn Customers

Knowledge is never wasted.

Trina Molgard moved to South Florida several years ago to work with horses. She worked as a working student and in a series of jobs in hunter/jumper and dressage barns. While running one, she was invited to attend a Purina conference on nutrition by a local representative.

“It changed my life,” Molgard said. “Beck Hyslop had stopped by the barn I was running, just to check on things and make sure the horses were doing all right. He mentioned the conference and asked if I’d like to go. I said sure.”

The conference was in St. Louis for a weekend.

“It was fantastic,” she said. “Very exciting and informative. About 200 people attended from all over the U.S. There were lectures on hay, horse nutrition, cattle nutrition, goat nutrition — all kinds of things. And we got to tour the Purina research facility. The whole thing was amazing, overwhelming.”

Molgard and Hyslop stayed in touch regularly. “One day, when I called Beck to check if he had an item we needed, I found out that he was now the owner of the Red Barn in Loxahatchee Groves, along with Jeff Case. We got to talking, and he asked me if I was looking to change careers,” Molgard smiled at the memory. “He told me to stop by, and we’d talk.”

She did stop by, and that’s how, in 2004, she became one of the managers at the Red Barn.

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

Molgard, 38, was born in Sacramento, Calif. Her family moved to Boston when she was 8, and within a year she’d caught the horse bug. She took riding lessons and hung out at the barn as much as she could, and by the time she was 13 had managed to own her first horse, which she shared with her sister Julie. Julie was three years older and equally horse crazy.

“We had to pay for everything for the horse ourselves,” Molgard recalled. “That was the rule. We did all sorts of odd jobs to keep him. His name was Tobey, a Quarter Horse/Appaloosa mix. He was awesome, a big, stocky chunk of a horse, 15.3 hands, bay with a blaze. We did eventing with him, even traveled to some shows in Vermont, New York and New Hampshire.”

The sisters took turns showing Tobey during the summers. One sister would ride him at a show while the other acted as groom. Trina even missed her junior prom to go to a show. She liked the cross-country part of eventing best, and dreaded the dressage.

“Tobey was quite a smart horse,” she said.

“After the dressage test, we’d bring him back to his stall, and he’d lie down and nap, just resting. Then he’d gear up for the cross-country part. When we’d be in the box, listening to the countdown until we could go; he’d get all revved up. He loved galloping around the countryside. He was great over the bigger fences, the water jumps and going up and down banks. The next day, for the stadium jumping phase, it was sometimes challenging to bring his attention back to a different sort of jumping, a more measured way of going.”

One day, Tobey didn’t look right. He wasn’t eating. Molgard called the vet, who didn’t find anything particularly wrong. The vet said he would check back later. Within two hours, Tobey was smashing himself against the sides of his stall. He had gone blind.

They got him in a horse trailer and took him to the vet school at Tufts University. By the time he arrived, he’d fallen down in the trailer and broken a leg. They made the decision to have him put down. A necropsy showed he had high levels of iron in his blood, but no one knew how that had happened or why it had resulted in his violent reactions. Had it caused a brain aneurysm?

“It was a big mystery,” Molgard said. “We never found out.”

She was 17 at the time. The importance of getting a horse’s nutrition right would never leave her.

Molgard said she had a great support group at the barn where she’d kept Tobey. She kept

showing, catching rides and getting more interested in dressage. A friend from the barn moved to South Florida and told her this was the place to be to learn more about riding, and that’s when Molgard decided to move. Now, as a manager, she uses her background in nutrition to help customers find the right products for their animals. The Red Barn,

See MOLGARD, page 26

Trina Molgard

I Escape Summer Heat By Creating Halloween In August

I don’t know what it is about this particular summer that has made it seem so long, but it has been long. And I’ve pretty much had it. Maybe it’s the interminable heat, coupled with global warming, coupled with liquid assets that do not allow for frequent trips to liquid theme parks, coupled with the fact that I’ve simply become a pouty baby. Whatever. The fact remains that I am sick and tired of it.

I’m so eager for summer to end that I pulled all my Halloween stuff down out of the attic last week. That’s right. I’m creating fall as a figment of my imagination. (Actually, creating a figment is not as hard for me as making room for it among all the other figments. There’s the figment that I’m still thin; the figment that I don’t need glasses; the figment that I drive a MercedesBenz; the figment that people are smiling at me because they like me and not because there’s toilet paper stuck to the bottom of

Deborah Welky

is The Sonic BOOMER

my shoe… the list goes on and on.)

So now, even though the air conditioner is gasping and panting in the background, there’s a big pile of orange and black on the floor... and I like it.

I’m not even going to apologize for it because here’s what I’ve learned as I’ve trotted through life — “happy” is hard to come by. So when I see something that’s going to make me happy, I grab it. And if I have to conjure “happy” out of thin air, I conjure it.

Halloween makes me happy, so I’m conjuring.

My husband Mark is more of a realist. Mark is the kind of guy who comes home from work on Aug. 15, sees a jack-o’-lantern in the window and assumes his wife has gone around the bend. When he opens the door and a rubber bat drops down on his head, he’s sure of it. And when he can’t get into his closet because of the spider webs stretched across it, he immediately calls a “family meeting.” A “family meeting” isn’t much fun anymore, not when there are only two people in the house.

“What?” I ask, annoyed at having been interrupted from setting up my little Halloween village.

“For your information, it’s August 15th.”

“Your point being … ?”

“We are 77 days out from Halloween.”

“I like to be ready.”

“So I’m going to have to step around

pumpkins for 11 weeks?”

“Actually, I’d like the pumpkins to stay up through Thanksgiving.”

“So 15 weeks.”

“You’re really good at doing math in your head.”

“Remove the pumpkins.”

“No.”

“Remove the pumpkins.”

“I caaaaaan’t! They make me haaaaaappy!”

“What if I found another way to make you happy?”

“How?” (while employing pouty baby look.)

Mark reaches into his wallet and holds up two tickets to a water theme park. I run over and hug him, kicking a plastic pumpkin across the room as I do.

I must admit the guy knows me. And he’s kind of clairvoyant. It’s spooky.

Just like Halloween.

Great Action, No Plot... That Sums Up ‘The Expendables’

While going to the movies last week, it was easy to notice that the lines for the different movies were split as thoroughly as the ones for the bathroom: women were going to see Eat, Pray, Love and men were going to The Expendables. Being male, I sat down with my popcorn at testosterone city.

And, for those who want brainless action, with a few cute quips, The Expendables fits the bill. Sylvester Stallone gathered together a squadron of action movie people (Jason Statham and Jet Li), as well as wrestlers and other kinds of fighters (Steve Austin, Gary Daniels and a surprisingly good Randy Couture), an ex-football player (Terry Crews) and a few older actions stars (Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis and even Arnold Schwarzenegger). And, who can forget Stallone as Rambo and Rocky (with Dolph Lundgren from Rocky IV tossed in)?

As stated earlier, the film reeks of testosterone. Plot? Who needs much of a plot? Stallone’s mercenary crew, the Expendables, first blows away some Somali pirates to rescue hostages. In what probably seemed a brilliant idea, Stallone meets with Willis and Schwarzenegger and gets the job of rescuing the 6,000 people on the island of Vilena, who are being forced into semislavery by a dictator controlled by a CIA rogue agent.

After Stallone and Statham fight their way back from a reconnaissance where they meet Sandra (Gisele Itié, the beautiful, what else?), daughter of the dictator who is the leader of a

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

possible rebellion and who stays behind, Stallone cannot forget her and decides to go back. His guys go with him. In one of those battle sequences that only exist in film because just about nothing goes wrong, the six mercenaries manage to kill about 40,000 of the 6,000 people on the island. No, that is not a typo. There are bodies flying everywhere, huge explosions, some gigantic (and very cool) weapons, and super-fighters who can get shot several times and still go on. Things end as might be expected.

Frankly, I am a bit tired of all the “blame the CIA” movies. I fondly recall the Cold War era when we had Russian villains. Of course, we did have some Arab villains until they actually attacked us and killed thousands of Americans, which meant Hollywood will no longer show anything bad about them. But since we always make ourselves into the villains and the rest of the world seems to do the same, it does get sort of boring. There did seem to be a strong drug element built into the plot, and everyone knows that without American know-how those poor dumb South

American billionaires could never get anywhere.

But as I wrote earlier, the entire plot makes almost no sense. The villains with a few exceptions are merely orcs (not really human fighters, present only to be killed in enormous numbers in video games). The story is mainly a pretense for a fairly good car chase and wreck scene, a “let’s blow up the castle and wipe out huge armies scene,” and a lot of unarmed combat scenes. Most of those seem to be in dark places, presumably so that Stallone does not look like a total fool battling Steve Austin. The best one of those is between Lundgren and Jet Li because of the size difference.

Criticizing the acting in a film like this is roughly akin to judging table manners in a

wildlife documentary. Who needs acting? Stallone, who also directed, certainly didn’t. But he was generally smart enough to let the real actors like Rourke and Statham as well as Eric Roberts as the villainous CIA man do most of what passed for acting in the film. Li and Lundgren also were pretty good with their lines.

There are some people for whom this will be a great movie. If you are a female, the only thing you might get out of it is looking at some impressive male physiques. If you are the sensitive type who likes subtle dialogue and layers of meaning, forget it. On the other hand, if you simply want brainless action, the type that reflects the fun movies of the 1980s, or are an aficionado of video games, you might just have your movie of the summer.

Hurricane Preparedness

For

Pet Owners Aug. 27

In an effort to promote pet safety awareness during hurricane season, Healing Arts Veterinary Center will host a hurricane preparedness event on Saturday, Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

continued from page 25 which opened in 1989, carries feed for animals “from A to Z.” They also have tack and equipment, supplements, clothing, farm supplies such as fencing, gates, water troughs, pet birds, poultry, firearms and a shooting range simulator. There’s also a great commu-

nity bulletin board. “I’ve been in this business a long time,” she said. “I love being able to help people and animals. I’m still learning and growing here. Purina and Beck have helped me a lot, and I’m honored to be able to help others as well.”

The Red Barn is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (561) 7900004 or visit www.redbarn1.com.

This is the second year Healing Arts Veterinary Center has held its hurricane preparedness and pet microchip event. Last year they microchipped and registered almost 30 pets. This year they hope to increase owner awareness of the benefits of microchipping and vaccination by offering two specials. Refreshments will be served and all attendees will receive a free pet hurricane safety guide.

Studies show that four million to six million dogs and cats are euthanized every year in the U.S. Thousands of these animals are lost pets that have gone unclaimed in local animal shelters. A microchip is the simple solution to reunite owners with their missing pets. During the Aug. 28 event, pet microchips and registration will be offered at $30 (regularly $57). Vaccination is also very im-

portant for pet protection. Diseases are easily spread when animals are housed together, as when they are in a kennel or shelter during a hurricane. Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is easily spread among dogs before they even appear sick. Fortunately, there is now a vaccine available called Nobivac Canine Flu. The vaccine and comprehensive exam will be offered for $20 (regularly $60).

Healing Arts Veterinary Center is owned and operated by Dr. Bill Sharpe and Dr. Daniela Gorgevska, who have been serving the community for more than 15 years. They offer routine, diagnostic and therapeutic medical services, as well as physical therapy and grooming.

Healing Arts Veterinary Center is located at 2216 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. in West Palm Beach. For more information about the event, or to RSVP, call Healing Arts Veterinary Center at (561) 684-1755 or e-mail at info@ havcenter.com. For additional information, visit www.havcenter.com.

Because coffee should not be a fast food business, we offer the REAL coffee experience with the best quality you deserve. And, for you tea lovers we carry an excellent variety of loose leaf teas. Come and try our Pastries, Desserts, Panini and salads in a relaxed and modern ambiance. Ask about our one of a kind COFFTEA drinks.

13860 Wellington Trace su ite 39 @ C ourtyard Shops

Current Exhibits At West Palm Beach’s Norton Museum Of Art

The Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach will feature the exhibit “On the Silk Road and High Seas: Chinese Ceramics, Culture and Commerce” opening Saturday, Aug. 21 and running through Nov. 21.

Since the second century BCE, the so-called “Silk Road” stretched for thousands of miles from eastern China to the Black Sea, thus linking the great civilizations of east Asia with those of southwest Asia and, thereby, to Europe. In later centuries, the trade and cultural influences which flowed back and forth on land were transferred to the sea, as maritime shipping eventually came to dominate world commerce. The superb examples of Chinese ceramics featured in this exhibition were prized at home and treasured abroad, where they were indeed rarities until the mid-18th century. Specific styles and innovations that arose as a result of cross-cultural exchanges are highlighted.

Other exhibits currently on display through Sept. 5 include “Beyond the Figure: Abstract Sculpture in the Norton Collection” and “Dinotopia: The Fantastical Art of James Gurney.” As a follow up to the highly successful “Off the Wall: The Human Form in Sculpture,” the Norton Museum of Art has organized “Beyond the Figure: Abstract

Sol Lewitt’s modular white cube sculpture.

Sculpture in the Norton Collection.”

As the title suggests the exhibition — drawn from the Norton’s American, European and contemporary collections — will present a grouping of abstract sculpture.

In “Dinotopia,” Gurney, inspired by a deep and abiding interest in archaeology, lost civilizations and the art of illustration, invites viewers to enter a whimsical world in which dinosaurs and humans live side-by-side. Recounted in words and pictures in the best-selling book series “Dinotopia,” the artist’s compelling tale has engaged and enchanted readers by inviting them to explore the far reaches of a mysterious destination.

The Norton Museum of Art is located at 1451 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 832-5196 or visit the museum’s web site at www.norton.org.

Tickets Now On Sale For Sugarland Oct. 16 At Cruzan Amphitheatre

International country super-duo Sugarland has kicked off their 2010 North American tour, “The Incredible Machine,” and will appear at the Cruzan Amphitheatre at the South Florida Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Popular country acts Little Big Town and Randy Montana are also featured. It is all part of the 2010 Tire Kingdom Country Megaticket. Tickets are on sale now.

Sugarland is a country band comprising Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush. The duo has sold more than eight million records since exploding onto the music scene in 2004 with their debut album, Twice the Speed Of Life (“Baby Girl”/“Something More”). Enjoy the Ride (“Want To”/“Settlin’”/“Stay”) quickly followed in 2006, and Sugarland’s third studio album, Love On the Inside (“It Happens”/“Love”/ “All I Want To Do”/“Already Gone”) was released in July 2008, skyrocketing the band to superstardom, and drawing fans from all genres and critics abroad.

Sugarland is credited with cowriting all tracks from all three albums and co-producing the last two. As a thank you to their loyal fans, in August 2009 the duo released Live On the Inside, a CD/DVD set of live tracks, covers and footage from their tour. They’ve performed in six European countries and headlined a U.S. tour throughout 2009. They’ve received trophies from the

Sugarland’s Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles.

Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Academy of Country Music, CMT Music Awards and the Country Music Association. Last August, ABC aired an hour-long network special featuring the duo in Sugarland’s most beloved setting — on stage. The band’s most recent album Gold and Green, a 10-track holiday collection consisting of half standards and half originals — all of which Nettles and Bush co-wrote and co-produced — was a Christmas sensation. Most recently, the duo received a nomination for “Best Country Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocals” for their No. 1 smash hit “It Happens” at the 2010 Grammy Awards.

Tickets for the 2010 Incredible Machine Tour featuring Sugarland, Little Big Town and Randy Montana at the Cruzan Amphitheatre cost $49.75, $39.75 and $25. There is also a festival lawn four-pack for just $75. Tickets are available online at www.livenation.com, charge by phone to (800) 745-3000 or at the PNC Bank box office at the amphitheater. The amphitheater is located at 601-7 Sansbury’s Way. 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. For more on Sugarland, visit www.sugarlandmusic.com or www.umgnashville.com.

The Phantoms Recommend Vagabondi Restaurant In WPB

While taking a leisurely drive up Dixie Highway on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, we were looking for somewhere new to eat. We stopped a few times, but for the most part, the menus were boring and the restaurants were uninviting. Then our luck changed as we approached the intersection of Belvedere Road and Dixie Highway, where we stumbled upon Vagabondi, a recent addition to the Palm Beach dining scene where our efforts were rewarded tenfold!

This cozy gem only seats 32 lucky diners, and reservations are a must. The contemporary décor is simple with warm shades of brown and muted green, with fresh white tablecloths and tasteful works of art. If we did not know better, we would have thought we were in Palm Beach, because the Palm Beachers were in Vagabondi enjoying some of the best food we have eaten in our 15 years of food reviews!

Owners and friends for 25 years, Fernando Diaz and Carlo Sernaglia, are from both Venezuela and Italy. Fernando along with his wife Emma handle the front of the house, while Sernaglia and his staff handle the kitchen. Sernaglia’s Italian training shines through, as well as his recent experience as executive

chef at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. Attention to detail is what separates good from great, like freshly baked homemade warm olive bread, filtered water and unique wine selections, remarkably priced from $6 to $10/ glass and $24 to $54/bottle. The level of attention and personal service is only surpassed by the quality of their food.

Now let’s shift our attention to the food with a presentation that is of artistic quality. Everything on the menu and daily blackboard “specials of the day” are prepared fresh; the fish of the day comes from a local spear-fisherman who delivers his catch to them daily (no catch, no fish). The fruit and veggies are from specially selected local farms. Their detail to freshness is the reason why you will not find a walk-in freezer here. The menu, like the wine list, is limited. While it leans mostly toward northern Italian, there is a hint of southern Italy cuisine as well.

• Antipasti (starters $9 to $13) — We selected a beet salad ($10), a tasty blend of beets, gorgonzola cheese, mixed greens, oranges and shaved caramelized almonds! Next we chose the special of the evening and one of our favorites, a crispy soft-shell crab tossed in an oriental vinaigrette and fried calamari

light and tender and served with a spicy pomodoro sauce to add a kick. On our next visit we can select from fried eggplant with mozzarella and arugula, steamed mussels, an incredible Caesar salad or their new positano salad, which consists of arugula, tomato, fresh mozzarella, Greek olives and shaved parmigiano.

• Prima (pastas $15 to $19) — The Italian experience shines through: ravioli with arugula, spinach, goat ricotta in a butter and sage sauce, deliciously leads the list of Vagabondi pasta treats. Other pastas include papardelle with veal ragu; fettuccine with wild mushrooms, arugula and truffle oil; tagliolini with pomodoro and basil sauce; orecchiette with Italian sausage, broccoli, tomato, almonds and raisins; and Joe’s lifelong favorite, fettuccine ai frutti di mare with fresh diced tomato.

• Secondi (entrées $19 to $25) — Every restaurant, no matter how good, has one item that stands out, and Vagabondi’s Fisherman Seafood Stew is their signature dish, a hearty mix of jumbo shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari and fresh fish of the day all immersed in an incredible broth. Another popular selection is the fresh fish of the day such as Florida

pompano with green parsley sauce, clams and served with asparagus — the talk of the evening. Veal saltimbocca alla Roma, chicken Paillard, skirt steak, along with a new addition, duck breast Margret scaloppini, reduced in port wine sauce, blackberries with mixed greens, oranges and caramelized almonds, completed the evening’s selections.

• Desserts ($6) — There are three from which to choose, which is fine: chocolate amaretti pear cake, apple strudel with almonds and raisins, and our favorite of favorites, tiramisu, a treat which originated in our favorite city, Venice.

Vagabondi Restaurant is located at 319 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. This cozy European-inspired restaurant will remain small and intimate as they have no plans to expand. Almost all of their business is from repeat customers like us. We sincerely recommend you call for reservations now, because the closer we get to season, tables will be a premium. So if you want to experience one of the best restaurants in South Florida, then call Fernando or Emma at (561) 2492281, and please tell them that Joe and Kathryn, the Phantoms, highly recommended you call their well-deserved, four-star restaurant. Joe & Kathryn, the Phantoms, are featured writers for the Town-Crier and www.yournews.com... Comments and recommendations are welcome at thephantomdiners@aol.com.

Noah’s Ark And Academy Of Child Enrichment Owner

Jorge Perez Discusses VPK

Jorge Perez owns the Academy for Child Enrichment in Royal Palm Beach, Noah’s Ark Academy in Loxahatchee Groves and two Small World Preschool locations in Palm Springs.

With the school year beginning this week, Perez offered some thoughts on the voluntary pre-kindergarten program that was approved by Florida voters in 2004 and went into effect in 2005.

The program provides three free hours of instruction five days a week during the school year to children who are four years old by Sept. 1.

Question: How successful is the VPK program?

Answer: Florida children, before VPK, placed 32nd in the nation in kindergarten readiness. Now they are eighth. But most of the gains happened during the first three years of the program. Also, you need to know that of the 222 annual average number of VPK county providers during these three years, the public schools accounted for 7.7 percent of them, so most of the gains were made by children attending private VPK centers. I believe that the success of the program is indisputable, and even more can and should be done to prepare our children for kindergarten.

During the last two years, however, Palm Beach County public elementary schools have been more aggressive in offering VPK to area students. During 2007-08, there were only 10 elementary schools offering VPK, and today there are 27. This increase was to offset their lower enrollment… You probably have seen signs near elementary schools advertising their VPK offering. Have you seen any decrease in property taxes as a result of additional VPK revenues to the public schools? I have seen increased unemployment and a lower tax base… private centers closed because of lack of enrollment, yet the public schools get funded twice from the taxpayers, by local property taxes and by the state’s VPK reimbursement.

Q: How do you compete with the public school system?

A: My centers are meeting this challenge

by doing the following: The public schools close 30-plus days in a school year and parents have to make arrangements for their child’s care during these days off; we close only eight holidays a year. We do not get reimbursed for those extra days off, so if a parent wishes to have her child attend our center, we charge a fee that is far less than what a baby-sitter would charge, and we continue our instruction protocol.

My centers include nutritious breakfast and lunch at no additional cost to the parents... We also offer VPK ‘wrap-around,’ which allows parents to drop their children off from 6:30 a.m., and to pick them up any time before 6 p.m., includes three meals, and all for a fee lower than the public schools’ extended care until 2 p.m. only. There are a few public schools that do not charge for three VPK hours plus three extended-care hours... In addition, we offer evening care hours after 6 p.m. for $5 per hour until midnight, including supper at no additional cost. The public schools have no such offering.

Q: It sounds like your centers are more efficient delivering VPK services than the public system, and just as effective, despite the additional resources provided by the Palm Beach County School Board to their own schools. Is this right?

A: The answer is yes. It costs the parents more for a ‘public’ VPK and the children get less... Also, our area’s unemployment is negatively affected by the inclusion of the public system in the VPK delivery, and our property taxes continue to go up.

For additional information, call the Academy for Child Enrichment at (561) 798-3458 or Noah’s Ark Academy at (561) 753-6624.

An outside view of Noah’s Ark Academy in Loxahatchee Groves.

Jorge Perez

RIBBON

CUTTING FOR SAINAAM TITLE SERVICES

The Palms West Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for SaiNaam Title Services Inc., a full-service title insurance company located at 9100 Belvedere Road, Suite 114, Royal Palm Beach. Although a new company, its staff has more than 15 years experience in the title and real estate industry. By working closely with its underwriters, as well as county and municipal agencies, SaiNaam is able to coordinate and expedite all closing transactions in a hassle-free and pleasant manner, all within the time constraints of the customer’s contract of sale or lender’s closing instructions. In addition to title insurance services, SaiNaam’s “onestop-shop” office employs real estate agents, general lines insurance and property management services, in order to assist clients with all their real estate needs. For more info., call (561) 784-8353, (561) 856-1722 or e-mail sainaamtitle@yahoo.com. Shown above are SaiNaam Title Services staff members with Palms West Chamber ambassadors.

NACA Offers Help For Homeowners

The Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA), a non-profit community advocacy organization and HUD-certified counseling agency, will host “Save the Dream” at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). The 24-hour-a-day, fiveday event will take place from Friday, Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. and continue to Tuesday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. There is no charge for admission.

Homeowners from around the country are expected to camp out at the convention center, hoping for a chance to save their homes. Thousands attended NACA’s last event in Florida, which ran for more than 100 straight hours.

Many homeowners will get mortgage payments cut the very same day by hundreds of dollars a month, and sometimes over $1,000 per month.

NACA works directly with all the

major lenders/servicers (who are also on tour with NACA) to provide same-day solutions. NACA provides thousands of homeowners with long-term affordable payments by reducing their interest rates to four percent, three percent or two percent, and sometimes reducing the outstanding principal.

Anyone planning to attend the Save the Dream event can register online at www.naca.com or call (888) 499-6222.

Property Tax Notices Arriving Soon

Palm Beach County began printing the 2010 notices of proposed property taxes and proposed nonad valorem assessments on Saturday, Aug. 7. The printing operation was scheduled to be completed Monday, Aug. 16.

The 655,181 notices will be mailed Monday, Aug. 23 to all property owners in Palm Beach County.

This year’s notice includes changes mandated by the Florida Legislature and implemented by the Department of Revenue. The changes include the addition of millage rates and a column that breaks out a property’s assessed and taxable values and any exemptions

applied. The exemption amount is shown with the pertinent taxing authority. The new form also shows assessment reductions and value benefits that might apply, such as those for agricultural classifications or Save Our Homes for residential homesteaded properties.

Property owners who disagree with the proposed amount of their property taxes can voice their objections at public hearings held in September by their respective taxing authorities. The dates and times are listed on the notice.

“My office receives thousands of calls each year from property owners to complain about their proper-

ty taxes, but my office cannot help them with taxation issues,” Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits said. “However, if the property owner has a problem with our Jan. 1 estimate of market value or was denied an exemption, they should call my office for an explanation.”

The Property Appraiser’s Office contact numbers are on the notice.

“If we are unable to resolve the matter, the property owner can file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board,” Nikolits said.

The VAB petition-filing period begins Aug. 23 and ends Sept. 16. The petition can be filed online at mypalmbeachclerk.com/vab.aspx.

Sports Commission Announces New Ex-Officio Board Members

The Palm Beach County Sports Commission recently announced the appointments of two new ex-officio board members. Howard Schnellenberger, director of football operations/head football coach at Florida Atlantic University, and Eric Call, assistant director of Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation, will serve on the board in an advisory capacity.

Schnellenberger is currently the head football coach at FAU. He joined FAU in 1998 with the opportunity to build the football program from the

ground up. He took up the challenge, and the FAU football team made its debut Sept. 1, 2001. FAU holds the record for the fastest startup program to earn a Division IA victory. It is also the fastest program to reach the Division I-AA playoffs and the fastest startup program to be invited to a bowl game. Schnellenberger began his coaching career in 1959. His legendary and storied career highlights include: four national collegiate football championships (Alabama 1961, 1964, 1965; Miami 1983), seven

NFL playoff teams (Miami Dolphins 1970, 1971, 1972, 1976, 1979; Los Angeles Rams 1967, 1969), best record in NFL history as the Miami Dolphins’ offensive coordinator (17-0 in 1972), 1983 National Champions (University of Miami) and 1983 National Coach of the Year.

Call has served as assistant director of Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation since 1995. He started with the organization in October 1984 and has held many positions within the department

Next ABWA Meeting Set For Sept. 8

in his 26-year tenure. Over the years, Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation has played a major role in supporting numerous Sports Commission events and programs. Call’s professional affiliations include the National Recreation and Park Association, Florida Recreation and Park Association, and Florida Institute of Park Personnel. Call attended the University of Florida where he was a pitcher for the University of Florida Gators baseball team, then drafted by Major League Baseball.

The Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will host its monthly meeting Wednesday, Sept. 8 at the PGA Doubletree Hotel. Networking will take place from 6 to 6:30 p.m. with the dinner and program beginning at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $35, and guests are welcome. The speaker will be chiropractor Dr. Michael Papa, and the program topic will be “Three Secrets to a Healthy Life.”

national recognition.

The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking, support and

To make reservations, or for more information, call Sharon Maupin at (561) 6243816. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 4431 PGA Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens. For directions, call the hotel at (561) 622-2260. For more about the ABWA, call Chapter President Carol O’Neil at (561) 389-1227 or visit www. abwapbflorida.org.

“The appointments of Coach Schnellenberger and Eric Call bring a variety of industry representation to the board along with a diversity of experience in sports, events and facility management,” Palm Beach County Sports Commission President Patty Dent said. “We look forward to having them join us as a member of our organization.”

The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is a private, not-for-profit organization contracted by Palm

Beach County to promote and market the county as a sports and sports tourism destination. The commission brings sporting events and activities to the county, enhances economic impact, stimulates bed tax revenues (primarily in the off-season) and maximizes utilization of county facilities. The commission offers a full range of event service support, corporate partnerships, sponsorships and a local membership program that supports its goals. Local, regional, nation-

al and international marketing efforts are ongoing by the commission with sports organizations and event owners. The commission also produces sports-related programs including the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame, the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, the Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches and awards the annual Sam Budnyk StudentAthlete Scholarship. For more information about the commission, visit www.palmbeachsports.com.

Howard Schnellenberger

Eric Call

Seminole Ridge Football Squad Aims To Take District Title

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Seminole Ridge High School football team is looking to add to last season’s success by winning a district title in 2010.

The Hawks finished 7-4 in 2009 and qualified for the school’s first appearance in the district playoffs. The season ended with a loss to Treasure Coast High School in Port St. Lucie.

But for the first time in school history, Seminole Ridge defeated rival Royal Palm Beach High School to take the trophy that displays both teams’ mascots.

Coach Matt Dickmann expects another winning season, but noted that the team did not have the

same depth as in past years.

“I think we’re going to be solid again like last year,” he said. “I think the biggest key for our season this year is for a lot of people to stay healthy. We don’t have a lot of depth in certain positions, but I think that the kids that we have in the one and two spots are pretty good.”

The Hawks will face their biggest challenges from defending champion Atlantic and Park Vista, Dickmann said.

“The district is very competitive,” he said. “But I think if we stay healthy, we’ll be able to compete.”

Dickmann said he has a well-balanced team.

“I think we have a team that can do everything well,” he said. “We

run the ball well. I think we can throw the ball well. We have two outstanding quarterbacks… and we have good wide receivers, so I think we’re pretty balanced.”

Dickmann said that he expects a lot from senior quarterback Trevor Vanscoy, who “has a very strong arm.”

But after graduating several defensive linemen, including former captain Eric Poppert, Dickmann said there was room for improvement. “We’re young there,” he said.

The Hawks also graduated wide receiver Jeacky Charles, running back Javian Wrisper, who will play at Wingate University in North Carolina, and safety Woodley Ca-

WHS Junior Tyler Vanacore On Board As Full-Time Quarterback

This season, the Wellington High School Wolverines open football season with a fulltime starting quarterback. After two seasons of a quarterback-by-committee, junior Tyler Vanacore will run the Wolverines’ offense this season.

Coach Chris Romano said at practice on Monday, Aug. 16 that Vanacore will be the No. 1 quarterback, with junior Ryan Higbee serving as the primary backup.

Vanacore is a versatile athlete who has played wide receiver and running back at Wellington. The wide receiver position will

Wolverine Watch

By Josh Hyber

be inexperienced, with seniors Davis Martin and Rex Kirby playing varsity football for the first time. Both are forwards on the basketball team, so Vanacore will use their height to exploit undersized defenses.

“Having the two receivers is great,” Vanacore said. “It’s much easier to see the targets and get the ball to where it needs to be.”

Senior Derik Madorma is another wide receiver who will also see time at running back. Senior Alex Dinardo (who also plays defense) and junior Grant Smallridge are the team’s main running backs, with junior Ryan Delgado also in the mix. At practice Monday, Dinardo made a highlight catch of a pass from Vanacore for a touchdown.

The Wolverines’ strongest area on offense is the line. Offensive coordinator Tom Abel coaches the group he calls “The Hogs,” taking the nickname of the Washington Redskins’

unit from the 1980s. Tackles Brynjar Gudmundson and Austin Peavler are the leaders, and are being looked at by Division I programs.

Seniors Ryan Alicea and Austin Delgado are the team’s starting guards. In the middle of it all is Corey Ayres, the center. Senior Dustin Staer is the first replacement, mainly at the guard positions. Connor Flecus also is seeing time as an offensive line backup.

Romano was nothing but positive when talking about the linemen. “All seniors,” he said.

Abel praised the offensive line at practice Friday for well-executed plays while also correcting their mistakes.

“It’s one of the craziest things you will ever see,” Peavler said of Abel’s “antics.” “It’s intense. It makes us want to play good because if he’s that hyped up when we’re good, he can be just as angry when we aren’t.”

On defense, the group is led by linebacker Chris Thomas, who also plays fullback, and senior Dinardo. Romano noted Thomas and Dinardo as two players who have stood out during summer practices. The down linemen for the Wolverines are Alicea and Delgado and junior Dominic Ostein.

The linebacking corps is the strongest point of the defense. Thomas and Dinardo, along

with juniors Andy Lamay and Jake Romano (the son of the coach) and seniors Derik May and Lucas Riebe, make up the position. The secondary has senior cornerbacks Terry Mar-

Senior Chris Thomas lines up at fullback.

Junior quarterback Tyler Vanacore calls out his play.

See WHS FOOTBALL, page 39

Carl Cherry and Justin Daher on the field.

Gary Holmes goes for the catch.

Quarterback Ryan Bialczak practices throwing drills.

Gary Lucas hands the ball off to Tyler Butler.

See SRHS HAWKS, page 39

SPORTS & RECREATION

SRHS Hawks Young Team

continued from page 37 det, who signed with the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

“Those are some kids who we’ll definitely have to fill their shoes,” Dickmann said. “I think that there’s some kids on the team who are younger but have that type of potential. They just don’t have the experience that those guys had. A lot of them are two- and three-year

starters.”

Although Dickmann said there are young players with potential, he said the Hawks have improved individually and as a team.

“Right now I just feel we’re ahead of schedule with everyone knowing mentally what they have to do,” he said. “I think from a team standpoint we’re moving forward and making a lot of progress.”

The Hawks open the season at West Boca at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27.

Ryan Bialczak throws a pass.Tyler Butler makes his catch.

WHS Football New Football Season

continued from page 37 tin and Amir Pollack along with junior Mike Perez. Junior Courtney Bigby is the starting safety.

The most stable unit is special teams. Senior kicker Nick Brewer is kicking in his third year on the varsity level. Punting is sophomore

Tyler Bugeja and backup center Patrick Gerrits is the team’s long snapper.

After going 5-5 last season, the Wolverines hope to build off of last season’s progress. With a full-time quarterback, the team is in position to do so.

On Friday, Aug. 27, the Wolverines host Jupiter in the annual KickOff Classic. The first regular-season game is Sept. 3 at Olympic Heights in Boca Raton.

Coach Tom Abel instructs the offense on 11-on-11 drills.

Josh Richey snags the ball.

Wellington Wrestler MacFarlane Wins Championship Medal RPBHS Grad Shaina Abdell Signs To Play Volleyball With Tampa

Colton MacFarlane traveled with the Wellington Wrestling Club to the Stingray Summer II Invitational tournament at American Heritage (Plantation) High School and took home the championship medal in the 80-pound Novice division.

“Colton has only been wrestling for a few months but is very determined, and we are very impressed with his accomplishments so far,” coach Travis Gray said. “I’m sure this will be the first of many firstplace finishes for Colton. We are looking forward to watching him progress in the years to come.”

The Wellington Wrestling Club meets at Village Park on Pierson Road on Mondays and Wednesdays for grades K through five and Tuesdays and Thursdays for middle and high school students. For more information, contact Gray at (561) 827-8595 or graytra@palmbeach. k12.fl.us.

Send sports 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.

Former Royal Palm Beach High School volleyball player Shaina Abdell has signed to play at the University of Tampa this fall. UT has been picked as a pre-season topfive team by the American Volleyball Coaches Association for Division II schools, with Abdell as a top newcomer to the program. Abdell follows the college volleyball track of former Wildcat players who have gone on to play at the college level.

Some of the previous Wildcat players who are currently in college playing include from the Class of 2009: Cassady Cook (Weber State University/University of West

Georgia) and Morgan Hill (PascoHernando Community College), and 2007: Kala Abdell (Florida Atlantic University/Lynn University).

Other recent players include: 2008, Ashlyn Aubuchon (Palm Beach State College); 2007, Brigett Brandjes (Florida Institute of Technology/PBSC); 2005, Amanda Cook (St. Leo University), Julie Fleming (Stetson University) and Toni Rich (Indian River State College/St. Francis College); and 2004, Heather Van Olst (Florida Gulf Coast University), Tamra Grigsby (FGCU), Alyse Santisi (Florida International University) and Ali

Mitchell (Palm Beach Atlantic University). Pre-2004 college players include Jade Nixon-Gold, Crystal White and Crystal Williams.

Several other Wildcat volleyball players signed with colleges to play softball and soccer, including Lauren Garceau (PBSC), Katie Veltrie (Nova Southeastern University), Julie Tigis (Florida State University) and Kristen Hobbs (softball, Louisiana State University) and Chelsea Leiva (soccer, FIU).

The Wildcat volleyball program hopes to continue this great tradition of student-athletes going on to play in college.

Briana Marie Cox Golf Tourney Oct. 30

The Briana Marie Cox Foundation will host the Briana Marie Cox Memorial Golf Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Palm Beach National Golf & Country Club (7500 Saint Andrews Road, Lake Worth).

The tournament is open to golfers of all ages. The entry fee is $100 per golfer or $400 per foursome and includes range balls, dinner, raffle

and auction. All golfers will also receive a voucher for a free round of golf. Separate dinner/auction tickets are also available.

The family of Briana Marie Cox established a foundation to honor her memory. Cox was killed in an automobile accident on July 16, 2006 while traveling home with her family from an out-of-state softball tournament.

The Briana Marie Cox Foundation helps those who have lost a loved one and by awarding college scholarships to deserving high school seniors.

For additional information, contact Tournament Chair Danny Boivin at (561) 502-2187, via email at irrm16@aol.com, or visit the foundation’s web site at www. brianamariecoxfoundation.org.

Colton MacFarlane with his medal and bracket sheet.

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Stop By The Fairgrounds Aug. 21-22!

The 20th Annual Christmas in August Craft Fair Event returns this weekend at the South Florida Fairgrounds in the Americraft Expo Center, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach, featuring over 30,000 square feet of crafts for your shopping pleasure. Beat the heat and do your shopping in the air conditioning. Enjoy a nice cold drink, ice cream cone or have a nice lunch from the food concession. How about some delicious kettle corn? This popular two-day event will be held Saturday, Aug. 21 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday, Aug. 22 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

This craft fair is a great way to start your holiday shopping early. Are you looking for a unique gift? This is the place to find it! Can’t figure out what to buy the person who has everything? This is the place to come. Looking for home and holiday decor? We have it. You will find cozy quilts, handmade handbags with matching accessories, artwork, kitchen items, painted glass, toys, painted gourds and cloth dolls. Sample some delicious soup, succulent chicken, gourmet dips and even wine slushies.

The show features country, folk art, primitive and handmade furniture. Does your pet need a new leash, bandana or new outfit? Find it, and so much more! Try on some gold and/or silver jewelry. Create your own necklace or bracelet on the spot. Do you need a new table runner with matching place mats? How about a new quilt for your bedroom or guest room? The show also offers quirky little signs with cute little sayings. The craft fair also has the largest collection of photography in the State of Florida from an exhibitor who travels the country taking awesome photos!

Stroll down the many aisles of crafts. Have you ever seen a light bulb painted like a Santa? How about a wooden clothespin made into a reindeer? The nationwide, award-winning crafters at the show have such fantastic ideas and talent! You will be astounded at the unique items that you’ll find. There is even a licensed buyer of gold and silver. Need some extra cash to shop with? Dig out that old that broken necklace; that one earring. You will be paid cash on the spot for it. What a great way to get that extra money you need for Christmas shopping. Indulge your sweet tooth by trying a free sample of delicious homemade fudge. They are sure to have your favorite flavor. In short, you are sure to find something!

For over two years, Buckler Promotions Inc. has been holding a food drive in conjunction with the craft fair with the goal of giving back to the local community in these hard times. A local food bank is selected in each city the show visits. Thousands of pounds of food have been collected. Visitors may bring a canned good(s) with you, and it will be honored as a coupon offering buyone-get-one-free admission or $3 off one adult. What a great deal!

If you are interested in exhibiting or would like more information, please visit www.BucklerCraftFair.com or call (386) 860-0092. Don’t miss this event: Aug. 21-22, 2010. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE ADMISSION Sunday from 3 to 4 p.m. Call your friends and have them come along to this wonderful event!

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

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.

• Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host “Floral Arrangements 101” on Saturday, Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. for age 14 and up. Participants must bring their own scissors or clippers and a medium-size vase. Vases can be purchased from the floral department prior to class. Flowers and all other materials will be provided. There is no charge. Register by phone at (561) 904-4000 or at the customer service desk. Visit www.facebook. com/wholefoodsmarketwellington for info.

• The WIRK Poker Run to Benefit Forgotten Soldiers Outreach will be held Saturday, Aug. 21. The north run will start at 11 a.m. at Gardens Cigar Shop (10967 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens). The south run will start at 11 a.m. at Boca Hooters (2240 NW 19th St., Suite 1101-A, Boca Raton). Both runs will end between 4 and 6 p.m. at the Sandbar (1179 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach). Registration costs $10 for one hand, $25 for three hands and $30 for four hands. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best hands. To register, visit www.wirk.com. For more info., email chrissy@forgottensoldiers.org or call (561) 369-2933.

• 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.

• The Goddard School in Wellington (2665 State Road 7) will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. Preschool age children and their families can enjoy refreshments, games, music and fun activities. Families that enroll during the celebration will receive 50 per-

cent off the first full month’s tuition. For more info., e-mail wellingtonfl@goddard schools.com or call (561) 333-2020.

• Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement Inc. will host the 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 age 8 and up on Saturday, Aug. 21 at 2:30 p.m. Basic game knowledge is required. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Sunday, Aug. 22

• Temple Beth Tikvah (4550 Jog Road, Greenacres) will host an open house on Sunday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with activities for all ages, free hot dogs, drinks and knishes, shuffleboard, badminton, water play and much more. Call (561) 9673600 for more info.

• Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will feature “Kids Taste Test” on Sunday Aug. 22 at 4 p.m. Join healthy eating specialist Carlos Acosta as he shares healthful information and teaches kids how to experience a whole new world of food. Kids who taste every item will win a prize. All children must be accompanied by a parent. There is no charge. Register by phone at (561) 904-4000 or at the customer service desk. Visit www.facebook. om/wholefoodsmarketwellington for info.

• St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (100 North Palmway, Lake Worth) will present its annual Wine-Tasting Extravaganza on Sunday, Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. This years’ event, titled “Nights in the Gardens of Spain,” will feature Spanish wines and food such as tapas, paella, croquettas, torta di Santiago and more. Experts from Dolce Vita in Lake Worth have assembled an impressive array of wines for the evening. Tickets cost $25 per person and may be purchased in advance by calling the church office at (561) 582-6609.

• 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.

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 44

Watch this new Wellington-based Internet TV station at www.tcin.tv.

Monday, Aug. 23

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach) will host “Playtime Story Time” on Monday, Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. for ages 2 to 3. Listen to stories about toys, sing songs, and play with blocks, puzzles and dolls. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Lego Mania” for age 8 and up on Monday, Aug. 23 at 3:30 p.m. Challenge yourselves to create your own vehicle or building out of Lego pieces. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host “Health Starts Here: On the Go!” on Monday, Aug. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Karen Doyle will share information about the new “Health Starts Here” program. There is no charge. Register by phone at (561) 904-4000 or at the customer service desk. Visit www.facebook. com/whole foodsmarketwellington for more info.

Tuesday, Aug. 24

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Teen Game Night” for ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. Play Nintendo Wii and board games. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

• Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host “Deliciously Raw with Renate: Italian Style” on Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. Chef Renate will share her secrets to living a raw foods lifestyle. The cost is $20 per person. Register by phone at (561) 904-4000 or at the customer service desk.

Wednesday, Aug. 25

• The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon Wednesday, Aug. 25 at Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Mayor Darell Bowen will present highlights of Wellington’s accomplishments related to economic development and strategic planning. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m., and the luncheon will begin at noon. The cost is $20 for members in advance, $25 for members at the door and $30 for non-members. RSVP to (561) 792-6525.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Once Upon a Time: Sleeping Beauty” for children of all ages

on Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register for the program.

• GardensArt and the City of Palm Beach Gardens will host an opening reception for the exhibit “The Palm Beach County Surfing History Project” on Wednesday, Aug. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the lobby of Palm Beach Gardens City Hall (10500 N. Military Trail). It will continue through Oct. 15. The reception is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.pbgfl.com.

• Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host a Domestic Artisan Cheese Class on Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Taste a selection of domestic artisan cheeses from award-winning producers. Each cheese will be paired with a wine or beer. The cost is $5 per person. Register by phone at (561) 904-4000 or at the customer service desk.

Thursday, Aug. 26

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Dog Day Story Time” on Thursday, Aug. 26 at 11 a.m. for ages 3 to 5. Celebrate National Dog Day with songs, stories and crafts about canine friends. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Later, ’Gators” for age 5 and up on Thursday, Aug. 26 at 3:30 p.m. Get your “gator” on with tales about these reptiles. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Safety Council of Palm Beach County will offer a Basic Driver Improvement Course on Thursday, Aug. 26 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Wellington High School (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.). The Safety Council will also offer a Motorcycle Course Aug. 26-29 at Wellington High School. This combined classroom and road course is now required for motorcycle endorsement. Visit www.safetycouncilpbc.org for more information and course descriptions, or call (561) 845-8233.

• TCIN.TV will feature a live broadcast of Eye On Your Money, a financial talk show, Thursday, Aug. 16 at 8 p.m., followed by the alternative health show Health Unplugged at 9 p.m. Watch this new Wellington-based Internet TV show at www.tcin.tv.

Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. Email: news@gotowncrier.com.

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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.

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JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 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

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HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561-572-1782

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