Town-Crier Newspaper July 09, 2010

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH

A PATRIOTIC PARTY IN ROYAL PALM

Neighbors To RPB: Drop Crestwood

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Saying they want no part of a commercial redevelopment plan for Royal Palm Beach’s old wastewater treatment plant, several dozen of about 100 residents attending a presentation by Village Manager Ray Liggins last week spoke against a proposal village officials have framed as a major economic development initiative.

The July 1 meeting was called after the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial of a proposed comprehensive land-use amendment June 22 at the urging of residents living near the site at the village’s northern edge.

Wellington Program Provides Cab Fare For Seniors In Need

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Village of Wellington is helping senior citizens get where they need to go with a new pilot program offering cab rides to those who no longer can or wish to drive.

A total of 158 residents signed up for the program, which runs from July 1 through Aug. 15. Seniors who are at least 60 years old will receive six one-way taxi rides provided by Wellington Cab and Wellington Towncar at a cost of $2 per ride.

The program is good for travel anywhere within Wellington’s boundaries, along State Road 7 from Southern Blvd. to Lake Worth Road, and to Palms West Hospital.

An alternative method of transportation was high among the priorities of the Senior Citizen Task Force, a Wellington-appointed temporary committee that held meetings in 2006 to reach out to the senior population and address issues it faced.

The village also surveyed residents 55 years and older that year and found that transportation, affordable housing and a senior center were the top three priorities for those who responded.

“They asked for an alternative method of transportation,” Strategic Planning & Economic Development Director Martin Hodgkins said. “Many of the seniors need a way to get around if they are not able to drive. If they have to get some sort of treatment

done where they can’t drive afterward, they need a way to get home.”

Hodgkins said that although it took a while for the village to honor the seniors’ request, it was important to provide them with the care they need.

“Wellington’s senior community has always been active,” he said. “There has been a lot of effort to make sure that they have a hometown that does try to support them and their needs.”

Under the program, seniors get a voucher card that includes an account number. They share the number with Wellington Cab or Wellington Towncar when they call for a ride. Wellington allotted $10,000 for the project and picks

20 YEARS OF FISHING ON THE FOURTH

issue. Page 4

The land use change would shift the 159-acre site off Crestwood Blvd. from its current public use designation to mixed-use commercial.

The land was cleared after RPB sold its utility department to the county several years ago. For the past year, village officials have eyed the site as a possible economic development zone to bring more non-retail jobs to the community.

Liggins stressed that RPB officials have the best interest of the village and its residents in mind.

“Some have said that this is not well thought out or not communicated to the residents well,” Liggins said. “I believe it is well thought out. I feel there is a need to give you the information before it gets to the council meeting on July 15. This meeting is my opportunity to give you the facts that you said you did not have at the planning meeting.”

Research has shown that the site would support commercial use in the life sciences, medical and biotech industries, Liggins said. If the council votes to transmit the proposed amendment to the Florida Department of Community Affairs, it would go to Tallahassee for approval and then return later this year for additional village approvals.

“We plan to ride on the coattails of the state’s $1.5 billion investment in the biotech industry,”

Liggins said. “Our market research professionals think there is a market here for that. The state has been successful in developing that industry.”

Other industries that could fit on the property include alternative energy and healthcare services, he said. “Those are industries we have targeted with the land use that we selected for this particular piece of property,” Liggins said. Other alternatives include physics and aerospace, communications and entertainment, he said. The total floor space proposed would be about 700,000 square feet, including 300,000 square feet for project development, 60,000 square feet for general office to support that industry, 30,000 square feet of retail, 150,000 square feet for a college campus serving about 800 students, an assisted living facility and multifamily housing.

Liggins noted that research has shown that many people in the village drive elsewhere to work and having such an employment hub would save residents commuting time and expense. The property is owned free and clear by the village, and its sale to a developer would create revenue to hold down taxes, he said.

“To reach the market, you have to have it ‘shovel ready,’ which means having the land use and zoning in place,” Liggins said. While the land does not meet standards set by Palm Beach State College for its planned campus in the western communities, Liggins said other public and private universities have indicated there is a need for additional higher education in the area.

Liggins added that the land in question is not virgin land — it was used as an active wastewater treatment plant, and would still be used as such if not for the utility sale. Other potential uses, such as residential, would not serve the community’s long-term interests and take up far more square footage.

“This property has always been a for-profit property,” he said. “It

RPB Training Center Nears Completion

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The David B. Farber Training Center is only a few weeks from completion, Royal Palm Beach Village Manager Ray Liggins said this week.

The 8,000-square-foot building behind the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 9 substation will double as an emergency operations center. The facility has a full workout room for PBSO, fire-rescue and general personnel in the village. A 48-seat classroom will serve as the central operations center, with an adjoining kitchen, laundry room, generator room and central computer processing room for the village, Liggins said.

“If we are not the most fit public employees, we will obviously not be taking advantage of this,” Liggins said. The restrooms will have controlled access to locker rooms for employees to store their gym clothes.

The training center also will house the

“This is where all the brains are going to be,” Liggins said as he led a tour of the new building. “All of our computers will go in there, and the backup will go in Village Hall. This is a fully fire-protected room. It’s got its own AC system.” The training room is outfitted with weights, treadmills and dozens of other pieces of exercise equipment, most equipped with television and computer screens.

Wellington Celebrates Grand Opening Of Amphitheater

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Although its big kickoff was scheduled for Saturday, July 3, an intimate crowd gathered Friday, July 2 at the new Wellington Amphitheater to enjoy acoustic music, refreshments, ribbon cuttings and speeches by Wellington officials as part of the amphitheater’s grand opening.

“This facility has been a long time in coming, but you know it’s going to be a facility that serves us for many years to come,” Mayor Darell Bowen said. “This new amphitheater allows our Parks & Recreation Department to expand our programs.”

The 3,200-square-foot amphitheater in front of the Wellington Community Center is a key piece of the new “Town Center.” It joins the newly renovated pool, the Wellington Community Center,

Scott’s Place playground and a new village hall under construction, which Bowen said would be finished this year.

Bowen thanked the council, Palm Beach County, village staff, the builders and all parties involved for helping bring the amphitheater to Wellington.

“We’ll be able to do many more things, things that we were limited in doing before,” he said. “It will afford us many opportunities that people in our community have longed for. It will be a venue that will be used not only by professional performers, but I envision it being used very heavily by our local schools and local community groups.”

Councilman Howard Coates noted that the facility is a key part of efforts to bring the arts and cultural events to the western communities.

“This facility just didn’t happen by accident,” he said. “It started with someone’s dream to bring a facility for the performing arts to Wellington. For those who are familiar with those efforts… we know that it hasn’t been without some hurdles and bumps along the road. This facility is a testament of what can happen when you don’t lose sight of the vision you have for this community.”

An $822,296 county grant paid for the amphitheater. The village accepted the money two years ago after the collapse of the Cultural Trust of the Palm Beaches. Originally, the Cultural Trust was to build an amphitheater on villageowned property near the Mall at Wellington Green. Bowen also thanked County Commissioner Jess Santamaria

See AMPHITHEATER, page 7

Amphitheater Opening — Amanda Major, Lizzy the Clown (Veronica Morris), Milushka Vargas and Valerie Matlock at last Saturday’s celebration marking the grand opening of the

The Village of Royal Palm Beach presented its

Spectacular at Lakeside Challenger Park last Sunday. Shown here are Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio with Mike Mikolaichik, Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center Supervisor Carlos Morales, Eva Hernandez and Beverly Atkins. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 2

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Rich and Chase Hutchings kayak in Lake Challenger.Alex Johns, Gianna Satriano, Alyssa Satriano and Aidan Hines.

Danny Cavallero, Rich Wishart, Wilfredo Roque and Ransford Jones cook up a storm.

Karen Polanco and her mom Anne with Heidi Leonas.

Three generations of the Hill family celebrate Independence Day. Colleen, Shawn and Meghan O’Connor, with Shenoy and Joseph Raghuraj.

The Village of Royal Palm Beach presented its Star-Spangled Spectacular at Lakeside Challenger Park last Sunday. Features included a water slide, bounce house, obstacle course and children’s activities, as well as a kayaking tournament. Rick Nelson provided live music, and DJ Ernie Garvey spun out the hits as well.

Without A Challenge, Carol Jacobs Claims A Second ITID Term

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Indian Trail Improvement Dis-

trict Vice President Carol Jacobs reclaimed her seat unopposed last month when filing closed without a challenger coming forward.

Jacobs, who is finishing her first term as an ITID supervisor, said she has unfinished business to address and has been frustrated by how long it takes to get things accomplished.

“I’m glad that I was unopposed, and I plan to hopefully finish what I started in 2006,” Jacobs said. “Being in the private sector, owning your own business, you can get things done when you want them done. I’ve noticed in government, it’s slower.”

ITID has gone through several management changes over the past four years, but Jacobs strongly supports current District Administrator Tanya Quickel. “A lot of stuff is just now getting finished that we voted on back in 2006,” she said. “That’s a big gap.”

Jacobs, who is an avid equestrian, outdoor enthusiast and animal lover, said she wants to finish park projects that have run into delays, including improvements to ITID’s equestrian park.

Jacobs said she will continue pressure to get State Road 7 all the way through to Northlake Blvd., despite opposition from Ibis.

“We’re going to push and push the best we can to get that road through,” she said. “People are worried about traffic, but the only traffic on that road is coming out to us. There’s nothing on there.”

About the only cars that use the SR 7 extension besides Acreage residents are Ibis residents, she said, pointing out the irony that they are opposed to completing the Northlake link.

“They’re using our road as State Road 7,” Jacobs said. “They’re coming all the way through, and if you look at the little tags, they’re Ibis residents coming through our neighborhood, but they don’t have a problem with that.”

Jacobs wants to continue reducing district spending. Although she voted against the current budget at its first hearing, she said she thinks Quickel is doing a good job. “I voted for it the second time through because I feel that Tanya didn’t have enough time to go through it,” Jacobs said. “Once she goes through all those item lines, they’re spending way too much money on maintenance.”

While Jacobs sits out this election season, there are four candidates vying to replace Supervisor Mike Erickson in Seat 1. Erickson announced last month that he would not run for re-election.

Jennifer Hager, an elementary school teacher, five-year Acreage resident and equestrian, joins Mike Nichols, Bill Riley and Richard Waite on the Aug. 24 primary election ballot. If no one candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two candidates will advance to the Nov. 2 general election ballot.

Hager said there is a lot of room for improvement at ITID. “I’m part of the community, and from what I’ve seen as a resident, I think I could help it be better,” she said. “I’ve seen firsthand that follow-through is a problem.”

Hager noted that ideas are vot-

See HAGER, page 16

Wellington Policy Change Protects Gays & Lesbians

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Village of Wellington amended its Equal Employment Opportunity policy last week to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity among the village’s current and future employees.

Wellington’s amended Equal Employment Opportunity Policy now reads: “Wellington’s employment practices are without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, age, marital status, familial status, veteran’s status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law in all personnel and employment actions and in all terms and conditions of employment.”

Although discrimination has not been an issue in the village, the amendment was made after a request from the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. “It’s not like there was a history of discrimination,” PBCHRC President Rand Hoch said. “It just helps to eliminate uncertainty and provides reassurance to people who want to apply for a job with the village.”

Hoch said the Human Rights Council approached the village, which was receptive to the issue.

“We started working with the village recently and pointed out that with the makeup of Wellington, of which a significant portion is gay or lesbian, we thought the village should add the amendment,” he said. The amendment prevents employees from being denied employment, fired, harassed or denied promotion simply because they are gay or lesbian, or because they don’t fit the stereotypes for masculinity or femininity, Hoch said.

Hoch noted that the changes also came with support from the local equestrian community. He pointed to the Gay Polo League, which held the world’s first international gay polo tournament in Wellington this year.

“Wellington’s equestrian community came out in support of the tournament — and in support of our requests,” he said.

Village Manager Paul Schofield said Wellington has always been an equal opportunity employer and that the amendment represents a change in the village’s language, not in its employment practices.

“It’s recognition that in the workplace, the only thing that should matter is how well you do your job,” he said. “It’s just the right thing to do. It shouldn’t make any difference what your orientation is. We wanted to make our policy consistent with our practices.”

Schofield said Wellington had already been following a countywide ordinance for equal employment opportunity, which includes sexual orientation. “Some municipalities chose to opt out of it,” he said. “Wellington did not.”

The county’s policy states that “…all persons regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression … be afforded equal opportunity to all terms and conditions of employment.”

Another important issue that the Human Rights Council has encouraged Wellington to look into is providing domestic partnership benefits, Hoch said. Palm Beach County, the City of West Palm Beach and the School District of Palm Beach County all provide benefits to domestic partners.

“West Palm Beach, the county and the school board recognize nontraditional families,” Hoch said.

“Just because the State of Florida says you aren’t married doesn’t mean you aren’t a family.”

Schofield said the village is looking into domestic partner benefits but noted that the high cost of insurance poses a problem.

“The problem that we’re facing is that the cost could escalate to where we’re not able to afford it,” he said, adding that such a change is an issue that would have to be addressed by the Wellington Village Council.

Hoch noted that the change could have a significant impact on gay and lesbian families in the form of cost savings. He said the Human Rights Council is encouraging all local municipalities to adopt similar reform.

“Florida is one of those states that is not very good at making statewide laws protecting the rights of gays and lesbians,” he said. “We have to look at what we can do on the local level.”

Carol Jacobs

OUR OPINION

Creating A Wellington Seniors Advisory Board Is Long Overdue

Last week, the Village of Wellington kicked off a program to help its senior citizens get around town by offering cab rides to those unable or unwilling to drive themselves. While it’s far from a comprehensive transportation system, it’s an effective way to address an issue that goes back many years, including talk of a public trolley some eight years ago. However, it also brings to mind the fact that Wellington is still without a senior citizens advisory committee, an idea that’s long overdue.

Village officials past and present have been paying lip service to this idea for years, and although nearly everyone agrees seniors need more of a voice in village affairs, no one has taken action on the issue. It was a big campaign issue in this year’s municipal elections, and the candidates made their case during a forum hosted by the Wellington Seniors Club. But once the voting was all done, it was back to business as usual, with the seniors again taking a back seat to other issues. The recent reorganization of the village’s various boards and committees would have been the perfect time to create a committee for seniors. But again, it wasn’t to be.

Several years ago, the village created a short-lived task force of senior citizens to offer recommendations. Many of the task force’s suggestions have stalled due to budgetary issues and economic forces outside Wellington’s control. However, the creation of a standing seniors committee was the easiest and least expensive request from the task force. Previously, senior citizens had strong representation among Wellington Village Council

Kudos To RPB For Fourth Celebration

My family and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Village of Royal Palm Beach, and in particular the Parks & Recreation Department and staff, for the great job they did [with Fourth of July events].

I know it takes much planning and arrangements to make a function like this work, with so many outdoor activities going on. Regardless of the weather, America shined on the Village of Royal Palm Beach. The event was great; no, it was spectacular in spite of the rain in the late afternoon and evening. The event made us all feel proud of America, the greatest country on earth under God.

As Americans, we can always do better, but let it be known we are the best. It is because of our freedom as Americans we have so much pride. It is because of America’s charities in blood and treasure to other nations of the world we can say this: never be ashamed. To hear the patriotic music and the fantastic firework display was so exciting to celebrate Independence Day and what America stands for.

Frank DelVecchio Royal Palm Beach

Don’t Believe Myths About China, BP

Editor’s note: The following is in response to the letter “Obama Admin Is Bad For Business” by Frank Morelli published last week.

I find it sad that people still come forward with myths and expect us to accept it, hook, line and sinker. Recently a writer to the Town-Crier stated that privatization is what beckons business to China, when the truth is it is “cheaper” (the labor costs). Wikipedia offers this information: 1) In 2008, thousands of private businesses were closed down by the government, and 2) 98 percent of banking is owned by the government of China, of which a paltry 25 percent is loaned to the private sector!

Furthermore the writer states that “President Obama is using the oil spill to bully British Petroleum (BP) executives…” and “businessmen are deprived of their most fundamental rights by a Congress that is willing to run roughshod over them…”

First of all, to date Congress has not completed legislation to affect BP yet. Secondly, the agreement agreed to by both parties (Obama and BP) merely allows for $2.5

members. Today, however, the council is trending younger. Yet the overall population in Wellington continues to age. That is why it’s crucial that a seniors advisory committee be created as soon as possible. Our hope is that the current pilot transportation program is only the start, paving the way for seniors’ needs to be met. Wellington needs to get the word out to make the program a success — wouldn’t it be nice if the village had a senior citizens’ committee to help in that capacity?

One of the plans in the works is that once Wellington’s new village hall opens, extra space at the Wellington Community Center could be converted to make room for additional senior programs. This is something we applaud, and it’s all the more necessary to be putting in the extra advisory infrastructure to make Wellington’s senior initiatives successful.

We call on the village to give its senior citizens an active voice in Wellington’s affairs through the creation of a standing group that meets periodically to give advice to Wellington officials to help them organize and carry out village programs for seniors. Not only would this give Wellington’s senior population its long overdue voice in village affairs — as well as giving seniors a single voice with which to speak to the council — but it would help council members understand the seniors’ wants and needs when discussing issues that affect the senior community. It would be of benefit to both sides of the discussion, and for that reason, we strongly urge Wellington officials to act as soon as possible.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

billion to address losses by our citizens and government. Short of an agreement, the courts are the only recourse. Wisely, both Obama and BP cut out the middlemen, the lawyers.

Exxon Valdez cases took 10 to 15 years, which would bankrupt most affected waiting that long. Also, to date the agreement does not prevent private lawsuits. Inevitably, this will be the costliest man-made disaster, an environmental disaster of which America has never seen and the ruination of wetland and sea creatures for years to come. I’m tired of big business apologists, but I guess as Congressman [Joe] Barton is to our national government, we too in Wellington have our apologists!

George Unger Wellington

Greed, Not Obama Bad For Business

Corporations exist for one purpose — profit. Profit to pay dividends to stockholders, profit to pay their CEOs billions in salaries and bonuses, and profit to reinvest. Nothing wrong with that. But greed is part of human nature, so who will watch these corporations and protect the public from the

greed that inevitably results in the poisoning of our water from industrial waste or shortcuts in production that injure and kill consumers, from the coal industry polluting the air we breathe and defying safety rules that kills their own employees? Who will police the oil corporations so they do not cut corners and cause unspeakable damage to American lives, small businesses and destroy all living things in our oceans? Who will protect the public from the greed of multinational banks that tell their investors that they will grow their money while gambling in high-risk poker instead? Government exists to protect the public. (Please keep in mind that in a democracy, we elect our representatives, so we are the government.) Government exists to protect us from foreign threats and from unscrupulous corporations. It is one of government’s essential tasks. Republicans, however, disagree and would have the fox guard the hen house. New York Times journalist Frank Rich explains: “The antigovernment crusaders are often the paid toadies of bad actors like BP. Such big corporations are only too glad to replace big government with governance of their own, by their own and for their own profit — while the ‘small people’ are left to eat cake at their tea parties.”

OPINION

From 2000 to 2008, Republicans in the White House and in congress systematically de-regulated their corporate partners-incrime and weakened every federal agency that was created by Democrats to protect the public. Did we really think that President Obama could reverse all of the damage done to our society by the previous administration in just a year and a half? (Especially considering that George W. Bush also left a deep recession, two unfinanced and unfinished wars and the resulting national debt?)

A heroic Republican (who would be appalled at today’s Republican Party), Abraham Lincoln said, “...corporations have been enthroned, and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working on the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands, and the republic is destroyed.” In other words, the preamble to the constitution reads, “We the People...” not, “We the Corporations...”

It’s almost impossible to see oil covered seabirds, corpses of dolphins and whales floating backwards out to sea from the dying wetlands and not want to blame someone. We should blame someone. We should blame the criminals who did this to our earth and our children’s futures — BP. The Republican Party, even knowing that BP cut corners to increase its profit from oil from the Deepwater Horizon, argues that our government has no right to hold BP responsible for the damage it has done, even though BP has admitted responsibility and offered the $6 billion escrow fund for its financial liabilities. But again, the right wing defends BP, as always, to protect corporate profits. When I hear or read right-wing complaints about Obama’s rules and regulations on corporations, I think of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy’s question to Republicans: “When does the greed stop?”

Gwynne Chesher Wellington

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@goTownCrier.com

Look To The World Of Sports Broadcasting To Replace Larry King

Step right up to the plate, ladies and gents, and tell us of your choice to replace Larry King. The “Kingmeister” will be retiring from his hour-long 9 p.m. CNN gig this fall after 25 years at the mike. Who is your choice for his replacement?

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

My favorite for the task has a pedigree from the world of sports… But his résumé of celebrity interviews aside from the

sporting world even includes a president of the United States. My man has excelled as an announcer, host, interviewer, writer and just about everything else. In sports, the world knows him from reporting and cataloging Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, the Na-

tional Hockey League, major horse racing and figure skating, etc. What have I forgotten? Oh yes, multiple Olympic games, plus dogsled and elevator races.

As the top CNN nabobs agonize over the selection process, there will be endless public speculation and innumerable leaks to gauge public reaction. Why

waste the time? My choice has already done several successful nighttime shows, including a six-year stint following Johnny Carson and David Letterman, 1988 to 1994. He has even been suggested as a future commissioner of baseball. Currently, he is the host of the remarkably popular Major League Baseball

Network’s “Studio 42.” Best of all, my selection even has some experience at the job. In 2005, CNN President Jonathan Klein named him as a regular substitute anchor, along with Nancy Grace, for “Larry King Live.” Have you guessed my choice? Yes, it is definitely Bob Costas.

Indian Trail, County Near Completion Of Park-Library Land Swap

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

An interlocal agreement that will lead to the expansion of Acreage Community Park and construction of a Palm Beach County branch library in The Acreage is on the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors’ agenda for Wednesday, July 14.

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

“It’s our understanding that the county is anxious to begin construction of the library, and Indian Trail is very excited to be at this point with the agreement and being able to move forward and make plans for both pieces of property,” ITID Administrator Tanya Quickel told the Town-Crier on Wednesday.

ITID entered into an agreement with the county in 2001 for the acquisition and development of the 172-acre Acreage Community Park and Preserve property, ac-

cording to an ITID staff memo. With the assistance of a grant from the Florida Communities Trust, the county had acquired about 131 acres of undeveloped adjacent property to be used as a preserve. The grant imposed certain perpetual restrictions on use of the property acquired, including a large portion of the southern area of Acreage Community Park. Quickel said ITID will grant the county a 99-year lease for the library property in exchange for a 99-year lease of the Acreage Community Park property. ITID has outright ownership of property where a 25,000-square-foot community center is to be built.

“All these amenities are for the residents,” Quickel said. “That’s the real benefit. At a workshop in February, the supervisors decided to relocate the community center from the Florida Communities Trust property leased from the county to a site the district owns after county staff informed ITID that it could not give that land to the district outright.”

The library will be funded through a county library improvement bond.

ITID has $2.2 million specifically allotted for capital improvements at Acreage Commu-

nity Park and an additional $2.2 million for general capital improvements, a portion of which could be applied to park improvements, Supervisor Mike Erickson said.

No hard design work has been done for the park yet, Quickel said. “The next step would be for the board to submit a conceptual site plan to the county for approval,” Quickel said.

Supervisor Ralph Bair said the library and the park improvements are both positive for Acreage residents.

“It’s something we’ve been working on for some time,” Bair told the Town-Crier on Wednesday. “The county has had the money in bonds for a long time, and we’re trying to get it taken care of by going ahead with the interlocal agreement so we can get this library built. The park agreement is something we need to do so we can go ahead and start the south part of the park. We need to make sure that the interlocal agreement gives us the right to build and hold on to the property over a long period of time where there’s no conflict with the county and the district as to who owns it and how it’s going to work.”

Bair said he envisions a com-

munity center at the park with space for basketball and volleyball courts, a craft area, four meeting rooms with sliding walls that open to a large meeting room, a conference room, a small theater, a small kitchen, office and full bathrooms.

Plans for outside include a splash park and open theater, handball, tennis and basketball courts, as well as additional football and soccer fields.

“The Acreage Athletic League

Cab Fare Pilot

Program

continued from page 1 up $13 of each fare. Seniors pay the additional $2.

Several seniors already have accounts with the company, Wellington Cab and Wellington Towncar owner Dennis Reilly said. The company has serviced the Wellington area for 11 years and often caters to the elderly who need rides to and from doctors’ appointments, to pick up groceries or run other errands.

“A lot of elderly persons have accounts with us now, paid for by

has been after us to help produce more fields so they can take care of the kids in the area,” Bair said.

“There will be a walking pathway all the way around it, and we’re going to be working with the county when they extend the pathway out into the preserve area.”

Erickson said he supports the park-library land swap.

“It’s a 99-year lease for the park and a 99-year lease for the library,” Erickson said. “It’s a win-win for the community. I think we’re go-

their sons or daughters,” he said.

“We are all going to have to stop driving at some point.” Reilly said his company is happy to help seniors get around, and recalled when he had to tell his own father that it was time to give up the keys. “He said, ‘What do you mean I can’t drive?’” Reilly said. “The elderly are very happy to be able to get around, get to their doctors’ appointments or wherever they need to go.”

Not only are the vouchers good for appointments, but they also can use the service to run errands, which Reilly said is important, especially when it’s too hot to walk. Reilly said about a dozen seniors called for rides in the pro-

ing to end up with a nice park that belongs to the residents, and we’re going to end up with a nice library. Both of the projects are long overdue.”

Connecting the north to the south will be a boardwalk over a portion of the preserve that Erickson predicts will be highly utilized. “The boardwalk is going to be one of the most used assets in the park,” Erickson said. “I think it’s going to make the two parks one park.”

gram’s first week of operation.

“Someone asked if I could take them to Publix to buy food,” Reilly said. “I asked the village attorney, and he said, ‘Take them wherever they want to go.’” Reilly said he hopes to see the program extended and expanded to provide rides to other residents in need. “This program is going to have a very positive effect on the village,” he said. “Once word gets around town, it’s going to be great.” The village will analyze the program when it’s finished and decide whether or not to extend it. For more information about the pilot program, call (561) 7914796.

Contestants battle in the pie-eating

Volunteer Ania Tomasika passes out bingo cards.

Bingo was a popular game that afternoon.

The Solid Gold Twirlers of Royal Palm Beach.

Karl Lederer with daughters Valerie and Tammy along with niece Kristen.

Wellington Director of Operations Jim Barnes with his niece Cara Young and her father Jodi Young.

Leconche (left), Mattioli (center) and RPB Cultural Center

Supervisor Carlos Morales (right) with first-place winners Randy Castricone, Dave Henderson, Adam Spisak and Paul Cleary.

Scott Stowell (Longest Drive), Leconche, Mattioli and Vladimyr Tabais (Closest to the Pin).

Leconche and Mattioli with second-place winners Young Cho, Daniel Eggerston, Ed Staff and Tim Nguyen.

PHOTOS

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Large Propane Tank Stolen From Home In Loxahatchee

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

JULY 5 — A resident of Royal Ascot Estates called the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation Monday to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, a neighbor witnessed a white truck pulling a low-sided trailer leaving the street with the victim’s 500-gallon propane tank, which was valued at approximately $2,000. The neighbor called the victim, who said it was stolen. According to the report, the tank is green and gray and had been stored near the west side of the house, but was not hooked up for use. A second neighbor said he thought the truck was more caramel colored. He said he witnessed three Hispanic males, one who appeared to be a teenager, take the tank. According to the report, they backed into the driveway, unhooked the trailer and used the truck to push the trailer under the tank.

• • • JUNE 30 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to Wellington Dog Park on Greenbriar Blvd. last Wednesday evening in response to a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim left her purse on her passenger-side floorboard around 7:15 p.m. When she returned to her vehicle at approximately 8:31 p.m., the victim discovered her driver’s-side window had been smashed and her purse, which contained her cell phone, was missing. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JUNE 30 — A resident of Bella Terra called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Wednesday to report an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, while in her backyard, the victim noticed that the wooden access gate located on the exterior perimeter of the development was pulled down and vandalized, causing approximately $300 in damage. Additionally, the victim’s neighbor noticed four bicycles lying in the grass near the broken gate. The bicycles were taken into custody. The deputy canvassed the neighborhood, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JUNE 30 — A resident of the 12th Fairway called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Wednesday afternoon to report a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim left her home approximately 7 a.m. and returned at approximately 3 p.m. to find that her home had been broken into. The suspect(s) stole several pieces of jewelry, a game system, a table and chairs, cash, watches, a television and hamburger meat. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JULY 1 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to a home on Lake Breeze Drive last Thursday regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report,

sometime between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. last Wednesday, someone entered the victim’s garage through an open garage door and stole two full 10-gallon gas cans and a battery holder from a cabinet. The stolen items were valued at approximately $115. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JULY 1 — A Wellington man was arrested last Wednesday on charges of drunken driving following a traffic stop on Carlton Street. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation was driving behind 29-year-old Anthony Galindo when he observed him change lanes without signaling, cross into other lanes and signal for a left turn but then turn right. The deputy initiated a traffic stop and made contact with Galindo, who showed signs of impairment. A second deputy arrived and administered a roadside sobriety test. According to the report, Galindo was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where breath tests revealed he had a .146 blood-alcohol level. He was charged with drunken driving.

JULY 3 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to a storage facility on State Road 7 last Saturday regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim said she observed two juvenile males standing under the overhang of the storage building. One was black, short and approximately 15 years old. The other was white, tall and approximately 16 years old. They had a blue and green bicycle with them. When she confronted them, they said they were trying to stay out of the rain and would be leaving soon. When the victim looked outside a few minutes later, she saw that they were gone and a white and tan golf cart, valued at approximately $4,000, was missing. The cart had front and rear facing seats with tan seat covers, a broken rear step and the windshield had a red sticker.

JULY 3 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home in Sugar Pond Manor last Saturday evening regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 and 9 p.m., someone entered the victim’s truck and stole change, keys and his prescription sunglasses. The stolen items were valued at approximately $312. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JULY 6 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to a home in La Mancha on Tuesday regarding a vandalism complaint. According to a PBSO report, sometime between noon last Tuesday and 9 p.m. this Tuesday, someone painted a blue swastika on the sidewalk outside a home on La Mancha Avenue. The swastika was approximately one square foot and was on the east side of the road on the sidewalk. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

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

• Alexi Krivonojko is a white male, 6’0” tall and weighing 170 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes. His date of birth is 09/07/80. Krivonojko is wanted for failure to appear for jury trial on a charge of grand theft over $20,000. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was Southern Pride Place in Wellington. Krivonojko is wanted as of 07/ 08/10.

• Richard Louisdort is a black male, 5’11” tall and weighing 190 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo on his neck. His date of birth is 01/ 20/89. Louisdort is wanted for failure to appear on charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and felon in possession of a firearm/ammunition. His occupation is landscaper. His last known address was Oak Terrace Drive in Greenacres. Louisdort is wanted as of 07/08/ 10. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc. com.

Alexi Krivonojko

Richard Louisdort

Lox Groves Extends Building Moratorium, But Grants Exceptions

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council agreed Tuesday to extend its building moratorium to Jan. 1 with the understanding that certain projects in the approval process could proceed as long as they comply when the town’s comprehensive plan is finished.

Council members approved the first reading of an ordinance extending the moratorium, with a second reading and final approval set for the next council meeting on Tuesday, July 20.

The moratorium temporarily prohibits the processing of applications for development orders, permits and applications for comprehensive plan amendments to give the town time to develop its comprehensive plan and development regulations. This would be the third extension of the moratorium. The town’s comprehensive plan and development regulations have not

Amphitheater

Grand Opening

continued from page 1 for his role in securing the funds for the project.

“Two years ago, there was some concern that a default on the original contract could bring the remaining $820,000 to some other community in Palm Beach County,” Santamaria said. “It took a little fast thinking and fast action to make sure that these funds remained where they really belonged. So I really am so happy to see the final product.”

Santamaria noted that the amphitheater will serve residents of all the western communities.

“This community and the surrounding communities will enjoy the performances, the community gatherings and the social element of bringing our communities and our residents together year after year for many years

been finalized due to ongoing discussions with Callery-Judge Grove, which filed objections to traffic plans on Okeechobee Blvd.

“It is hoped that by that time you will have completed the (unified land development code) for the town, you will have a result one way or the other on the issues with Callery-Judge and the comp plan,” Town Attorney Mike Cirullo said. Amendments to the moratorium would allow transmittal of applications for comp plan amendments.

“This moratorium, if adopted, would allow transmittal of these comp plan amendments as long as the applicant certifies in writing prior to the initial transmittal and public hearing that he agrees to satisfy requirements of the state Department of Community Affairs for consistency with both the town’s interim comprehensive plan, which is the county’s, and the town’s final comprehensive plan, which is what we are work-

from here on,” he said. The amphitheater features an open-air lighted stage, sound hookups, “green rooms” for performers, a staging and loading area, and restrooms. The capacity is 1,500, and the lawn will seat between 400 and 500 spectators. Several proposals are being considered to provide programming this year.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore recalled when the council decided to purchase the property.

“When we purchased this property, it was an anxious moment because we were young, and a new village,” he said. “It was a time to make big decisions for the future. We did that. And now we’re seeing the culmination of those times. I look back in the past and I thank all of the individuals who served with us… We’re looking now to the future, but we also have to look back and [remember] how we got here.”

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig shared Priore’s sentiments, and

ing on resolving,” Cirullo said. The applicant would further assume responsibility of any type of challenge to the transmittal of the plans, he said.

During public comment, Seth Brier, owner of Wellington’s Edge Feed & Supply on B Road said he had taken council members’ advice about consulting with a land planner and asked if the town will accept his application. His business is a nonconforming use located in what will likely be a commercial area.

Cirullo explained that the moratorium allows applications to go through as long as they are consistent with the land development code.

“There are certain inconsistencies, but as long as the applicant agrees, the moratorium allows the application to be reviewed,” Cirullo said.

He told Brier his next step would be for his planner to set up a meeting with town staff so both

thanked former Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto “for having a desire to bring the arts to this community in a new way, a fresh way, because it adds dimension to our lives.”

Gerwig likened her feelings about the amphitheater opening to the release of a new book by her favorite author.

“I went to the store and I saw it and the cover looked fantastic, and I just can’t wait to turn the page and see what happens,” she said.

Bowen noted that the facility would play a role in making Wellington a better place to live.

“This is just another asset that makes Wellington the premier community that it is in South Florida,” Bowen said. “I hope that you all will join me in enjoying the many events that take place here.”

On Saturday, the village hosted an opening party co-sponsored by the Palms West Chamber of Commerce and Schumacher Automotive.

sides understand what is involved.

Vice Mayor Dennis Lipp said that any application can be accepted, but not all will be approved. “You’re in that section, and we want to get the commercial along Southern,” Lipp told Brier.

Mike O’Dell, agent for several properties requesting land-use changes on Southern Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves, said his clients favor the amended moratorium.

“Over the past several months, we’ve been working with your staff. It looks like this is the avenue to move forward with that process,” he said.

The council has met several times before its regular meetings and sometimes afterward in workshop sessions to clean up the draft of the uniform land development code so it will be ready for approval upon completion of the comprehensive plan. To finally resolve comp plan issues with CalleryJudge, Cirullo requested another

special session, at which he said they might be able to reach a final agreement.

Lipp made a motion to approve the amended moratorium ordinance, which was seconded by Councilman Ron Jarriel and carried 5-0.

In other business, the council rejected a resolution that would have abated the enforcement of 50-foot setback requirements for livestock pens approved by the council several years ago.

Jarriel said he did not want to toy with land development regulations with the land-use code on the verge of approval. “I think we’re getting fairly close to our LDRs,” Jarriel said. “I don’t believe we need to rescind [a resolution] that the previous council approved.”

Jarriel said the town probably will retain the setback requirements the county required in the past.

Mayor Dave Browning agreed

that they were too close to finalizing the ULDC to pass the resolution, explaining that the original resolution was to distinguish between pastures and livestock pens. Councilman Jim Rockett said he felt the council should look at the resolution because of confusion over the resolution in force. “It is not aimed at one particular person; it applies to all,” Rockett said. “The way it is written it conforms to the land-use code. The setback is what we want to go forward with.”

Lipp said he was concerned that the resolution would lead to unwarranted costs to the village and that the ULDC being developed does not stray far from the county’s rules. “I don’t want to spend money for an independent counsel to determine if a neighbor’s horse is not in compliance,” Lipp said. Rockett made a motion to approve the resolution, but it died for lack of a second.

William Stepherson, Doug Moreland and Terry Knowles of Florida Public Utilities cook up food for the VIPs.

Village officials join Palms West Chamber of Commerce members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Friday.

Wellington Parks & Recreation’s Katie Hamilton and Ivette Matias give out freebies.

Wellington Village Manager Paul Schofield, Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, Vice Mayor Matt Willhite (holding son Mark), Jennifer Johnson (holding Katie Lynne), Councilman Howard Coates and Palms West Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda with a cake celebrating the completed Wellington amphitheater.

Shari and Dr. Tomer Haik, with children Naomi and Joshua, give out toothbrushes and dental information at last Saturday’s amphitheater grand opening festivities.

(Above) The new Wellington Amphitheater stands completed just before the ribboncutting ceremonies last Friday.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN AND LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Village officials join Wellington Chamber of Commerce members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Friday.

Area Thespians Star In ‘Beauty And The Beast Jr.’ At Delray Playhouse

By Candace Marchsteiner Town-Crier Staff Report

Four local students played key roles in recent performances of Beauty and the Beast Jr., which ran June 28 to July 7 at the Delray Beach Playhouse. Directed by Wellington resident Marla Gideos, the show ran for two weeks. In only his second time on stage, Norman Quintero played a lead role as the egocentric Gaston. Quintero, a senior at Seminole Ridge High School, also built the wardrobe costume for Madame de la Grande Bouche. He is the son of Norman Quintero of The Acreage and Emma Gonzalez of Tampa.

Ashley Gideos, a sophomore at Berean Christian School, shared the lead role of Belle as well as supporting roles as Madame de la Grande Bouche and a villager. A seven-year veteran of the stage, Gideos is the daughter of Chris and Marla Gideos. Another experienced performer, Jeremy Frances, played one of the story’s narrators, a villager and a gargoyle. An actor since he was four years old, Frances is a seventh-grader. He is the son of Jonathan and Dana Frances of Wellington.

Backstage, Taylor Molina worked as a grip, moving props and scenery on and off stage. For the past three years, Molina has

ROYAL PALM BEACH

worked both behind the scenes and on stage in summer shows. A sophomore at Wellington High School, she is the daughter of Beth Molina and Mike Molina.

Marla Gideos, a seasoned actor and director, owns and operates Bright Lights Theater Company, directing both children and adult dramas throughout Palm Beach County. Gideos teaches private acting lessons and directs a homeschool production every school year. In the fall, she is auditioning home-schooled students for a winter production at the Delray Beach Playhouse.

For more information on Bright Lights Theater Company, call Gideos at (561) 436-3322.

SENIORS

ENJOY AN EARLY FOURTH OF JULY

Palm Beach seniors

Volunteers Attis Solomon, Senior Coordinator Dolly Hughes, Elaine Mathis, Cheryl Lower, Prudel Belle and Vinette Tracey.

Eunice Gillis, Sharon Lincoln and Olive Forrester.

Eva Siev and Carl Wingo.

PHOTOS BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

Norman Quintero, Jeremy Frances, Marla Gideos, Taylor Molina and Ashley Gideos off stage.Quintero as Gaston and Gideos as Belle.

The villagers sing the praises of Gaston.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Ashley Gideos as Madama de la Grande Bouche.The cast members gather for a group photo.

A PATRIOTIC, MAGIC-FILLED DAY FOR ALL AGES AT THE WELLINGTON

POOL EVENT CELEBRATES RE-OPENING OF

Brianna and Lauren Harris enjoy craft time.

John and Nico Perkins work together on a craft.

The children gather around Chris James to hear a story.

Karen and Lucas Perkins glue together a top hat. Brent Gregory invites Jamie Jerchower to perform a trick.

Brent Gregory with a talking drawing of Jules Verne.

Wellington Village Council members Matt Willhite, Anne Gerwig (holding Mark Willhite) and Howard Coates with free pass winners Jessica Costan and Jack Honeycutt. Sarah Hall takes a leap. Ericka Reeves comes down the slide.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

SUMMER CAMP AT THE NATURE CENTER

The Okeeheelee Nature Center is currently holding summer camp for children. Each session lasts two weeks and includes activities such as arts and crafts, nature walks, field trips, animal care, games and more. For more info., call the nature center at (561) 233-1400. (Above) Zoe Abesamis shows ball python Princess to Mateo Arango, Ben Grubner, Gracie Cirillo and Kennedi Fleming. (Below) Campers take a look at one of the saltwater aquariums. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Grace Fellowship Vacation Bible School July 19-23

Grace Fellowship Acreage will host Saddle Ridge Ranch, its vacation bible school, the week of July 19-23 at Seminole Ridge High School.

Saddle Ridge Ranch is for children ages two through the sixth grade and will feature a week of food, fun and learning. The event is free of charge and open to everyone. Set among the wide-open spaces of Big Sky Country, Saddle Ridge Ranch is a place where kids can ask questions and discover the answers found in God’s Word. During their day at the ranch, kids will visit Worship Rally Valley and the Bible Study Bunkhouse. Around the ranch they will also experience crafts, music, games and snacks.

Saddle Ridge Ranch will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each day. Seminole Ridge High School is located at 4601 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. For more information, call Cindy Potts at (561) 3015205 or visit the church’s web site at www.gfacreage.com.

Arts Group To Host Open House July 14

The Artists Association of Jupiter will host Second Wednesday, its monthly gallery open house, with the theme “Christmas in July.” The free family event will be held Wednesday, July 14 from

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the association’s new venue, A Unique Art Gallery (226 Center Street, next to the Jupiter Ale House).

A portion of the proceeds from the event, including a raffle, will benefit the Jupiter Medical Center Thrift Shop, operated by the Jupiter Medical Center Auxiliary volunteers. Donations will directly benefit projects at the Jupiter Medical Center.

More than a dozen resident artists at the gallery will be showcasing sculptures, photography, original oil paintings and giclées, along with special holiday items, such as Christmas cards and jewelry. Professional photos with Santa will be available during the evening, and children of all ages are encouraged to bring their preliminary wish lists for early submission. There will also be free beverages and snacks.

Second Wednesday is a monthly artists open house hosted by the association in conjunction with neighboring gallery Unique Glass Art, just a few steps away. Founded by Susan Lorenti in June, the Artists Association of Jupiter is a collaboration of artists who work together to promote the awareness of art and education to the community and surrounding counties. For more information, visit the association’s web site at www. artistsassociationofjupiter.com or call Lorenti at (954) 588-7275.

Donations Needed For Orphanage

Wellington Cares Clearing-

house is currently collecting funds for Notre Dame de la Charite, an orphanage and school for girls in Leogane, Haiti that was seriously damaged by the earthquake in January. The girls are ages 3 to 16 with one little brother who is 3. The orphanage is run by Eliane St. Jacques and takes in girls who have been abandoned or have parents who have died. All funds are welcome and the organization particularly encourages monthly donation pledges if possible.

Checks should be made out to St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church, 710 Main St., Belle Glade, FL 33430, Att: Father Quesnel, for Notre Dame de la Charite. For more information, call Ellie Caldwell at (561) 790-5499.

FSO Collecting Packages For U.S. Troops

In an effort to bring Christmas in July to U.S. troops serving overseas, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach is holding its special monthly packing events on Saturday, July 10 and Saturday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. This month, the FSO will put its efforts into sending special “we-care” packages in the spirit of Christmas.

“Our troops certainly deserve an extra holiday, so in lieu of our normal monthly packing events, so we decided to up the ante and send them Christmas-style wecare packages,” said FSO Finance Manager Sue Beard, who successfully organized this particular

packing over the past two years.

Packing Event Manager Helen Saucier said the packages will include necessary summer toiletries such as baby wipes and hand sanitizer, with a focus on books, games, candy canes, candy, CDs, DVDs, playing cards, Starbucks coffee, Girl Scout cookies and snacks. “Each box will also include a Beanie Baby that they can pass on to the local children,” said Saucier, who has been part of the FSO since 2004.

FSO founder and Executive Director Lynelle Chauncey Zelnar noted that the program benefits troops both locally and nationally. “Although thousands and thousands of soldiers from around the country have and continue to benefit from our program, many are from our local and surrounding communities,” she said. “With people’s focus on the summertime and the tough economy, the troops are being forgotten, so we must remember them at this time of year more than ever. We also are in continuous need of funds, so I challenge the public to sacrifice a lunch that you may purchase during the week or even just $1 a week for a year, as that will cover the cost for several we-care packages, and consider donating that money to help send a smile to a soldier’s face. We just want to continue our mission in sending that little bit of ‘home’ to assure that our U.S. servicemen and women are not forgotten.” For additional information about Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, call (561) 369-2933 or visit the organization’s web site at www.forgottensoldiers.org.

FAU In The Top 100 Nationally For Graduating Minority Students

Florida Atlantic University has been ranked one of the top 100 four-year colleges in the nation conferring bachelor’s degrees on to minority students, according to a survey in Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, a magazine published bi-weekly that informs leaders from academia, industry and public policy about current trends and issues. The National Center for Education Statistics collected the data from a large number of U.S. fouryear colleges and universities as part of a three-year study designed to redefine the way racial/ethnic groups are categorized. This newly released survey, which tracks the 2008-09 academic year, organized higher education institutions

into categories and determined which type of institutions saw the greatest number of minority graduates. The data indicates that 65 percent of minorities surveyed earned degrees from four-year, public universities.

“FAU embraces its diverse student body and takes pride in being one of the nation’s top 100 schools for minorities,” FAU President M.J. Saunders said. “To be included once again on this list is a true indicator of FAU’s positive movement in its mission to provide access to education.”

The survey findings consist of four different minority groups — African-Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Americans and Hispanics. FAU was ranked 26th in

the nation overall for conferring bachelor’s degrees upon Hispanic students.

The report breaks down the data by academic disciplines as well, with the study focusing on minority students who have earned degrees in biological and biomedical sciences; business, management, marketing and related support services; education; engineering; and social sciences and history.

For biological and biomedical sciences majors, FAU is ranked in 24th place with African-American students. FAU is ranked 34th for producing Asian-American education majors, which shows a 10percent increase from last year’s numbers, and ninth in the nation

for producing Hispanic education majors. This last ranking shows a rise of 37 percent from last year’s report.

The number of African-Americans graduating from FAU with degrees in engineering has increased by 11 percent this year, resulting in a 17th-place ranking for FAU. The number of AfricanAmerican social sciences and history degree recipients increased by 12 percent and resulted in a 21stplace ranking for FAU. The number of Hispanic students in the same area of study has risen by 8 percent, resulting in FAU’s 37thplace ranking.

Florida Atlantic University opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida.

Today, the university serves more than 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses and sites. Building on its rich tradition as a teaching university with a worldclass faculty, FAU hosts 10 colleges: the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the College of Business, the College for Design and Social Inquiry, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Graduate College, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. For additional information, visit www.fau.edu.

Palm Beach State To Offer Two New Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Palm Beach State College will soon begin offering two additional bachelor’s degree programs in what are projected to be some of Florida’s most high-growth career fields: nursing and information management.

The Florida Board of Education recently approved the college’s proposal to offer a bachelor of applied science degree in information management and a bachelor of science degree in nursing. The college plans to begin offering the upper division coursework for the information management degree

in January 2011 and for the nursing degree in either fall 2011 or spring 2012. “We are so excited about adding these additional baccalaureate degree programs to our curriculum inventory,” PBSC President Dr. Dennis Gallon said. “These programs will create additional opportunities for our students who have completed an associate’s degree or 60 semester hours to complete a bachelor’s degree closer to home and at more affordable tuition rates. Most importantly, these are fields where there will be

strong employment opportunities.”

PBSC began offering its first bachelor’s degree, the bachelor of applied science in supervision and management, in fall 2009. Soon after, college leaders conducted an analysis to determine what other bachelor’s degree programs are needed. While the college considered several, state data as well as businesses and community surveys revealed the clearest need for nursing and information management. The Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation data shows

an average of 563 registered nurse job openings a year in Palm Beach County through 2017 due to job growth or separations. The agency projects an average of 513 a year for those with information management training for careers in areas such as computer programming and computer software engineering.

There likely will be no shortage of students for the nursing program. Palm Beach State College currently accepts 240 to 250 students per year into its two-year nursing program. “This allows our

students and other students who have an associate’s degree in nursing to continue here and get their BSN,” said Sharon Sass, vice president of academic affairs. “It meets the needs of the community, which wants more bachelor-degreed nurses.” Palm Beach State College already is working to accommodate the growth. The college will break ground this summer on a new 36,000-square-foot, three-story building on its Lake Worth campus to house its bachelor’s degree programs.

Serving more than 50,000 students annually, Palm Beach State College is the largest institution of higher education in Palm Beach County, providing its bachelor’s degree, associate’s degrees, professional certificates, career training and lifelong learning programs. Established in 1933 as Florida’s first public community college, it offers

Pine Jog Environmental Education Center Celebrates 50 Years

Florida Atlantic University’s Pine Jog Environmental Education Center in West Palm Beach is commemorating its 50th anniversary this year. To mark the milestone, Pine Jog will celebrate with the community through a series of public and educational events and activities.

“Instilling a sense of stewardship toward the Earth and its inhabitants, the Pine Jog Environmental Education Center has been a leading state and national influence in the environmental education movement since 1960,” said Glenn Thomas, interim director of Pine Jog and assistant dean of FAU’s College of Education.

“Pine Jog hosts an average of 40,000 children and adults each year through a variety of programs and services. In this 50th anniver-

sary year, we will look back at our past and plan for the future.”

Summer at Pine Jog will continue to be a celebration of nature, as day and residential camps will once again provide children with in-depth opportunities to learn about the environment. The Pine Jog Fellows program in August will continue to offer high school and college students an immersion program that explores environmental issues specific to South Florida.

In September, Pine Jog plans to celebrate its 50-year history with a screening of a 30-minute video produced in conjunction with the Palm Beach County School District’s Emmy Award-winning Education Network. Pine Jog also has been selected as the venue for the South Florida chapter’s Slow

Foods USA Conference on Saturday, Sept. 25. The conference is open to the public and is a fitting way to celebrate Pine Jog’s rich history of accomplishments.

“Learn Green: A Green Schools Conference and Expo” will take place on Friday, Oct. 15 at Palm Beach Central High School in Wellington. Geared toward school administrators, teachers and parents, the workshop is coordinated by Pine Jog in recognition of its golden anniversary. The all-day event will highlight Pine Jog’s commitment to school sustainability and going green. The month of October will feature a stewardship celebration of the Pine Jog Forest, and festivities in December will center on the dedication of new facilities at Pine Jog. The Pine Jog story actually be-

gan in 1946, when Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Kay purchased 150 acres of West Palm Beach wilderness from the Lake Worth Drainage District. The land was used by the Kays to grow flowers, fruit and vegetables until 1960 when they turned their property into an official wildlife sanctuary, which they named Pine Jog. A nature center, one of the first of its kind in the country, was built on the grounds. The building provided a gathering spot for environmentalists of all ages and was managed by the Florida Audubon Society for its first 10 years, before FAU took over operations in 1970. Since 1987, Pine Jog has been a unit of FAU’s College of Education, serving as a living, learning resource for children, teachers, university students and concerned citizens

who appreciate and seek to understand and sustain nature.

Today, Pine Jog is best known for helping people better appreciate their world, training teachers, providing unparalleled outdoor experiences, developing curricula and conserving the land. In 2004, Pine Jog administrators, partnering with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, assumed management and operation of the Everglades Youth Conservation Camp, situated within the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area at the northeastern waters of the Everglades. Historically, Pine Jog has maintained a close relationship with the School District of Palm Beach County, exemplified by annual contractual agreements dating

back to 1962. In 2006, the School District and the FAU Board of Trustees agreed to build the state’s first LEED gold-certified green elementary school. The location was a 15-acre, joint-use parcel of land within the Pine Jog borders. The Pine Jog Elementary School opened its doors in August 2008. That same year, Pine Jog’s original nature center was replaced by the Pine Jog Environmental Education Center, a new two-story, 15,000-square-foot facility strategically situated alongside the green school. The collaboration between public schools, an environmental learning center and a public university is said to be the only one of its kind in the country. For more about the Pine Jog Environmental Education Center, visit www.pinejog.org.

RPB ROTARY PURCHASES GENERATOR FOR HAITI

Weiss Honored For 30 Years Of Ordination

Pastor Marjorie Weiss

Send Palms West People items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@ goTownCrier.com.

On Saturday, June 19, the congregation of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Wellington honored Pastor Marjorie Weiss with a dinner to celebrate her 30th anniversary of ordination into the ministry. The theme of the celebration was “The Hands and Feet of Christ.” Each table was hosted by a member of the church, who provided the place settings for each attendee, so 12 tables were each

set individually and uniquely with china, crystal, linens and flatware. This added to the festivity of the occasion.

The only unscheduled event was a passing thunderstorm a couple of hours before the celebration, which left the church with no electricity and no air conditioning, making it a “hot event to remember.”

Weiss was presented with a scrapbook that contained special photos, memories and meaningful words submitted by members of the congregation commemorating her years with St. Michael. Some additional fun was added when Walter Carney performed a roast.

St. Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at 1925 Birkdale Drive at the corner of Birkdale Drive and Forest Hill Blvd.

Wellington’s Fradkin Wins National Award

Wellington resident Talia Fradkin recently won first place at the national level for her poem in the Junior American Citizens Award Poetry Contest sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The topic was “America, the Land of the Free, the Home of the

Feuchter Jr.

Brave.” The 12-year-old Fradkin wrote about her 10th great grandmother, Herodias Long, who protested against religious intolerance. Herodias walked from Rhode Island to Massachusetts to protest the way the people of Plymouth treated the Quakers. She was whipped and imprisoned for voicing her beliefs. Fradkin described Herodias as a brave woman unafraid to stand up for her beliefs. The poem, titled “Herodias Long: A Puritan in Feminist Clothes,” was the result of many hours of research and an avid interest in genealogy. This is Fradkin’s second national award.

The award ceremony took place at the July 3 meeting of the Chief Tiger Tail Society Children of the American Revolution held in honor of the Independence Day weekend. Fradkin, the society’s current president, was joined by members and senior members at a luncheon and ice cream party.

Feuchter, Watson Graduate Air Force

Basic Training

Air Force airmen William Feuchter Jr. and Tiffany Watson have graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Feuchter and Watson 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. Feuchter is the son of William Feuchter Sr. of The Acreage and Bernadine Post of Fort Lauderdale. He is a 2008 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School. Watson is the daughter of Shawn Emmons of Tomball, Texas, and Matthew Watson of Royal Palm Beach. She is a 2007 graduate of Tomball High School.

Watson

William

Tiffany

Talia Fradkin receives her award from Annelies Mouring.

As part of its project to aid victims of the January earthquake in Haiti, the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club recently purchased a generator to send to Haiti. Pictured here is Tony Armour, who heads project services for Royal Palm Beach Rotary, with Home Depot employee Donna Klepec, who was instrumental in providing a discount on the generator. Not pictured: Jesse Helms of Grace Fellowship Church, who also played a significant role in the project.

Christopher Jack Adams (right), the son of Joshua and Courtney Adams of Deerfield Beach, was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, April 6. Pictured here is the Adams’ bundle of joy.

Chief Tiger Tail Society Children of the American Revolution: (front row, L-R) Ariana Mouring and Talia Fradkin; (middle) Kristin McKenna, Courtney Carhart and Samantha Mouring; (back) Colton Davis, Joe McKenna and Kaitlyn Mouring.

Royal Palm Beach

Kimberlee Shaw Explores The U.S. Legal System At National Forum

Kimberlee Shaw, who just finished her freshman year at Seminole Ridge High School, was among a group of outstanding high school students from across the United States who took part in a unique career development program in the nation’s capital. During the six-day program, the National Youth Leadership Forum on Law and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) introduced students to challenging careers in the legal profession.

“Through intensive simulations, students have the opportu-

nity to exercise the skills used by Supreme Court justices who rule on key issues facing our country today, in addition to serving as the esteemed legal teams that argue on behalf of and against those issues,” said Marguerite Regan, National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) dean of academic affairs. “Because our legal system plays a vital role in our daily lives, the National Youth Leadership Forum on Law and Crime Scene Investigation offers students the opportunity to learn directly from partners at law firms, criminal defense at-

torneys and prosecutors, as well as professors and other experts of the legal profession. This is where the future for many students begins to take shape.”

The curriculum for law and CSI is based on actual events, which allows students to learn from the examples set by attorneys of law and court officials from municipal court to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The process encourages students to develop perspective and resolve. Throughout the forum, students will examine how court

cases often change the legal system. In the past, the Forum on Law and CSI has visited several law firms and area courthouses, including the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Superior Court and various county circuit courts.

The program has also included visits to some of the nation’s most prestigious law schools, including University of Maryland School of Law, Washington College of Law at American University and Howard University

School of Law. Founded in 1992, the National Youth Leadership Forum is an educational organization established to help prepare extraordinary young people for their professional careers. Forums are offered in cities across the United States in a wide variety of career fields, such as national security, law and crime scene investigation and medicine. Over 50,000 young people have attended NYLF programs. For additional information, visit www.nylf.org.

Kathy Reece, Cameron Whalen and Tyler Savastano cook hot dogs over the fire.

Cub Scout Pack 120 held its annual Backyard Campout on Saturday, June 26 in Loxahatchee. More than a dozen scouts and their families turned out for the event, which included swimming, learning to tie knots and making wooden models. Each of these activities helped the boys along with advancement in scouting.

Gavin MacLean shows off the wooden models he assembled.Scouts and their parents build wooden models.

Kimberlee Shaw

Building

Nearing Completion

continued from page 1 PAL’s current location at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center on Sparrow Drive. The PAL room also has an office and conference room equipped with computers for the boxers to do homework and hang out.

The league’s participants range in age from elementary to high school, said sheriff’s deputy Craig Llewellyn, the trainer for the league. “We make do here, but our attendance has been through the roof,” Llewellyn told the TownCrier at the PAL’s current location at the rec center. “We’re getting just under 400 kids a month.”

Llewellyn has led the PAL program for eight years, starting when he was with the Royal Palm Beach Police Department before it became part of the PBSO. “They allowed me to stay in place,” he recalled. “They said I could stay or go, and I thought I have a good thing going. Let me stay.”

Llewellyn said the league travels throughout the state and the nation to competitions, including a trip to the International Junior Olympics Golden Glove Tournament in Mesquite, Nev., July 2125.

“We’ve had kids compete in Kansas City, the Carolinas, Georgia, California, Detroit, everywhere,” he said. “You can’t just

show up at these tournaments. You have to start at the local level and work your way up.”

PAL is part of USA Boxing, the governing body for amateur boxing in the United States.

A dedication date has not been set for the training center, but the Royal Palm Beach Village Council, with family approval, decided at a recent meeting to name the

center after Farber, RPB’s village manager of 15 years who died April 18 of complications from a respiratory ailment.

“It was his idea of doing a fitness center like that,” Liggins said. The center will be tied in to the other buildings with a complete landscaping and paving project currently underway on the entire village hall campus.

Crestwood Neighbors Object To Proposal

continued from page 1 was used to treat wastewater at one time. We’ve always seen this property as an asset.”

Development of the property would result in about $300,000 annually to the village in ad valorem taxes and $500,000 in fees, Liggins said. “That would make up the $500,000 we lost this past year,” he said.

Development of the property would help generate a tax base that supports the Royal Palm Beach lifestyle, he said.

“Royal Palm Beach has been recognized as one of the top-10 places to live by a national magazine,” Liggins said. “I don’t think that was by accident. That was part of a formula created by the council and by previous councils to create the atmosphere we have here.”

However, Fontana Place resident Michael Axelberg said every one of his neighbors is opposed to the plan.

“I ask you to think twice and don’t test our resolve,” Axelberg said. “There is a massive voting bloc in our area that is not in favor of this, and you will never sell us on this.”

Saratoga resident Doris Goldman was concerned about traffic in the Crestwood area. “We’re already having trouble at Saratoga getting in and out,” she said.

Liggins said that with planned improvements, Crestwood Blvd. would easily be able to handle traffic increases. Crestwood would remain two lanes, which would be narrowed to put in a four-foot bike path. “Crestwood doesn’t have a lot of traffic on it,” he said. “It can handle a lot more.”

Liggins said the development plan will provide public access off Crestwood and Royal Palm Beach boulevards, which is anticipated to generate 8,000 trips per day.

“The difference is they would be coming while we are going to work,” he said. “This was done in the eyes of creating something non-residential that would bring jobs to Royal Palm Beach.”

Sunflower Circle resident Diane Queller said she was the first to build in her development 22 years ago, and she felt the Crestwood project would devalue her

Hager Seat 1 Candidate

continued from page 3 ed on, but then not carried out.

“I’ve been to the meetings, and I’ve seen how they are run, and I think too many people try to please everyone,” she said. “That’s impossible.”

Hager, 39, said she and her husband, who works for the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, bought a house in The Acreage in 2005. They have a 15-yearold son and an 11-year-old daughter who attend local schools. Hager teaches at Cholee Lake Elementary School in Greenacres.

“A lot of people have great ideas, and they just don’t share them,” she said. “I started going to meetings only this year, and I know that many people could bring things to the board, and they just don’t know when meetings are… I would like for people to be more active in the community like I’ve decided to be. I want to protect the lifestyle that I moved here to enjoy.”

Hager is an avid equestrian and is a member of Florida 4-H, where she is a horse show judge. She also is a member of the Florida Junior Rodeo Association, the Florida High School Rodeo Association, the National Barrel Horse Asso-

property. “The thing that really bothers me is you took great pains buffering Saratoga Pines,” Queller said. “No one has taken into consideration my neighborhood, Hawthorne.”

Queller added that she could not understand why the plan continues despite widespread opposition expressed at a hearing in April.

“It’s not fair to the communities around us,” she said. “It’s not fair to the kids at H.L. Johnson [Elementary School]. It’s just wrong.”

Gregory Chirico said the only appropriate use for the property is residential, like the surrounding area. “There is nothing commercial there,” he said. “It is residential. We did not move out here for jobs. We wanted to be out of it, and you’re taking it away.”

Barry Thatcher noted that RPB has an industrial park and other commercial areas that are not full. “You keep wanting to build. You say 1,000 jobs. How many people who live here are certified scientists?” he asked, noting that Scripps has imported their scientists from out of town.

Barry Noble agreed that a commercial development is not appropriate for the area. “It is something that is other than what is around there,” Noble said. “It’s not complementary.”

Huntington Green resident Liz Torrez, a teacher at H.L. Johnson, said the land should become a park since there is no park in her neigh-

borhood unless children cross Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

Developing a park is not desirable, Liggins explained, because the village has almost 1,000 acres of parks and already spends millions each year to maintain them. “We have about 30 acres per thousand residents,” Liggins said. “The Florida average is 2.5 acres per thousand.”

Liggins further noted that the village is developing what he said will be one of the best parks in Florida, the new Commons Park on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. Kristen Yorkshire asked why the village purchased the Commons Park property when it already owned the Crestwood property.

Liggins noted that the Commons Park purchase was prior to the sale of the water utility. “It is also more centrally located in Royal Palm Beach,” he said. Liggins said that the land’s actual redevelopment is still years away.

“If the community supports the plan and the land use is approved, then the village will market the property,” he said. “Nothing will happen on this property until a land use change, and then we will market it. If the right partner is found… then we will move forward with site planning and development, and not until then.” More information about the proposal can be found on the village’s web site at www.royal palmbeach.com.

ciation and the American Quarter Horse Association.

“People say it’s an equestrian community, but it’s a far cry from what it could be,” she said. “As a horseman, our trails aren’t what they could be. They aren’t horsefriendly at all. As a matter of fact, they are quite dangerous. There has to be a lot of improvement there for it to keep horse people out here and to invite horse people to move here.” Acreage parks could also use improvement, Hager added. “The parks need to be finished,” she said. “There’s a lot of talk about extending parks to

ITID candidate Jennifer Hager with her husband Robert.

Village Manager Ray Liggins in the classroom/EOC room.

PBSO Deputy Craig Llewellyn in the current Police Athletic League facility at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center. The equipment will be moved when the training center is complete. PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Equipment in the training room is open to PBSO officials, firefighters and village employees.

An outside view of the new David B. Farber Training Center in Royal Palm Beach.

Saratoga resident Doris Goldman questions Royal Palm Beach Village Manager Ray Liggins about the Crestwood redevelopment plan.

Royal Palm Beach Village Manager Ray Liggins addresses the standing-room-only crowd at the July 1 meeting. PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

P.B. Opera Season Preview July 20 At CityPlace

Palm Beach Opera will present a season preview concert as part of Kretzer Piano’s Music for the Mind Concert Series on Tuesday, July 20 at 7 p.m. at the Harriet Himmel Theater in CityPlace. General Director Daniel Biaggi will host the concert featuring nationally recognized singers. Page 26

Bedner’s Market: Locally Grown, Affordable

Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market on State Road 7 takes great pride in being South Florida’s premier family-owned and operated farmer’s market, bringing its customers fresh produce from the farm, grown right outside the Bedners’ back door. Page 29

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

Features

Grand Prix Shavings & Feed: Following The Evolution Of A Local Family Business

After living in South Florida for a while, having moved here from Canada, Frank Shulman realized South Florida in general and Wellington in particular needed a lot of horse supplies. Being most familiar with shavings, he pooled together his resources, even returning to Canada to do so, and Grand Prix Shavings & Feed was soon born. The business is now based on Pierson Road in Wellington. Page 21

Spor ts

Red, White & Blue Fishing Tourney Returns To RPB

The Royal Palm Bassmasters hosted the 20th Annual Red, White & Blue Fourth of July Fishing Tournament last Sunday. Lincoln Colucci caught the big fish in the Bass category, which weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz. Gene Smith caught the big fish in the Other category, a mudfish weighing 4 lbs., 4 oz. Page 33

Grand Prix Shavings: The Evolution Of A Family Business

Frank Shulman, his wife Rose Marie and his 13-year-old daughter Laura moved from Canada to their vacation home in Homestead 20 years ago. A couple of years later, Hurricane Andrew roared ashore on Aug. 24, 1992, destroying almost everything in its path. Frank and his family decided to move north to Palm Beach County.

They moved to Boca Raton for the excellent schools. Laura also was interested in riding, so she started taking lessons. Once or twice a week, her parents drove her to Wellington, fell in love with the community, and moved once more.

Frank realized that South Florida in general and Wellington in particular needed a lot of horse supplies. The one he was most familiar with was shavings.

Shavings aren’t sawdust. Sawdust would be too fine to absorb enough and also way too dusty, creating a breathing hazard. Shavings are flakes of wood, and they come in different sizes. Smaller shavings come in 5or 10-pound bags, and are useful for smaller pets, such as guinea pigs or rabbits. Horses require a lot more than 10 pounds. The flakes also need to be larger, and different brands offer a variety of flake sizes and bag sizes. The bags measure about three feet tall by two feet wide and a foot deep, and compressed into that bale can be from 3.5 cubic feet to 12 cubic feet. The bales typically weigh 30 to 55 pounds, depending on how much they hold.

When horses are kept in stalls a lot of the time, as most show horses are, they typically have bedding made of pine shavings. These keep the stall clean and absorb urine. This is

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

critical in keeping the horse’s feet dry and healthy. They serve as a soft cushion, which rest a horse’s legs. (Think about standing on concrete vs. standing on grass.)

Also, pine shavings make a fragrant and comfortable bed if a horse chooses to lie down and rest. Stalls are cleaned out once or twice a day, and shavings replenished or replaced a few times a week, depending on the horse. Some horses keep a relatively clean stall; others create a swamp!

Frank still had many contacts back in Canada, and something Canada has a lot of is pine trees and sawmills. Shavings are a byproduct, and Wellington needed a lot of shavings. Canadian shavings were generally considered to be the best.

So, Frank went back to Canada and made the rounds. The sawmills were willing, so he brought back samples and started driving around town, basically knocking on doors and giving away free samples. Soon, he had the beginnings of a business, and the whole family got involved.

Frank would come home from his day job, change out of his suit and put on a pair of jeans and a work shirt, and start unloading

the bales of shavings. Laura would drive around to farms delivering them. And Rose Marie took over Frank’s old job of knocking on doors and handing out free samples, signing up new customers. “We were the first company to sell shavings in plastic bags,” Frank noted.

Shavings used to be either delivered in bulk (a small dump truck backs up to a designated area and lets go a cascade of wood flakes) or in large paper bags. The problem with paper bags was that if they got wet, the shavings would get wet, and that affected the shavings’ absorbency. Owners don’t want their horses standing around in a pile of wet shavings. Plastic bags eliminated that problem.

Some of Frank’s customers started asking him if he had any contacts growing some of that good Canadian hay. As with the shavings, Canadian hay is often thought to be superior to many other sorts. Frank, a canny businessman, said sure, and hopped on a plane back to Canada, where he found some willing hay producers.

The business wasn’t big enough to justify more than two semi-trailer loads a week, so

he split them: 1.5 semis of shavings and the remaining half-semi filled with hay.

This was going so well that Seminole Feeds contacted him. It was looking for a local outlet to sell its line of feeds. Was he interested?

“Sure, I’d love to,” Frank replied, and the business grew again.

The first location for Grand Prix Shavings & Feed was in a warehouse in an industrial park off State Road 7. As the business grew, it moved to a larger building in Wellington on Commerce Park off Pierson Road.

“Palm Beach Equine started buying a lot of their supplies from us,” Frank recalled. “They asked if we’d like to relocate to a building on their property, and so we did, a huge barn near where the old polo stadium used to be.”

Then Hurricane Wilma came along in October 2005. Like everyone else, Frank battened down the hatches and hoped for the best. The first half of the storm roared over. During the calm period when the eye passed, Frank drove over to check, and the store was fine. Then came that awful, punishing sec-

See GRAND PRIX, page 22

‘Our goal is always to give our customers what’s best for their horses, what the horse needs, not necessarily what the owner thinks it needs. We discourage adding unnecessary supplements... Our first commitment is always the welfare of the horse.’

— Frank Shulman of

Grand Prix Shavings & Feed

Don’t Like My Fashion Sense? Well, I’m From Wisconsin!

It’s been a year, so I guess it’s time again for one of my highly anticipated fashion columns. That’s sarcasm.

I’m sure this isn’t true about everyone from Wisconsin, but a large percentage of us don’t give a hoot about what we wear. All we want is to be comfortable and get the job done. And very few jobs at the cheese factory, dairy farm or brewery require haute couture. For the lucky bunch employed at Harley-Davidson, there’s leather.

True story: a coworker of mine came to me once for fashion advice.

“Debbie,” she said. “My fiancé has invited me to his 25-year class reunion in Wisconsin. I’m from Miami. What should I wear?”

I looked her up and down, regarded her tasteful outfit, coiffed hair and perfect fingernails, and answered: “It doesn’t matter. You’ll be the best-dressed one there.”

“So a black lace dress is OK?”

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

“No!” I shrieked. “Whatever you do, do not wear a black lace dress.”

The following week, she returned from her trip and cornered me in the hallway. “Debbie,” she whispered, eyes wide. “There were women there in blue jeans!”

“I know,” I smiled. “We just don’t care about clothes. How was the food?”

“Cheese-y.”

“That’s us.”

Still, every once in while I have to buy

clothing. It’s not because styles have changed — that’s just silly. It’s because I have slopped paint on mine or burned a hole in them or faded them with chemicals. Clothes become a casualty of my “getting the job done.” And evidently we Wisconsinites like to do stuff.

So I went shopping.

I hate shopping for two reasons... 1) I repeatedly have to look at myself in the mirror, and 2) I have to give up money at the end.

But I was desperate, so I sucked it up and went. After two hours in the women’s department, I gave up. I had tried on dozens of pairs of slacks and piles of blouses, and here’s what I determined — these clothing companies have no idea where women’s curves are. And the size “medium” means different things to different people. And nobody gives a dang about pockets anymore.

For $89, I want a pocket. Just one! I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

So I once again found myself in the men’s department where everything makes sense. Pants have pockets, shirts are made from 100 percent cotton and all the colors match. You know, for years, women have been accused of being cranky because of their biology. It’s not that — it’s the clothes. I challenge any man to retain his good humor while wearing rayon in the heat, balancing on high heels for a full eight hours and having an elastic band cinched around his chest. Top that off with some jangly metal hanging off your ears and you, too, won’t be able to think straight. (Try it and get back to me, guys. It’s OK. I won’t tell.)

So I ended up with a pinstriped shirt and matching “stain-resistant” slacks. I’m happy and comfortable. There’s only one problem: I look like the guy who refills the snack machine.

Luckily, I don’t care.

‘Twilight Eclipse’ Is Not Great, But Better Than Earlier Films

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse seems likely to be one of the big hits of the summer, and it does not deserve it. Not that it is a bad movie of its type, mind you. But the dialogue is filled with cute little lines; the plot is obvious, although perhaps perfect if you still have the mind of a teenager.

My older daughter, recovering from surgery and still on painkillers, told me she had gone through the first two books and movies, and they were not unrealistic as long as she stayed on her medication. That may be the best summary of this film.

The plot, which is part of a far longer one, is not complicated. Isabella Swan (Kristen Stewart), always called Bella, loves Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) despite his being a vampire and thus not really alive. Although she is a high school student, she seems convinced her future is as one of the undead forever.

Bella also is loved by Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), a local Indian werewolf, but she loves Edward more. Most of the film is devoted to her telling Edward she loves him and wants him to change her into a vampire while he keeps telling her he wants to marry her. Jacob spends the film trying to convince Bella that he would be better for her.

In the middle of all of this, there is a serial

Grand Prix

A Family Business

continued from page 21 ond half. When Frank went back and checked again, the only things still standing were two walls that were sandwiched between stacks of bagged shavings.

Clearly, it was time to move again. The Shulmans ended up in their current location, 13086 Pierson Road, between polo practice fields and a boarding barn. Even though the business has changed, Frank’s philosophy hasn’t.

“We don’t offer a ‘flavor of the month,’” he said. “Our goal is always to give our cus-

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

killer who is creating new vampires, all of whom will threaten Bella. There is a big battle near the end with nice special effects.

Wow!

The real problem with the film is that Bella is basically boring. She is attractive without being spectacular, not the top student in her class. She seems not to be particularly funny. She is more the typical wallflower than the center of attention. Edward, who seems centered on a morality long gone, mopes after her. Jacob, who lets his abs do his best acting, adores her as well. It is a triumph of the mediocre.

Interestingly, the whole notion of vampires comes out of Victorian England. Vampires were evil and were shown as lecherous, longing for the blood of young (and seemingly always beautiful) virgins, particularly middle-class or rich ones. The ex-

tomers what’s best for their horses, what the horse needs, not necessarily what the owner thinks it needs. We discourage adding unnecessary supplements. I’ve always believed in the saying, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ Our first commitment is always the welfare of the horse.”

Frank also relies on nutritionists to recommend products that can help fix specific problems. Some of the nutritionists are affiliated with Seminole, and some are independent and will visit barns and customers to observe the problem.

“The work has been hard, but it has also been fun,” he said. “It’s a real family business.”

For more information, call Grand Prix Shavings & Feed at (561) 792-1253.

change of body fluids was obviously a sexual metaphor. In this series of films, the vampires seem more the prim types than the humans. Vampire Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene) bemoans her “ruination” by a group of men led by a formal suitor back in Victorian times.

At a time when we hear on television about girls running around with bracelets of different colors that reflect the sex acts they are willing to perform (in many cases, of course, the specific acts are no longer even thought of as actual sex acts by many of them), the idea of romantic love seems far more interesting. Anyone can have sex. Real love seems more of an ideal. That is probably one reason why so many young women flock to the movie. Yes, the actors are very good-looking and the publicity campaign intense. But the idea of an “every girl” who can have gorgeous men willing to romance her, love her without demanding sex, and even be willing to sacrifice themselves for her is becoming irresistible for many young women.

The acting is tolerable, although watching Stewart and Pattinson mooning over each other for what seemed like hours caused a wee bit of nausea. Lautner was OK. The best performance was turned in by Jackson Rathbone as Jasper Hale, a former Confederate soldier who was expert at training and killing new vampires. He was as mesmerizing for his bits as vampires in general are supposed to be. Dakota Fanning, as one of the dreaded Volturi vampires, was appropriately scary. She is growing up nicely.

The question remains whether this is a movie you should see. If you are really into the series, go. It is actually better than the first two, although frankly that is not something to necessarily be proud of. The story is a bit better; at least there is more action than before. It is not a bad film, as too many films this dismal summer are; the work is professional. For its kind, it is not even a bad film.

On the other hand, there were parts of the film where I longed for some of my daughter’s painkillers.

S.F. Kids Consignment July 22-25

Attention moms, dads, grandparents and other caregivers: the event that area shoppers call the “best kids consignment sale” in South Florida is returning this month. It’s South Florida Kids Consignment, and it’s back in time for all your back-to-school needs.

During the weekend of July 22-25, thousands of shoppers will pass through the doors to the South Florida Fairgrounds with one thing in mind: finding the best possible deals on the things they need for their kids.

“The doors open and the shoppers come in with strollers, bags and boxes to take home the great deals they can get at the South Florida Kids Consignment event,” coordinator Joel Zaidspiner said.

For parents and caregivers looking for a way to make some quick cash while money is tight, South Florida Kids Consignment is an easy, quick way to sell your children’s outgrown stuff without having to lift a finger.

All sellers need to do is visit www.south floridakidsconsignment.com and follow the instructions for tagging merchandise. Drop off the items at a prescheduled appointment time you set at your convenience, and then wait to collect your profits. There are no upfront charges for participation and no fee to attend the event.

Sellers can increase their profit percentage from 60 to 65 percent by volunteering to help at the sale. Refer five or more friends who participate in the sale, and you’ll get an additional five percent profit added on top. South Florida Kids Consignment is donating five percent of the sale’s total net profits to the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida.

Sale hours are as follows: 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 22 (presale is 1 to 3 p.m.); 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, July 23; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 24; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 25. Everything left on Sunday, July 25 will be sold at half price.

TNT Gymnastics Center — TNT is offering a great summer program with flexible hours and fun-filled days. They provide a safe, positive environment for your child to enhance self-esteem and physical fitness through gymnastics, trampolines, rock climbing, group games, arts & crafts, water play, martial arts and much more! TNT owner Tina Tyska is a former Class 1 gymnast coached by two-time Olympian Kim Chase. She has 25 years of coaching experience, including toddlers thru Level 9 gymnasts as well as special-needs children. TNT Gymnastics is located at 3120 Fairlane Farms Road in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 383-TNT1 (8681).

Loxahatchee Country Preschool — The Loxahatchee Country Preschool has been here for 20 years and provides a safe environment with small ratios for summer campers, which means children are well supervised. Throughout the summer, the camp program offers arts and crafts, field trips (which the management team attends), swimming lessons in the school’s swimming pool, Spanish lessons, movies, a bounce house, golf, bowling and more in-house activities. A free pizza lunch will be provided on Fridays. It’s a safe environment while providing an excellent educational program! In a letter sent to the school, the Kings Academy wrote, “What preschools are better prepared for Kings? Loxahatchee Country Preschool was mentioned with enthusiasm!” Call (561) 790-1780 for more information.

Noah’s Ark — Noah’s Ark is located on Okeechobee Blvd in Loxahatchee Groves. They offer free allday VPK. Lower rates and special registration for fall. Meals are included. Noah’s Ark offers care for infants and preschool children as well as after-school care. Se habla Español. Conveniently located at 14563 Okeechobee Blvd. between Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves elementary schools. Call (561) 753-6624 for more info.

Royal Palm Beach Elementary’s Bobcat Summer Camp 2010 — RPB Elementary is committed to providing an exceptional quality camp that is fun, comfortable, warm and friendly. The staff is professionally trained and experienced. The schedule includes field trips 3 or 4 times per week and oncampus activities. Field trips include Skate and Strike Zone, Discovery Museum/IMAX Theater, Rapids Water Park, Omni Auditorium, Fitness Festival, Chuck E. Cheese, Wannado City, Fun Depot, the library, the Wellington pool, parks, movies, Lion Country Safari and a trip to Orlando. On-campus activities include dance, sports, crafts, carnivals, computers, academics, game room, shows, D.J. parties, fishing and more. Call director DebPagliaro at (561) 633-4431 or (561) 633-4430 for registration information.

Select Soccer Training — Select Soccer Training is pleased to offer Summer Camps 2010 to the western communities at Seminole Palms Park in Royal Palm Beach. As soccer grows in participation in Palm Beach County and with the excitement of the World Cup this summer, this camp will offer children the opportunity to learn skills and techniques from a licensed, experienced professional. Soccer will be instructed in the mornings with water breaks, lunch and then off for more fun at Calypso Bay Water Park. Registration includes a soccer ball, camp t-shirt, snacks and water at break times, daily admission to the water park and professional soccer instruction. The cost to register a camper is $215 per camp with a sibling discounted cost of $195 per sibling. Groups of three or more are also $195 per camper. The multi-camp discount for both camps is $175 per camper when registering for both camps.

Contact Tim Miller of Select Soccer Training at (561) 212-6330 or tmillerupr90@yahoo.com to register by June 1 for the first camp and July 20 to register for the second camp.

P.B. Opera Season Preview Concert July 20 At CityPlace

Palm Beach Opera will present a season preview concert as part of Kretzer Piano’s Music for the Mind Concert Series on Tuesday, July 20 at 7 p.m. at the Harriet Himmel Theater in CityPlace.

Palm Beach Opera General Director Daniel Biaggi will host the concert featuring nationally recognized singers, including former Palm Beach Opera Young Artists Irene Roberts and Wendy Jones with guest artist Graham Fandrei singing operatic favorites by Verdi, Mozart, Puccini and other composers. Proceeds will benefit Palm Beach Opera’s education and outreach programs.

Mezzo-soprano Irene Roberts recently completed her second season as a Palm Beach Opera Young Artist. She was seen as Emilia in Othello, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Mercédès in Carmen and Giovanna in Rigoletto. Upcoming engagements include Stéphano (cover) in Roméo et Juliette at the Metropolitan Opera for the 2010-11 season and a return to Townsend Opera in the 2011-12 season to make her debut singing the title role in Carmen.

During the summer of 2009, Roberts performed as Mrs. Coaxer in The Beggar’s Opera and covered Miss Jessel in Turn of the Screw in the inaugural season of the Châteauville Foundation Castleton Festival, led by Maestro Lorin Maazel.

A native of Denver, Colo., soprano Wendy Jones last performed with Palm Beach Opera as a member of the Young Artist Program as the First Lady in The Magic Flute and Clorinda in Cinderella. Additional roles include Micaela in The Tragedy of Carmen with the Indianapolis Opera Outreach Program, Arminda in La Finta Giardiniera with the Austrian American Mozart Academy in Salzburg, Agathe in Der Freischütz with Komische-Kammer-Oper-München, the stepdaughter in Six Characters in Search of an Author, Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Anna Maurrant in Street Scene, Countess Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro and Lady Billows in Albert Herring Educated at both the New England Conservatory and the Juilliard School, baritone Graham Fandrei has performed at venues in the Unit-

ed States and abroad. He is an experienced opera and concert performer, with roles in the operas such as La Bohème, Don Giovanni, Le Nozze di Figaro, Carmen, Porgy and Bess, The Magic Flute, The Pirates of Penzance and La Traviata, and as a soloist in Orff’s Carmina Burana, Mendelssohn’s Elijah and Handel’s Messiah

Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for students. Admission is free for children under 12. Tickets are available through the Palm Beach Opera box office at (561) 833-7888 or online at www.pbopera.org.

Prior to the concert, City Cellar will host a mixer for Overtures, Young Friends of Palm Beach Opera and guests from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. featuring complimentary cocktails and appetizers. Overtures is a member group made up of young friends and professionals who share an interest and curiosity about opera. Overtures provides a mix of social activities and educational experiences to broaden members’ appreciation of opera and the arts. Mixer and concert ticket prices are $25 for Overtures members and $30

Ceramic Exhibition Opens July 16 At The Armory Art Center

The Armory Art Center will present a new exhibition showcasing a group of ceramic artists called “Motley Moxie.” The exhibition opens Friday, July 16 and will run through Aug. 28.

“Motley Moxie” has been designed to showcase a selection of fresh ideas by a group of artists with common roots at the University of Florida. A defining feature of contemporary ceramic artwork is the diversity of expression demonstrated throughout the media. These ceramicists are proficient in an unprecedented variety of methods used to manipulate clay. Traditional procedures of hand-building, throwing and slip-casting have been combined, transformed or altered with mixed-media processes to create a new approach included in this ex-

for non-members including the mixer and preferred VIP concert seating. Tickets are available at the Palm Beach Opera box office or by emailing tickets@pbopera.org.

After the concert, Palm Beach Opera will host Summer Splendor, a dinner with the artists in honor of Young Artist Campaign Chair Bun-

ny Forman. Guests are invited to join Forman in kicking off the Young Artist Campaign at an exclusive celebration dinner at Pistache, West Palm Beach’s hip French brasserie. Tickets cost $125 per person which includes premium concert seating and dinner. RSVP to (561) 835-7566 or events@pbopera.org.

hibition. The individuals selected for this exhibition are: Pavel Amromin, Renee Audette, Andrew Cho, Lynn Duryea, Magda Gluszek, Yumiko Goto, Holly Hanassian, Tammy Marinuzzi, Conner McKissack, Beau Raymond, Jeremy Randall, Shawn Rommevaux, and Alyssa Welch. They all have, at one point in their artistic careers, been influenced by the same instructors and/or environment. Outside of the program, however, they have demonstrated very independent paths in the ceramic art world.

The term “motley moxie” refers to a group of diverse and independent individuals who demonstrate intellectual energy and expertise in their field. The works chosen for this exhibition range in scope from sculptural to vessel-based, figurative to abstract, high-fire to low-fire, oxidation to reduction and geometric to organic. “Motley Moxie” demonstrates how a common point of influence can result in a range of dynamic and independent artistic works.

The July 16 opening reception will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is free for Armory members and $5 for non-members. Armory gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call (561) 832-1776 or visit www.armoryart.org.

Three Shows On Stage Now Through July 24 At FAU

Florida Atlantic University’s production of Shipwrecked! An Entertainment: The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont is on stage now at the Studio One theater on FAU’s Boca Raton campus (777 Glades Road). The play continues through Saturday, July 24.

Shipwrecked is a show for the entire family. “It is a fantastical romp of good old-fashioned storytelling,” said Dawn-Elin Fraser, director of the play and assistant professor in FAU’s department of theatre and dance. “We sail off to the far side of the world with Louis and relive his amazing adventures with him.”

Through a cast of performers, Louis retells his stories of adventure, daring, intrigue and dissolution. “We are left to wonder if imagination holds more genuine value than truth,” Fraser said.

Shipwrecked is running along with the other two shows in FAU’s Festival Repertory Theatre, And the Tony Goes to… A Broadway Musical Revue and William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The musical revue, which runs through Thursday, July 22, will include songs from many wellknown musicals including “Some Enchanted Evening,” from South

Pacific; “The Impossible Dream,” from Man of La Mancha; “Memory,” from Cats and many more. Performers include professional actors Bruce Linser and Laura Wayth as well as graduate students and faculty from FAU’s department of theatre and dance.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs through Sunday, July 25. The play is set in a mythical world of Athens where two young men and two young women sort themselves out into marriageable couples but only after their magical encounters in the world of the fairies.

The Oceanfront Holiday Inn at Highland Beach is offering reduced rates for festival rep attendees. Call (561) 278-2008 and ask for the FAU rate. McCormick and Schmick’s Boca Raton location is offering a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of an entrée on the day of the show, and P.F. Chang’s Boca Raton location is offering a free appetizer on the day of the show. For more info., call (561) 297-2595. Tickets for FAU’s Festival Repertory Theatre cost $20 general admission, and $15 for seniors, students, FAU faculty, staff and alumni. A full schedule of plays can be found online at www.fauevents.com or by calling (800) 564-9539.

Mezzo soprano Irene Roberts is among the performers in the July 20 concert at the Harriet Himmel Theater.

Homeward Bound by Pavel Amromin.

Luv Hate 1 by Renee Audette.

Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market: Locally Grown, Affordable Produce

Located west of Boynton Beach on State Road 7, Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market takes great pride in being South Florida’s premier family-owned and operated farmer’s market, bringing its customers fresh produce from the farm, grown right outside the Bedners’ back door. That’s why the company’s motto is “fresh from farm to fork.”

In 1950, Arthur Bedner and his new bride Henrietta relocated to South Florida from Bridgeville, Penn., to continue Arthur’s dream of a new life in the farming industry. The Bedner farm was established in 1960 in western Palm Beach County, where it is still thriving today, yielding vast crops of cucumbers and peppers primarily sold and distributed along the East Coast.

Art Bedner’s great passion for farming was instilled in his children at a young age. Still today, his three sons — Charles, Bruce and Steve, along with their wives Suzanne, Denise, Marie and grandchildren Jennifer, Jesse, Elizabeth and Megan — continue to carry on Art’s farming legacy. The Bedners are handson farmers who are dedicated to producing and delivering to their customers the freshest and highest level of quality produce available at affordable prices.

The Bedners’ spring garden, generally for the pleasure of family, friends and neighbors, brings forth some very delicious, sweet-tasting corn. The demand for these luscious vegetables has far exceeded its production year after year. It is for this reason that the Bedners decided to expand beyond the fields and bring their fresh-harvested fruits and vegeta-

bles directly to the public for their enjoyment. Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market is housed in a new 9,800-square-foot, barn-style building fronting the crops. It offers just-picked fruits, vegetables and other wholesome goodies. Among these items are upper-crust pies, freshbaked breads and Bedner’s own private labeled salad dressings, relish, apple butter, rustic barrels of pickles and much more. New items are added almost daily. Boiled peanuts and fresh orange juice are just two recently added items.

In addition to the retail market, and tomato and strawberry u-pick (when in season), Bedner’s also offers field trips and tours of the 80-acre farm. In this way, Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market serves as a destination as well as an educational resource where people can learn where their food comes from and connect with the local farmer growing it. A tiki hut, located at the front of the property, is available to rent for parties.

The main goal at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market is to bring its customers a variety of locally grown produce that is tasty and affordable. When customers shop at Bedner’s, they can be certain they are purchasing from a safe and reliable domestic food source.

Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market is located on the west side of SR 7, two miles south of Boynton Beach Blvd. and three miles north of Atlantic Avenue. The market is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, year-round. For additional information, call (561) 733-5490 or visit www.bedners.com.

Bedner family members gather for a photo on the family farm.

WELLINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTS RIBBON CUTTINGS

Bank of America — Located at 13850 Wellington Trace in Wellington, Bank of America offers special business loans, mortgages and financial opportunities to help you realize your dreams. For more info., call Lisa Foreman at (561) 753-1271 or visit www.bankofamerica.com.

Shown above are Bank of America staff members with Wellington Chamber ambassadors.

CJR Fine Arts — CJR Fine Arts offers a large selection of fine art, art glass, animation art, sports memorabilia and more. Choose from originals, limited editions, art glass, art books, sports memorabilia, animation art and vintage posters. Find beautiful fine art by some of the most well-known artists of past and present including Peter Max, Pino, Chagall, LeRoy Neiman, Ferjo, Picasso, Kondakova, Tarkay and Britto. CJR Fine Arts is located at 873 Lake Wellington Drive. For more info., call Jack Rosen at (561) 333-9472 or visit www.cjrfinearts.com. Shown above are CJR Fine Arts staff members with Wellington Chamber ambassadors.

Wellington Elder Care I — Located at 14097 Lily Court in Wellington, Wellington Elder Care I is a senior home offering more than 4,700 square feet of living space with 12 tastefully appointed bedrooms and eight bathrooms, two kitchens and plenty of common areas, including four living rooms, two dining rooms and a big fenced yard with a portion of concrete patio for common activities. For more info., contact Ricardo Gutierrez at (866) 930-4995 or visit www.wellingtoneldercare. com. Shown above are Wellington Elder Care I staff members with Wellington Chamber ambassadors.

Evergreen Insurance Agency, Chris Zeller — Located at 583 105th Ave., Suite 2, in Royal Palm Beach, Evergreen Insurance is a multi-million-dollar agency founded by the McDeavitt family on the idea that each and every customer deserves the same quality service regardless of size. Evergreen Insurance is a private family-owned agency that believes in building long-lasting relationships with its clients. Chris Zeller is currently the chairman of the Wellington Chamber’s Young Professional Organization. For more info., call Zeller at (561) 966-8883 or visit www.evergreenins.net. Shown above are Evergreen staff members with Wellington Chamber ambassadors.

Best Buy — Located at 1040 S. State Road 7, Best Buy offers TV video, audio, mobile phones, cameras, car phones, computers, car audio, GPS, music, videos, home appliances and much more. For more info., call Jose Otero at (561) 792-7323 or visit www.bestbuy.com.

Shown left are Best Buy staff members with Wellington Chamber ambassadors.

Christine A. Meyers CPA PA — Located in the Lake Wellington Professional Centre at 12230 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 192, Christine A. Meyers offers professional public accounting services. For more info., contact Meyers at (561) 227-1534 or chris@youroffsitecfo.com. Pictured right is Meyers with Wellington Chamber ambassadors.

Jason’s Deli — Celebrating one year in Wellington, Jason’s Deli is all about healthful food. It was named “One of the 10 Best Restaurants in America” in the July 2009 issue of Parents magazine. You won’t find highfructose corn syrup, trans fats or MSG in any of the food, just fresh and often organic ingredients. From sandwiches to salads, Jason’s Deli offers a menu everyone can feel good about. Jason’s Deli is located at 2605 State Road 7, near Whole Foods Market. For more info., call Diane Deppen at (561) 333-1263 or visit www.jasonsdeli.com. Shown above are Jason’s Deli staff members with Wellington Chamber ambassadors.

Stifel Nicolaus — Stifel Financial Corp. is a full-service regional brokerage and investment banking firm located at 7111 Fairway Drive in Palm Beach Gardens. The company provides securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory and related financial services through its wholly owned subsidiaries, primarily Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc., to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses and municipalities. Tom Leinwol is co-chair of the Wellington Chamber Young Professional Organization. For more info., call Leinwol at (561) 615-5326 or visit www.stifel. com. Shown above are Stifel Nicolaus staff members with Wellington Chamber ambassadors.

Red, White & Blue Fishing Tourney Returns To Royal Palm

The Royal Palm Bassmasters hosted the 20th Annual Red, White & Blue Fourth of July Fishing Tournament on Sunday, July 4 at Lakeside Challenger Park in Royal Palm Beach.

Lincoln Colucci caught the big bass, which weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz. Gene Smith caught the big fish (other), a mudfish weighing 4 lbs., 4 oz. The rest of the results, by age category in weight of total fish caught, are as follows:

• Six & Under (Other) — First place went to Derrick Lucas, 18 lbs., 6 oz.; second place went to Andrew Maag, 2 lbs., 7 oz.; and third place went to Dabrian Stanley, 1 lb., 14 oz.

• Six & Under (Bass) — First place went to Hannah Hubbs, 7 lbs., 9 oz.; second place went to Ryan Cohen, 3 lbs., 7 oz.; and third place went to Olivia Biery, 3 lbs., 6 oz.

• Seven to Nine (Other) — First

place went to Shelbylyn Hubbs, 7 lbs., 3 oz.; second place went to John Dotson, 6 lbs., 12 oz.; and third place went to Austin Armstrong, 3 lbs., 1 oz.

• Seven to Nine (Bass) — First place went to Hunter Demers, 10 lbs., 7 oz.; second place went to Jake Glenn, 5 lbs., 6 oz.; and third place went to Taylor Bensema, 5 lbs., 1 oz.

• Ten to 12 (Other) — First place went to Joe Noto, 7 lbs., 13 oz.; second place went to Emily Dotson, 5 lbs., 3 oz.; and third place went to Dylan Smith, 3 lbs., 8 oz.

• Ten to 12 (Bass) — First place went to Alec Bensema, 8 lbs., 15 oz.; second place went to Lincoln Colucci, 8 lbs., 10 oz.; and third place went to Tyler Vincent, 6 lbs., 14 oz.

• Thirteen to 19 (Other) — First place went to Michael Laing, 7 lbs.,

See FISHING, page 35

Seven to Nine (Other) winners John Dotson, Shelbylyn Hubbs and Austin Armstrong.

Seven to Nine (Bass) winners Taylor Bensema, Jake Glenn and Hunter Demers.

Six & Under (Other) winners Dabrian Stanley, Andrew Maag and Derrick Lucas.

Six & Under (Bass) winners Hannah Hubbs, Olivia Biery and Ryan Cohen.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Ariel Decker holds her catch.

Lance and Andy Cover show off their bass.

Sage King with his big bass.

Sydney and Hunter Markey with their catch.Kelsey Spera with a big bass.

Fishing

Tourney Results

continued from page 33 14 oz.; second place went to Dustin Marks, 4 lbs., 8 oz.; and third place went to Gene Smith, 4 lbs., 4 oz.

• Thirteen to 19 (Bass) First place went to Cody Deal, 10 lbs., 12 oz.; second place went to Dustin Hall, 8 lbs., 9 oz.; and third place went to Ronald Demers, 7 lbs. 15 oz.

• Adult/Child (Other) — First place went to Zoe and

Maiyoli Gershberg, 1 lb., 2 oz.; and second place went to Oceana and Les Gershberg, 1 lb., 1 oz.

• Adult/Child (Bass)

First place went to Chris and Spencer Perron, 12 lbs., 12 oz.; second place went to Lori and Tyler Deal, 8 lbs., 12 oz.; and third place went to Sean and Jesse Bailey, 6 lbs., 3 oz.

For additional information about the Royal Palm Bassmasters, including upcoming tournaments, contact President Mike Gershberg via e-mail at doctorrehab@ aol.com.

SPORTS & RECREATION

Adult/Child (Other) winners Maiyoli, Zoe, Oceana and Les Gershberg.

Thirteen to 19 (Bass) winners Cody Deal, Dustin Hall and Ronald Demers.

Thirteen to 19 (Other) winners Michael Laing, Gene Smith and Dustin Marks.

Ten to 12 (Bass) winners Tyler Vincent, Lincoln Colucci and Alec Bensema.

Ten to 12 (Other) winners Dylan Smith, Emily Dotson and Joe Noto.

Michael Sauer with coach Jake Callahan.

Sauer MVP At Bucky Dent’s Baseball School

Nine-year-old Michael Sauer received the Most Valuable Player Award for his team the week of June 28 at Bucky Dent’s Baseball School in Delray Beach.

During his time at the school, Michael hustled, worked hard and had a great attitude. His favorite position in baseball is catcher. He plays for the Wellington Colts. His favorite Major League Baseball player is David Wright, and his favorite Major League Baseball team is the New York Mets.

Michael has been attending the Bucky Dent’s Baseball School for three years. He lives with his parents Eve and Bruce Sauer in Wellington.

Bucky Dent’s Baseball School is open for 26 weeks out of the year and hosts kids from the ages of 5 to 18.

For more information about the school, call Amy Hoskin at (561) 265-0280, email pr@buckydentbaseball. com or visit www.buckydent baseballschool.com.

Kids Fitness Festival Returns July 14-15

The Palm Beach County Sports Commission will host the 16th annual Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches, presented by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center on Wednesday, July 14 and Thursday, July 15. More than 5,000 South Florida youth, from the ages of 5 to 13, have registered to participate in the only multisport event to take place in Palm Beach County on an annual basis.

The Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches strives to introduce and promote both mainstream sports, such as football, baseball, cheerleading and basketball, and non-traditional sports that are not commonly found in the general school system, such as badminton, fencing and martial arts.

The event markets and showcases many of the sport assets located in Palm Beach County. “Encouraging kids to lead active, balanced lives is an important mission — and a commitment that Ronald

McDonald House Charities and McDonald’s share with parents and the Palm Beach County Sports Commission,” said Ricky Wade, RMHC board member and McDonald’s owner-operator.

The Palm Beach County Sports Commission partners with a variety of sport organizations, national governing bodies, sport clubs, sport facilities, professional sport franchises and constituents of the local sports community to produce the one-of-a-kind festival. More than 40 different organizations will offer introductory sport clinics that teach the necessary basic functions and fundamentals of their sport.

The event will feature prominent organizations such as the Florida Panthers, the Florida Marlins, Florida Atlantic University, Roger Dean Stadium, the United States Tennis Association, the International Polo Club Palm Beach, the American Youth Soccer Organization, USA Badminton and the Florida Rugby Union. In addition to the sport clinics, the festival

will also offer a midway of interactive games, the opportunity to meet professional athletes and mascots, and a number of exhibitors promoting nutrition and healthy lifestyles for youth.

This year’s festival offers a slightly new look, starting with a new location. For the first time in its history, the Palm Beach County Convention Center will host the Kids Fitness Festival. An architectural masterpiece with stateof-the-art amenities, the 350,000-square-foot center features a 100,000-squarefoot exhibit hall, which will be converted into a theme park full of sport activities for a two-day stretch in July. The venue is centrally located in West Palm Beach and has been the home to some of Palm Beach County’s other sport extravaganzas, such as the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Awards Banquet.

Sports and activities offered at the 2010 Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches

include: badminton, baseball, basketball, bowling, boxing, cheerleading, croquet, cycling, dance, equestrian, fencing, golf, gymnastics, fitness, football, hockey, judo, jujitsu, karate, lacrosse, netball, polo, powerlifting, RC cars, roller hockey, rugby, running, soccer, tae kwon do, tai chi, tennis and wrestling.

The Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches is presented by Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida, which has donated more than $4.2 million to local children’s causes in the Palm Beach/Treasure Coast area since 1988. The event would not be possible without their dedication over the years. Since 2003, the event has exposed over 30,000 youth to the world of sports. The event starts at 10 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m. each day. Tickets cost $17 per child; admission is free for parents. For additional registration information, visit www.palmbeachsports.com/ kff or call the Palm Beach County Sports Commission at (561) 233-3180.

• ACADEMY FOR CHILD ENRICHMENT — In the heart of Royal Palm Beach, the Academy for Child Enrichment offers free VPK. Infants through after school day and night care, 6:30 a.m.midnight, Monday through Friday. Meals included. Se habla Español. Special rates for fall registration. Visit www.smallworldpbc.com for more info. The academy is located at 700 Camellia Dr., RPB. Phone: (561) 798-3458. Fax: (561) 793-6995.

• ALL-STAR KIDS — Every parent wants a safe, clean and caring childcare center for their child. At All-Star Kids, they address all of your child’s needs in a fun and loving environment. Small classes with caring, certified teachers, giving your child the attention they need to be successful. The children are exposed to a wide range of experiences to foster an excellent learning environment. All-Star Kids offers programs for children six weeks old to pre-K as well as after school. Visit All-Star Kids to see this wonderful school in action — they would love to meet you and your child! All-Star Kids is located at 14390 Orange Blvd., Loxahatchee. For more info., call (561) 792-5440.

• LOXAHATCHEE COUNTRY PRESCHOOL — Loxahatchee Country Preschool at 16245 Okeechobee Blvd. has been serving the area for over 20 years. It is Apple and Gold Seal accredited. Owners Anita and Frank Rizzo purchased the school in 1998. They introduced educational diversity into the curriculum. The school tuition includes Spanish lessons, gymnastics, computer and swimming lessons. Their method of self-paced discovery recognizes that all children do not mature and develop at the same rate. They strive to achieve a feeling of selfesteem through personal discovery and accomplishment. The non-sectarian philosophy promotes social development through understanding diversity and appreciation of cultural differences. Snacks are included in the tuition price. For more info., call (561) 790-1780.

• MOVEMENT ARTS DANCE ACADEMY — Movement Arts will be holding two auditions for their new dance company. The auditions will be on Saturday, July 17 with an additional audition on Saturday, Aug. 21. The company will be for students ages 6 and up who are interested in competing and performing at local events. The studio is also currently accepting registration for the 2010-11 school year. Movement Arts offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hiphop, baton twirling, boys-only classes, and more for students age 2 through adult. For more information on auditions or classes, call the studio at (561) 792-9757. More information about the studio can be found at www.movementartsdanceacademy.com.

• NOAH’S ARK — Noah’s Ark is located on Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves. They offer free VPK. Low rates and special registration for fall. They offer care for infants and preschool children as well as after-school care. Se habla Español. Noah’s Ark is conveniently located at 14563 Okeechobee Blvd. between Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves elementary schools. Call (561) 753-6624 for more info.

• SACRED HEART SCHOOL — Sacred Heart is committed to cultivating the intellectual, creative, social, moral and spiritual needs of each student. They provide students with an environment that will challenge and encourage them to reach their potential, preparing them for the competitive nature of the world. Sacred Heart’s basketball, soccer and softball teams consistently rank in the top three in the league; the marching, concert and jazz bands have taken top honors locally and in statewide competitions; their Odyssey of the Mind teams have placed in the top five at the state level. Sacred Heart School will prepare your child for life… with love! For more info., call (561) 582-2242 or visit www.sacredheartschoollakeworth.com.

• ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL — St. David’s is a small Christian school located at the northwest corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace. Their mission is to minister to each child and family by providing an environment of love, security, belonging and learning. They are committed to low student-teacher ratios (kindergarten and first grade never have more than 12 students per teacher). A combination of the A Beka and Creative curriculum is used for all students ages 2½ through first grade. The combined curriculum allows for teaming through student play and exploration, along with the use of workbooks and teacher-guided activities. Visit www.stdavidsepiscopal.com or call (561) 793-1272 for more info.

• TEMPLE BETH TORAH PRESCHOOL — A quality educational foundation is the basis for future academic success. If your child is between 15 months and kindergarten, Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool is Wellington’s oldest and most respected preschool. Your child will enjoy a variety of activities that will make them smile, while promoting learning and social development. Activities include reading and writing skills, computation skills, gymnastics, computers, foreign language, and art and music appreciation. The school also features a state-of-the-art playground. All of this is available in a secure, loving and nurturing environment. Gold Seal, NAEYC-accredited program with full-time and part-time programs. Now enrolling for preschool 2010-11. VPK is available. For more info., contact Sandy at (561) 7932649 or psdirector@templebethtorah.net.

• TEMPLE BETH ZION PRESCHOOL AND RELIGIOUS SCHOOL — At Temple Beth Zion’s preschool, children of all faiths learn and play together in a loving, nurturing learning environment. The school is Apple accredited school using the Creative Curriculum program. The school is accepting applications for ages 2 through 5. They offer free VPK classes that have no hidden fees or required extra hours. Ask about the “Mommy & Me” program. “My First Jewish Experience” and “More Jewish Experience” (ages 5-6 & 6-7) is a fun Montessori-style experience including art, music, holidays, prayers and customs. For more information, call (561) 798-3737 (preschool) or (561) 798-8888. Visit www.templebethzion.net for details.

• THE KING’S ACADEMY — The King’s Academy is a private, non-profit, college-preparatory, interdenominational Christian school. Located on a beautiful 60-acre campus, the school community consists of grades K-4 through 12. The academic program is designed to challenge motivated students of good moral character who are in the middle to upper range of academic ability. Honors and Advanced Placement classes are available for all students in preparing for college-level work. Students may participate in a multitude of clubs, athletic and fine arts programs. For more information, visit www.TKA.net or call (561) 686-4244, ext. 335.

• THE SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE MUSEUM — The South Florida Science Museum reaches more than 55,000 students each year through educational programs at the museum and outreach to local schools. Programs explore all fields of science and are aligned with the Sunshine State Standards. These programs are adapted to reach students in many different learning environments, including public and private schools, out-of-school time, scout troops and other community organizations. For more info., call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsm.org.

• WELLINGTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL — Established in 1981, Wellington Christian School is celebrating 30 years of educational excellence. WCS offers preschool through high school (PK3-12th grade). Wellington Christian School’s award-winning curriculum has set the path for students to be successful with 98 percent of graduates attending colleges and universities all over the country. The mission of Wellington Christian School is to impact the world by educating students in a Christ-centered, loving atmosphere that pursues spiritual and academic excellence. WCS is accredited by SACS and CSF and provides a low faculty-to-student ratio, a college preparatory academic program, interscholastic and intramural athletics, and fine arts programs. Call (561) 793-1017 or visit www.wellingtonchristian.org for more info.

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, July 10

• The Greenacres and Western Communities Kiwanis Club will host a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, July 10 from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Greenacres Community Hall (500 Perry Ave.). The cost is $3 and includes juice, pancakes, sausage and coffee. There will be kids’ entertainment provided by the Shriners. For more info., call (561) 373-1992 or visit www.gakiwanis. com.

• The Palm Beach Zoo (1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach) will host “Winter in July” on Saturday and Sunday, July 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Bring your mittens and dive into 40 tons of snow. The Snow Queen will be on hand, and even the animals will get into the spirit. Call (561) 547-WILD or visit www.palmbeach zoo.org for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will present “Science Rocks!” on Saturday, July 10 at 11 a.m. for ages 6 to 9. Watch a movie about geology and take home half a geode. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register.

• The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens (4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach) will hold a Fan-Making Program on Saturday, July 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (561) 495-0233, ext. 237 or visit www. morikami.org for more info.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host a Branford’s Sauce Explosion Demonstration on Saturday, July 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free. Stop by and taste the bold flavors of Branford’s original barbecue and hot sauces. No registration is necessary. Call (561) 9044000 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a meeting of its Chess Club on Saturday, July 10 at 2:30 p.m. for ages 8 and up. Basic game knowledge is required. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Sandbar & Grill (1179 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. in the Winn-Dixie Plaza) will continue its grand-opening celebration on Saturday, July 10 with tropical food and drinks and a 99-cent kids menu. Daily hours are Sunday through Thursday 4 to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. to midnight. Call (561) 795-8500 for info. Monday, July 12

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Do You Have a Clue?” on Mondays starting July 12 at 11:15 a.m.

for ages 6 to 9. Are you mystery nut? Join in for I Spy, spot-the-difference, dots-to-dots, mazes and more. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon Monday, July 12 at 11:30 a.m. at La Reina Supermarket (5851A Lake Worth Road, Greenacres). RSVP to Anitra Harmon at (561) 790-6200.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will present “Art Fest” Monday, July 12 through Aug. 2 at 2:30 p.m. for ages 6 to 9. Explore your creative side by making different kinds of art. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District will meet Monday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the district office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 793-0884 or visit www. lgwcd.org for more info.

Tuesday, July 13

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will present “Balloon Animals” on Tuesday, July 13 at 3:30 p.m. for ages 8 to 12. Learn how to make some simple balloon animal creations. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will feature “Jamaica-n Me Hungry!” on Tuesday, July 13 at 6:30 p.m. Celebrate the flavors of Jamaica with cook Dianne Morin as she demonstrates how to make mouth-watering jerk chicken, rice and peas, and refreshing tropical punch. All participants will receive the recipes and a taste of each dish. The event is free. To pre-register, call (561) 904-4000.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Melt Down” on Tuesday, July 13 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Create your own ice candle and then make your own ice cream. Ingredients will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, July 13 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 791-4000 for info. • Duncan Theatre at Palm Beach State College (4200 South Congress Ave., Lake Worth) will present The Taming of the Shrew Tuesday through Thursday July 13 through 15 at 7:30 p.m. Call (561) 8683309 or visit www.duncantheatre.org for more info.

Wednesday, July 14

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will present “Club Science”

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 40 on Wednesdays, July 14 and 28 at 2:30 p.m. for ages 9 to 12. Find out what kind of minerals are in the ocean and try neat saltwater experiments. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will host its monthly meeting Wednesday, July 14 at the PGA Doubletree Hotel. Networking will take place from 6 to 6:30 p.m. with the dinner and program beginning at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $35 and guests are welcome. To RSVP, call Sharon Maupin at (561) 624-3816.

• The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors will meet Wednesday, July 14 at 6 p.m. at the ITID office (13476 61st Street North, The Acreage). For more info., call (561) 793-0874 or visit www. indiantrail.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold a Writers’ Critique Workshop on Wednesday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. Improve your fiction, nonfiction and poetry in a supportive atmosphere led by Florida Writers Association member Mark Adduci. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

Thursday, July 15

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7) will feature “Mom’s Morning Escape” on Thursday, July 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Moms will receive a free coffee or tea and a muffin from the coffee bar. The event is free. To pre-register, call (561) 904-4000.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold an adult/teen book discussion on Thursday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m. Participants will discuss The River, a book about survival by Gary Paulsen. Enjoy snacks and hear about other survival books. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Thursday, July 15 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). Call (561) 790-5100 or visit www.royalpalm beach.com for more info.

• The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival will begin its production of Macbeth on Thursday, July 15 at the Seabreeze Amphitheater (400 State Road A1A, Jupiter). The play will continue through Aug. 1. Show times are at 8 p.m. Call (561) 575-7336 or visit www.pbshakespeare.org for more info. Friday, July 16

• The Schoolhouse Children’s Museum

(129 East Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach) will feature “Fun With Food!” on Friday, July 16 at 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. Participants will make their own ice cream. The cost is $2.50 for non-members and $2.25 for members in addition to museum admission. Call (561) 742-6782 or visit www.schoolhouse museum.org for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center will host a performance by the a cappella group Third Row Center on Friday, July 16 at 2:30 p.m. Prizes and refreshments are included. Third Row Center performs a collection of classic favorites from the 1940s to the present day. To pre-register for the concert, call the cultural center at (561) 790-5149. To get a five-percent discount, visit www.royalpalmbeach.com.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7) will present “Sustainable Seafood” featuring harpoon-caught swordfish on Friday, July 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Participants will learn great recipes utilizing sustainable seafood at this free activity. To pre-register, call (561) 904-4000.

• Palm Beach Dramaworks (322 Banyan Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present The Gin Game beginning Friday, July 16 and running through Sunday, Aug 15. Call (561) 514-4042 or visit www.palmbeachdrama works.org for more info.

Saturday, July 17

• The Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches Foundation will host a First-Time Home Buyers Seminar on Saturday, July 17 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches Conference Center in Lake Worth (1926 10th Ave. North, on the fourth floor). Topics include available first-time home-buyer programs, the buying process, the benefits of working with a Realtor, the pre-approval process, FHA and conforming home limits and more. RSVP to Ruben Frias at (561) 688-1352 or e-mail rfrias@rapb.com.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will present “Creative Writing for Teens” on Saturday, July 17 and 31 at 3 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Learn how to give and receive constructive criticism and do writing exercises to improve your skills. Bring a sample of your writing to share. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. Email: news@gotowncrier.com.

VOLUNTEER AT AN ANIMAL SANCTUARY HORSE FARM - 14 + up, community Service. 792-2666

TEACHERS/TUTORS P/T

Flexible Hrs. Great Pay. MATH • STUDY SKILLS SAT/ACT Certification/Experience Required Fax: 828-8128

Email:tutorking@wpb3331980.com

DENTAL ASSISTANT - Wellington upscale dental office, 2 Saturdays per month a requirement, must have experience and expanded duties certificate, excellent pay and benefits. Please call 561 204 4494 and fax resume to 561 204 2840.

DENTAL OFFICE ASSISTANT

MANAGER — Minimum two years dental experience, two Saturdays per month required, must have knowledge of PPO dental insurance, breakdowns and verification. Excellent pay and benefits. Please call 561 204 4494 and fax resume to 561 204 2840.

P.T. SECRETARY/ASSISTANT NEEDED — Must be organized & computer literate. Flexible hours. fax resume to 561-793-1470

HELP WANTED EXPERIENCED

LANDSCAPER — clean record, FL Drivers License, Bi-lingual plus. Must speak English. 561-337-0658

ACREAGE BABYSITTER needed for 3 hours every Saturday Night. 1 child $15 per hours. Must have own transportation. Nonsmoker, references. 7pm -10pm 601-7020.

JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. —Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

A/C SALES & SERVICE — New, used, scratch & dent. If you used anyone but Glover’s A/C, you probably paid too much! U10163. 7937388

EAST COAST AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. — Service • Sales • Repairs • Installation ALL MAKES & MODELS. Call us before you replace you’re A/C Unit! FREE 2nd Opinion. 561-4782662. Credit Cards Accepted.

J.C. TEETS & CO. — Concierge Accounting. discreet, confidential, individualized service to manage all of your personalized financial needs.Visit us at www.jcteets.com or call 561-632-0635

BUSHHOG SERVICE — Bushhog Service specializing in overgrown lots. Call for free estimate. Bankers & Realtors welcome! 561-6447463

HOUSECLEANING — 20 years experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561572-1782

HOUSECLEANING — Reliable with long term clients. Over 12 yesr experience. References available. Karen 561-632-2271

RESIDENTIAL HOUSE CLEANING — call for a free estimate, responsible, reliable, 20 years experience. No job too big or too small. 561-351-0904

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support &troubleshooting www.mobiletec.net. 561-248-2611

D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3339433 or Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach We accept major credit cards.

ADDITIONS, ROOFING, PATIOS & REMODELING — Cell 561-2027036 561-798-6448 Lic. & Ins. CBC 1250306 CCC1326386

DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates. A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716

DADS DOORS & WINDOWS, INC. IMPACT WINDOWS & HURRICANE SHUTTERS — Sliding Glass Doors, Mirrors & Shower Doors. 561-355-8331 U 19958 U20177

SUNDOWN ELECTRIC, INC. — Residential, Commercial & Service. All calls answered promptly work done by owner. Lic. EC13002248 561-386-6711

STAFF PLUS — Looking to fill full and part-time positions in customer service. For info 1-888-333-9903

IMPRESS CONSTRUCTION CORP. — All phases of General Construction Robert Betancourt 561-722-7681 CGC1512363 THE MASTER HANDYMAN — no job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers Tom (954) 444-3178 BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC. — REMODEL & REPAIRS Interior Trim, crown molding, rotttenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets/ countertops,wood flooring. Bonded Ins.U#19699 791-9900 628-9215

ANMAR CO.— James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528

HOME INSPECTIONS — Mold inpections, air quality testing, US Building Inspectors mention this ad $20.00 Off. 561-784-8811

BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE Auto • Home • Life • Renters • Motorcycle •RV • Golfcart • Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/rCavanagh

HOME TURF — Lawn maintenance, landscape, irrigation, tree removal, hurricane prep, stump grinding, HOA/POA specialists. www.hometurfservice.com 561333-5989 No Obligation FREE QUOTE.

MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS Air Quality Testing, leak detection. US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING,

INC. — Interior, Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING

INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473

COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/Exterior, residential painting, over 20 years exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident

LICENSED PLUMBER - Beat any legitimate estimate. A/C service lowest price. Complete service, new construction, replacement. CFC1426242 CAC058610 Bonded & Insured. 561-601-6458

POOL PLAS TERING AND RESURFACING — Lic. U19996. 561722-7690.

ELITE POOL SERVICE — You dealt with the rest now deal with the best.” All maintenance & repairs, salt chlorinators, heaters, leak detection. 561-791-5073

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING

Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Call Butch 309-6975

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

HORIZON ROOFING QUALITY WORK & SERVICE — Free estimates, No Deposits. Pay upon completion, res/comm.reroofing, repairs, credit cards accepted. 561-842-6120 or 561-784-8072 Lic.#CCC1328598

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

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207

SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600

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

CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL 793-7606

ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777

AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871