Town-Crier Newspaper August 7, 2009

MOVING UP TO MIDDLE SCHOOL

of the Taco Pirates team decorate their cake. STORY & PHOTOS, PAGE 5

BY

New Recreation Mission For A Wellington Sports Veteran

By Mark Lioi

Town-Crier Staff Report

A longtime guiding light for youth sports in Wellington is getting a measure of satisfaction by providing a new outlet for area kids. Joe Piconcelli of the village’s Parks & Recreation Depart-

Beach. The purpose of the event was to create better relations and awareness between the community and law enforcement. Page 3

Residents Demand Answers On Acreage ‘Cancer Cluster’ Hundreds of Acreage residents anxious for answers gathered for an update on investigations into cancer rates in their community last week. Page 7

ACC Captain Helps

Out Skinny Horses

When someone calls in reporting a skinny horse, Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control Capt. David Walesky is usually the one who investigates the situation. Page 16

ment said a new pickup-style, three-on-three basketball league has been a hit with youngsters in the 12th Fairway/White Pine Drive area.

The informal league, which meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, is a recreational endeavor of the village’s Safe Neighborhoods Initiative launched earlier this year. Play takes place on the courts of Little Blue Park on Wellington Trace, nestled between the Safe Neighborhoods office and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 25.

The free league is open to players in three age divisions: 10-12, 13-15 and 16 and up. On Wednesday, Piconcelli told the Town-Crier the 1315 age group attracts the largest turnout. “We have an average of anywhere from 20 to 30 kids come,” he said. “Last night we had close to 30.”

Play starts at 6:30 p.m. and generally goes until 8:30

p.m., sometimes longer. “If I see a real rivalry being generated, where they need one more game to settle their pride, I stay around a little longer,” Piconcelli said.

Piconcelli brought forward the idea for a “street league” in June, and it kicked off with a 14-team tournament on the 27th of that month to coincide with the opening of the Safe Neighborhoods office. The Safe Neighborhoods program is designed to help stabilize some of the village’s older neighborhoods through a combination of increased law enforcement, code enforcement and local outreach efforts.

The basketball league is patterned after similar programs that have proven effective in reducing crime and juvenile delinquency in urban neighborhoods, Piconcelli said.

“We’re trying to keep the

See PICONCELLI, page 16

Engineer: Water Quality Is Not A Big Problem For RPB

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

While water control districts around the state have been worrying about new regulations on canal water quality, Royal Palm Beach does not yet have enormous cause for concern, Village Engineer Ray Liggins said.

The Indian Trail Improvement District and the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District are opposing EPA-mandated state standard on the levels of phosphates and other impurities in water discharged into the C-51 Canal. Among their concerns about the proposed regulations, due to become effective in December, is the proposed grouping of manmade canals in the same category as rivers and other natural waterways.

Royal Palm Beach and ITID share the north-south M-l Canal for discharge into the C-51 Canal that runs parallel to Southern Blvd. ITID

originally managed all surface water in the village, Liggins said.

“Indian Trail was our water control district for the whole village,” Liggins said.

“In the 1980s, the village took over all the canals, right of ways and drainage, and took over ownership and responsibility. In that agreement, we came up with a shared maintenance cost for the M-1 of 50 percent each.”

Liggins said he has been following the state’s progress on the development of the EPA-mandated standards.

“I’ve followed the direction the federal government is going in desiring the information, and we’re kind of at the bottom of the groups that they would care about,” he said.

The federal government started setting water standards in 1972, Liggins said, going after the worst polluters first. “They first got the large industrial property owners, the large polluters,” he

said. “They’ve slowly over the decades worked their way down and they’re getting closer to us. But when it comes down to getting water quality samples and being liable for that water quality, there’s still a lot of legislation that has to happen.”

Liggins said that at 12 square miles, the village is small compared to other areas that may be facing federal regulations. “I kind of look at us as being at the end of the line,” he said. “When it comes down to it, the goal is very admirable, and I think in Florida we do a great job in managing our storm water and runoff, and keeping our tributaries from being impacted; that’s not to say that they’re not.”

Paul Webster, the village’s director of public works, led the village’s water utilities department before it was sold to the county. He has a strong background in the measure-

See WATER, page 4

Wellington Eyes Four-Day Week

By Mark Lioi Town-Crier Staff Report

People interacting with the Village of Wellington either for work or play will likely soon be dealing with a municipality that is open only four days per week.

The village is looking to trim its operating schedule to a four-day work week in order to save money, and members of the Wellington Village Council looked favorably on the idea at a budget workshop Tuesday.

The village is striving to cut costs in the face of shrinking revenues resulting from a combination of factors, including tax reform, falling property values and a sour economy. Village staff members have proposed a budget for the coming fiscal year of about $83 million, almost 20 percent lower than the current year’s budget of $103 million. Much of the cost-cutting involves identifying and eliminating the least-necessary services.

The four-day work week for village employees would still involve 40 hours a week for full-time staff members, Village Manager Paul Schofield told the council Tuesday. Most village offices and many recreational facilities would be closed Fridays, netting the village $300,000 in savings annually, he said.

“There are several operations that would continue to be six- and seven-day operations,” Schofield said. “The Utilities Department will continue to operate 24/7, the Parks & Recreation Department will be a six-day operation. There is one other facility we propose to be open seven days a week, and that is the Safe Neighborhoods facility located at the utilities plant. There will be community advocates, code enforcement and law enforcement in there, and a component of that would include somebody in there on Fridays from 8 to 5 to take phone calls.”

Schofield said he had discussed with village staffers at the division manager level and up, a total of about 18 people, about coming in one Friday a month to do community service projects once the four-day work week begins.

“We believe it is necessary to show the community we really care about them,” he said. Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore asked for details about having a “live body” answering the village’s telephone on Fridays, and Schofield said the staff member at the Safe Neighborhoods office would take calls coming in on the village’s main line. “There will be one of the senior managers on call in case of emergencies,” he said. “If somebody needs help that day, we will get it to them, but we’re also trying to find a logging system to make sure that those calls are followed up on.”

Schofield was asked by Councilman Howard Coates to explain how the village would realize the savings through a four-day work week. “We have significantly reduced mobilization and demobilization in Public Works,” Schofield said. “A lot of that comes from just turning the internal lighting off, turning the air conditioning in the buildings up to 85; that’s where it comes from. It’s not coming from personnel cuts, it’s the cost of fuel and the cost of lighting. Turn off the lights in the park for a day, it has an effect.”

Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto asked whether the four-day work week could be done as a pilot project with a set time for assessment as to whether the village would be providing effective levels of service and at the same time reaping a reasonable savings. Schofield said the plan could be undone at any point, and that it’s effectiveness would become apparent within three months. “There are some other advantages to the four-day week, he added. “Typically people are more productive over four ten-hour days than they are in five eight-hour days. There are maybe some other savings we haven’t realized; however, until you try it, you really don’t know.”

The council will hold public hearings on the budget in September before final adoption. The village’s draft budget is available on its web site at www.ci.wellington.fl.us.

SOAR Garden Returning Soon To H.L. Johnson

By Ron Bukley

ac-

cording to Principal Sharon Hench. The re-cultivation of the garden will be captured on video to show other schools how to create their own gardens. The school’s new twostory addition, remodeled offices and cafeteria were finished in December 2008, but the garden was taken out during construction.

“The garden used to be where there is now a retention pond,” Hench said, adding that the school has been

without its garden for two school years. When H.L. Johnson’s 24 portable classrooms were removed in May, the school was left with several acres of open grassy space that will be cultivated this fall into a new SOAR garden. The SOAR program is part of a cooperative effort with Dr. Richard Raid, a professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida’s Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle Glade.

H.L. Johnson teacher Kathy Picano has been working with on the SOAR program with Raid for about ten years.

“We were one of the first schools in the western area to be fortunate enough to participate in this, and the last two years we haven’t been able to utilize our garden due to the construction,” Picano said. “Dr. Raid provides the expertise and seeds and equipment. It’s an incredible experience for the students

and the teachers as well.” At last count, 30 schools in the Palm Beach County School District were planting SOAR gardens. The concept is propagating statewide. “Dr. Raid has done a lot of outreach with other schools, but since there are so many on a waiting list, and there’s only one Dr. Raid, he thought it would be helpful for these other schools wanting to participate to see how they could do it with parent support and See SOAR, page 16

Emerald Cove Middle School hosted Pirate Prep School on campus July 27-30. The program was designed to help incoming sixth graders with the big transition from elementary school to middle school. Pictured above, Ravi Vargas, Santiago Ochoa and Tony Wu

PHOTO

CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

Palm Beach Puppies & Boutique in the Pointe at Wellington Green held “Yappy Hour” last Friday. Pictured above is Terri Turner with her shih tzus Uey, Gus and Sushi. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Joe Piconcelli on the basketball court at Little Blue Park.

Negron Easily Wins State Senate Seat

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Former Republican state representative Joe Negron of Stuart coasted to an easy victory over Democrat Bill Ramos of Jensen Beach in a Tuesday special election to replace State Sen. Ken Pruitt.

Negron garnered an impressive 76.5 percent of the vote (33,539 votes) to 23.4 percent for Ramos (10,260 votes).

The District 28 election was the only item on the ballot. A total of 12.2 percent of the district’s voters cast ballots. Negron won the right to fill the remaining 14 months of Pruitt’s term. He will need to seek re-election in November 2010.

District 28 includes parts of Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties. In the western communities, most of Royal Palm Beach and The Acreage are in District 28. The Palm Beach County portions of the district had the lowest voter turnout of all participating counties at 4.9 percent.

Negron stressed that he intends to represent the district evenhandedly. “Every part of District 28 is important, and western Pam Beach County will be an area that I will work hard to represent,” he told the Town-Crier on Thursday.

As a former state representative, Negron served on the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation, which he said will give him a running start on local issues.

“I am actually a former chairman of the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation, and I have already gotten some calls from members of the delegation,” Negron said. “I think it’s very important in Palm Beach County to work together on local priorities. We have a history of doing that. We have members of both political parties in the delegation, and we’ve always worked together as a team on issues of local concern.”

Negron said the biggest difference in being a state representative and a state senator will be having three times the population to represent.

“There’s a lot more responsibility for people and, secondly, your focus goes from a local focus to more regional,” he said.

Nevertheless, there are many common issues in the

district, such as cleaning up waterways. Cleaning up the St. Lucie River was one of his campaign promises, and he said he intends to spend equal energy on water issues in the southern part of his district, including the Loxahatchee Slough.

“We worked on that some when I was a member of the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation,” Negron said. “The Loxahatchee River initiative affects everyone in Palm Beach County. We’ve made some good progress with the cleanup efforts of the Loxahatchee Slough and the Loxahatchee River, and I want to make sure we keep that on track.”

Negron intends to follow through on goals he talked about during his campaign, foremost among them is keeping state spending and revenue collection under control during the current economic crisis.

“Eventually our economy will come back, and the main thing the government should focus on is running the government properly,” Negron said. “Families and businesses are tightening their belts and living within their means, and I think government should do the same.”

He also wants the state to stay on track with Everglades restoration. “I want the water to flow south and not east,” he said. “I think that’s a very important priority.”

Although Everglades funding promised by the federal government has not been forthcoming, Negron said he intends to work to see that the state’s portion of the funding continues.

“There’s actually a joint committee of the House and Senate monitoring the Everglades,” Negron said. “That’s

See NEGRON, page 7

Wellington Loses A Colorful Character

By Mark Lioi

Staff Report

Wellington lost a local legend last week when Bruce Cook died off Marathon Key while spearfishing on July 30.

He was 58.

Cook, known for his easygoing disposition, wide-ranging interests and diverse work history, also amazed local residents last year by building a 15-foot boat out of cardboard O’Doul’s non-alcoholic beer cartons. Cook dubbed the boat the Missy O’Doul and equipped it with all necessary safety equipment, registered it with the State of Florida and proved it seaworthy in a lake at Okeeheelee Park.

Born in the southwestern Wisconsin town of Boscobel, Cook was brought up in the state capital of Madison. He got his start working as a chef at the Ishnala Resort in the Wisconsin Dells and first came to Florida in 1972, when he learned a trade that would sustain him on and off for years afterward: creating hats and other souvenir items out of coconut palm fronds.

Richard Wood, owner of Woody’s Cobbler in the original Wellington Mall, was Cook’s oldest friend in Wellington. Wood first met Cook in 1975 when he was running a sandal shop in Wilton Manors. Cook was working at a plant nursery across the street and making palm-frond hats.

“We had to build a big wooden crate because he had probably 150, 200 palm fronds that he had to ship up to the Dells, because that’s where he went in the summertime, making hats,” Wood recalled. Besides many good times together through the years, Wood also worked with Cook in the construction industry for a time in the late 1970s, and lured him up to Wellington in the late 1980s

after he established his current business. Wood said he will remember Cook as a warm-hearted spirit who lived life to the hilt.

“Cookie loved to party, he loved to go spelunking, he loved to go canoeing, fishing, chasing women,” he said.

“Everything he did, he immersed himself in it. A few years ago he learned how to carve wooden flutes. He loved working with his hands. He did re-screening, he was a massage therapist, he did handyman work, you know?” But Cook’s zest for life and wide-ranging talents and interests were matched by his likeability, Wood said.

“I can’t remember one person who ever met Cookie who didn’t like the guy,” he said. “There was nothing not to like about him — he was my small Grizzly Adams buddy. He looked like Grizzly Adams, he just didn’t have the bear. He had the beard, the physique; he was stronger than an ox, too.” Cook died doing what he

COOK, page

Joe Negron

Town-Crier

Bruce Cook aboard the Missy O’Doul, the boat that won him a spot in local lore.

PHOTO BY SUSAN LERNER/ WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

PBSO’S NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME RETURNS TO ROYAL PALM BEACH

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office hosted it annual National Night Out Against Crime celebration on Tuesday night at the Super Target store on Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. The event included activities for youngsters, free food and drinks, and members of the PBSO and its specialty units. The purpose of the event was to create better relations and awareness between the community and law enforcement.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Members of the PBSO Explorer program.

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw says hi to Clue and Deputy Luis Ledbetter

Lt. Dave Dameron, Catherine Engel and Capt. Jeff Lindskoog.

Gavin and Taylor Handley.

Super Target employees gather for a photo.

Savannah and Sierra Velazquez of The Acreage with their grandmother Patty.

OUR OPINION

Sotomayor’s Confirmation Breaks Another Racial Barrier

Following last year’s history-making election of the first African-American president, another landmark moment in our nation’s history happened this week when the U.S. Senate confirmed Sonia Sotomayor as an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court. As the first Hispanic justice on the high court, Sotomayor has broken yet another barrier in American politics. While Sotomayor’s confirmation may have been a foregone conclusion, given the large Democratic majority in the current Senate, it’s an important step nonetheless. And we are proud both Florida senators, Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez, voted yes.

Perhaps in this day and age, the judicial process has become a polarizing game of politics, which all too often leads to political grandstanding. The original intention of the confirmation process was to determine the qualifications of a candidate and whether he or she has the ability to do the job. But that has been replaced by deciding to oppose eminently qualified nominees because of their point of view. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina conservative, was one of Sotomayor’s biggest critics throughout the confirmation process. He

Independent ‘Inspector General’ Is Needed

Your editorial in last week’s issue (“Inspector General Is Needed, But Office Must Have Teeth”) is one of the most important that you have written. I am 200 percent in agreement. From the start to finish, your message hit the target’s bull’seye! Please allow me to repeat some of your key statements with occasional rephrasing:

(1) The only way the Palm Beach County government will ever regain the people’s trust is by strictly following the recommendations of the grand jury initiated by the state attorney, especially the creation of the Office of the Inspector General and an ethics commission.

(2) There may be some attempts to explain the often repeated “Corruption County” nickname given to Palm Beach County as merely a “perception.” How can this moniker be merely a perception, when the unmistakable “reality” is that, to date, three Palm Beach County commissioners, two West Palm Beach commissioners, one high-profile lawyer lobbyist, one professional planner and the husband of one of the commissioners have been proven guilty of corruption by our courts and given jail sentences? One of the commissioners, Mary McCarty herself, while admitting that she was in fact guilty and a hypocrite, stated “and it ain’t over,” insinuating that there may be others yet to be found guilty!

(3) It is not enough that we merely approve an Office of the Inspector General. As you so correctly stated, “the devil is in the details.” We must be absolutely certain that this position is 100-percent “independent.” Neither the Palm Beach County Commission nor the county staff’s office should have any say in the selection of the inspector general or the actual operation of that office. We must not allow any dilution of the objectives intended by the grand jury’s recommendations. On the contrary, we must ascertain that this process be completely airtight from any special interest influence, be it from the inside or the outside.

(4) Another statement that concerns me is “the Office of the Inspector General will cost too much; we can’t afford it with the current poor economy.” The fact is that, based on the proven corruption and waste we have experienced in the recent past, we cannot afford not to have an inspector general. As a matter of fact, since the creation of the Miami-Dade Inspector General’s office, millions of dollars have been saved each year by cutting down on corruption and waste, and improving efficiency.

(5) Once again, you so correctly stated, “If they [commissioners] have nothing to hide, there shouldn’t be any problem.” Yes, we do need an inspector general with “teeth” that will “bite” any and all government officials who break the law and their oath of office. It is time for “we the people” to stand up and prove that we will no longer tolerate “business as usual.” A truly independent inspector general will be an ex-

strongly disagreed with many of her views, but in the end voted to confirm her. Graham recognized that it wasn’t his party’s role to reargue the outcome of the presidential election. He told his colleagues that “elections matter,” and that he would respect Obama’s victory. Graham was one of only nine Republicans to vote in favor of the confirmation (Martinez was another). Besides, looking at the bigger picture, Sotomayor isn’t any more liberal than her predecessor, retiring justice David Souter. Which brings us back to the main point: her qualifications. Sotomayor is a Yale Law School graduate who ruled in several high-profile cases as a federal judge and has proven to possess a great intellect. That is a fact that exists regardless of her political views. If her politics changed 180 degrees tomorrow, she would still be just as qualified to serve on the high court.

Whether you agree or disagree with Sotomayor’s outlook on life, there is general consensus that she is one of the most qualified individuals ever to be nominated to the high court. The only way to take politics out of the process is to not put it there in the first place.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

tremely important step in making sure that “crime does not pay!”

In conclusion, I agree that the only way to win back the public’s trust and repair the county’s severely damaged reputation is for the public to demand the creation of an independent inspector general and an ethics commission as prescribed by the recent grand jury with the active participation of the state attorney’s office.

Jess Santamaria County Commissioner District 6

Atwater: State Senate Supports Education

I hope each of you have enjoyed a summer of fun, creating memories and spending time with friends and family. I cannot believe we are already in August and families are once again beginning their back-to-school preparations. Students across Florida are gearing up to return to school, perhaps entering high school or beginning their college adventure.

As our thoughts turn to the upcoming school year, I am reminded once again of the importance of education.

Our educational system must reach all children and produce consequential results that lead the nation in graduation rates, college entrance exam performance and provide career paths of real opportunities for the next generation of Floridians.

The economy is changing, and we must be able to compete nationally and globally. Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders. We must pro-

vide Florida’s students with access to a world-class education that will develop intellectual capital and provide the next generation with the tools to perform in the global workforce.

Education is the foundation of all success and, for that reason, my devotion to education is unwavering. Despite our state’s fiscal challenges and scarcity of dollars, I committed that the budget for this school year would not reduce the funding provided to Florida’s classrooms. Thus, the education budget maintains the per-student funding at the 2008-09 level.

School districts have additional flexibility to reduce costs and direct monies to cover vital expenses, thereby ensuring their ability to properly oversee the achievement of our students’ educational development.

Florida’s teachers are the unsung heroes of the classroom. Whether you are a parent meeting your child’s teacher, or a student meeting your homeroom teacher or college professor for the first time, take a moment to thank them for their willingness to invest their time and talents. By investing time, energy and resources to teaching our children today, we can ensure a strong, successful future.

State Sen. Jeff Atwater Senate President

Parents, Not Child Care, Are Responsible

I am writing in response to a letter that was in last week’s edition (“A Phone Call Could Save A Child’s Life”) by Anne Crane.

Ms. Crane is suggesting

that the child-care provider take responsibility for the child’s attendance. This idea is ludicrous. Whatever happened to the parent taking responsibility for his or her own child and actions? These babies are dying for no reason, except the parent’s own irresponsibility. What would happen if, heaven forbid, a child died due to these circumstances and the child care provider failed to call the parent for whatever reason? Would the parent then have the right to sue the child care provider?

These senseless killings are a disturbing trend in our society. Children are dying strictly due to the parent being too self-involved and not putting the children’s basic needs before their own.

Amanda Coupe Loxahatchee

Reps Urge Top Official To Take Action

Editor’s note: The following letter is addressed to Florida Surgeon General Dr. Ana Viamonte. A copy was forwarded to the Town-Crier for publication.

Dear Surgeon General Viamonte:

Last week, during a briefing on the responses by the state and Palm Beach County to the concerns of the families in the Acreage’s “cancer cluster,” we learned of the proactive position the Flori-

da Department of Environmental Protection has taken. We respectfully request that as the lead state agency responsible for protecting the health of Floridians, your organization do the same. We understand the need to have the investigation driven by empirical analysis, but hope that we can begin the environmental assessment of the land and water in the heart of this area immediately. The families living in The Acreage who may be risking unnecessary contamination should not have to wait months to begin basic environmental testing. There are potentially aggravating environmental factors in the area that need to be probed as soon as possible. Additionally, we ask that your agency immediately form the task force normally convened during levels II and III of your internal protocol. The task force should hold a regularly scheduled weekly conference call where members will discuss the current progress, obstacles and expectations of the ongoing investigation and analysis.

On behalf of the residents in The Acreage and the surrounding communities, we urge you to follow DEP Secretary [Michael] Sole’s lead and begin basic testing into potential factors that may be contributing or exacerbating the cancer incidences in The Acreage. State Sen. Dave Aronberg State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo

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

Thousands To Attend Water Ski Nationals At Okeeheelee

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Organizers of the 67th Annual Goode Water Ski National Championships anticipate it will draw more than 700 competitors from all over the nation when the event returns to Okeeheelee Park Aug. 11-15.

The Ski Club of the Palm Beaches’ Becky Lathrop, one of the event’s organizers, said she anticipates a daily spectator attendance of between 2,500 and 3,000. The tournament will feature three events: slalom, trick and jump.

The Ski Club of the Palm Beaches has been in existence since 1954, said Lathrop, who has served on the club’s board of directors since 1986. This is the 11th year the

Water In Good Shape

continued from page 1 ment of water quality, and Liggins said they have had conversations on ways to reduce pollutants in village runoff.

“There are very few structural changes you can make to your storm water system,” Liggins said. “Storm water is just so huge. When you just

club has sponsored the Goode Water Ski National Championships.

“We’ve hosted more nationals than any other ski club in the country,” Lathrop told the Town-Crier Tuesday. Lathrop, a certified official and ski-boat driver who lives in western Lake Worth, moved to the area in order to water ski at Okeeheelee Park.

“I have turned down several job opportunities because I have found that this is one of the most desirable places to ski,” said Lathrop, who did not qualify to compete this year.

The club was active in the formation of the water ski facility at Okeeheelee Park, which has five lakes designed especially for water skiing. With a new ski jump ramp

take an inch of rain over your area, you’re talking billions of gallons... What we try to do for now is educate our people through our newsletter on fertilizing their lawns and things like that. Over-fertilizing your lawn is one of the biggest killers.”

Construction sites of more than an acre must have a pollution prevention plan, including the implementation of silt barriers where excavation is done adjacent to a waterway, Liggins said. As an

purchased by the club last year, Lathrop anticipates some jumps over 200 feet during this year’s competition. The tournament’s male and female competitors will be divided into 20 age groups from as young as four up to 90.

Phil Brodt of Boca Raton, an organizer and publicist with the Ski Club of the Palm Beaches, will compete in the men’s slalom 65-69 age division, which he won last year.

“There’s a lot of locals just from our ski club who will be competing,” Brodt told the Town-Crier Wednesday.

The tournament will have an open class of professional skiers competing Tuesday and Wednesday morning, but the entrants are mostly recre-

example, Liggins said the village required the construction company doing Commons Park excavation work to install a gravel drive so trucks knock the dirt off their tires before they enter roadways.

Liggins said another reason the village does not have to be so concerned with the looming standards is because it is blessed with good location and good planning when it comes to water quality.

“We’re really in a pretty fortunate situation where we

ational skiers who are what Lathrop describes as “working-class” competitors.

“Those are people such as myself, who work for a living and compete as an amateur hobby,” she said. “There’s a group of skiers in any age group who are U.S. National competitors. They are few and far between. I would say we’re going to have over 700 competitors from all over the country, and maybe only 25 to 30 will be of professional caliber.”

On Thursday, Aug. 13, the Okeeheelee tournament will have a new event called the “Big Dawg Slalom Finals.”

“It is men over the age of 35 who also work for a living at whatever they do who are competing for bragging rights and a cash prize,” Lath-

sit,” he said. “When the original planners came to Royal Palm, they picked an area right next to the C-51 Canal. They dredged the whole area. They put control structures on either end, and they built the ponds and the lakes and the waterways much larger than what the laws required at the time.”

As an added bonus, as long as the water from the 40 square miles of The Acreage is clean, the village has that water flushing through. Al-

rop said. “They will be skiing on Thursday, and the final competition will be what we call a head-to-head competition Friday night under the lights. We call it head-tohead because they run two ski boats, one skier at a time, and they each follow the other.

This will be the first time we have had something of this caliber under the lights.”

Lathrop said Okeeheelee Park ski tournaments are a big draw for skiers because of the degree of organization and the setup of the park.

“One of the biggest reasons we have one of the best turnouts is having five lakes so that people can come from all over the country and actually take a practice set or two before their actual event,” she said. “We run practice all day every day beginning Sunday.” The handicapped-accessible layout has bleachers, so spectators can get a clear view of the events. Lathrop said the event also draws skioriented vendors who will have tents set up. “The different boat manufacturers and the different ski equipment companies will all be represented,” she said. Plenty of food vendors will also be there. “We start at 8 a.m. and go until 5 p.m. unless there are rain delays and it runs a little longer,” she said. For more about the Ski Club of the Palm Beaches, visit www.okeeski.com. A complete schedule of events is available at www.usawater ski.org.

though no numeric measurements have been taken, Liggins said the runoff from The Acreage historically has appeared to be clean.

Another step the village took to improve water quality was to tie in the runoff from the Pond Cypress Natural Area near the State Road 7 extension. The Pond Cypress Natural area drainage is rated as Class 1 water, suitable or nearly suitable for drinking, he said. “They have two connections into our system,

which at this time of the year gets us kind of a constant feed of Class 1 waters through our system,” Liggins said. Liggins said the idea that RPB might one day be held accountable for its water quality is not a bad thing to be thinking about now. He said that while others are starting to look at the expensive option of purchasing land for filtration marshes, RPB has been working at that and should be in a good position should that day come.

Ahoy, Matey! Emerald Cove Hosts ‘Pirate Prep School’

By Candace Marchsteiner Town-Crier Staff Report

“No pirates below ‘C’ level,” reminded Janell Leatherman, sixth-grade guidance counselor at Emerald Cove Middle School on the last day of Pirate Prep School held on campus July 27-30. The program, funded by soda-machine and school-photo sales money, was designed to help incoming sixth graders with the big transition from elementary school to middle school.

“It’s a transition program to help ease their fears, to know the campus, and to meet students coming from other feeder schools,” Leatherman explained.

More than 130 students, nearly one third of the expected total class, learned about things like Internet safety and bullying. They broke into teams, created team names and engaged in team-building activities and competitions. An “Amazing Race” scavenger hunt familiarized them with important areas of the school, and adult leadership acquainted them with aspects of campus life, like the school schedule and cafeteria procedures, in addition to academic expectations. Created by Leatherman, the free camp ran with the help of 25 students and more than 15 teacher volunteers. “I’m an advocate of Pirate

Prep School, because it’s special that our school takes the time to prepare incoming sixth graders,” art teacher Kim Kovacs said. “I want to be part of that, to give incoming students that important first impression that I care, that I’m not too busy.”

On their last day, Pirates rotated between cake decorating, a game of Crazy Kickball in the gym, a library orientation that included a “book-aneer” Internet treasure hunt and Pinwheels for Peace crafts. On the pinwheels, students wrote about things that make them sad, things they don’t like, something they miss or something that makes them afraid. They

also wrote about things that make them happy, their favorite subject and something they love. In the end, the negatives were folded inside and the positives clearly outside.

Emerald Cove Principal Dr. Nancy Lucas praised Leatherman’s work and an anticipated successful welcome for sixth graders again this year.

“This is all her,” Lucas said of Leatherman. “She’s here to build relationships and rapport, and to motivate kids to come to school. Last year was our first year doing this, and we had very few transition problems.”

The new academic year begins on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

‘YAPPY HOUR’ AT WELLINGTON’S PALM BEACH PUPPIES &

PHOTOS

Palm Beach Puppies & Boutique in the Pointe at Wellington Green held “Yappy Hour” last Friday to celebrate the finding of a lost puppy. Free wine and pizza were available compliments of Pizza Fusion. Everything in the store

from Palm Beach Puppies. For more

Volunteer seventh graders Kathleen Breslow, Eric Oster, Logan Weber and Abigayle Green.

Bob and Linda Parlette with Amy, Diva and Snuggi.

Heidi Garson and her son Ryan with Sierra, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel.Rhonda and Ken Fiore groom Garth, an apricot poodle.

Sixth-grade guidance counselor Janell Leatherman created the unique program.

Art teacher Kim Kovacs shows Britani Poignant and Celeste Dale how to cut their Pinwheels for Peace.

Isabella Lynch and Cassie Husik with their pinwheels.

Armed Burglars Apprehended In Wellington

By Jason Budjinski Town-Crier Staff Report

JULY 31 — Two men were arrested last Friday following a traffic stop in the Black Diamond community. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, at approximately 2:10 p.m. a deputy from the Wellington substation pulled over a vehicle driven by 18-yearold Jhaval Ward of West Palm Beach. Ward and his passenger, 18-year-old John Giles of Riviera Beach, exited the vehicle. Giles was searched and found to be in possession of a handgun. According to the report, Giles fled southeast into the Olympia community but was later apprehended. Ward was handcuffed and detained. Giles later confessed to attempting to burglarize homes in Black Diamond after entering them using a crowbar, while Ward acted as a lookout, according to the report. Both were placed under arrest and transported to the Palm Beach County Jail.

• • •

$1,663. The deputy took DNA swabs from the glove compartment, which had been ransacked. There were no suspects at the time of the report.

AUG. 1 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to the Village Shoppes shopping plaza last Saturday in reference to a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 6 p.m. the victim parked his silver 1968 Chevrolet Camaro in the south parking lot and made sure it was locked and secured. He returned a half-hour later to find the vehicle had been stolen. There were no signs of forced entry and no suspects or witnesses reported. The case is inactive pending further investigative leads.

AUG. 3 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center on Monday regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the complainant’s son had been at the center and noticed that his cell phone was missing. The complainant called the phone, and a man answered. According to the report, she told him to return the phone or she would contact the police. The man said, “go ahead, I’ll just flush it down the toilet.” The complainant then contacted the PBSO. There was no further suspect information at the time of the report.

JULY 30 — Two Lake Worth women and a juvenile were arrested last Thursday for shoplifting at the WalMart Supercenter in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation made contact with a store security officer, who reported observing 51-yearold Emerita Castro and 37year-old Angela Valladares, along with a male juvenile, select miscellaneous items from the cosmetics and jewelry departments. Castro and Valladares removed the items from their packages and concealed them in their purses; the juvenile discarded the empty packages. The suspects attempted to leave the store without paying for the merchandise but were apprehended at the exit doors. Castro and Valladares were placed under arrest and transported to the county jail. The juvenile was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

JULY 31 — A resident of Autumn Avenue called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Friday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 p.m. last Thursday and 9 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s unlocked Toyota sedan and stole a laptop computer, its case and a GPS unit, valued at a total of

AUG. 3 — A Hawthorne Place resident called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Monday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 1 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday, someone entered the victim’s unlocked Hyundai and stole a six-foot surfboard, valued at approximately $500. A canvas of the area was conducted, but there were no further investigative leads.

AUG. 4 — A man was arrested on Tuesday night at the 7-Eleven store on Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, 47-year-old Nathaniel Smothers of Royal Palm Beach approached a PBSO deputy and attempted to sell him jewelry. When the deputy identified himself as a law enforcement officer, Smothers attempted to flee but was

See BLOTTER, page 16

Bicyclist Dies After Accident

In

Wellington

AUG. 4 — A man was killed Tuesday night following a traffic accident near the intersection of South Shore and Forest Hill boulevards in Wellington. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, at approximately 9:30 p.m. an SUV driven by 50-year-old Carolyn Siegmeister of Wellington was traveling eastbound in the outside lane of South Shore Blvd. Meanwhile, 48-yearold Arnaldo Velez was riding a bicycle eastbound on South Shore Blvd., traveling on the outside shoulder ahead of Siegmeister’s vehicle. According to the report, the right front of the SUV collided with the rear of Velez’ bike. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Residents Demand Quick Answers On Acreage Cancer Rates

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Hundreds of Acreage residents anxious for answers gathered for an update on investigations into cancer rates in their community last week.

The investigation began in May after Acreage residents alerted officials that they suspected an abnormally high incidence of childhood brain tumors in the community.

Representatives from several agencies involved in the investigation, including the Palm Beach County Health Department and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, convened the meeting July 30 at the Clayton Hutcheson Agricultural Center in West Palm Beach.

Dr. Alina Alonso, acting director of the Palm County Health Department, detailed the steps involved in the multi-phase investigation, including the water testing that began this week. Praising residents for their activism and input, she also urged them to be patient and understand the difficulty of isolating a “cancer cluster” in the area, and the possible causes should a cluster be found. Alonso noted that her own sister had contracted lymphoma, and she probably would never know the cause.

“Science does not have all the answers,” Alonso said. “People have to know that, but that does not mean we are not going to search. It doesn’t mean we are not going to do

our analysis and coordination to try to get some answers. I will tell you that as a physician, it’s very frustrating. I can imagine how frustrating it is for you as parents and a community waiting for those answers.”

Jack Long, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Southeast Regional Director, stressed that investigating officials share the concerns of Acreage residents. He noted that while some results of a battery of environmental tests would be available shortly, any definite answers could take months of analysis.

“I am the father of two daughters, and a homeowner,” Long said. “I have some sense of the great anxiety many of you are experiencing. I am sorry for that.”

But residents vented frustration when offering feedback to the officials, expressing fears about the safety of continuing to live in The Acreage and saying they or their family members might be dead by the time the data is analyzed.

Eager for word of a cause of local cancer cases, many residents said they suspected toxins spilled on aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney’s property on the Beeline Highway.

Acreage resident Jean Lauer said her husband had contracted cancer, and that she had been concerned with Pratt & Whitney for many

years. Lauer said she suspected Scripps Florida’s initial plans to build at Mecca Farms north of The Acreage had fallen through because they did not want to put a research facility on contaminated property.

“How much does it cost for people to test their water?” Lauer asked. “I will do whatever it takes to test my water and my soil.”

Acreage resident William Manino said that while residents are disturbed and troubled, they want answers rather than a scapegoat.

“I don’t think we are looking for someone to blame,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for science. But when you have this much circumstantial evidence, it’s hard to overlook. When there is smoke, there is fire.”

Resident Charles Luque said he suspects a cause might be found in the fill dirt brought into The Acreage to improve home sites. He recalled a neighbor who was delighted to get fill at a cheap price, but later sickened and died.

“For four years, I have been trying to get a hold of you guys,” he said. “Everything is ‘I will get back to you.’ I can’t get any answers.”

Acreage activist Alex Larson suggested testing beyond The Acreage, citing mining operations and agriculture as possible sources of cancer agents.

“Let’s look at the whole entire county,” Larson said. “A lot of people are getting cancer. The statistics are also changing throughout the United States. One in four

‘SALAD DAYS’ AT IPC WAS A BENEFIT FOR

Negron

New State Senator

continued from page 2 an important project. That doesn’t mean it won’t be reduced, and it may take longer to do, but it’s something that we have a long-term commitment to.”

Another immediate goal is to continue efforts to attract advanced scientific research companies to the area.

“I think Sen. Pruitt did an extraordinary job building the foundation for the ‘Research Coast,’” Negron said. “It’s in

its infancy, but we have Scripps, we have Torrey Pines and FAU Harbor Branch. I want to work on economic development to make sure we have high-paying, high-skilled jobs in our community.”

During the campaign, Ramos criticized Negron’s goal to pursue high-paying jobs and said middle-salary jobs are needed to help unemployed working-class people.

“I don’t think they are mutually exclusive,” Negron said. “What I’ve seen personally in visiting La Jolla, California, is that when we build the infrastructure for life sci-

ence research, out of that will flow jobs for many sectors of the economy, including some of the jobs that he is referring to.”

Negron’s longer-range goals include taking a hard look at how public secondary education is funded.

“Right now it’s a mix of state funding and local ad valorem funding, and the state puts significant resources into education,” he said.

“In terms of state revenue, the number-one amount of general revenue goes to public education, and the local government sets a millage rate and money comes from local

women will get breast cancer. Maybe we need to look at our numbers very tightly. There is soil, rock mining, breathing in air. Maybe we should be looking at all of this before we start looking at one particular item.”

but today.”

government. I’m concerned sometimes that we have a lack of accountability in funding. The state is doing its funding, and the locals say, ‘you’re not funding education enough,’ and we respond, ‘you’re not spending money efficiently as you should,’ so there’s a lot of finger-pointing that goes on between Tallahassee and local communities, which I don’t think is productive.”

Negron said he would like to see if there could be a clearer delineation of funding responsibilities, such as the state funding infrastructure and local government paying

salaries. Although he doesn’t necessarily advocate that, Negron said under such a model, the roles are clearly defined.

“That way everybody knows who’s responsible for what,” Negron said. “The system we have now, I think, discourages direct accountability.”

Another long-term goal is to study Medicaid spending, the second largest item in the state budget.

“This is healthcare for lower-income individuals and also for nursing homes for elderly residents,” Negron said. “Medicaid generally

grows at two to three times the rate of the rest of the budget, and I’d like to see if there are ways we can improve the quality of service that we provide in Medicare and maybe focus more on prevention.”

While he agrees that healthcare reform is necessary, he would go about it differently that the plan currently being debated in Washington, D.C. “I would agree that healthcare reform is something we need,” Negron said. “But I would just like to see it done at the state level and in the private sector, not mandated from Washington.”

Betsy Carroll gets a chocolate sample from Godiva Chocolatier’s Chrissy Hansen.

The judges: Chef Francisco Gonzalez, Chef William Sellner, John Wash, Elvis (Joel Harris), Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen and artist Rick Seguso.

Scott Cotton, Jen Mayfield, Steve Astles and Roberto Victoria of Max & Erma’s restaurant with their awards.

Western Executives’ Ingrid and Troy Webster (front and second from left) with Mike Jost and retired NFL players Troy Drayton and Reggie Givens.

Cathy Tosner gets a sample of Napoleon Caprese from Buca di Beppo Sales Manager Alane Riccardi.

Kontiki restaurant co-owners Sue Porter and Vanida Coquin won a few contests.

Donna Bruno gets her hair styled by Ken McBriar.

Teresa Shannon gives Breanna Berry’s locks a trim.

Alzheimer’s Community Care President and CEO Mary Barnes with owners Kristina and Dennis Marquez.

Resident Jamie Vitali wanted more than citations of statistics from investigating officials. “I want my children to be safe,” she said. “We need answers not tomorrow,

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Dr. Alina Alonso and Dr. Melissa Singer.Residents line up to speak.

Local officials listen to the speakers.

Healthcare Reform Forum

Aug. 17 In RPB

The Palms West Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Palm Beach County Medical Society, will host a forum of speakers to discuss their perspectives on national healthcare reform and the economic impact such a reform could have on businesses and individuals alike. The forum will take place Monday, Aug. 17 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach).

Speakers will include State Rep. Mark Pafford (D-District 88), Dr. Alan Pillersdorf, Dr. Brent Schillinger, Florida Association of Health Underwriters President Julian Lago, Wellington Regional Medical Center CEO Kevin DiLallo, Palms West Hospital CEO Bland Eng, Ink & Toner USA co-founder Bob Bloom and a representative from Organizing for America.

The event is sponsored by the Cleveland Clinic Florida Health & Wellness Center and will be moderated by Palm Beach County Medical Society President Dr. Maureen Whelihan.

The event will start at 11:30 a.m. with a catered buffet by Tijuana Flats; the program begins promptly at noon. The cost is $15 for chamber members and $25 for non-members. Admission must be paid

in advance. For more information about the forum, or to register online, call the Palms West Chamber of Commerce at (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palmswest.com.

Back To School At Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market in Wellington will host its “Back to School Bonanza” on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office will take free digital fingerprints and pictures to make current ID cards for children. In addition, the PBSO will oversee a bike rodeo in the parking lot, and provide bikes and helmets for those who need them. Helmet checks will be performed to make sure children are riding safely all year long.

Other activities include a cookout for charity, in-store sampling of back-to-school items and face painting.

The cookout will feature $5 hot dogs and hamburgers, with all proceeds going to support the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. An NCMEC representative will be on hand to offer important child safety tips.

Whole Foods Market is located at 2635 State Road 7 in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 904-4000 or visit www.wholefoodsmarket. com.

Wellington To Help Re-Stock Food Pantries

The Village of Wellington is participating in “Feds Feed Families” to raise more than one million pounds of food nationwide.

The Lord’s Place has been chosen to receive donations collected in the Village of Wellington, to be distributed throughout Palm Beach County to those in need. For more information on the Lord’s Place, visit www.the lordsplace.org.

Suggested donations include: canned goods, condensed milk, stuffing mix, beverage mixes, marinara sauce, instant mashed potatoes, rice, spaghetti, sugar, coffee, flour, iced tea bags, baking mixes and tuna.

The Village of Wellington will be accepting donations during normal business hours through Saturday, Aug. 29 at the following locations: the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), the Wellington Recreation Center (11700 Pierson Road), the Safe Neighborhoods Initiative office (1100 Wellington Trace), Village Hall (14000 Greenbriar Blvd.) and the Building Department (12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

For additional information about donating, call Parks & Recreation Director Ivy Rosenberg at (561) 7912582.

Calico Mascot To Appear In Wellington

Calico Critters’ beloved Mrs. Fischer Cat mascot will be at the Learning Express of Wellington on Saturday, Aug. 15 to share moments of fun and creativity with children of all ages. Mrs. Fischer Cat will be on hand to guide delighted kids through a range of play day activities such as coloring, raffles, games and more. Children will also have the opportunity to have their picture taken with Mrs. Fischer Cat.

Mrs. Fischer Cat is an iconic member of one of Calico Critters’ most cherished and recognizable families, the Fischer Cat Family. The event starts at 1:30 p.m. Learning Express is located at 2625 State Road 7, near Whole Foods Market in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 422-3112.

Wellington Women’s Club Dinner Sept. 3

The Wellington Women’s Club will kick off its 200910 season with a dinner meeting on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Players Club (13410 South Shore Blvd., Wellington). Returning members and guests will enjoy a “welcome-back” reception with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, fol-

Members of the Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood donated a 37-inch LCD television Tuesday morning to the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach. The TV will be used in the waiting room of the medical center’s new audiology department, which is currently under construction. In attendance from the medical center were Executive Director Charlene Szabo, Loreen Blumenthal, Lindsey Richter, Claudia Hirsch and representatives of the audiology and speech language pathology departments. Claudia Hirsch is the wife of Barry Hirsch of the Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood. Pictured above are brotherhood members and VA Medical Center representatives.

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

lowed by dinner and speaker Suzanne Turner, CEO of the YWCA of Palm Beach County.

The club meets from September through June on the first Thursday of each month and is open to all women residing in the western communities. The club supports two main causes — the YWCA Harmony House, a secure shelter for abused women and their children, and college scholarships for area graduating seniors. In addition to the monthly general meeting, members can participate in other activities, including Bunco, Pokeno Brunch, Out and About, and Out to Lunch. Guests are welcome for a fee of $30. To RSVP, call Allyson Samiljan at (561) 798-6741.

GRACE FELLOWSHIP VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL HEADS ‘DOWN UNDER’

Grace Fellowship Church’s Acreage campus held Vacation Bible School with a “down under” theme for elementary-age students July 26-30. The event kicked off in the gym at Seminole Ridge High School and concluded at Kidscape Park with a cookout for all the church and VBS families.

DUFFY’S FUNDRAISER BENEFITS SCHOOLS

DEMS DINE IN WPB

Twelve-year-old Alex Ng and his family coordinated

charity fundraiser

at Duffy’s Sports Grill in Royal Palm Beach. Ten percent of sales were donated

Belle Glade and Pleasant City elementary schools. Rita’s Water Ice donated backpacks.

Palm Beach County Democratics took part in a Caribbean-themed dinner last Wednesday night at Fantasy Island Haitian restaurant in West Palm Beach. Among the attendees were county commission hopeful Elissa Pearl, State Rep. Mark Pafford, state legislative hopefuls Mark Marciano and Lori Berman and others. Pictured above are Tom Conboy, Pafford, Marciano and Berman.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Amanda and Alex Ng with their backpacks.Friends of the Ng family dine for a good cause.

Michelle Bethune teaches the kids about crafts.

Children’s Ministry Director Cindy Lou Potts assists children with an activity.VBS students take part in one of the fun games.

Peter (Jon Earl Potts) addresses the students.

Youth group pastors Michael and Rachel Little.

A train takes the kids from one session to another.

RIBBON CUTTING FOR BUCA DI BEPPO

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for Buca Di Beppo Italian restaurant. Located at 2025 Wellington Green Drive near the Mall at Wellington Green, Buca di Beppo offers flavorful Italian cuisine. Dine with family and friends while enjoying the Italian traditions of food, friendship and hospitality. In the spirit of Italian culture, the restaurant’s dishes are served family style and are meant to be shared. For reservations, call (561) 790-3287 or visit www.bucadi beppo.com. Pictured above are restaurant staff members with Wellington Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.

Renewable Energy Exemption For PBC Property Owners

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office is now accepting preliminary applications from property owners who have installed a renewable energy device such as solar panels, windmills or storage tanks. The new exemption benefit goes into effect Jan. 1, 2010.

“We are happy to give property owners in Palm Beach County a jumpstart on this new exemption,” Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits said.

A property owner who installs a renewable energy device this year can apply for the benefit now, to take effect for the 2010 tax year.

The exemption amount is based on the device’s cost and installation. The device has to be installed and operating throughout a 12-month period preceding Jan. 1 of the application date. If a newly

installed device was operative for a portion of the 12month period, the exemption amount will be reduced proportionally.

“Keep in mind that costs associated with replacing a previous device is not exempt,” Nikolits said.

The energy exemption benefit, which Florida voters passed in 2008, is good for ten years. “The new exemption benefit applies to all property owners, residential, commercial or industrial.”

The property owner is required to submit the application and a copy of the receipts for the device and installation to the Property Appraiser’s Office. The preliminary application and a complete list of acceptable energy devices is available at any of its five service centers. Applications are availabale to download at www.pbcgov.com/papa.

WRMC Marks World Breastfeeding Week

Wellington Regional Medical Center is celebrating 2009 World Breastfeeding Week with educational exhibits placed throughout the hospital. Special gift bags will be presented to mothers delivering this week, along the chance to win a breast pump for one mother each day.

Research is clear that breastfeeding is vital for infant growth and development, providing both nutritional and health advantages that last far beyond infancy. It has also been shown to be vital for women’s health by lowering the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, diabetes and even cardiovascular disease throughout life.

This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme “Breastfeeding: A Vital Emergency Response — Are You Ready?” is a reminder of the importance of promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding in any family or community emergency. It calls on relief organizations and volunteers, health professionals, the media, families and communities to include

breastfeeding support as part of emergency preparedness plans so that mothers and babies can continue breastfeeding no matter what emergency, large or small, a family may face.

In an emergency, such as a natural disaster, infants are the most vulnerable. Infections and disease are rampant in the aftermath of an emergency. Infants and children are five times more likely to die in an emergency in part because formula cannot be properly sterilized. Breast milk, however, is always clean and available, and breastfeeding itself provides warmth for infants and helps calm and soothe them. The antibodies in human milk also lower the risk of infections.

At WRMC’s Centre for Family Beginnings, women get the encouragement and support they need to reach their breastfeeding goals. The WRMC Lactation Center is staffed by three international board-certified lactation consultants who visit mothers during their hospital stay and are available to provide outpatient consultation following discharge. The Lactation Center offers a variety of manual and electric breast pumps for purchase or rent in addition to an array of information and breastfeeding supplies.

A monthly meeting of the Lactation Tea and Support Group, which is facilitated by the lactation consultants, offers continued breastfeeding support. In addition, La Leche League holds its monthly meeting at the hospital and is open to anyone regardless of where they give birth.

For an appointment or more information, call (561) 798-8664 or visit www. wellingtonregional.com.

Oasis Agency Awarded Jarden Jobs Grant

The Oasis Compassion Agency has been awarded a grant by Jarden Consumer Solutions to fund job counseling. Jarden is the manufacturer of popular brand-name consumer product lines including Mr. Coffee, Sunbeam, Oster and Crock-Pot. This is the Boca Raton-based manufacturer’s third grant to Oasis. It has allowed 700 families to get back on their feet over the past year through the Oasis self-help program. The $9,450 grant will fund an Oasis job counselor working with clients on job placement, resume-writing and interview skills.

“The employees of Jarden Consumer Solutions realize that it is in times of economic uncertainty that those who have the least are affected the most,” said Rocki Rockingham, company vice president for community relations and

communications. “Whether it is hot meals for the hungry, educational opportunities for at-risk children or access to healthcare for low-income families, JCS employees are making possible a number of important programs, such as the Oasis Compassion Agency, that help improve our communities.”

Oasis, now in its seventh year of operation, helps its central Palm Beach County clients stabilize and improve their economic circumstances with a three-pronged approach in which roadblocks to success are identified, a plan is created to overcome those obstacles, and that plan is implemented. Oasis assists its clients with food and clothing while requiring clients attend job counseling as well as classes in personal finance and nutrition, among others.

“Jarden’s generous com-

mitment has helped Oasis continue its commitment to addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of our clients,” Oasis CEO Sharon Gill said. Oasis Compassion Agency’s office is located at 4888 10th Avenue North in Greenacres. For more information, call (561) 967-4066

Jobs Grant — (L-R) Monté Davis, Dawn Dosch, Anna Dritto, Linda Makhanlall, Rocki Rockingham, Marie Balok, Monique Shide, Sharon Gill, David Worthington and Melissa McCullough.

Wellington Regional Center lactation consultants Anne Mejeur, Pat Rizzo and Gina Johnson.

Vojvodich Completes U.S. Air Force Training

Air Force Airman Sean Vojvodich has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Vojvodich 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 in applied science through the Community College of the Air Force.

Vojvodich is the son of Ed

Vojvodich of The Acreage. He is a 2007 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School.

Two Make University Of Delaware Dean’s List

Two University of Delaware students from Wellington made the 2009 spring semester dean’s list. The students are Lisa Michelle Holzman, a sophomore majoring in marketing in the College of Business and Economics, and Janeen Ashley McCormick, a sophomore majoring in exercise science in the Col-

lege of Health Sciences. To be named to the dean’s list, students must be enrolled full-time and have grade point averages of 3.33 or above (on a 4.0 scale) for the semester, with no temporary grades as of June 16. For more information about the University of Delaware, visit www.udel.edu.

MCAULIFFE MEETS WITH RPB ROTARY

Palm Beach County State Attorney Michael McAuliffe was the guest speaker at the July 30 meeting of the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club. Meeting at the Village Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach, Rotarians discussed several issues with McAuliffe, including gang violence, online sexual predators and more. In addition, Sergeant-at-Arms Sam Seymour was honored for his 25 years of service to Rotary. Pictured above, McAuliffe addresses the Rotarians.

Earnharts To Chair Caridad Center Gala

The Caridad Center in Boynton Beach recently announced that Dr. William and Nancy Earnhart will serve as the honorary chairs of the 2009 gala “A Night in Old Havana.” The event will take place Friday, Oct. 30 at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach.

Dr. Earnhart has been volunteering at the Caridad Center’s Medical Clinic since 1995, when the organization operated out of a small trailer. Dr. Earnhart was one of the first doctors at Bethesda Memorial Hospital and eventually served as president of the medical staff until he retired in 1993. The Earnhart family has deep roots in the local community, helping many people though their involvement with different charities. Dr. Earnhart contin-

ues to be a dedicated volunteer at the Caridad Center each Tuesday, and helps many patients in need of medical care who, without insurance, have nowhere else to go. “My favorite part of volunteering at the Caridad Center is seeing my patients get better while contributing my time to the community,” Dr. Earnhart said.

At its annual gala, the Caridad Center will celebrate its 20th anniversary of serving the working poor families of Palm Beach County. The event will kick off the social season at the gorgeous RitzCarlton Palm Beach with more than 200 people in attendance enjoying mojitos, dance performances, cigar rollers and plenty of surprises.

Located at 8645 W. Boynton Beach Blvd. in Boynton Beach, the Caridad Center is a non-profit organization that provides free, high-quality medical and dental care, as well as educational outreach and emergency assistance to low-income, working families living in Palm Beach County. Originally focused on providing the bare necessities to those in need, such as food, clothing and safe housing, the center has grown to fill the gaps in services and operates medical and dental clinics that provide vital health services to more than 24,000 uninsured Palm Beach County residents each year through the dedication of its more than 500 volunteers.

For more information about the gala, call Megan Doney at (561) 853-1622. For more information about the Caridad Center, call (561) 737-6336 or visit www. caridad.org.

OBITUARY

RPB Pioneer Lawton Lee Dies At Age 89

By Jeanne Field Special to the Town-Crier

On May 29, our Heavenly Father called our dad, Lawton C. Lee, home to join our mother and his wife of 59 years.

Born Aug. 15, 1919 in Scanlon, Fla., Lawton grew up in Taylor County fishing on the Econfina River with his father. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on March 14, 1941 and served part of his enlistment in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. After an honorable discharge in November 1945, he returned to his hometown where he met and married his wife Verna. There, they had their first child, Ella Jean (Field) and farmed for a while before moving to South Florida in 1949 to take a job with the Department of Transportation. He retired in 1982. Lawton and his family lived in Loxahatchee, where their second daughter Jennie Lou (Peeples) was born. They resided in Loxahatchee until Lefcourt Realty started developing Royal Palm Beach in 1959. He and Verna purchased their home and became the first residents of Royal Palm Beach in 1960.

They resided there until their deaths. Upon moving to Royal Palm Beach, Lefcourt sponsored Ella Jean’s 13th birthday at what was then known as “The Inn.” She and her friends enjoyed the pool, which was available to all residents for many years.

In the early years, drainage was a problem, and there was a time when, after lots of rain, the kids floated down the streets in boats! They loved it, but only got to do it one time because the drainage was corrected immediately. Part of the entertainment for the children of the neighborhood was watching movies on Friday night in the field where Camellia Park now exists. The chief of police would set up a large screen, and everyone would come with chairs and blankets. There was also a small teen center, and on Saturday nights Lawton would bring a band from the state prison to play at teen dances. One of their best numbers was “Jailhouse Rock”! Lawton was a fun-loving, joyful man who loved his family, watching stock car racing and wrestling, music, good southern food and yo-

deling. He loved people and made everyone a friend. He was affectionately known as “Daddy,” “Grandpa,” “Big Grandpa” and “Pappy.” When Verna passed away in 2007, Lawton missed her terribly. After her passing, he often said he was ready to go be with her. We know they’re in heaven together and happy! We were so blessed to have devoted parents who provided a secure, stable home filled with love. By their example, they taught us to work hard, maintain high moral standards and to love each other. We will always cherish the memories they created with us, the love and support they gave us and the

family traditions that made us a close family.

Lawton Lee is survived by his two daughters and their families: Ella Jean Field of West Palm Beach, her husband Larry, their son Stephen and granddaughter, Le’ah Skye; Jennie Lou Peeples of Royal Palm Beach, her husband James, their daughter Tegan, their daughter Gretchen, her husband Kirk and their three children Marshall, EmmaLou and Lincoln, and their son Shawn, his wife Jennifer and their daughter Adrianna, all of Royal Palm Beach. He was laid to rest in Perry, Florida on June 1 beside his wife, who was laid to rest on April 5, 2007.

Dr. William and Nancy Earnhart

Sean Vojvodich

Verna & Lawton Lee

Okeeheelee Nature Center Campers Learn About Fossils

Okeeheelee Nature Center campers aged seven to 14 reveled in the excitement of hunting for genuine Peace River fossils on Monday.

Florida’s natural history came alive as the campers learned about extinct and extant members of the shark community through a unique program brought to them by FOSSILedu.

Prior to their dig, campers learned the distinguishing features of a variety of sharks and their teeth. Their knowledge was put to use as they participated in a genuine shark tooth dig.

Teeth were found in abundance as campers compared

their finds with their friends. Students were allowed to take home all the teeth they found and also walked away with an application to become Certified Fossil Hunters for the State of Florida.

Counselors at the Okeehelee Nature Center camp were impressed with the questions students asked and how engaged campers were in the dig.

FOSSILedu is a West Palm Beach-based educational outreach program whose focus is to bring Florida’s natural history to life while focusing on learning through an interactive, hands-on experience. For more information, visit www.fossiledu.com.

Young Poets Shine At Wellington Library

The Wellington library held its Third Annual Children’s Poetry Recital on Thursday, July 23. Organized by Amanda Bosky, the event was held after weeks of rehearsals.

The children made crafts representing their poems and each child had to read a poem by a published poet. This year they also had to read one more poem written by them. One of the poems was about

Bewley Attends Top Tennis Camp

Katherine Bewley of Royal Palm Beach was among the 40 participants selected to attend the 25th Annual USTA/ NJTL Tennis Leadership Camp in Denver, Colo. held July 21-27.

The camp is exclusively for youth ages 12 to 14 who participate in National Junior Tennis & Learning programs nationwide. Fourteen-yearold Bewley is an NJTL player with the East Coast Tennis Foundation and was selected to attend the camp. The prestigious tennis camp focused on leadership and sportsmanship.

bananas. Seven-year-old Aihber’s poem title was titled “Wandering and Wondering.” The kids recited the poems with confidence and joy. At the end of the evening, there were refreshments. Parents agreed that the program is a great event for families. For more information about children’s poetry or other programs at the Wellington library, call (561) 7906070.

The participants were selected through a rigorous application process that considered tennis aptitude, sportsmanship, leadership skills and financial need. The allexpenses-paid, weeklong camp provided attendees with valuable tennis instruction plus a rewarding educational and motivational experience.

In addition to two hours of daily tennis training with experienced tennis teachers, participants volunteered to sort and pack donated products such as clothing, school and medical supplies for shipment to World Vision programs, which reach more

than 100 million people in nearly 100 countries.

Additionally, campers heard from a number of speakers, including USTA Director of Coaching Jose Higueras, a former top-ten player who has coached tennis’ biggest names; Dan Gonzalez, a tennis pro and the son of tennis great Pancho Gonzalez; and USTA Intermountain Section President Frank Adams.

The young students also visited popular Denver destinations including the Red Rock Amphitheatre, the U.S. Air Force Academy and Invesco Field.

“For the past 25 years of our Tennis Leadership Camp, the NJTL national staff has created once-in-a-lifetime experiences for a deserving group of underserved youth,” USTA Director of Outreach and Advocacy Barry Ford said. “These students, some of whom are getting on an airplane for the very first time, are being afforded the opportunity to see a part of the country that they might otherwise never get to see, and to gain memories and forge relationships with their fellow campers that could last a lifetime.”

For more information about the USTA/NJTL Tennis Leadership Camp, visit the United States Tennis Association’s web site at www.usta.com.

Sierra Graduates Coast Guard Training

Coast Guard Seaman Suheily Sierra, daughter of Maria Arroyo and Samuel Sierra, both of Wellington, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N.J.

During the eight-week training program, Sierra completed a vigorous training curriculum consisting of academics and practical instruction on water safety and survival, military customs and courtesies, seamanship skills, first aid, fire fighting and marksmanship. A major emphasis is also placed on physical fitness, health and wellness. Sierra and other recruits also received instruction on the Coast Guard’s core values — honor, respect and devotion to duty — and how to apply them in their military performance and personal conduct. Sierra will join 36,000 other men and women of the Coast Guard’s force. Men and women train together from the first day in the Coast Guard just as they do aboard ships and shore units throughout the world. To reinforce the team concept, recruits were trained in preventing sexual harassment, drug and alcohol awareness, civil

rights training, the basics of the work/life balance, and total quality management.

Phillips Completes

Navy Training

Navy Airman Recruit Gregory Phillips, son of Laura and Jeffery Kruger of Wellington, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Phillips completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations.” This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. Battle Stations is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the application of basic Navy skills. Its distinctly Navy flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.

Phillips is a 2007 graduate of Palm Beach Central High School.

Campers learn about shark teeth.

A student shows off her bull shark tooth specimen.

Young Poet — Aihber Khan recites her poem “Wandering and Wondering.”

Saturday, Aug. 8 • The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will continue its production of Mamma Mia! through Sunday, Aug. 9. Broadway’s ultimate feelgood tale of love, laughter and friendship features 22 of ABBA’s timeless hits. Tickets cost $25 to $90 per person. For more info., call (561) 832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org.

• Registration for Wellington Little League Baseball will begin Saturday, Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Village Park. Additional registration dates are: Saturday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Wellington Little League is for ages four and up. Visit www.wellington littleleague.com for more info.

• W4CY Radio, in conjunction with Wild Orchids Café, will host the inaugural Royal Palm Music Festival on Saturday, Aug. 8 at Veterans Park in Royal Palm Beach. From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Aug. 8, well-known artists from all over the state will perform. Wild Orchids will offer reserved tables that will include the festival and food for $25. A $5 or more donation is suggested for those not choosing the reserved seating. Exhibitor tables and sponsorships are available. For more info., call Peter Wein at (561) 8274223 or visit www.royal palmfestival.com.

• John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in North Palm Beach will hold a Butterfly Walk on Saturday, Aug. 8 at 11 a.m. Join a park ranger on a walking tour through one of South Florida’s last remaining hardwood hammocks. There will be several species of butterflies to identify and observe. The walk is free with park admission of $4 per carload. RSVP to (561) 6246952.

• The Boca Raton Museum of Art (Mizner Park, 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton) will host a Palm Beach County Centennial Celebration on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 8 and 9 from noon to 5 p.m. In celebration of the county’s centennial, the museum will offer free admission to county residents. Call (561) 392-2500 or visit www. bocamuseum.org for more info.

• The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens (4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach) will hold its annual Bon Festival on Saturday, Aug. 8. Attendees will enjoy taiko drum performances, traditional Japanese folk dancing, a street fair, games, vendor booths, fireworks and a special departure-of-ancestors ceremony. Call (561) 495-0233 or visit www.morikami.org for more info.

3 p.m. for ages six and up. Start the school year off with stories about different kinds of school days, and inspire an exciting school year with a useful craft. Call (561) 790 to 6070 to pre-register.

• A Bingo Blood Drive will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Temple Beth Tikvah (4550 Jog Road, Greenacres). Free beverages and snacks will be available to all blood donors. Gerry Midman, the Karaoke Krooner, will provide entertainment from 5 to 6 p.m. in the bingo hall. Call (561) 967-3600 for more info.

• A Free Home-Schooling Workshop will be held at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way) on Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 14 from 9 to 11 a.m. Host Nancy Moral will discuss home education laws, methods of instruction, community resources and high school/college transition for home schoolers. Seating is limited. Visit www.familytreeprivateschool. com for more info.

• A meeting for Cancer Survivors & Patients will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at center court in the original Wellington Mall. For more info., call (561) 798-4110 or (561) 436-3900.

• Dr. Jefferey B. Lefton will make a presentation on the National Alliance of Mental Illness for Palm Beach County’s Crisis Intervention Training Program on Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the main library (3650 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach). Call (561) 588-3477 or e-mail info@ namipbc.org for more info.

• The Wellington Village Council will meet on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 791-4000 for more info.

Wednesday, Aug. 12

• The Temple Beth Tikvah Sisterhood will hold a catered luncheon and card party on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 11:30 a.m. at the temple (4550 Jog Road, Greenacres). Admission is $16.50 per person and is open to the public. Call (561) 9673600 for reservations.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Writers’ Critique Workshop on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. for adults. Share, offer and accept constructive criticism and comments to improve your fiction, nonfiction and poetry in a supportive atmosphere with Florida Writers’ Association member Mark Adduci. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Thursday, Aug. 13

• Christ Fellowship Church (corner of State Road 7 and Southern Blvd.) will host Community Heroes Night on Saturday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. Police and firefighters will be on hand to make citizens aware of all the resources that local law enforcement and firefighters use. There will also be interactive scenarios and presentations. Call (561) 799-7603, ext. 1520 for more info.

Monday, Aug. 10

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Baby Story Time on Mondays at 9:30 a.m. for ages under nine months and 11:15 a.m. for ages 10 to 18 months. Your baby will love the rhymes, finger plays, songs, books and toys. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Bookmaking, Encore!” on Monday, Aug. 10 at 2 p.m. for ages nine and up. If you missed the June or July classes, come learn how to create books in different styles. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

Tuesday, Aug. 11

• The Ski Club of the Palm Beaches will host the 2009 Goode Water Ski National Championships Aug. 1115. More than 800 national top water ski athletes will compete. For more info., visit www.usawaterski.org.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold Back-to-School activities on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Fantasss...tic Snakes” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 3 p.m. for ages five and up. Meet some of Green Cay Nature Center’s resident snakes. Learn the truth about snakes and how beneficial they are to us. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host an After-Hours Networking Mixer on Thursday, Aug. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Generations: A Hair Salon (10240 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). For more info., call Catherine Engel at (561) 7906200.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a meeting of the Teen Advisory Group on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Pizza will be served. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

• Def Leppard, Poison and Cheap Trick will perform on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Cruzan Amphitheatre (601-7 Sansbury’s Way). Reserved seats and festival lawn seating are available. Call (561) 7958883 or visit www.live nation.com for more info. Friday, Aug. 14

• The Dave Matthews Band and Robert Earl Keen will perform Friday and Saturday, Aug. 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. at the Cruzan Amphitheatre (601-7 Sansbury’s Way). Reserved and lawn seating is available. Call (561) 795-8883 or visit www.livenation.com for more info.

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

SPORT & RECREATION

Panthers Place Third In ISA World Series

The Royal Palm Beach Panthers 12-U fast-pitch softball team represented their community well by placing third at the Independent Softball Association 2009 Fastpitch World Series held July 13-18 in Cocoa Beach.

The Panthers started slowly, losing their first seeding game to the Central Florida Impact by two runs. The girls broke out their bats and went on to defeat the Jacksonville Gold (8-1) and the Orlando Flames (30) to seed third.

The Panthers won their first elimination game by beating the Outrage ’96 8-5. They suffered their first loss

of the elimination round to the Orlando Flames in the second game. The Panthers then rallied and earned two consecutive wins, defeating the Outrage ’96 and the Brevard Stealers, both with an impressive defensive effort. The Panthers finished the tournament with a 4-2 loss to the Orlando Aftershock. Although the primary objective was to play softball, the girls did enjoy Cocoa Beach by watching the space shuttle lift off while sitting on the beach, shopping at Ron Jon Surf Shop, making new friends from other teams and enjoying time at the hotel in the pool.

RPB Panthers 12-U — (Front) bat boy Kyle Castle; (first row, L-R) Arianna Hernandez,

Wanderers Club Hosts USGA Qualifiers

The Wanderers Club of Wellington recently hosted two major qualifying tournaments, one for the U.S. Men’s Amateur and one for the U.S. Women’s Amateur.

“We’re honored that the USGA chose the Wanderers Club to host these prestigious events,” Director of Golf Justin Thompson said. “The club is challenging to various levels of golfers, and the scores at both events reflect how difficult it can play.”

Brandon Smith of West Palm Beach and Mike Stern of Miami each parred the first hole in a five-man playoff at the Wanderers Club on July 28 to qualify for the U.S. Men’s Amateur Championship.

The 27-year-old Smith

(70-71) and the 21-year-old Stern (73-68) both finished at one-under 141, along with Matthew Cahill of Boca Raton (70-71), Tommy Parker of Palm Beach (68-73) and Kevin Zuelch of Key West (72-69) to force a playoff for the two available spots.

The first playoff hole was the 410-yard, par-four #1, adjacent to the polo field. Stern missed an eight-foot birdie putt but tapped in for his par while Smith sank a four-foot par putt to clinch spots in the U.S. Men’s Amateur Championship. Cahill and Parker bogeyed the hole, and Zuelch had a double bogey.

The U.S. Men’s Amateur will be held Aug. 24-30 at Southern Hills Country Club

KARATE MASTER VISITS

and Cedar Ridge Country Club in Tulsa, OK.

Madison Pressel of Boca Raton shot a ladies’ courserecord two-under 70 to capture low medalist honors in the U.S. Women’s Amateur Qualifier on July 14 at the Wanderers Club. Pressel finished with four birdies and two bogeys en route to her round of 34-36 over the 6,316-yard layout.

Joining Pressel in the field for the Aug. 3-9 event at Old Warson Country Club in St. Louis from the Wanderers Club qualifying event will be Alexandria Beulow of Palm City and Vanessa Vela of Colombia, who finished tied for second at one-under 71. Also qualifying were Paula Reto of South Africa (72), Kyle Roig

of Pembroke Pines (73), Ri Hyang Park of Hilton Head, S.C. (73) and Evan Jensen of Belleair, Fla. (73).

WELLINGTON SCHOOL

Shihan (master) Fumio Demura, chief instructor of Japan Karate-Do Genbu-Kai International, recently visited his branch school in Wellington. Demura Shihan, ninth Dan in Shito-Ryu Karate, is known and respected worldwide for his expertise and knowledge in both karate and kobudo (Okinawan weapons). During his visit, Demura Shihan worked with the students on kihon (basics), kata (forms) and self-defense. Everyone had a great time, and much was learned during his visit. Demura Shihan also took the time to write everyone’s name in Japanese Kanji on their uniforms. While visiting the Wellington school, Demura Shihan taught two classes. The first was for Ninjas (ages four to six, shown left), and the second class was for juniors and adults (13 and older). For more info., call (561) 214-5299 or visit www.floridagenbukai.com.

Palm Beach Super Tae Kwon Do held a grand opening last Saturday for its new Wellington location (13860 Wellington Trace, Suites 24 & 25 in the Courtyard Shops). The family-oriented martial arts school teaches Olympic-style tae kwon do, self-defense and traditional martial arts, including weapons training. Headed by Grand Master Ki Sop Yoon, the school offers entry-level to advanced classes for students of all ages. For more information about Palm Beach Super Tae Kwon Do, call (561) 795-1199 or visit www.supertaekwondo.net. Pictured above is Ki Sop Yoon (left) with the Super Tae Kwon Do demonstration team.

WELLINGTON WILD FINISHES ON TOP

The Wellington Wild 12-U blue softball team had a great season this year, finishing first place at the USSSA State Tournament in the higher 14-U “B” division, second place in 12-U “A” ISA State Tournament and second place in the USSSA World Series at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. The girls have worked hard all season to improve their game and prepare for entering the 14-U and high school divisions. Pictured above are: (front row, L-R) Remi Losey and Stephanie Schmidt; (second row) Kelsie D’Aoust, Chelsea Boretti, Kelly Kirchner and Sara Dickerman; (third row) Coach Tom Jones, Tiffany Lower, Olivia McDaniel, Ashley Niesman, Madi Miller, Sydney Jones and Coach Mark Boretti; (back row) Coach P.J. D’Aoust, Coach Jeff Lower and Manager Bob Schmidt.

Dani DiCarolis, Brooke Collier, Kendel Park, Emily Coulter and Alyssa (not a team member); (back row) Coach Michele Mohl, Kasandra Castle, Courtney Carhart, Kristina Hayslip, Jamie Hamilton, Jessie Mohl, Bethany Alex and Coach Brian Alex. Not pictured: Sammi Burdo.

PHOTO COURTESY DAN GULKIS

Brandon Smith chips onto the green.

Animal Care & Control Captain Helps Out Skinny Horses

Capt. David Walesky has seen it all. He has worked for Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control more than 14 years and is currently operations manager for field services. When someone calls in reporting a skinny horse, he’s usually the one who investigates the situation.

Walesky started out as a kennel worker, hosing away dog poop, but his job entailed more than that. He liked talking with people, helping them find just the right dog to adopt. And about every two and a half years, he moved up to a different job. From kennel tech he became an animal control officer, then a wildlife officer, helping to control rabies outbreaks. He became a lieutenant in field supervision, which put him out on the road a lot, and then shelter manager, where he oversaw the daily operations of Animal Care & Control.

Walesky investigates suspected or alleged abuse, and said there are literally thousands of reported cases each year involving all sorts of animals. He takes each one seriously, and tries to find the truth of the situation, hoping always for a happy ending. His definition of a happy ending is making sure each animal has a safe, healthy, happy environment.

“That’s what I like best about my job,” Walesky said. “It’s great when you can make a bad situation into a good situation and improve an animal’s life. I get a lot of satisfaction from prosecuting someone who has broken the law in regard to animal welfare or cruelty. The happy endings are my reward.”

Frequent calls include “livestock at large,” including instances when a horse manages to break out of its paddock and wanders along a road. Walesky said this seems to happen fairly often in The Acreage and Loxahatchee, especially around holidays when people set off noisy fireworks, like Independence Day. Sometimes the endings are happy, and the

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

horse is easily caught and returned to its owner. Other times, the result is tragic, even fatal. He recalled one case in which three polo horses in Boynton Beach broke out of their stalls and ran across State Road 7. A truck hit all three. Two died immediately, and the third was ordered euthanized by its owner the next day.

“I remember one time when a school bus hit a horse,” Walesky recalled. “Another time, a tractor-trailer hit a horse on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. It was a hit-and-run, and the truck never even stopped. The horse was killed. There was a motorist fatality on Royal Palm Beach Blvd., where a loose horse, with a saddle and bridle on, ran across the road and the driver hit it. Both the horse and motorist died. The owner of the horse never came forward.”

Walesky gets frequent reports of abandoned or neglected horses. He typically gets 200 to 300 reports each year about skinny or starved horses. When he goes out to investigate, he’s looking for certain things: lack of adequate shelter, dirty water or no water available, rain rot or untended summer sores or other lacerations on the horse, filthy stalls, inadequate fencing, or horses standing in water with no dry land available. He checks to see if their feet and teeth have been regularly cared for.

Walesky uses a printed form called a Henneke scoring chart to determine a horse’s physical condition. This chart allows him to

objectively score each horse by examining six different areas: neck, withers (the place where the neck meets the body), loin, tailhead (where the tail meets the body), ribs and shoulder. Each area is scored from one, for poor, to nine, for extremely fat. The six area scores are added together and divided by six to get an average. A good average score is five or higher. A score of one is an emaciated animal.

When Walesky comes across one of these cases, he’s calm and methodical, and doesn’t jump to conclusions. First, he meets with the owner and looks at the animal’s history. Where did the horse come from? How long has this person owned it? What is the horse’s history? The current owner may have adopted a skinny horse to try to help it, or the horse may be aged and having trouble keeping on weight.

Walesky asks to see vet records — if the vet backs up an owner’s story, then the report may end right there. If a vet makes recommendations for changes in the horse’s care, Walesky will make sure those suggestions are followed.

“We only seize an animal if there’s clear signs of prolonged neglect, and the animal’s safety is in question,” he said. “This depends on observations and assessments, both by us and by a vet. If the animal seems to be doing OK, we’ll give the owner time to make changes, and then come out to investigate again and check up on it. Seizing an animal is always our last resort. We’d much rather work with the owner and encourage him to do what’s right and best for that animal.”

If things progress legally, Walesky makes sure that he has completed an objective report, including the Henneke chart, which will hold up in court. Also, pictures are worth a thousand words, as they say. Everything is documented.

Cases of cruelty are harder to prove. While

skinny horses can be reported anonymously, someone has to be willing to stand up in court and say that they observed someone beating or injuring the horse. The allegation must also be backed up by a vet’s report. Again, videos or pictures are helpful, but someone has to testify for an abuse charge to stick.

Walesky said horses are suffering because of difficult economic times.

“Horses are expensive pets,” he said. “People are economizing where they can. They may cut back on feed, change to a cheaper feed, or put off veterinary or hoof care. Times are tough. I just hope that people who aren’t able to care for a horse any longer make the right decision before it gets too late. Make arrangements before it gets too bad. Either sell the horse or give it away. There’s nothing worse than seeing a horse suffering and starving in a barren field. There’s just no excuse for that.”

For more info., call Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control at (561) 233-1200.

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE HOST AWARDS LUNCH AT FAIRGROUNDS

Members of three countywide chambers of commerce gathered Tuesday for a luncheon at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Volunteer of the Year awards were given out at the event, which included the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County, the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County.

Piconcelli Basketball Program

continued from page 1 kids off the streets,” he said. “We’re trying to give them something to do, to build some trust, and hopefully through the kids, we can reach the parents.”

Piconcelli is certainly no stranger to Wellington or organizing sports activities for local youth. A Wellington resident since 1976, he founded the Western Communities Football League in 1992 and remained on its board of directors until stepping down last year. Afterward, the village asked him to work for its Parks & Recreation Department.

“They asked me to come and join them about a year ago,” he said. “They were having problems with the

continued from page 1 community leaders,” Picano explained. “That’s why he’s going to video how we recreate our garden. We’re going to start at ground zero and work our way up to 14 plots. That’s what we had before.” The plots are about 20 feet by five feet so that the young agriculturalists will be less likely to step on desired plants while they tend to their crops, Picano said. “They will be able to reach across and plant their little seeds in each

baseball program and asked me to straighten it out, and I said I would.”

Although he built a career as an area contractor, Piconcelli said he is now winding down his construction business, and by next year expects his staff assignment will be his sole work responsibility.

As staff liaison for village sports providers, Piconcelli has helped reorganize Wellington’s youth baseball program over the past year, and the village asked him to work in the Safe Neighborhoods office after it was designated earlier this year.

The current league play continues through Aug. 22, but that is definitely not the end.

“I’m going to keep basketball going all through the year,” Piconcelli said. “That means it’s going to stop for a week or two and start up again.”

row without walking on plants that have already developed,” she said. “And then they have to weed it and maintain it and nourish it, and hopefully enjoy the fruits of their labor.” Picano noted that Florida’s winter growing season fits in nicely with the school year.

“It’s too rainy and hot during the summer, so your seeds would rot in the ground,” she said. “It’s more beneficial for the farmer to have the cool weather in the winter in Florida, and we can control the amount of water the plants have in the winter by irrigation.”

The young agriculturalists

The village hasn’t had to invest much in the program in terms of staff, Piconcelli said.

“It’s a street game,” he said. “There’s no referees or anything, they call their own fouls; I settle their disputes if it escalates. It’s pretty simple, but it’s effective.”

And the Safe Neighborhoods office, formerly a customer service center for the village’s utilities department, is serving well as a contact point for neighborhood residents, Piconcelli said.

“The kids come through here every single day,” he said. “They’re using the water fountain, the bathroom, we’ve got cookies over here, so they come in and get some cookies; they come in and talk to me all the time. They’re happy with what we’re doing. And through the kids, we’re going to get the parents — I’m telling you,

grow the same produce and flowers grown by commercial farmers in the county. But the children sometimes branch out to grow birdhouse gourds, and on occasion have grown luffa vines, which produce a tough, fibrous gourd used as sponges, which mature and can be cleaned out in time to give as Mother’s Day gifts.

“It’s just the ideal time and temperature for growing plants in Florida,” Picano said. “Belle Glade is the winter vegetable capital of the world, and we’re going to try to emulate.”

Suffolk Construction Co., which built the H.L. Johnson

this is the way it’s going to work.”

Piconcelli has other ideas for recreation out of the Safe Neighborhoods office and is working on forming a dodge ball league for the same three age groups, hopefully in late September after school starts, and also exploring the possibility of on-court flag football games.

“I’m letting the kids drive the program,” he said. “I’m hoping to put on a Fridaynight movie night here free. Put a movie on the big screen outdoors. Bring in a lawn chair.”

And Piconcelli makes no secret that he enjoys his work.

“I like kids a lot,” he said. “I have a good relationship with kids. They trust me, and that’s what this is all about. If you say you’re going to do something, you’ve got to do it.”

addition and renovated the cafeteria and offices, will supply the materials to rebuild the garden. “We’re going to be doing that in October when it will be a little bit cooler,” Hench said.

Picano said many students have taken their newly learned abilities home to start their own personal gardens.

“It’s so amazing, the outreach from this program,” Picano said. “The children have had such success with their plantings, that little home gardens have sprung up from their parents seeing the excitement and the knowledge that these children have received.”

Cook Died Doing What He Loved

continued from page 2 loved, Wood said. “I talked to the guy that was with him,” he said. “He said he came up and he says, ‘Cook, you feel all right?’ He said no, he didn’t. He turned around to look for the boat, and he was in the water, dead, just like that. If you’re going to go, that’s a good way to go — no pain, no suffering, you’re there one second, you’re gone the next.” Cook is survived by his companion Kathy Spain of Wellington, his parents Frank and Maxine of Madison, Wis., and three sisters and two brothers. Cook’s brother Kevin was in Wellington this week to attend a local memorial service at Palms West

Blotter continued from page 6 apprehended and placed under arrest. He was charged with resisting arrest without violence and transported to the county jail.

AUG. 5 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home in Olympia on Wednesday in reference to a criminal mischief complaint. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 7:55 a.m. the following morning, someone had egged the windows of the home and written on the windows of the victim’s BMW.

Funeral Home in Royal Palm Beach on Thursday. Kevin Cook said he had spent a long weekend deepsea fishing with his brother here in Florida only a month ago, and they were planning an upcoming spelunking adventure. “The last words I had with him were, ‘I’ll talk to you Friday when you get back from diving, and get ready for another vacation,’ because I wanted to go to the emerald mine and the diamond mine in Arkansas and North Carolina,” he recalled. Despite Cook’s ties to Wisconsin and his beloved Dells, Kevin Cook said his brother was quite content to live in the subtropical climate of South Florida, under the palms that helped him make a living. “His reference to the coconut palm was, wherever you see that tree, it doesn’t freeze,” he recalled with a laugh.

There was no suspect information at the time of the report. The estimated cost of repairs is $300.

AUG. 5 — A Bedford Mews resident called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Wednesday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between midnight and 2 a.m., someone entered the victim’s Ford pickup truck through the rear sliding glass window and stole a speaker box, valued at approximately $500. DNA and latent prints were taken, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Fair Director Bob Broadway presents the 2009 Women’s Chamber Volunteer of the Year award to Theresa LePore (above) and the Black Chamber 2009 Volunteer of the Year award to Pamela Hart (below).

Emerald Home Health Director of Nursing Avis Stephens and Director of Operations Wendy Spring.

Women’s Chamber members Jane Bloom (president), Joyann Levitt, Elaine Scola and Linda Windsor.

Gina Rascati, West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel and South Florida Fair Life Trustee Judy Goodman.

South Florida Fair directors Darell Bowen, Bob Snyder, Tim Childers, Donnell Childers and Craig Elmore.

Capt. David Walesky with a horse that was seized for being emaciated.

Night People: The Nation’s Untapped Human Resource

Once a month or so, I go to a certain Dunkin’ Donuts to get a Boston Kreme or lemon-filled doughnut and a cup of hot chocolate. I do this to keep my doctor in business. But I also do it because I’m a people-watcher, and there is a group of people, all men, all retired, at this particular Dunkin’ Donuts that just cracks me up.

There are about six of them, and they always occupy the same table. They sit there for hours and hours. They’re there when I come in, they’re there when I leave. It doesn’t matter what day of the week it is — they’re there. They completely break the stereotype of the women’s coffee klatch. In fact, I’m pretty sure their wives are glad to have them out of the house. The leader of this pack wears a black cowboy hat and boots, but I don’t know that he’s ever been west of the Mississippi. Probably a former rancher or farmer.

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

The truth is, I don’t know the background of any of these guys, but the federal government needs to hire them immediately. Call them a task force, whatever. Because these guys have a solution for every single problem in the world. And they’re all in agreement... and they’re loud about it. Healthcare reform? They have an answer. Auto industry bailout? They have an answer.

Banks in disarray? They have an answer for that, too.

Just from their conversations, I am pretty sure these guys would like everything to go back to the way it was in the 1950s, when they ruled the earth. According to them, things were better, faster, cheaper and much, much easier to understand back then.

Myself, I am not going back. I simply will not do the vacuuming in high heels and a strand of pearls. My hat’s off to June Cleaver, though.

Speaking of work, I have discovered an untapped resource of American workers, not that we need workers right now — we need jobs. I am speaking of “night people,” people like myself who aren’t much good until 10 a.m. but then keep humming along until midnight or later. Our body clocks are just set differently.

So wouldn’t everyone be able to get more done if day people got things up and running and night people closed up the office at 9 p.m. or so? Just think! The day people could actually get their banking done without giving up their lunch hour. People could speak with insurance agents face to face. Clients could meet with accountants before April 15. Everybody would be happy! Imagine how healthy we would all be if all the doctors’ offices were open late. It would cut down on emergency room sitters for sure. And I, for one, wouldn’t mind getting my teeth cleaned at 8 p.m., after I’m done eating for the day. It just makes logical sense! I have a lot of ideas like this. Plans, big plans. I’m going down to Dunkin’ Donuts and see what the guys think.

‘Funny People’ An Effective Comedy On Serious Subjects

Comedies that focus on serious subjects often present new ways of looking at issues affecting all of us. Funny People is far closer to success than most films of this sort, although its length does work against it. On the other hand, it is a movie about life journeys, and lives often meander. It deals with serious issues such as mortality, friendship and family in ways that manage to be both moving and funny.

George Simmons (Adam Sandler) is a wildly successful comedian and actor who discovers he has a rare form of leukemia and an eight-percent chance of surviving. He realizes that even though he lives in a gigantic house and has regular sex with gorgeous groupies, he is completely alone.

Going back to his roots, the comedy club where he began, he meets the most hapless of the comedians there, Ira Wright (Seth Ro-

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

gen), and hires him as a writer. But the relationship becomes deeper as Ira becomes far more than a gofer, but actually a friend.

Ira, while able to write funny jokes, is not much of a performer, earning his living by working in a deli. Even worse, he has no ability with women and stands haplessly by as one of his roommates (Jason Schwartzman) pounces on the girl of his dreams (Aubrey Plaza, a real find).

The central focus of the film is the change in its characters as they try to deal with stressful situations. Simmons has spent years cutting himself off from people, while Wright has never learned how to deal with them at all.

The best comedies (and tragedies) are those in which characters actually change. That is one reason Shakespeare ranks so highly, not only as a tragedian but a comedy writer. Too often comedies only present cardboard characters that bring some laughs but at the end, everything turns out to be much ado about nothing. Judd Apatow, the writer-director of this film, is nowhere near the same class as Shakespeare, of course, but then again, who is? But unlike most comedies, his characters react to each other and change. The hurt of betrayal is shown as well as the pleasure of forgiveness. This is not a great comedy, but

it’s better than many I have seen in a while. Eric Bana, playing a small role as the husband of the woman Simmons has always loved, makes a comment that sums up the basic premise, “underneath anger is hurt, and underneath hurt is love.”

The performances are uniformly excellent. Sandler has long had a flair for drama as well as comedy. Rogen manages to make his total schlub, who manages to screw everything up royally, not only human but sympathetic. Bana takes a role that could have been a caricature and gives it unexpected depths. Plaza, Schwartzman and Jonah Hill (as the second of Rogen’s roommates) demonstrate far more depth than is usual in such roles. As in the previous Apatow movies, there is a lot of crude humor in Funny People, but

After A Life Of Public Service, I Guess It’s Now ‘Me

Last month, I had a very hard decision to make: retire, or not. I have been thinking about it for years, but it took a little push from my employer to help me make my decision. Every five minutes I would change my mind. Finally the day came when I had to notify my bosses (the one I am married to, as well as the one I work for). What was I going to do? I decided it was time for me to pull the plug on my working days.

This was a very hard decision for me to make, because I really loved my job, and every day I looked forward to going to work. I have worked for the Village of Wellington and the Acme Improvement District (before we became a village) for more than 19 years. In all those years, I never once called in sick, nor was I late to report to work. (I don’t even know the phone number one needs to call when you are sick.) Yes, I did take days off when needed, but I always put in for them

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

weeks (sometime months) in advance.

As I write this, I have attended two parties to celebrate my retirement and am getting ready to go to my third. Some of the ladies I work with (my Saturday morning walking club) have decided to throw a breakfast in my honor. I can hardly wait.

I must say it has been a pleasure working at my job all these years. My entire working life, I have only held public-service jobs. I know I was put on Planet Earth to serve my

fellow man. I have always treated people the way I would like to be treated. At times this was very difficult to do. But I always gave it my best shot. I tried to be as fair and honest as I could be. I think most of the folks I dealt with liked the way I “worked the streets.”

I am part of the first wave of the Baby Boomers, and now it is time to enter my golden years. It is a strange feeling — when I talk to females, I feel like I am 18 years old, but when I catch a look at myself in a mirror, I see my father looking back at me, telling me to act my age. I know exactly how I am going to look as the years go by, because I have now become my father’s identical twin.

I find it hard to believe I graduated high school 45 years ago, went to Vietnam 42 years ago, became a member of the New York City Police Department 40 years ago, got married 37 years ago, became a father for the first time

Time’

35 years ago, and became a grandfather nine years ago. All of these life-changing events seem like they happened yesterday. Where has the time gone?

This trip on Planet Earth is speeding by. So far, I am enjoying the ride. I don’t want it to end; I just want it to slow down a little bit. The big question for me right now is what to do with all my spare time. Well, I am “Octograndpa,” and I am sure that will keep me very busy. My wife Sharon has already printed a very long “honey do” list. She doesn’t know it yet, but I put the list in the recycle bin. I didn’t retire to become her personal servant or boy toy. So if you happen to see her, please don’t tell her what I did with the list. I have decided I am going to follow my very own “bucket list” from now until the end. The only problem is that I only have one item on it, “spend time with the grandkids.” Yeah, I think I can do that.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Kravis Center Announces 2009-10 Performance Season

Iconic comedians, living legends, sensational singers, debonair dancers and masterful musicians are what the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts has in store for audiences during its 2009-10 season.

Performers who will appear on the Kravis Center stage over the next year include Jerry Seinfeld, Bob Newhart, Bill Cosby, Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight, Johnny Mathis, Salvatore Licitra, Tommy Tune, Chris Botti and pianist Lang Lang, and more. Other performers will come from the realms of pop and rock music, Broadway, ballet and opera.

Entering its 18th year as a premier South Florida venue for entertainment and culture, the Kravis Center will present a diverse roster of dynamic entertainers from acclaimed classical musicians to Chinese percussionists.

The Kravis Center will hold its Public Ticket Sale Day for all 2009-10 season presentations beginning 9 a.m. Oct. 3 in the center’s Rinker Playhouse. Guests may order their tickets in person that day, by phone at (561) 832-7469 or (800) 572-8471, or online at www.kravis.org.

Kravis Center members have the privilege of ordering tickets in advance of Public Ticket Sale Day. The center offers priority seating to donors according to their level of giving and by the date orders are received within each donor level. Memberships begin at $75. For more information about becoming a member, call (561) 651-4320.

Tickets for Jerry Seinfeld (Oct. 24), Sesame Street Live “Elmo’s Green Thumb,” (Oct. 29-Nov. 1) and Tap Dogs (Nov. 5) go on sale Aug. 31.

Seinfeld kicks off the Kravis Center’s 2009-10 season, but he isn’t the only cast member from his eponymous sitcom to appear at the venue. Jason Alexander, who played George Costanza on Seinfeld, comes to the center Jan. 13, when he stars as Donny Clay in a one-man show about America’s fourth-leading motivational speaker. The show is quirkily subtitled “An Evening of Music, Comedy, Personal Growth and Partial Nudity.”

Classic rock ’n’ roll will take center stage at the Kravis Center with “Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles” (Feb. 12), “The Pink Floyd Experience” (March 5) and the Beach Boys (April 4), with original band members Bruce Johnston and Mike Love.

“From contemporary shows like the musical Chicago, to show business veterans Paul Anka and Joan Rivers, this season will offer something for all ages and interests,” said Lee Bell, senior director of programming at the Kravis Center. “In addition to pop musicians and comedians, we have a particularly strong lineup of shows for the family that will put people in the spirit for the holidays.”

Ballet Florida announced earlier this year that it will not present its annual Nutcracker production, but, yes, Virginia there will be a Nutcracker this season! The Moscow Classical Ballet will perform Tchaikovsky’s timeless tale Dec. 24-26.

In addition to that holiday favorite, Dave Koz & Friends bring A Smooth Jazz Christmas 2009 (Nov. 29); Jim Brickman will bring tidings of the season with his show Beautiful World Christmas (Dec. 9); the Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller can be heard (Dec. 12); and Ronan Tynan gives the Gift of Christmas Song (Dec. 16).

In addition to performances in the 2,193seat Dreyfoos Concert Hall, the Kravis Center will present a diverse array of drama, music and dance in its Rinker Playhouse. The intimate “black box” theater will become a venue for tribute concerts to musical luminaries Bob Dylan, George Gershwin, Peggy Lee and Maria Callas, as well as comedy troupes Second City and Capitol Steps, among other shows.

“This is an outstanding season,” Kravis Center CEO Judith A. Mitchell said. “It offers the types of performances that our guests have told us they want to see, with lots of comedy and Broadway fare, but it also has plenty of variety for those who also love dance, classical music and jazz.”

Family Fare programs are designed to ap-

peal not only to the young, but the young at heart with four shows that the whole family can attend. Among them are Red Grammer and Curious George Live!

Subscriptions are now on sale for the center’s Kravis on Broadway series of five professional touring shows. The exciting series of Broadway productions includes the beloved musical Grease, featuring American Idol winner Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel, Nov. 10-15; the Tony Award-winning revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, Jan. 5-10; the one singular sensation A Chorus Line , Feb. 2-7; the Broadway hit Jersey Boys, March 10-28; and the international dance phenomenon Burn the Floor, May 4-9. Subscriptions for all five Kravis on Broadway offerings are $146 to $420.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary year, the Regional Arts Concert Series will once again showcase the world’s finest classical symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles and recitalists. The 2009-10 season will be particularly exciting because it includes an eclectic mix of domestic and international ensembles, including the Houston Symphony and the Orchestra of the Schleswig-Holstein Festival, which is appearing for the first time on the Regional Arts bill.

Most exciting will be the season’s kickoff with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Nov. 16-

17. These concerts will feature the North American premiere of Souvenirs, a piece commissioned by the Kravis Center from Richard Danielpour, a world-renowned composer who was raised in Palm Beach County. The commission will mark the celebration of Maestro Philippe Entremont’s 75th birthday and his association with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra for more than three decades. He is now the orchestra’s conductor laureate.

This will be the first of two premieres next season: the Kravis Center has joined several other presenters to commission a septet from Pulitzer prize-winning composer Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, to be presented by the KalichsteinLaredo-Robinson Trio and the Miami String Quartet in observance of the composer’s 70th birthday. This will be the Kravis Center debut for the quartet and will mark a dozen appearances for Regional Arts by the trio.

Subscriptions for ten “Music at Eight” concerts or six “Music at Two” concerts are available through October. Individual tickets for all concerts in the series will go on sale Oct. 3.

For more information about performances, visit the Kravis Center’s web site at www.kravis.org, or call (561) 832-7469 or (800) 572-8471. To be placed on the Kravis Center’s mailing list for a season brochure, call (561) 651-4312.

Sesame Street Live characters.

Jerry Seinfeld

THIS WEEK’S BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Nanci Smith Returns To Wellington Consignment Business

Wellington resident Nanci Smith has opened another high-end antique and fine furniture consignment business. The new store name is Consign and Design, and the best part is that it’s located in the same great location as her former store, Elegant Estates.

Smith opened her first store in 2001 and enjoyed five years of success before deciding to move on to another career. “It was a tough decision to walk away from such a loyal clientele, but I could see the housing market was softening and the time to make a change had come,” she recalled.

Smith took some time off before deciding to join Keller Williams Realty in 2006. “It has been a wonderful experience helping people navigate through this very tough market,” she said. “Most of my business is short sales, and I started at just the right time to learn the business before things started getting busy again. Right now, the market is on fire. We have had the strongest sales gain in our history in the last two months.”

Smith was asked to join Keller Williams’ Associate Leadership Council in 2009 and was busy focusing on building her business when she ran into a former consignor in Palm Beach, who suggested the time is right for Smith to open another store in Wellington. “Many people have been hurt by Madoff, Stanford and the declining housing market, and they need a store that’s educated in finer quality items to liquidate their goods,” she said.

That got the ball rolling for Consign and Design. When Smith began exploring options for a new location, she was surprised to receive a call about her old location. It had become available, and the landlord was willing to work out an advantageous lease. “I really wanted to keep the business in Wellington,” Smith said. “The clientele has always been wonderful, and after living here for 20 years, I recognize how important the small entrepreneurs are to this community.”

Smith’s background has always been in retail. Working as a buyer and manager for Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and Bijan

Beverly Hills, she is used to opening new stores. Within two weeks, the old location was given a facelift, and with over 3,000 former consignors, Smith was able to fill the store completely. “Finding great merchandise has never been a problem, especially right now,” she said. “Deciding what not to take is the hardest part. Everything has to be unique.”

Consign and Design offers a combination of very high-end antiques and value-priced quality merchandise. “I recognize the economy has changed, and you have to change with it or be left behind,” Smith said. “I’ll also be offering custom-made pillows, window treatments, equestrian accessories and gifts, and plenty of exquisite objects for the garden.”

Design services will also be available at an affordable price by appointment. “We will be open seven days a week for our customers’ convenience, and we are available for evening appointments as well,” Smith said.

According to Smith, consignment is the best way to purchase in these trying economic times. “A client can save so much money and still have nearly new furnishings,” she said. “They may have to take a little more time to decorate their home, but then it will become a reflection of their life. Isn’t that what you want — a home that speaks to your personality rather than an ad for a furniture store?”

For the savvy shopper, Consign and Design offers spectacular savings. “We have a Drexel Heritage sofa and chairs that are custom upholstered in gorgeous fabric, and they were purchased a year ago and never used,” Smith said. “I have the original receipts, and the owner spent over $5,000. I have them priced at $1,700. How can you beat that? Everyone should shop here first before making a decision that could cost them extra money.”

Consign and Design is located in the Wellington Marketplace at 13857 Wellington Trace, next to Walgreens. For more information, or to find out about consigning, call Smith at (561) 798-5222.

(Above) Nanci Smith stands in front of a vaisselier from a French chateau that made it to Consign and Design through Palm Beach. It is ten feet long, ten feet tall and took six men to move. (Below) Views of the fully stocked store located in the Wellington Marketplace.

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MINOR ROOF REPAIRS — Roof painting. Carpentry. License #U13677.967-5580.

ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC0067207

HORIZON ROOFING QUALITY WORK & SERVICE — Free estimates, No Deposits. Pay upon completion, residential, commercial, reroofing, repairs, credit cards accepted.561-842-6120 or 561784-8072 Lic.#CCC1328598

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 798-3132.

Gutters, downspouts, vinyl/aluminum siding, windows & doors, aluminum railing. Screen enclosures (Repaired & Replaced), carports, porches, and patios. Lic. U17189. P&M Siding Contractors. 561-7919777

ROLL DOWN SHUTTERS — Accordion shutters, storm panels and rolling shutters...prices that can’t be beat. All shutters Systems, Inc. 8630955

AFFORDABLE HURRICANE PROTECTION — 2 - 4 wks. Installed Guaranteed! 10% deposit . Will get you started. All products, Dade County approved. We manufacture our own product. 772-342-8705 Lic. & Ins. CGC 1511213

AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC —

Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004 Lic. #U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990

INSTALLING TILE IN SOUTH FLORIDA FOR 25 YEARS — Free estimates, residential/commercial, bathroom remodeling, floors, walls, backsplashes, custom design GOLDEN TILE INSTALLATION 561-662-9258

TREE TRIMMING & REMOVALWE DO IT ALL. Free Estimates. Licensed & Insured #200403394 Call Jimmy 329-0213

PAPERHANGING & PAINTING BY DEBI — Professional Installation & Removal of Paper. Interior Painting, decorative finishes, clean & reliable. Quality work with a woman’s touch. 26 years experience. No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263

WATER CONDITIONERS FROM

$499.00 —- Reverse osmosis units for the whole house. Mention this ad for equipment checkup and water analysis $19.99561-6896151

ROOMS FOR RENT — (3) ROOMS IN LARGE HOME FOR RENT - includes use of all amenities - pool, boat dock on lake- No Smoking! Royal Palm Beach - La Mancha Community $550 per room. Includes utilities. 561-667-3475 \ 4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOME - For rent, $1,900 per month. Available March 1st. For more information call (561) 385-3605 FOR RENT 4BR/3BA/2CG SINGLE FAMILY HOME - Curb appeal, light, bright. New tile, A/C, paint (11/08). Huge enclosed, private patio. $1,850 (561) 319-1292 ½ OF DUPLEX FOR RENT - 2 bedrooms/2 bath Riverside Circle. Waterfront. 561-358-3302 or 561-7537550 FOR RENT - 4br, 3ba,2cg Single Family Home in Emerald Forest, Wellington. Great home & Schools! $1,795 monthly. Lorna Riedle, Keller Williams (561) 319-1292.

561-706-0075 $229,500