Town-Crier Newspaper July 11, 2008

Council: More Answers Needed Before PBCC OK

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Although no formal vote was scheduled, the Wellington Village Council nevertheless devoted about three hours Tuesday to discussion of a proposal for a Palm Beach Community College campus in Wellington.

The village has been entertaining a PBCC proposal to build the campus if the village provides its 62-acre “K-Park” property along State Road 7 near Pierson Road. The land was originally purchased as a site for recreational facilities, but plans for the new park are on hold due to declining municipal revenues. The discussion Tuesday,

which finished with a 3-2 vote to continue talks with PBCC, featured presentations and comments from several college officials and supporters, as well as residents both supporting and opposed to the proposal.

Proponents of the project laid out the latest conception of the campus as a multi-phase construction project commencing in 2010 and wrapping up by 2035, featuring an environmentally friendly design and recreational and cultural amenities along with educational facilities.

PBCC President Dr. Dennis Gallon said that in the space of a decade his institution has grown from the 11th-largest

community college in the state to the sixth-largest, and that the Wellington campus, centered in the institution’s main growth area, would be its last full-service campus.

“The presentation you have seen is not a dream, it is a vision,” Gallon said. “I believe that vision can become a reality. I cannot think of a time that is more appropriate for PBCC and this village to embark on this particular partnership. Will it be easy? No, it will not be. It’s not a walk in the park. We are living in a community where there is a sea of change. We will be in consultation with this community to get your advice. We want

FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES

this partnership to be a win-win for the Village of Wellington and for PBCC.”

Among the experts presenting details of the proposal, land-use consultant Colleen Walter of Kilday & Associates said Life Covenant Church, which owns an adjacent ten acres of frontage on SR 7, has been very involved in the development of PBCC’s master plan and is offering to trade its land for some property along Pierson Road, on which it would build its church instead.

“Life Church would like to be operational by 2010, and this coordinates with the first phase of development for PBCC,” Walter said. “The college, the village and the church will work together. They will work together with regard to drainage and utilities. Life Church is very excited to be a part of this project. We hope that you will consider the many benefits that this will bring to the Village of Wellington.”

PBCC administrators Dr. Maria Vallejo and Richard Becker, both Wellington residents, told the council the campus would bring dual-enrollment programs for local high school students closer to home, offer a variety of summer and evening programs that would draw people of all ages, and generate a huge economic boost for the village after the completion of just the first phase.

“I did this projection for the village,” Becker said. “After the first phase is done, there will be a $15 million annual impact, which would increase to $50 million… What it’s costing the students to drive to [PBCC campuses in] Lake Worth and Palm Beach Gardens, the gas savings will be over a half a million dollars a year.”

Councilman Bob Margolis said that while material in the presentation suggests there would be no problem caused by traffic generated by the campus in its first phase, further phases may create difficulties. He also posed questions about athletic facilities on the campus, regarding guarantees that they would

be built, and that Wellington residents would have priority access to them.

“If these ball fields and tennis courts are built now, they would be the property of PBCC and not the Village of Wellington,” Margolis said. “Wellington would not own them. They would have the opportunity to participate in those uses. It would not be the prime use of the village. It might be acceptable if we come up with a deed restriction that those ball fields would be owned by the Village of Wellington.”

Margolis also said residents overwhelmingly have told him they support keeping the K-Park land in the village’s recreation inventory. “This is one of the most important decisions for the village and for the future,” he said. “I hope you can appreciate where I am coming from. I am not saying I am against it. There are some things that need to take place before it can go forward.”

Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore stressed that a land swap with the Life Covenant Church should not yield any profit to the church, noting that he had already heard from people interested in purchasing the land in question. Besides concerns about traffic, Priore also questioned plans for an amphitheater in the PBCC proposal, as the village has a large amount of county money at its disposal for construction of such a facility.

“We have some $800,000 sitting in county funds waiting to be used,” Priore said. “There is a clock ticking. If the money is not used quickly, it will be jeopardized, and it could be used elsewhere. I would have to give serious thought as to why we are duplicating something. That property could be used for some alternative use.”

Councilman Matt Willhite also expressed concern about the amount of traffic the campus would create for the area’s overburdened roadways. He challenged PBCC’s claims of the campus’s economic benefit to Wellington residents, as it

RPB Budget Meets With Council Praise

coming fiscal year, from 2.01 in 2008 to 1.97. At that rate, a homeowner with a property assessed at $200,000 with a $50,000 homestead exemption would pay $295.50 in village taxes. Mayor David Lodwick told Village Manager David Farber and Finance Director Stanley Hochman they had done an ex-

cellent job despite shrinking revenues due to tax reforms and the slumping real estate market.

“In these times, with all the enforced cutbacks,” he said, “you can still have a budget with a decrease in the tax rate. You are doing a great job.” Farber said his staff had already implemented many of the changes required by the passage of Amendment 1 by voters last January expanding the homestead exemption on property from $25,000 to $50,000. Hochman told the council the village lost $600,000 in revenues because of Amendment 1

See PBCC, page 2 See RPB BUDGET, page 20

State Grades Show Improvements At High Schools

By Paul Gaba and Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

tion. But for the first time, it is not the only high school in the western communities to earn the state’s top grade. Seminole Ridge and Palm Beach Central high schools each achieved A status for the first time, according to results released by the FDOE on Tuesday.

To earn an A grade, a school must earn at least 525 points (out of a perfect-score 800) according to a state formula based on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) scores. SRHS earned 560 points this year, up from 524 in 2007. Principal Lynne McGee, who has seen her school improve one letter grade in each of the past three years, was gratified by the A grade.

“Our focus at our professional development sessions has

been based on school needs, based on data analysis,” McGee said. “We made sure we made reading strategies available in all content areas. You could say that within the classroom, the instruction was data-driven.”

While SRHS showed improvements in all categories, the biggest chunk of its 36-point gain took place in science and math. In science, 53 percent of its students achieved a passing grade, compared with 42 percent the previous year. A passing grade is a score of at least FCAT Level 3 on the test; FCAT Level 5 is the highest that can be achieved. In math, the percentage of Seminole Ridge students who showed learning gains increased from 74 percent to 81 percent. Last year, SRHS missed an A grade by one point. A year earlier the school missed getting a B by one point and was penalized an additional letter grade because only 48 percent of its lowest-scoring readers showed improvement, instead of the re-

quired 50 percent. The resultant D grade was successfully appealed, bumping SRHS back up to a C. “For two years, we missed the next-highest grade by one point,” McGee said. “This year, everything worked out. We hit the mark, with a few points to spare.” McGee said that in finally getting what it really deserves, her school has been handed a further challenge. “I’ve said we’ve been an A school in B and C clothing,” she said. “Now we need to maintain it, and as thrilled as we are to get it, it’s as hard, if not even more so, to maintain it.”

McGee said neighboring Wellington High School’s recent seesaw swings between A and B offer a reminder of how difficult it is to stay on top of the mountain.

This marks the second time in three years WHS has rebounded from a B grade that was just short of an A. The school’s point score rose from 576 to 600, to make it fifth among the coun-

ty’s 23 high schools. More significantly, Wellington raised the percentage of its lowest reading students making gains from 49 percent to 56 percent. In 200708, despite having more than enough total points to achieve an A, the school was penalized a letter grade because 49.6 percent of its lowest reading students made gains.

Incoming WHS Principal Mario Crocetti said the announcement his new school had achieved the highest grade possible bodes well for the future.

“I’m excited to see our struggling readers improve significantly,” he said. “It’s a major factor in the school getting back to an A standard.”

The other major factor in Wellington’s improved score was success in improving its lowest-performing math students. WHS raised the percentage of its lowest math students making gains from 69 percent to 78 percent. Palm Beach Central High School improved from 519

points last year to 557 this year, with most of the improvement coming in reading scores. The percentage of students achieving an FCAT Level 3 in reading rose from 49 percent to 56 percent, while the percentage of students making gains in reading rose from 55 percent to 63 percent. In addition, 55 percent of the school’s lowest-performing reading students made gains, up from 48 percent last year. Royal Palm Beach High School, despite making gains, retained its C grade. The school’s point score jumped from 437 to 461, but was still well short of the 495 points needed to attain a B grade. Its reading and science scores hurt Royal Palm Beach’s total. The percentage of students achieving an FCAT Level 3 in reading improved seven points, but was still at only 38 percent overall, while the percentage of students showing learning gains in reading improved from 43 percent to 47 percent. Only 47

plethora of patriotic festivities. (Above) Alex Ramirez with his

Victoria Ramirez-Vilvandre at the Village of Wellington’s Family Fourth Celebration at Village Park.

Wellington Tax Rate Remains Unchanged

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Village Council unanimously adopted a preliminary property tax rate Tuesday of 2.34 mills for fiscal year 2009, the same as the previous year, although the rate will bring less revenue to the village.

Voter-approved tax reform measures mean homeowners will benefit from an additional $25,000 exemption this year.

Village Manager Paul Schofield said the millage rate, which will bring in $16 million in revenue, would need to be set at around 2.54 in order to generate revenue at last year’s level of $17.4 million.

While the unchanged rate will mean a decrease in assessments of $58.50 for a homeowner with a property assessed at $225,000, the village is increasing its rates for solid waste collection and recycling services by $33 per customer to $162, which Schofield said is still among the lowest in the county.

The surface water management assessment collected by the Acme Improvement District, also approved Tuesday by the council, remains unchanged at $146.

These preliminary rates have been set for the benefit of the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office and will not be officially adopted until the entire budget is approved in September. While the council can consider lowering the rates in further budget discussions, it cannot raise them.

Although in support of the assessment rates, Mayor Darell

Bowen decried the rise in costs for fuel, electricity and law enforcement services, and said he was not alone in worrying about the village’s ability to afford future capital projects.

“I have answered a lot of emails,” Bowen said. “Do we have the money, or don’t we have the money? We may have money for capital projects. Where we see the problems is general revenue funds. The general revenue funds will continue to decline. It will be more and more difficult to maintain our services and pay our bills.”

The council also approved development order and master plan amendments that will allow the construction of 90 townhome units on the former driving range at the Binks Forest Golf Club.

The village agreed to the controversial plan to build on the former driving range when would-be course redeveloper Frank Leo made the proposal in 2004, arguing that the profit on the units would make the work on the course feasible.

Current course owner Aquila Property Management became entitled to the development rights when it bought the course last year, but remains bound by a developer’s agreement stipulating the restoration of the once-dilapidated course and clubhouse before construction of the residential units can begin. Aquila had the course restored and reopened for play late last year, but as of last month, work on the clubhouse was still in the permitting stage.

PBCC Hours Of Discussion

continued from page 1 would be exempt from property taxes. “It says that all of Wellington will benefit,” he said. “Those numbers are important to us. We don’t want this and the value it has and the work and time to benefit a very small percentage.”

Mayor Darell Bowen said he hadn’t heard any concerns that seemed insurmountable, and that to him, a college campus would be preferable to the village building fields it doesn’t need and cannot afford to maintain. Besides bringing educational and cultural opportunities to the community, Bowen said PBCC would also encourage the younger generation to remain in Wellington. “It will create opportunities for our young people to stay here,” Bowen said. “A lot of young people go through the educational process and they don’t stay here and work here. They grow up and go away to college, and very few come back.”

Bowen also noted that he has been talking to Wellington Regional Medical Center about its recent counterproposal to build a medical school on the site, and that a meeting with hospital officials is being arranged. “They think the medical college would be better suited with it being on your campus,” he told Gallon.

“I have many questions here, but I feel none of them are insurmountable.”

During public comment, resident Valerie McKinley told the council that giving away prime real estate in the current economy would be foolish.

“I am here just to remind you that this community should not give away its assets by a council action,” she said. “This is a comprehensive plan change, which should necessitate a supermajority of the council. You have not asked the village residents about the giveaway of the village’s most saleable asset… I am proud of this village. I ask you to do the right thing.”

Western Communities Football League President Mike Pignato challenged Bowen’s assertion that more fields are not needed, saying that field usage is increasing. He warned the council to take caution with the college’s “slick” presentation, and suggested they allow the public to decide.

“You heard the word ‘delightful,’” Pignato said. “I would be delighted too if I had a $20 million gift passed to me as a developer. I am not sure I can sit and watch these guys make this decision. Whether it would be a referendum vote or getting some input from others, I am sure you will do the right thing.”

Wellington recreation activist Steve Haughn also asked council to carefully consider the proposal, and expressed doubt that the state would be willing to lavish funds on educational projects in the current economy.

“You hear in the paper and other communities talk about what a great deal this is,” Haughn said. “It won’t cost them anything. The financial anxiety is out there in our community, and in our nation. Everyone is worried about finances. There is a specter of huge road repair and other work.” Haughn urged the council to look back to its original, simple proposal for developing K-Park. “The original presentation for K-Park was not $13 million,” he said. “It was a four-field presentation with a $1.2 million price tag. That is what we need. I think you need to take a look at this and decide the best use for the citizens. What is the best use of tax dollars?”

But Wellington resident Howard Coates urged the council to provide more opportunities for young people aside from sports. “We have to be careful as parents about embracing the dreams of our children too exclusively,” he said. “We can’t let dreams blind us to reality. I have coached hundreds of kids in Palm Beach County. I see many of them lose their dreams and work at minimum wage jobs. This is a place where they can obtain the skills that will last a lifetime. It will take 27 years to bring this project to full fruition. Every journey begins with a first step. I ask you to take that step.” Wellington resident and coach Bobby Mundell called the proposal one of the dumbest ideas the council had ever considered. “We’re not talking about Princeton here,” he said. “There is nothing wrong with a junior college, but it’s the lowest level of higher education. It’s the cutting edge of mediocre education. If you can’t afford to do anything with the park, don’t build anything.”

And Wellington businessman Howard Sohn questioned the rush to give away an asset worth $20 million when surrounding communities would reap the benefits without having to contribute a thing. “I don’t see the benefits,” he said. “Every one of you ran on a policy of fiscal responsibility. You said you would spend our money the way it should be spent. This is not the right time for this proposal.”

After more council discussion, Priore made a motion to continue the discussion with PBCC on a variety of items, including a motion for a draft discussion, a schedule of uses for other educational partners, an established development schedule for potential funding sources for the first two phases, joint planning with the church, community input and a review at the council’s August 12 meeting. Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto seconded the motion. Councilman Bob Margolis asked that a referendum be included in the motion, but Priore said that a public vote could be considered as part of a later discussion. “If the motion doesn’t include a referendum, I cannot support it,” Margolis said. The motion passed 3-2 with Willhite and Margolis opposed.

Wellington Council Approves Controversial Baseball Merger

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

In front of an overflow crowd of parents, coaches and players, the Wellington Village Council approved a merger of the village’s travel and recreational baseball programs Tuesday.

The council’s vote was 3-2 with Lizbeth Benacquisto and Matt Willhite dissenting. Both questioned an accompanying rule that requires travel players to also participate in recreational league play.

The resolution will sunset the existing boards of both baseball programs in order to unify them as one organization with one board of directors.

The village implemented changes to its sports provider guidelines last month, which now require that village teams be made up of at least 51 percent residents. Some parents have complained of rigged tryouts for some travel teams, with coaches from other communities reserving spots for non-resident talent.

According to village staff, facilities maintenance costs about $1,500 per travel player, with Wellington residents often in the minority in the program. Meanwhile, the village’s outlay for the much larger recreational program, which is overwhelmingly composed of village residents, comes in below $100 per player.

Leisure Services Director Jim Barnes told the council that combining the programs would

enable more efficient use of village staff time and athletic facilities. “We looked at this as a better way to deliver a baseball program to the village,” he said.

But some coaches and parents claimed politics is behind the move to merge the two programs, motivated by jealousy of the highly successful travel program. Some travel parents and coaches suggested their players might play elsewhere next season.

Coach Robert Cusenza said one of his two sons played travel and the other recreational ball, so he could see the need for both organizations in his own home. He said other communities are already seeking out Wellington travel coaches.

“The outlying communities are calling, especially for the older age groups,” Cusenza said. “Recreation breeds recreation, and travel breeds middle school and high school. The two programs are very important. There is no additional cost to have both entities. It won’t cost any more money to have travel. If the Parks & Recreation [Advisory] Board has an issue with recreation, ask them to resolve it with rec and not take it out on travel.”

Jason Weiss said his eightyear-old son has played both recreational and travel baseball. Weiss called the merger of the programs “unwise and unnecessary,” saying the plan would send talented players elsewhere.

“You will effectively destroy the

travel program in Wellington,” he said. “They will leave the program for other communities. Please consider this issue carefully. The advisory board is wrong. It is your responsibility to protect our children and our programs from this type of politics.”

But local attorney Howard Coates, a parent and a former Okeeheelee Youth Baseball coach, said the critics were proven wrong when the decision was made to combine Okeeheelee’s recreation and travel programs.

“The naysayers found out that it wasn’t so bad after all,” said Coates. “The rec kids got better because they played with the travel kids. The bottom line is there is a basis for combining the

two. Do what is in the best interest of Wellington.”

Councilwoman Benacquisto noted that her son has played both recreational and travel baseball, but that the must-play rule would keep him from playing football as well. But she insisted the merger plan was not about punishing the travel teams, but justifying the outlay of taxpayer dollars.

“There is the issue about costs,” she said. “I won’t use one sport as an example. Certainly we should be celebrating the diversity that happens in this community. Maybe one board will get us there. The only sticking point is the must-play rule. Maybe we can get there otherwise.”

Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Pri-

ore said he was convinced that recreational players would benefit from the presence of travel players in their program, and that he was also concerned about the imbalanced outlay the village has been making for the travel program. “Costs are becoming a large part of our decision,” he said. “I have to believe this process will improve the organization.”

Councilman Bob Margolis, who has managed recreational teams, concurred. “I have seen good players who are travel material take the rec kids aside and take them under their wing,” he said. “I have firsthand knowledge of the meshing of both programs that is beneficial to both players. I have seen that. My

question was the must-play rule. I was surprised to hear we are doing it again.” Mayor Darell Bowen said it is important in tight economic times to remember that the village’s primary role is to provide recreational youth sports.

“Our mission at the village is to continue to provide the basic rec programs,” he said. “That will be the last thing we cut if it comes to that. We need to take this necessary step to combine the boards and bring them under one umbrella and get it sanctioned and go from there.”

Priore made a motion for approval, which was seconded by Margolis. It passed 3-2 with Willhite and Benacquisto opposed.

COMMUNITY FORUM

Baseball Battle — Coaches Rosemary Gallicchio (left) and Javon Edwards (right) make

with some help from their players.

Governments Do The Right Thing By Holding Line On Taxes

Palm Beach County and its municipalities have felt the one-two punch of a bad real estate market and Florida’s recently passed Amendment 1, which increased homestead exemptions from $25,000 to $50,000. As if the waning real estate market was not enough of a strain on the economy, the additional burden of decreased revenue has forced local governments to make some tough budgetary decisions, all in a year when energy costs are skyrocketing. The result has been a cut in programs, construction projects and employment. Here in the western communities, though, residents have been spared tax increases.

With property values down and looking like they’ll remain so for at least another year, local governments would not be out of line to raise taxes. Still, they refused. Royal Palm Beach’s proposed budget lowers its millage rate to 1.97 from 2.01 in last year’s budget, and Wellington plans to keep its current rate of 2.34 mills. Likewise, county commissioners voted this week to keep their tax rate the same. And though its budget is not affected by property values, the Indian Trail Improvement District has felt the brunt of rising costs of materials. Yet in the ITID’s 2009 draft budget, the district’s assessment per acre is slated to decline 1.18 percent.

By holding the line on taxes, local governments have avoided passing on their cost

Leave Travel Baseball Alone

Why are some people associated with the Village of Wellington spending so much time trying to fix something that is not broken? Given the current economy and challenges facing both state and local government, merging recreation and travel baseball programs should be the least of our problems. However, according to Village Manager Paul Schofield, merging the two programs would save the village money by streamlining.

“It’s a simple matter of economic reality,” Mr. Schofield stated in a recent Town-Crier article. Mr. Schofield would have a compelling argument if in fact the statement were true. However, those of us who are informed know it is not a matter of economics. Wellington Travel Baseball costs the Village of Wellington a nominal amount. The league has even come up with possible solutions to help offset any costs the village may incur, but Mr. Schofield does not seem interested in pursuing a solution.

The merging of travel and recreation baseball was initiated by Ms. Liz Stockton and championed by Mr. Jim Barnes. When asked directly on several occasions the reason for the proposed merger, neither Ms. Stockton nor Mr. Barnes ever stated economics as the reason, because they both know, in this case, economics is not a legitimate reason to merge the programs. In one meeting about the subject, Mr. Barnes stated it would be good for the players. Good players would teach the not-so-good players. The reality of the situation is good players need to play good or better competition to continue to improve.

I’ve had the unique privilege to coach both recreation and travel programs. I can tell you

from experience, playing down to the competition does not serve either player well. Would you require a student taking honors English to also take remedial English? Would a child proficient in honors math benefit from sitting through basic math classes? Travel and recreation programs are designed, or should be designed, to ignite and nurture a player’s desire for competition, with a focus on player development, participation and teamwork. Recreation programs should continue to refine skills and build on the desire to compete. When exceptional talent is fueled by that competitive desire, the player should have a resource. That resource is, and should be, a travel program.

Travel programs require a greater commitment from both players and parents. It is my opinion that travel players who are forced to play recreation baseball will seek other options. The focus of travel baseball is competition at the highest possible level. Given the economic and time commitment required by travel teams, travel baseball is not for everyone. The Wellington Travel Baseball program is one of the best managed, organized and well-respected baseball programs in Florida. And you don’t have to take my word for it, ask individuals associated with baseball in and around Florida about Wellington travel teams. As representatives of this fine city, you should be proud of players, coaches and dedicated individuals associated with Wellington Travel Baseball. But they are not asking for appreciation, all they are asking is to allow them to continue with this very successful program.

I’m a fair and reasonable person with nothing to gain or lose. My son, who played in the Wellington Travel Baseball program for seven years, is mov-

Does your vote count? Does anyone really care? I pondered these questions rather nervously while considering a squabble that broke out Tuesday at the Palm Beach County Commission meeting.

The exchange itself was bizarre because it illustrated how political the position of Supervisor of Elections remains — years after the elected post became non-partisan. It also hammers home the doubt most voters likely have that their votes actually count.

The biting exchange on the county commission dais was between commissioners Jeff Koons and Addie Greene. Mr. Koons had earlier fired off a memo to all the commissioners calling for Florida Secretary of State Kurt Browning to oversee the myriad problems in the elections office since Dr. Arthur Anderson was elected to the post four years ago, culminating in the tiny West Palm Beach election last month in which his system “lost” some 700 ballots.

Ms. Greene rather sternly rebuked Mr. Koons, claiming he was playing politics. County commissioners playing politics? How can that be? Even though they are elected in a partisan process and often vote along party lines, is it possible that the commissioners play politics? What’s even more ironic is that both Mr. Koons and Ms. Greene are Democrats, and Dr. Anderson was elected in 2004 with the very public help of leading county Democrats, including a U.S. congressman who led the charge. It was an election that rehashed the disputed 2000 presidential election and centered largely on what voting system to the county should use. I’m not going to get into that, because I strongly suspect Dr. Anderson would be just as inept in running a smooth election regardless of the voting system used.

increases to residents, and deserve high praise for it. With gasoline prices at an all-time high and food prices not far behind, taxpayers need all the savings they can get. However, despite finding ways to make ends meet for another year, local officials are still faced with future challenges.

For the Wellington Village Council, the continued budget tightening has made decisions on future plans more difficult. Chief among those plans is a proposal to donate more than 60 acres of land to Palm Beach Community College, a site previously planned for a major park project. Early on, opponents of the PBCC proposal argued that it would be a misuse of land meant for recreation. Now the argument focuses on the so-called land “giveaway” and how the village can’t afford it. Oh, and for those hoping for the construction of a government complex building, they shouldn’t be expecting that to end up in the budget anytime soon.

Over in Royal Palm Beach, the village is nearing build-out. The once reliable tax base brought in by annexations and new development will no longer be the source of revenue it has been. Hopefully, by the time that happens, the real estate market will have begun its rebound. In the meantime, we’ll have to make do with fewer municipal services and get used to the concept of tight budgets.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ing on to Wellington High School. If there was a compelling argument to merge the travel and recreation programs I would be supportive, but I just don’t see a compelling argument to fix what is not broken.

John Tosner

Wellington

Thanks To Willhite, Margolis

During the July 8 Wellington Village Council meeting it was very evident that two members of our council are committed to looking out for the best interests of all Wellington residents with respect to the giveaway of our valued land to Palm Beach Community College. Sincere thanks to councilmen [Matt] Willhite and [Bob] Margolis. They obviously spent a lot of time examining the documents involved, as evidenced by their probing questions that, in most cases, did not receive direct responses from the PBCC representative. In Mr. Willhite’s short time on our council, he has proven to be a valuable addition. Although we were hesitant in casting our vote for him, we have now been rewarded for our decision. With respect to Mr. Margolis, we will miss your fiscally sensible presence on our council but realize that there is a greater need for your talents on the county level.

Mary Di Iulio

Wellington

Lox Groves Residents Not Given A Voice

On July 12, the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will be holding a planning workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Loxahatchee Groves Elementary

By Don Brown

School. I know it is very hard to give up a Saturday for our average citizens, but it is so important that as many people as possible try to attend. It seems that the only voices really heard in the planning process are those who can actually physically attend these meetings. In this day of the information super-highway it seems sort of archaic — but it’s true. There is as of yet no vehicle for hearing the voices of those who cannot give up a Saturday to go to a meeting. I guess one could write a letter to the town council explaining how they feel about certain issues. But let’s be honest, how many of us take the time to do this? I had been repeatedly requesting that the town do a mail-out survey so we can be sure that the opinions of those who can go to a meeting on a Saturday actually match up with the vast majority of people who cannot attend. (This is especially true when those meetings are planned during Easter weekend, spring break time and now during the summer when those with family are likely to be on vacation.) I have heard some state that if people do not attend meetings, their opinion does not count. I find this thinking unfair because they still count on the tax rolls!

Our town council was given an opportunity to do a mail-out survey to all citizens, but they voted it down because it was going to cost $10,000 to $13,000. I have to agree that this is a lot of money going to yet another private contractor making money off of our new town. Still, it would have been nice to know that we are actually honoring the wishes of our average citizens in our planning process. After all, the council found $24,000 to give a lobbyist, $500 to give the lobbyist’s husband for media training, and an amount to Calvin Giordano &

Associates (the “planners” the town hired) for hurricane-debris removal that was three times more than what a local citizen bid for the job.

On the brighter side we did manage to close down that Saturday morning flea market for very little cost. This type of spending and reasoning is why I am begging our average citizens (who get to pay for what happens in more ways than money) to please come to the July 12 planning session!

Darlene Crawford Loxahatchee Groves

LGWCD Needs To Cooperate With Council

The slugfest continues: in one corner, the representatives of the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District, a government entity appointed or proxy elected by a minority of people who

own over 50 percent of the land within the town. At the receiving end of their latest opposition was the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council, a government entity elected by the majority of voting residents as their representation.

On the table was the latest wording of an interlocal agreement (ILA) between the town’s residents and the LGWCD. The stumbling blocks were any wording that would imply, allude to, or suggest that the district should in any way be subservient to the representatives of the town’s residents.

Testimony given by representatives of the district at the July 1 town meeting reached new landmarks of double-talk and outright lies. The doubletalk award goes to the district’s attorney Mr. [Charlie] Schoech, who explained his recommendation that the district refuse to sign an ILA that stated

See LETTERS, page 20

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 793-6090; or you can e-mail to letters@ goTownCrier.com.

For The Record

• In the article “Facing Foreclosure? Doing Nothing Is Not An Option” published last week, an incorrect figure was given for the number of U.S. homes with mortgages higher than their appraised value. According to attorney Neal Taslitz, one of the experts quoted in the article, the correct figure is approximately 10 million homes.

• In the article “Groves Town And District Still Struggling To Hammer Out Pact” published last week, an incorrect reason was given for the need for an interlocal agreement between the Town of Loxahatchee Groves and the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District. According to Town Clerk Matt Lippman, the town has already qualified to receive gas tax revenues. The agreement is being negotiated to determine how that money is distributed. The Town-Crier regrets whatever confusion these errors might have caused.

Ignore Big Problems In Elections Office

But wait! There’s more: Mr. Koons is supporting outgoing State Rep. Susan Bucher of West Palm Beach, yet another Democrat, as a candidate for Anderson’s job in the upcoming election. Ms. Greene might be a bit sensitive to Koons’ remarks because she is the only elected official I know of who still supports the hapless incumbent Dr. Anderson. Talk about backing a dead horse! Meanwhile Wellington Councilman Bob Margolis, another Democratic candidate for the “non-partisan” post, is perhaps grateful that he is completely left out of this controversy.

So to put all of this in perspective, four years ago Dr. Anderson had partisan credentials (and the election) handed to him on a silver platter by Congressman Robert Wexler of Boca Raton, yet another Democrat. Ms. Bucher wrote the book on how to be a militant partisan Democrat while serving in the state legislature. That’s a perfect qualification for a non-partisan office. Mr. Margolis, to his credit, has thus far soft-pedaled his Democratic Party membership in hopes of reaching out to those less partisan and Republicans seeking to marginalize partisanship in the elections office. He correctly pointed to a breakdown in administrative (read Dr. Anderson’s) procedures, not machines. Dr. Anderson himself weighed in on the

TOWN-CRIER

Koons memo by claiming a sort of diplomatic immunity while reminding the commissioner that he heads an independent constitutional county office. He was quoted as saying that the conduct of his office was none of Mr. Koons’ business. Huh? Dr. Anderson, it’s all of our business how you run your office. Don’t you even get it? How many passes do you think you deserve before you declare yourself as incompetent? My own guess is that he figures the presidential election might get him through to another term since he is running as an “incum-

bent Democrat” for this supposedly non-partisan county post. I don’t always agree with Town-Crier editorials; the newspaper always allows me to present my own views in this column. But the Town-Crier’s editorial last week was dead on target when it observed that the “only way to change Palm Beach County’s national reputation as a voting wasteland is one perfectly run election at a time.” Dr. Anderson’s platform four years ago was to do just that, but he has failed miserably.

Pitching Wiz Has Experts Watching

June 19 was the first professional appearance of heralded Pat Venditte Jr., the ambidextrous pitching prospect of the Staten Island Yankees via Creighton University. He was brought into the game for ninthinning relief against the Brooklyn Cyclones. Yes, this is the same remarkable young man who won nine games and lost three for Creighton this past spring while leading the Missouri Valley Conference with 101 strikeouts in 896 and a third innings. Venditte is also the talent who struck out batters with both arms in the same game 39 times. But back to June 19. Venditte retired the first two hitters of the inning pitching right-handed; he walked the third. Then came Cyclone catcher Ralph Enriqu-

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

ez, a switch hitter. Venditte decided to face Enriquez left-handed and changed his special sixfinger glove to his right hand. The batter promptly moved to the other side of the plate to bat right-handed. Venditte switched the glove back to the left hand. Not to be outmaneuvered, Enriquez moved back across the plate. Twice more the charade continued. Finally, the umpire made a decision — the batter must bat right-handed. Guess what? Venditte struck him out. New York Yankees Vice Pres-

ident of Amateur Scouting Damon Oppenheimer was impressed with Venditte’s abilities from each side.

Actually, the Major League club drafted him in the 20th round and is committed to giving him a “shot” from both sides. Right-handed Venditte throws harder and regularly reaches 86 to 89 miles per hour while occasionally touching 90. As a port-sider his speed is 78 to 82 mph, but he throws a “Frisbee” slider that continually befuddles left-handed batters. Throughout his college career, Venditte’s mound appearances brought players from both teams to the top of the dugout steps to watch his wizardry. Should he make the majors, I’ll settle for the first row behind home plate.

ROYAL PALM BEACH CELEBRATES THE FOURTH AT CRUZAN AMPHITHEATRE

The Village of Royal Palm Beach celebrated the Fourth of July with a series of events last Friday. The day began with the Red, White & Blue Fishing Tournament at Lakeside Challenger Park (see photos, page 23). A Party in the Park at Veterans Park took place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring music, crafts, games, waterslides and more. The day concluded at the Cruzan Amphitheatre with fireworks, food, live music and more.

Alaina and Maria Pulelo with Sal Albano.

Loxahatchee Groves Vice Mayor Marge Herzog, her friend Ruth Hamlyn and Marge’s granddaughter Rose Rodriguez.

Royal Palm Beach Councilman David Swift joined by wife Nixie.

Norma Harms with her daughter Holly.Uncle Sam pays a visit.

Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Martha Webster with husband Gary.

David Ginsberg of Allstate shows his patriotic spirit.

The Armand family arrives at the patriotic event.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Kim Reynolds and her husband Jack.

Stolen Slurpee Leads To Arrest In Royal Palm

By Jason Budjinski Town-Crier Staff Report

JULY 6 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to the 7Eleven store on Southern Blvd. last Sunday regarding a retail theft. According to a PBSO report, an employee told the deputy 20-year-old Shaundra Everett of Royal Palm Beach entered the store, filled a large Slurpee cup and then dumped it out. Everett then filled a small Slurpee cup and approached the counter. According to the report, Everett said she had only 50 cents and asked another customer to give her the rest. The customer gave Everett 25 cents, and the clerk said it still wasn’t enough. According to the report, Everett then exited the store with the Slurpee without paying the difference. The owner followed her and asked for the money, but Everett said she would hit the owner if she said another word. The deputy found Everett in the area of Palms West Hospital. When approached, Everett threw the Slurpee to the ground. She was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail.

• • •

JULY 4 — A resident of Pin-

etta Circle called the PBSO substation in Wellington early last Friday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 p.m. last Thursday and 10:45 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s 2008 Toyota 4Runner parked in his driveway. Stolen from inside were jewelry, a cell phone and cash. The total value of stolen items is approximately $2,150. There was no damage to the vehicle, according to the report.

JULY 4 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to an unoccupied residence in the Woodwind neighborhood last Friday in response to a suspicious incident. According to a PBSO report, the complainant said he discovered that the sliding glass door to the home had been shattered. When deputies arrived at the residence, they found that it was unlocked and the interior was mostly barren, besides miscellaneous pieces of furniture, articles of clothing and a cinder block, which deputies believed caused the broken glass. According to the report, the refrigerator was open and empty, and the home appeared to have been cleared in a hurry.

JULY 8 — A Yarmouth Drive resident called the PBSO substation in Wellington Tuesday regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, at sometime between noon on June 8 and 5 p.m. Tuesday, someone stole a DK BMX bicycle from the garage. There were no signs of forced entry and no witnesses.

JULY 8 — A man was arrested for theft Tuesday night at the Murphy USA gas station on Belvedere Road in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, an employee said she observed 31-year-old Charles Zeigler of West Palm Beach, a former Murphy USA employee, attempt to pump gas without

paying for it. The employee stopped the pump, and Zeigler entered the store, attempting to pay with a credit card, which was denied. According to the report, Zeigler then made out a check for $40, though it too was denied because of company policy. Zeigler was in the process of leaving when the deputy arrived and investigated the check, which bore a name other than Zeigler’s; the bank account had been closed for more than two years. Further investigation revealed that Zeigler’s driver’s license was suspended last January. He was arrested and transported to the county jail.

JULY 8 — An employee of the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach on Tuesday regarding two shoplifters. According to a PBSO report, the employee witnessed 18-year-old Debra Siew, along with a juvenile, select several items from the grocery department. The pair then entered the furniture department and began placing the items inside bags. Siew and the juvenile then proceeded to the garden section, where they passed all points of sale without paying for the merchandise. The employee apprehended the pair and brought them to the security office, where $54.40 worth of merchandise was recovered. Siew and the juvenile were arrested and charged with retail theft.

JULY 9 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched Tuesday afternoon to the Publix supermarket on State Road 7 regarding a shoplifter. According to a PBSO report, 38-year-old Elio Rodriguez was detained for stealing beer. Publix declined to prosecute Rodriguez and requested a trespass warning. However, Rodriguez gave a false name and Social Security number, according the report. When deputies learned Rodriguez’s real name, they discovered he had an active warrant for failure to appear in court for a misdemeanor traffic offense. Additionally, he repeatedly attempted to put his hands in his pockets, despite commands not do so. Rodriguez was arrested and charged with giving false information, resisting arrest without violence and failure to appear in court. He was transported to the county jail.

JULY 9 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded Wednesday to a home on Quiet Woods Drive regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim left town July 1. When she returned Wednesday, she discovered several items missing from the home, including two omega necklaces and two gold diamond slides, totaling approximately $2,500 in value. According to the report, neighbors told the deputy they observed a suspicious black Ford Explorer driving around the neighborhood. The driver is described as a white male between ages 18 and 21, 6’ tall and weighing 175 lbs., with shoulder-length black hair. The case is inactive pending further investigative leads.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • William Louberti Sr., a.k.a. William Sorvino or William Loubert, is a white male, 5’10” tall and weighing 190 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 07/18/51. He has a tattoo on his right arm. Louberti is wanted for engaging in contracting without a license during the existence of a state of emergency. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was 48th Court North in The Acreage. Louberti is wanted as of 07/10/08. • William Louberti Jr. is a white male, 5’8” tall and weighing 150 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 08/17/73. He has a scar on his right arm. Louberti is wanted for engaging in contracting without a license during the existence of a state of emergency. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was 48th Court North in The Acreage. Louberti is wanted as of 07/10/08. 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.

William Louberti Sr.

William Louberti Jr.

Mahoney: U.S. Sugar Buyout Must Include Economic Help For

The Glades Communities

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

With the South Florida Water Management District planning to buy a huge swath of sugarcane land south of Lake Okeechobee for Everglades restoration, Congressman Tim Mahoney pledged Monday to work with environmental groups while looking out for the interests of people living around the lake.

While environmentalists have cheered the state’s $1.75 billion plan to buy 187,000 acres from U.S. Sugar in order to eventually restore the natural flow of water in the Everglades, farmers and others in the Clewiston area have expressed fears about their livelihoods once the sugar producer closes up shop in six years.

Mahoney (D-District 16) met with representatives from a coalition of environmental groups called the Everglades Advisory Council on Monday to discuss his office’s involvement in plans for the land, and later told members of the press at Palms West Hospital that he would strive to take a teamwork approach in order to serve all interests.

“The purpose of today’s meeting is to make sure that my office and the environmental groups here today are working together as a team to make sure that this dream becomes a reality,” Mahoney said. “Some people say the devil is in the details,

and as we all know since we made the initial announcement, there has been a lot of questions asked. How are we going to finance it? Is there going to be an increase in taxes to our businesses? Is it going to affect the agricultural communities around the lake, and if so, how?”

Mahoney said residents of communities around the lake such as Pahokee, Belle Glade, Clewiston and Moore Haven who depend on the sugar industry are justifiably alarmed at the plan.

“People are very concerned, and they should be,” he said.

“These are tough times. The state is in a recession. We also recognize that this will be the most expensive year in the history of American agriculture.”

Mahoney affirmed his commitment to moving forward with the plan and teaming with the environmental groups, and also to ensure that people of the area do not suffer as a result.

“We, as a team, recognize we have a responsibility to our neighbors in these communities in making sure that they do not suffer as a result of taking this great step forward,” he said. “We are committed to the communities around the lake. We are committed to making sure we have an economic plan to mitigate any damages that result from this plan. We are committed to working together with the governor to make this dream a reality.”

Everglades Foundation CEO Kirk Fordham commended Mahoney for trying to balance environmental concerns with the interests of communities around the lake, and also stressed a “big picture” approach to the situation.

“Those of us in the environmental community are committed to the economic viability of those communities, but we are also concerned about the longterm supply of clean water in the

area. We are concerned about wildfires threatening the urban communities up the coast,” Fordham said. “We are also concerned about jobs that are dependent on fishing and boating, and the tourism industry that will

go away if our Everglades ecosystem collapses. I think it’s commendable of our congressman to try to pull us together. Not enough people in Washington and in Florida are thinking about the overall picture of what

making here today with the land acquisition. I think it’s important that we sit down together and hammer out the overall vision for the lake region together.”

Mahoney Promises To Help Communities With Federal Funding

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Congressman Tim Mahoney, in the western communities Monday to meet with environmental groups to discuss Everglades restoration, also met with officials in Wellington and Loxahatchee Groves to discuss the possibilities of federal funding for the municipalities.

Mahoney (D-District 16), a first-term congressman who is seeking re-election this year, invited members of the Wellington Village Council to work with his office to secure federal funding for village initiatives during the council’s pre-agenda review meeting Monday.

“You are the ones who represent Wellington,” he said.

“There are needs. You are the appropriate people to make those requests. My job is to work for you. If we can assist in any way possible, we will do so. I think there is a greater sense of urgency here in Palm Beach County.”

In response to questions from Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto on the State of Florida’s

plan to purchase 187,000 acres of U.S. Sugar land for Everglades restoration, Mahoney noted that the actual cost of the plan would go far beyond the $1.75 billion purchase price.

“There will be an economic cost to the communities around the lake,” he said. “You will be taking the land out of the tax base. You have a huge infra-

structure for a sugarcane industry that just built a brand new mill. That plant depends on a certain volume of sugar going through it.”

An advocate of alternative fuel sources, Mahoney also said Wellington could take advantage of its proximity to agricultural areas to diversify its econ-

MAHONEY, page 20

Congressman Mahoney takes questions Monday at Palms West Hospital.

happens when you make a big decision like we’re

ITID Supervisors Approve Assessment Rates For FY 2009

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors approved assessment rates for fiscal year 2009 Wednesday. With the exception of one development unit, the rates are nearly the same as those of 2008.

At a workshop meeting on Tuesday, the supervisors discussed details of the district’s budget for the coming year. Several said they were proud of the fact that they had kept overall assessments essentially the same in the approximately $12 million budget while improving regular service and dealing with sharply higher costs, particularly for gasoline.

ITID President Mike Erickson said he was pleased that many development units would have slightly lower assessments while receiving “more bang for the buck.”

“People will see the difference on our roads,” he said. “This is the first budget I feel really proud of.”

Supervisor Michelle Damone said she was proud of ITID staff and her fellow supervisors for

working hard to prevent tax increases while maintaining and even increasing the levels of service.

Supervisor Ralph Bair said reorganization of the ITID workforce would improve services throughout the district. “Our workers will have responsibilities for particular zones,” he said. “If something goes wrong, we will be able to know who is responsible, just as if things go well we can praise those responsible.”

ITID residents are assessed on a per-acre basis rather than on property value, with rates set according to the amount spent on services within their respective development unit. Residents of one unit might see an increase because of improvements made during the year, while residents in other units are not affected.

The rate for active units averages out to $520.88 per acre, a decrease of $6.51 or 1.24 percent. All units except Unit 4 either saw assessments decrease, or increase less than a dollar.

The supervisors examined how proposed projects would affect residents in specific areas

and decided to eliminate several road-paving projects from the budget. “These roads are in pretty good shape now,” Erickson said. “Waiting a year will not change anything. They’re already paved, and we don’t see any problems.”

The supervisors balanced their desire to keep assessments as low as possible against ensuring that each development unit had a reserve fund of at least 25 percent. With the reserve funds of units 3, 4 and 5 at about half that level, the board decided to halt all special projects in units 3 and 5 for 2009, although funds will be made available in case of an emergency.

Development Unit 4 posed a more complex problem. Although reserves for the unit are currently at 11.8 percent, the lowest of any unit in the district, many of the unit’s children walk to school along Apache Blvd., which has no sidewalk. “When you drive along Apache there are often 30 or 40 kids walking right on the street,” Erickson said. “It is a dangerous situation.”

Because residents of Unit 4 opted out of a 2005 district bond

issue in order to retain more control of their roads, the cost of a sidewalk would fall solely on them rather than being spread around as is the case for many other projects. The projected

cost of sidewalks between Orange and Tangerine boulevards, the most crowded part of Apache Blvd., would have created a one-time assessment of $16.65 per acre.

The supervisors voted unanimously to build the sidewalk and increase assessments for the unit by $8.39 per acre for 2009, an increase of 1.64 percent, as a

ITID BUDGET, page 10

795-1404

Fire-Rescue Resolution — Indian Trail Improvement District supervisors gave Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue District Chief James Schaffner a resolution Wednesday calling for the building of a centrally located fire-rescue facility in The Acreage with a stand-alone advance life support/fire suppression transport vehicle, with at least three trained personnel so it can be manned at all times. (L-R) Michelle Damone, Mike Erickson, James Schaffner, Sandra Love Semande, Carol Jacobs and Ralph Bair.

PHOTO BY LEONARD WECHSLER/TOWN-CRIER

The Village of Wellington presented an exciting patriotic party for the entire family on Friday, July 4. The Family Fourth Celebration took place at Village Park on Pierson Road. Despite the rain, party-goers had a grand old time. The day’s events concluded with a fireworks extravaganza over the park.

PHOTOS BY SUSAN LERNER/TOWN-CRIER

Quy Tran with his wife and daughter, Nya and Thanh.

Eddy Fernandez, a.k.a. Uncle Sam, juggles.

The Baughmans: (L-R) Karsyn, Melissa, Jacob and John.

Tom Kelly, Barbara Kelly, Jim Mandalos and Hermine Palmer of the Wellington Seniors Club.

Bob Hoose and His Orchestra perform for the audience.

Javier Baliarda takes advantage of the rain.

Wally Roberts holds his cotton-candy eating grandson Josh Garner.

Roger Falci with grandchildren Skyler, Gabriella and Madison.

Connie Blackburn with her fiance Justin Reeves.Esther Scalera and Myrna Rose.

Katie Stroud with twins Sophie and Sydney.

Indian Trail Might Impose Conditions On County For SR 7 Connection Permits

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors discussed the possibility Wednesday of imposing conditions on Palm Beach County before issuing permits allowing the State Road 7 extension to connect to Acreage roads.

After the state declined to fund a northward extension of SR 7 from its current Okeechobee Blvd. terminus, Palm Beach County agreed to build a twolane extension, which in its first stage is intended to connect with Madrid Street in Royal Palm Beach and Orange Grove and Persimmon boulevards in The Acreage. Another phase already under development would continue the road to 60th Street North.

Officials at ITID, which is the road authority in The Acreage, are pressing for the extension to reach Northlake Blvd., arguing that the shorter extension under construction will dump large amounts of traffic on residential Acreage streets.

ITID Engineer Lisa Tropepe provided the supervisors with a list of the conditions Palm Beach County typically imposes on developers seeking permits, such as surety bonds to guarantee project completion, formal evaluations of levels of service and the sunsetting of permits if work is not completed by a specified date.

Supervisor Carol Jacobs was enthralled by the list and the potential for leverage it offered.

“This is why we needed to have engineers like you working for us,” she said. “The county just wants to bully us and bully us. We want to set conditions so they can’t push us around.”

Supervisor Michelle Damone said that she had spoken to County Engineer George Webb regarding her request for a T intersection at Persimmon Blvd. for the connection instead of a sweep.

“I want to make sure that the county makes needed improvement on our roads if there will be more crowding,” she said. “We want natural calming and more beautification.”

Damone noted that the county has responded to appeals from the Village of Royal Palm Beach for a westward extension of Roebuck Road parallel to Okeechobee Blvd., but the village is opposing a connection of the SR 7 extension to Madrid Street.

“We could ask the county to force the issue as a condition,” she said.

ITID President Mike Erickson said he had not yet received

ITID Budget Few Projects Planning

continued from page 8 one-time fee to pay half the cost of the project, while the district’s low reserves would be further drained for the other half.

“This is a priority,” Damone said. “We need to protect our children. We have already decided that building sidewalks on busy streets to protect our children is a high priority. But we have to find ways to build up this district’s reserves.”

In other business:

• The supervisors agreed Tuesday to allocate funds for a geographic information system or GIS to map and manage in detail the infrastructure of the district. ITID Engineer Lisa Tropepe estimated the cost for full implementation of the system at $115,000 but said beginning by mapping out the district would cost approximately $42,000.

“We already have a lot of information ourselves, and we can link to Palm Beach County government for more information,” she said. “The utilities department has a lot of information as does the property appraiser. Also, the system connects to Google Earth, which provides more information.”

District Administrator Chris King promised to find the money necessary for a startup within the budget, noting that the reorganization of his administration would make $25,000 available.

• The supervisors suggested moving forward in what several called “baby steps” on several projects, including improve-

a promised impact study on the connections from the county.

“The county requires everyone else to do the analysis,” he said, “and we should make it a condition that they give the studies to us.”

Asked to explain the surety bond process, Tropepe said that the county often ensures that developers complete some aspects of projects by requiring a letter of credit that would provide dedicated funding.

Erickson asked if the district could ask for a surety bond for the extension of SR 7 to Northlake Blvd. Schoech said the district could ask for it, although there were no guarantees that the county would accept such a condition.

The board agreed to hold a workshop on July 28 at 7 p.m. to further discuss permitting conditions.

In other business, the board voted to voice concerns that the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council had retained 140th Avenue North on its list of thoroughfare roads while removing E Road, while the Palm Beach County Commission had removed both from their list of planned thoroughfares.

“We did win a small victory in that the thoroughfare right of way was reduced from 80 feet to 60,” Tropepe said. “That makes it impossible for anyone to expand the road to four lanes. Also, a move like that would trigger a response from Loxahatchee Groves.”

Erickson said since The Acreage is part of unincorporated Palm Beach County, it lacks the ability to directly initiate any changes with the regional planning council.

Tropepe said the Treasure Coast’s recommendation as well as the resolution removing the road from the thoroughfare list would go the state’s Department of Community Affairs. Semande said two elementary schools, one middle school and one major park are situated along the road and that increasing traffic would endanger children.

Damone made a motion to send a copy of the previously passed resolution of the ITID Board along with a cover letter to the DCA in support of removing 140th Avenue North from the thoroughfare list. Supervisor Ralph Bair seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Also Wednesday, the supervisors agreed to meet two hours before the board’s next regular meeting on Aug. 20 for a review of District Administrator Chris King’s performance.

ments to Hamlin Equestrian Park and Acreage Community Park. Damone said the park improvement projects must move ahead, even if they cannot be completed in one year. “We allocated money for some things months ago,” she said, “and if we don’t move forward we could be sitting here next year discussing the same projects. We have to make progress.” Damone and Erickson both said they strongly support the goal of creating plans that would move the district forward slowly but steadily over the next few years. Damone said creating three-year plans for completing projects would allow changes without raising assessments.

• The supervisors voted unanimously to have the district’s engineers move forward with site plan alternatives for the Hamlin Equestrian Park. Parks Director Tim Wojnar said money from a FEMA reimbursement would pay the cost of laying 100 feet of pipe that would allow closing the canal culvert that splits the newly purchased area east of the park from the existing park. The board also directed Tropepe to move forward in discussions with planner Kieran Kilday of Kilday & Associates on moving required land use, zoning and site approval processes through the Palm Beach County Commission. Tropepe said her company had already begun the planning process and would work closely with Wojnar and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee.

• The supervisors also instructed King to raise estimates on the cost of gas and utilities since they were likely to increase sharply, mindful of Florida Power & Light’s coming 19percent increase.

Royal Playhouse Presents ‘Artie’

The Royal Playhouse will present its summer children’s production of Artie Monday, July 21 through Thursday, July 24 at the Royal Palm Beach High School auditorium. The show will take place at 11 a.m. each day. Every year, the Royal Playhouse produces a show that has an important message for children of all ages. Artie is about a young boy who is mentally challenged and a girl who befriends him, but gets ridiculed by her other friends at school for doing so.

Artistic Director Peter Pagliaro said Artie has a very distinct message on why children shouldn’t make fun of others with mental disabilities, and how they too have feelings and should be accepted in society. The show has some serious, dramatic moments as well as a lot of humor and fun.

“One unique aspect of this show is that the boy we chose to play Artie, Zachary Gottsagen, really has Down syndrome and is a wonderful actor,” Pagliaro said. “He is a graduate of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts. We are thrilled to have him involved. He’s an inspiration to all, especially others with dis-

abilities, proving that anything is possible.” Other cast members are Lainie Shearouse, Alexa Taylor, Kylissa Boniello, John Dueming, Caymen Suarez and stage manager Danica Taylor. Gottsagen is 23 years old; the others range in age from 12 to 16 and all have theater experience as well. Although they have sold more than 2,000 seats to summer camps throughout the county, Pagliaro said there are still plenty of seats left. Tickets may be purchased at the door any morning of the show for $5. For more information about Artie, call the Royal Playhouse at (561) 301-5404.

WAAF Yard Sale July 19-20

The Women Against Abuse Foundation will hold a community yard sale Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and 20 in Royal Palm Beach. The site will be 61 Sparrow Drive, across from Crestwood Middle School. The sale will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Proceeds will benefit the WAAF’s office expenses. WAAF was founded in August 2007 to protect and empower women to become successful by fostering better futures for families. For more information, call Leila St. Jean at (561) 584-3842.

Change To Water In Wellington

Residents of Wellington, Wycliffe, Farmington Estates and Victoria Groves may notice a slight chlorine taste and odor in their drinking water during the period of July 21 through Aug. 4.

The water disinfection process will experience a temporary change during this timeframe. The process will change from the present combined chlorine treatment to a temporary free chlorine treatment.

Periodic use of this temporary

treatment process is recommended as a precautionary measure to ensure the water for customers remains free of bacteria. These temporary conditions will not cause adverse health effects. Due to the temporary change in the disinfection process, specialized users of water (such as tropical fish owners, residents with pools, businesses, hospitals and blood/dialysis clinics) may need to make adjustments in order to continue to maintain their present water quality parameters. For more information, call Water Facility Supervisor Sean McFarland at (561) 791-4037 or Utility Director Ed Wasielewski at (561) 791-4014.

Acreage Man Challenging Monroe Benaim For School Board

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Acreage resident Jonathan Williams is one of two people challenging Palm Beach County School Board District 1 incumbent Dr. Monroe Benaim this year.

Benaim, Williams and Kelly Sturmthal of Jupiter will face off during the primary election on Aug. 26. If no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters will advance to the November general election.

District 1 includes the northern sections of Palm Beach County, including the northern half of The Acreage.

Williams and his wife Patty have lived in The Acreage since 2001. They moved to Florida from Pittsburgh in 1997. Parents of five, Williams said most of their community activities have been related to their

children’s educational, cultural and athletic development. Williams, 43, has master’s degrees in business administration and computer science, and works in communications for the Weiss Group, a financial advisory firm located in the former Pratt Whitney plant west of Palm Beach Gardens. Williams said he is concerned about the county’s low high school graduation rate and that those who graduate will have trouble finding jobs in today’s economy. “I’ve lived here since 2001, and in the last couple of years I’ve seen parents moving out who can’t afford to live here,” he said. He is also concerned about what he perceives as high teacher turnover. “One of my daughters three years ago at Royal Palm Beach High School had 12 different geometry teachers in one semester,” Williams said.

Another time he said he went to the guidance department for paperwork, and he couldn’t get it because all the guidance staff was serving as substitute teachers that day. “I read about one fiasco after another,” Williams said. “I said it’s time to get involved. I’m going to throw my hat in the ring.”

Williams said his major goals are to further enhance the district’s vocational training so students have something to work with immediately upon graduation and to give students in danger of dropping out a reason to remain in school.

“Presently, 31 percent do not graduate,” he said. “I’m trying to reduce that failure rate so that we have kids with skills educated so they can go for training at a post-secondary training academy. That’s what I see failing in our schools.”

Williams said the school sys-

tem focuses too heavily on getting students on track to fulltime college studies. “I’m a proponent of expanding the vocational programs so they have employable skills on graduation,” he said.

Although Williams acknowledges the expanded vocational programs in the present system, he feels it is not enough, noting that students in the vocational academies must maintain a 2.5 GPA in order to remain in the program. “It’s those without the learning skills I’m trying to help,” he said. “They are the ones who need the support to graduate with a skill set.”

He is also concerned about students who fail the FCAT. He would like them placed in a core program, spending half the school day with one dedicated teacher and the other half in a vocation they select. “I really need parents who are concerned

with expanded vocational training opportunities to stand up and say so,” Williams said. “In a tight economy these kids are going to have a horrific time getting a job. Vocational training is the way to go.”

For more information, visit www.jonmwilliams.com.

Incumbent Benaim was raised in Miami and is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Medicine’s Class of 1974. He finished his eye surgery training at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Benaim was an eye surgeon in Jupiter from 1979 until 2002, when he retired from practice to assume his responsibilities on the school board. Benaim said he is accustomed to challengers, having had two in both the 2002 and 2004 elections.

Having two boys in the school system, one who just graduated

from Jupiter High School and another a sophomore there, Benaim said he has always been involved with goings-on in public schools, but he ran for school board in a contentious time. “I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to go ahead and see if I couldn’t bring some stability to the district,” he said. “At the time I took office there was quite a bit controversy around the superintendent position.” Benaim is a strong supporter of Superintendent Dr. Art Johnson. “One of the school board’s main functions is the hiring and firing of the superintendent,” he said. “We have one of the better superintendents in the state. I think he understands fiscal responsibility. He has managed the district well both on the operational and capital side.”

Benaim said Palm Beach

See BENAIM, page 20

Fourth Of July Tradition Hits Tenth Year In Wellington Neighborhood

By Candace Marchsteiner

Town-Crier Staff Report

For the tenth year, a crowd gathered at the home of Ken and Patti Petersen in Wellington last Friday for their traditional Fourth of July celebration. Over the years, neighbors have come and gone, but many return on this day for a reunion of sorts. Even the neighborhood kids who’ve grown up and gone off to college came home to shoot pool and share sparklers with younger friends.

In addition to bringing a dish to share, each family contributed money toward meat, drinks, an inflatable waterslide and fireworks. This year several folks organized games such as an ice cream-eating contest, a water balloon toss and foot races. The Petersens hit fireworks sales early, often tallying up a thousand dollars’ worth. “My dad lives pretty frugally, but when it comes to fireworks, he always throws in a big donation,” said Patti Petersen, whose father Jim

BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

Pousont lives in the neighborhood. “We like to make our own fun at home rather than being out on the road with everyone else,” Ken Petersen said. Special visitors, however, were in town from as far away as Pennsylvania and even Spain. Jeronimo Lozano Crespo, a 13year-old exchange student, marveled at the amount of food and said, “I will never forget my first Fourth of July. It made me so happy.”

Jake Glenn, 5, doubles up on sparklers.

PHOTOS

Patti Petersen and her son Kevin.Kids reach for with American flags after a fireworks display.

Mary Claire Cruz wins the ice cream-eating contest.

Angela and Laura Arena, Susan Englert, and Debbie and Amanda Costa.

Deeridge Farm’s Jacobs

The University at Buffalo recently announced a $10 million gift from Jeremy Jacobs, his wife Margaret and their family to establish the Jacobs Institute at the University of Buffalo, which will support research and clinical collaboration on the causes, treatment and prevention of heart and vascular diseases. The Jacobs family owns Deeridge Farm, which is based in East Aurora, N.Y. and Wellington.

The gift was made in honor of Dr. Lawrence Jacobs, a medical pioneer and the late brother of Jeremy Jacobs. Lawrence Jacobs was chair of the Department of Neurology in UB’s School of Medicine and chief of neurology at Buffalo General Hospital at the time of his death.

This gift will fund the retention and recruitment of worldclass researchers, educators and clinicians to the University at Buffalo and to the western New York heathcare community.

Jeremy Jacobs is chairman and CEO of Delaware North Companies, a worldwide leader in hospitality and one of the largest privately held companies in North America. He is also chairman of the UB Council, an alumnus of the UB School of Management and a longtime philanthropic leader.

The Jacobs’ gift is the largest single gift ever to UB and makes the Jacobs family the universi-

ty’s most generous donor, with gifts totaling $18.4 million.

“I support the vision of bringing the brightest minds together in one place to focus on clinical care, research and teaching with an entrepreneurial spirit to solve challenging problems,” Jeremy Jacobs said. “It is my hope that this gift will help provide an avenue for establishing Buffalo as a world-class center for stateof-the-art research, treatment and teaching in the areas of vascular and heart diseases.”

In praising the generosity and vision of Jeremy and Margaret Jacobs, UB President John B. Simpson said the gift will produce research, education and clinical-care synergies that are essential for major advancements in health care.

“The commitment from Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs and family is significant on a number of levels,” Simpson said. “First, this is a powerful example of how our community can work together to both nurture and attract world-class medical research to western New York. Second, it demonstrates a commitment to reinventing our community to be competitive in the 21st Century.”

Jeremy Jacobs and the Jacobs family have long invested in higher education, providing significant financial support for a number of UB’s most important academic initiatives.

Scouts Hit The Beach — Wellington’s Girl Scout Troop 150 celebrated the end of a year of community service projects recently with a trip to Orlando’s Blizzard Beach. Troop leader Anne Dillard will hand over the reins to Chris and Marla Gideos for the coming year. (L-R) Ashley Dupont, Alex Ingebritson, Alexa Taylor, Summer Marchsteiner, Ashley Gideos, Jenny Bermudez, Danica Taylor, Lainie Shearouse and Taylor Molina. Not pictured: Carolina Silva and Hikari Ally.

Sheets, Krieger Marry

Jeremiah Jeffrey Sheets, son of Jeff and Jodie Sheets of Royal Palm Beach, married Kandace Jean Krieger, daughter of Kevin and Jeannine Krieger of Wellington, on June 21. The ceremony and reception were held at Wellington Presbyterian Church with more than 300 people in attendance.

Sheets, 24, has lived in Royal Palm Beach since 1986 and attended Wellington Christian School during his elementary years. After being homeschooled for middle and high school, he enrolled at Palm Beach Community College and then Florida Atlantic University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in psychology in May 2008. Sheets currently works in his family’s business, Delray Pawn Shop in Delray Beach.

Krieger, 21, has resided in Wellington since 1993 and attended Wellington Elementary School, home school, Welling-

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Sheets

ton Christian School and graduated from Crossroads Christian School in 2005. She currently works at the Pediatric Center of Wellington and intends to graduate from Palm Beach Atlantic University’s nursing school in May 2009. The newlyweds now live in Wellington.

Benyon Named To Dean’s List

Angela Benyon, a 2006 graduate of Wellington High School, was named to the dean’s list at Stetson University for the spring semester.

Benyon is a junior majoring in psychology. She is also on the

and Mrs. Paul

Paul Paglia, Erin Brese Wed also

from the

executive board of Alpha Chi Omega social sorority and is a member of the psychology honorary society Psi Chi.

Benyon is the daughter of Scott and Nancy Benyon of Wellington.

Paul Paglia, son of former Wellington councilman Al Paglia and Rosemary Paglia, recently married Erin Brese of Thomaston, Ga. Paul, 1994 class president at Wellington High School, graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Penn. Erin, daughter of Ron and Julie Brese,

brother of the groom, served as best man, while Melissa Mason of Atlanta was matron of honor. The wedding took place with family and close friends in Kauai, Hawaii on April 8. The couple resides in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Margaret and Jeremy Jacobs of Deeridge Farm.

PHOTO COURTESY HEATHER CARISTO

Mr.

Paglia

graduated

University of the Arts. Michael Paglia,

Volunteers Prepare For ‘Evening On The Green’

On Tuesday, July 1, the executive committee for the American Cancer Society’s “Evening on the Green” held a volunteerrecruiting event at the Coffee Shack in Wellington. Evening on the Green will be

held on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. at the Equestrian Club by Tavern on the Green. Tickets are $150 and include a cocktail party, reception, silent auction and dancing to the music of Memory Lane, all to benefit the Amer-

ican Cancer Society. Sponsors include Rumbass International Nightclub, My Painted House, the Wellington Institute, the Coates Law Firm and Palms West Hospital. Many volunteers attended the

July 1 session, but the host committee is looking for more volunteers for both the auction and logistics committee. Anyone interested in getting involved should call Michelle Cavanaugh at (561) 650-0138.

Teen Battles For Health, Enjoys Dream Come True

Kyle Drexler of Loxahatchee is a gregarious teenager with a zest for life. He also has a zest for fishing. An avid outdoorsman, Kyle is never happier than when he’s heading out armed with his fishing pole and tackle box.

Recently, Kyle enjoyed an extra-special fishing trip to the Florida Keys, thanks to his friends at Kids Wish Network. Kids Wish Network is an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Kyle was referred to the charity by his doctor. He has a condition known as common variable immunodeficiency.

CVID is an immunodeficiency disorder characterized by low levels of antibodies, which makes it difficult for the body to fight diseases. Those who suffer with CIVD become sick frequently with recurrent infections. Kyle must take daily medications and have his blood monitored often.

When Kids Wish Network

Wish representatives asked Kyle for his number-one wish, he didn’t hesitate to say he wanted to take a relaxing fishing trip.

The Keys are an ideal place for a fishing expedition. Kids Wish Network arranged for Kyle and his family to head to the Keys and stay at the beautiful Bay View Inn on Conch Key. Gretchen, Kyle’s mom, said their stay at the hotel was idyllic. “They were very nice,” she said of the owners. “It was homey. They were wonderful.”

However, Kyle would spend little time in the room. He spent

most of his time out catching fish with his dad Fred. For several relaxing and sunny days, Kyle reeled in fish after fish. “They caught a lot of fish,” Gretchen laughed. “We came home with a lot.”

Toward the end of his trip, Kyle took off with his whole family to Key West to spend the day enjoying the beach. Gretchen said they had a fantastic time. “We hung out and swam. It was a lazy day, very enjoyable,” she said. Kyle returned home from his exciting wish trip tired, but with plenty of fish for the freezer and even more amazing memories. Gretchen said she was tremendously grateful to Kids Wish Network.

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Kyle’s wish come true: American Legion of West Palm Beach, Annette’s Lobster, Bay View Inn motel and marina, Captain Dan, Captain Jimmie Gagliardini, Eagles #3694, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge #2267 and Outback Steakhouse. Kids Wish Network is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children. If you know a child between the ages of three and 18 who may be in need of its wish-granting services, call (727) 937-3600 or toll free (888) 918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit www.kidswish network.org.

Kyle Drexler with some of his catch in the Keys.

Auction Chair Jaime Castellanos, Tanya Siskind and Renee Kelleher.

The group makes plans for the Evening on the Green.

Barbara Schack, Logistics Chair Cheryl Glass and event co-chair Dr. Jennine Cabanelles.

Barbara Schack, Sandy Coven, Brenda Stuglik, Vianka Rubio, Xenia Tiburcio of Rumbass and event co-chair Cheri Coates.

Vianka Rubio, Xenia Tiburcio, Dr. Jennine Cabanelles, Ivonne Flamand and Alexia Alvarez.

Students Chosen For Bank Of America’s National Leadership Summit

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation recently selected five Palm Beach County high school students to participate in a leadership summit in Washington, D.C. The summit will be held July 13-18 as part of the bank’s national Neighborhood Excellence Initiative (NEI). They will join more than 200 students from across the country to learn how civic, nonprofit and business leadership work together to create a vibrant community and strong economy.

The NEI recognizes five exemplary high school juniors or seniors in 45 markets who have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to their community. As part of the program, the students will also participate in a paid, eight-week summer internship with a local nonprofit organization.

“Through our Neighborhood Excellence Initiative and other national and local programs, Bank of America is helping to develop and inspire the next generation of leaders,” Bank of America Palm Beach County

President Fab Brumley said.

“Recognizing these remarkable students and giving them the opportunity to learn more about leadership is pivotal to their future success and that of our neighborhoods. We are proud to support these outstanding Palm Beach County students.”

Student leaders who will intern at Communities in Schools of Palm Beach County are:

• Michelle Almeida, junior from Palm Beach Central High School.

• Jasmine Morton, graduating senior from Inlet Grove High School.

• Jelina Ramirez, graduating senior from the Dreyfoos School of the Arts.

• Clarice Redding, graduating senior from the Dreyfoos School of the Arts.

• William Sturges, graduating senior from Cardinal Newman High School.

At the Bank of America Student Leadership Summit, presented by the Close Up Foundation, these students will participate in a series of leadership sessions designed to engage, inspire and encourage them as future leaders.

The NEI annually recognizes organizations, individuals and students who have shown a commitment to improving their communities.

For additional information, visit www.bankofamerica.com/ foundation.

Auerbach To Debut Internet Radio Show Aug. 6

What’s the Jewish experience like in the 21st century? How does a religion so steeped in tradition remain “current”? These two questions are at the heart of the Internet radio show Night Schuul, which will premiere Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 9 p.m. on www.wrpbradio.com. The show is a live, interactive 60-minute show hosted by Wellington resident and quintessential New York transplant Matthew Auerbach. The aim of the show is to inform and entertain. From poli-

tics to pop culture, from business to belief, from the hippest hangouts to the best pastrami sandwiches, if it’s relevant to the Jewish community, you’ll find it on Night Schuul Various segments will drive the hour, including first-person reports on the Jewish singles scene. Rabbis will keep listeners informed about what area synagogues are doing to bring the next generation into the fold. Jewish-friendly organizations and businesses will check in. Information, updates and happen-

ings will be provided for local youth.

Guests on the debut broadcast include Rabbi Joel Levine of Temple Judea in Palm Beach Gardens; Tamara Lustig, young adult singles director for the Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches; and Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options Executive Director Sarah Franco.

Auerbach has worked in television for two decades, writing, producing and appearing on-camera with the likes of

Jon Stewart, Robert Wuhl, Jeff Probst and Tom Bergeron. Auerbach is currently a producer for the show Deco Drive on WSVN 7 in Miami.

Married with a ten-year-old son, Auerbach’s concerns about the future of the Jewish community will be mirrored in the show, albeit mixed with healthy doses of sarcasm and humor.

Helping Auerbach stay on point will be Morah Dianne, the rebbetzin of Temple Beth Zion in Royal Palm Beach.

FNGLA Installs 2008-09 Board Of Directors

The 2008-09 FNGLA Board of Directors — (Front row, L-R) Director Toni Vorsteg,

row) President Tom Scannell, Director Robbin Avery, Director Deb Joneck, Director Bill Smith, President-Elect Michael Graham, Secretary Joey Quinn and Director Bill Schall. Not pictured: Treasurer Jeff McDougald.

The Palm Beach County chapter of the Florida Nursery Growers & Landscape Association (FNGLA) recently installed its 2008-09 officers and board of directors during the annual convention at the Breakers Hotel & Resort in Palm Beach.

All sectors of the horticultural industry are represented on the 14-member governing board.

“I am honored and excited to lead this organization,” said Tom Scannell, owner of Bougainvillea Growers International and current president of FNGLA Palm Beach. “We have a dedicated and experienced group

this year, and I am confident we will continue to accomplish important goals such as improving the professionalism of the industry, educating our members, and dealing effectively with the environmental and economic challenges facing our industry.”

The Florida Nursery Growers & Landscape Association is a trade association with more than 225 members. It is the oldest and largest trade association in the state, with an estimated $15.2 billion in industry-wide sales. For more information about the FNGLA, visit the association’s local web site at www. pbfngla.com or the statewide web site at www.fngla.org.

Konrady Completes Navy Basic Training

Navy Seaman Apprentice Joseph Konrady, son of Amy and Erik Konrady of Loxahatchee, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Konrady completed a variety of training courses, which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations.” This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. Battle Stations is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment.

Konrady is a 2005 graduate of Hickory High School of Chesapeake, Va.

Kathryn Mudrick On The Dean’s List At Gettysburg College

Kathryn Aldee Mudrick of Wellington, a junior at Gettysburg College, has been placed on the dean’s honor list for outstanding academic achievement during the spring 2008 semester.

Students with a quality point average of 3.60 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for a semester’s work are placed on the dean’s honor list.

With a student body of approximately 2,600, Gettysburg College is a highly selective four-year residential college of liberal arts and sciences located on a 200-acre campus adjacent to the Gettysburg National Military Park. The college was founded in 1832. For more information, visit the college’s web site at www. gettysburg.edu.

Bank Of America Student Leaders — (L-R) Clarice Redding, Michelle Almeida, Jelina Ramirez and William Sturges.

Director Lyn Cacella, Director David Self, Past President Lloyd Singleton, Director Beth Williams and Director Steve Lassiter; (back

NFL Stars Will Appear At Kids Fitness Festival

The 14th Annual Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches, presented by Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida, recently announced that the Bennie Blades 36 Foundation will be partnering with the Palm Beach County Sports Institute for this year’s event. The festival will be held at the South Florida Fairgrounds on Thursday, July 17 and Friday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Bennie Blades 36 Foundation will conduct and teach the basic fundamentals of football.

NFL superstar Bennie Blades, who went to the University of Miami and then played for the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks, said he is pleased to be associated with the event. Through his foundation, Blades has called upon other NFL players to provide instruction in the areas of agility, speed, passing and strategies in playing both offense and defense at the Kids Fitness Festival.

Joining Bennie Blades will be his brother Brian Blades. Brian also played for the University of Miami and for the Seattle Sea-

hawks. Other UM alumni helping out at the festival include Bobby Harden, who played for the Miami Dolphins, and Donnell Bennett, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Redskins. Also scheduled to participate is Dwayne White, who played for Alcorn State, the New York Jets and St. Louis Rams; James Pruitt, who played at Cal-State Fullerton and then went on to the Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts; and James Jones, who played for the University of Florida and then for the Detroit Lions and the Seattle Seahawks. The arrangements to bring these NFL stars to the Kids Fitness Festival were made possible with the assistance of ExpoZur Sports Management Group of Boca Raton. Admission is $17 a day per child. The fee includes a Kids Fitness Festival T-shirt and a full day of fun and activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults are admitted free of charge. For more information, contact Rachel Miller at (561) 233-3178 or rmiller@ palmbeachsports.com.

FSO To Participate In Gigantic Garage Sale

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach will be participating in the Gigantic Garage Sale on Saturday, July 26 at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

The FSO is looking for the following slightly used or likenew items for donation: jewelry, lamps, candles, knickknacks, collectibles, re-gifted items, office supplies, household items, dishes and small toys. Items not to donate include clothing, stuffed animals, furniture or heavy items.

The deadline for dropping off items at the FSO warehouse is Saturday, July 19 from 9 a.m. to noon. The warehouse is located at 1114 N. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach. Tax deduction receipts are available at the time of drop-off. Monetary donations are always welcome and can be

made on the FSO’s secure web site, www.forgottensoldiers.org.

“During the summer months, funds tend to dwindle, but our cause and mission continues to grow,” Forgotten Soldiers Outreach executive director and founder Lynelle Chauncey Zelnar said. “More and more soldiers are registering with our organization to become monthly recipients, thus, we must continue to find ways to raise funds. This year we will be participating in an awesome garage sale, so please, help us by cleaning out your closets, attics and garage, and see what items you really don’t need or want anymore, then consider donating them to FSO so we can try to sell them at this garage sale.” For more information, call (561) 369-2933.

The Phantoms Review ‘Girls Night Out: The Musical’

At The Kravis Center Through July 27

Girls just wanna have fun… and so will you!

Hilarious and toe-tapping, Girls Night Out: The Musical follows five friends as they relive their past, celebrate the present and look to the future during a wild and outrageous girls night out at a karaoke bar, normal enough, aside from the fact that one of them is dead, and appears in the play as an unseen angel, fully clad in glittering white denim and wings. The angel, Sharon (energetically played by Crystal Kellogg) narrates the entire show, providing flashbacks into the lives of all five women: party girl Carol (Renee Colvert), blunt Anita (Justine Hall) who tells it like it is, Liza (Sonya Carter) and her “issues,” and boring school teacher Kate (Whitney Kathleen Vigil), the designated driver. The ladies are out for a night of karaoke and the tried-andtrue dialogue of man bashing, childbirth and adult jokes come into play. This is all accomplished while the actresses dramatically belt out songs such as “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “I Will Survive,” “I’m Every Woman” and “We Are Family.” In fact, “I Will Survive” is in there twice, both times compelling every woman in the audience to get up and dance.

Although this is another show aimed at women theatergoers, guys who are man enough to tag along will have a great time… but leave the children home — this is not for

them; it’s for girls who want to have fun.

To complete the night, after the show the audience was invited to head over to Forte Di Asprinio restaurant at Clematis and Dixie for the opening night after-party with the cast. Complimentary “girltini” cocktails and appetizers to showcase their wonderful Italian cuisine were on offer and will this be repeated on Wednesday, July 23. So grab your sister, best friend, coworkers and head to Kravis to see this fabulous show.

On Wednesday, July 9, the Hotel Nightclub and Rock Lobby (formerly Resorts) in CityPlace has also partnered with “Girls Night Out” with complimentary admission and cocktail with the cast after the show.

On Wednesday, July 16, Blue Martini in CityPlace will offer complimentary admission and a glass of champagne, appetizers and special ladies VIP card with your ticket stub.

We are looking forward to other partnering events that will showcase the best of the arts and the best restaurants and night spots in the Palm Beaches… it makes for one great night… See you at the theater!

Joe & Kathryn, the Phantoms, are featured writers for the Town-Crier newspaper and www.yournews.com. Comments and recommendations are welcome at the phantomdiners@aol.com.

(L-R) Sonya Carter, Justine Hall, Renee Colvert, Stephen Asprinio, Crystal Kellogg and Whitney Kathleen Virgil enjoy the after-party event at Forte Di Asprinio.

A DAY OF FUN AT ST. PETER’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN WELLINGTON

Popular pianist Copeland Davis returned to St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington on Sunday, July 6, participating in three worship services as part of the congregation’s celebration of the Fourth of July weekend. After the 11 a.m. service everyone enjoyed a picnic of hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, chips and dessert. A love offering was collected and all proceeds were split between the St. Peter’s operating budget and the Carson Ruffa Fund; Ruffa is an 11-year-old athlete who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in April. A raffle was included with gift certificates to local restaurants, passes for the Palm Beach Icezone/Skatezone, Upward scholarships for basketball and cheerleading, sports attire and three vacation packages. The children also enjoyed a “snow” day with a foam pit. One of the day’s highlights was a visit by Ruffa, who recently finished his fourth and final round of chemotherapy. He drew the winning raffle tickets.

C-PAL Season

Tickets Available

The Crestwood Performing Arts League (C-PAL) is now running its preseason membership drive. Season tickets are being offered at a reduced rate of $55 for four shows running Nov. 16, 2008 through March 22, 2009. Season ticket holders will receive a savings of $5; tickets cost $15 during the season. Preferential placement will be given to advertisers who purchase their ads in the upcoming playbill. Membership also enables C-PAL to present grants to music departments in 18 schools.

C-PAL’s 2008-09 calendar of events includes the following programs of varied interest:

• Sunday, Nov. 16 — The New Dawn Singers will take you back to the old days of Vaudeville, Ragtime, the Roaring ’20s, ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, big band, swing and love songs, disco, tap dancing and Broadway tunes.

• Sunday, Jan. 18 — Dr. Robert Sharon presents “The World of Voice, Dance & Piano.” The show will feature opera singers, ballet dancers and a piano performance by Dr. Sharon.

• Sunday, Feb. 8 — Enjoy an evening with “Derrick and the Motowners,” a specialty group doing a

medley of songs in tribute to the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Platters and other doo-wop and Motown groups.

• Sunday, March 22 — “One Enchanted Evening” features a night of fun with two captivating singers, Josephine Dolce and Carlos Manuel Santana. Their elegant performances will be accompanied by South Florida’s finest concert pianist. Travel with Dolce and Santana as they go on a musical journey from Broadway to the opera stage. This international show will fill the evening with splendor and excitement. Concerts are subject to change without notice. C-PAL is also looking for volunteers to help keep this endeavor alive. With patrons subscribing now, CPAL will be able to control the number of tickets the box office can sell prior to each concert. For more than 26 years, C-PAL has managed to sell out most events. For more information, call (561) 793-6897 or (561) 793-2984.

Giraffe Born At Lion Country Safari

On Saturday, June 28, as Lion Country Safari closed, a 173-pound, six-foot tall female giraffe calf was born in the Hwange National Park

area of the drive-through preserve.

Less than an hour after the unique birth, the baby was standing. Giraffe calves are born while the mother is in a standing position, and they drop to the ground head first. The calf will be named by Lion Country Safari’s summer day campers. This is the second calf for mom Pammella; paternity tests have been administered to determine the father. Female giraffes reproduce year-round beginning at about four years of age. Their conception peak is usually during the rainy season, and their gestation lasts approximately 15 months. The life expectancy of a giraffe is 25 years.

This healthy new addition will join nearly 900 resident animals at Lion Country Safari, America’s first cageless zoo. The baby is segregated from the herd to allow bonding time with her mother in the maternity pen, but she and mom are visible in the drivethrough preserve (Section 7, Hwange National Park) or from the giraffe feeding exhibit.

Lion Country Safari is located at 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, off Southern Blvd. west of Loxahatchee Groves. It is open daily rain or shine from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the last car admitted at 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (561) 793-1084 or visit www.lioncountrysafari.com.

Carson Ruffa draws the raffle tickets.

People pass the raffle table on way to the food line.

Some of the youngsters play in the foam pit.

Mom Pammella with her newborn calf, born June 28 at Lion Country Safari. The calf will be named by the safari’s summer campers.

MOVEON ACTIVISTS RALLY IN WELLINGTON

Area political activists joined together Wednesday afternoon at the intersection in front of the Mall at Wellington Green for MoveOn.org’s rally “National Day of Action for an Oil-Free President.”

The event was held to protest the oil industry and promote energy independence.

Pictured here are

and

RPB Budget

Less Money

continued from page 1 as well as another $550,000 from lower state reimbursements and $168,000 from lower revenues due to less construction.

“We balanced that by reducing costs by $350,000, reducing our debt service by $839,000 and paying $129,000 less than in 2008 on non-recurring costs,” Hochman said.

Farber said operating expenses would drop by 0.38 percent due partly to reductions in staff. The budget calls for the elimination and consolidation of several staff positions, mostly in the Parks & Recreation Department, although the Community Development Department, Finance and Public Works would also take losses.

“I produced this budget with a heavy heart because we had to lay off people already in positions,” Farber said.

Farber admitted that there would be a reduction in services. “We wouldn’t have been doing our job if that weren’t true,” he said. “We’ll deal with all major issues immediately, but in some areas, we have to prioritize.”

Many of the village’s department chiefs said they had reduced expenditures and sought new ways to complete their tasks. Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio said online registration for teams and events would reduce problems caused by losing several of his staff members.

Village Engineer Ray Liggins noted that the capital improve-

Mahoney Finding Federal Funding

continued from page 7 omy and expand entrepreneurial opportunities.

“I believe that Wellington has a tremendous amount it can do for new jobs,” Mahoney said. “You have the infrastructure to attract corporate headquarters and new businesses looking at Wellington as a location to operate them. What we learned in this recession is that we cannot be a real estate, developmentdriven economy. Our economy has to be driven by other forces. If we had a broader tax base than we had today, we would still be having difficulties, but we would not be in the dire situation that we are now. We need to work hand in hand to bring these opportunities to fruition.” With hurricane season underway, Mahoney also expressed

Letters

continued from page 4 they agreed to cooperate with the Loxahatchee Groves Comprehensive Plan. His point was that the plan was not yet in existence and that would be the same as “signing a blank check.”

Councilman Dennis Lipp, the only councilperson elected from the list of candidates “approved” and campaigned for by the district, also argued for the statement’s removal. Without his usual invocation of the name [County Commissioner] Jess Santamaria to bolster his personal view, Lipp pointed out that according to Florida state statute, the district was required to cooperate with the comprehensive plan so there was no need to have them sign an agreement that mentions cooperation.

So the Schoech/Lipp combined reasoning is that the district should not have to sign an ILA that mentions comp plan cooperation because they don’t yet know what will be in the plan even though they are by statutory law required to cooperate with the plan regardless of what is in it.

Although this reasoning might sound nonsensical, there is a sinister logic to it. By eliminating the cooperation state-

ments program in 2009 features $22 million for the construction of Royal Palm Beach Commons on the site of the former Tradition Golf Course. “Construction costs are still estimated to be between $16 and $18 million,” he said. “We are including a lot of our startup costs we spent this year. Costs are not rising that much.”

Lodwick commented that a great deal of work will go into the project. “We’re improving the drainage, improving the ecology and making this into a park that serves the public much better,” he said, “and we have to fight through a complicated permitting process.”

The village’s total expenditures for the coming year will be $64,312,766, up $1.25 million due mostly to the longplanned capital expenditures. Other capital improvement projects include stormwater and drainage enhancements particularly in the Saratoga neighborhood, the construction of a public safety multi-purpose building behind the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation that will be hardened to withstand a strong hurricanes, and demolition of the old wastewater treatment plant.

Law enforcement services from the PBSO are budgeted at $6,506,553, a 7.79 percent increase. Lodwick said that even though residents are pleased with the PBSO’s performance, its high cost could lead to cutbacks in the future. He told District 9 commander Capt. Tony Araujo, the village’s top law enforcement officer, that Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue union members recognize there

confidence that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is getting back on track, but also said he would lead the debate in Washington on whether the agency should remain part of the Department of Homeland Security.

“What happened with FEMA is all the money went to terrorism,” he said. “They forgot about natural disasters. We have one new invasive pest coming into our ports every month. Greening is also a disease that has the potential to destroy the entire citrus industry, and we don’t have an answer for it.” Mahoney urged council members to work with his office as quickly as possible on their wish list of projects, as they would be jockeying with other municipalities to secure federal investment.

“Every one of these projects has to have a sponsor,” he said. “In this particular case, it would be me. I need to get the majority of the members of the House

ment, the district can continue to be as unabashedly uncooperative as they always have been. Before the comprehensive plan is approved, they can continue to work against the forward movement of the town just as they worked so hard to defeat incorporation prior to the vote for it. In that way they stand a better chance of the town losing its incorporated status or having puppet candidates elected to the four seats they do not yet control. Either way, the power they have over their fiefdom would be secured. The barefaced liar award goes to LGWCD Supervisor John Ryan, who testified as spokesperson for all the district supervisors concerning their meeting of the previous night. The town council asked for district cooperation in a joint workshop so they could come to working agreements. When the subject of the workshop was brought up by the town council, Mr. Ryan put the town on notice with the fabricated statement that “we” decided that discussions cannot go forward in a workshop until we get an opinion from the Florida Attorney General [Bill McCollum] as to which governmental entity has what rights of jurisdiction. Mr. Ryan was fully aware

will be no large pay increases forthcoming, and that he hoped PBSO deputies understand that as well.

Araujo replied that the PBSO is very aware of the need to cut costs and is working hard to find ways to continue to provide services with more limited funds.

With $3,500 in the budget allotted to “other contributions,” the council debated crafting a policy for making donations to groups engaged in fundraising efforts. Councilwoman Martha Webster said the village should establish a process to prioritize such requests. Lodwick agreed, saying that there are many good causes and that a lot of money had been raised through fundraising events and private sponsors.

Farber concurred, noting that donations are often made on an ad hoc basis, with people walking into meetings and just asking for assistance. “We also get requests to use our facilities from people and agencies that are not resident in the village,” he said. “Then we have to listen to them complain about how we set up tables that they don’t pay for in a room they also don’t pay for.”

Lodwick said it is hard to turn some requests away. “If someone walks in with 12 kids from a team,” he said, “it is hard to look them in the eye and refuse them.”

The council is set to approve its property tax rate on July 17 for transmission to the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office. Once it sets the rate, it can lower but not raise it in future discussions of the FY 2009 budget.

of Representatives to agree with me, and do the same thing in the Senate. We compete with communities around the country for projects. Every submission that I make and every request that gets granted gets voted on by 530 members of Congress. That is the process we go through. You have an advocate in Washington, D.C. to get this money identified and agreed to by the rest of Congress.”

In Loxahatchee Groves, Town Clerk Matt Lippman said he and Councilman Dave Autrey also talked with Mahoney Monday about potential federal funding opportunities for the new town.

“He came by to get to know us,” Lippman said. “He wanted to learn about the town. I gave him a general list of the areas for the town in funding opportunities. When the funding cycle begins, his staff will come to us and tell us what is feasible and what is possible, and give us more direction on what we could go after.”

both before and after his statement that it was an outright lie and had no comment when I went on public record concerning his fabrication. He was the one and only district board member who mentioned not cooperating until they obtained a determination from the Florida attorney general, whose nonbinding opinion can take up to eight months to obtain. The truth was that all the other board members agreed they were willing to consider proceeding with a workshop if the town provided a more specific detailed agenda as to desired discussion points.

Mr. Clete Saunier, LGWCD administrator, tried to put the record straight about what the actual consensus of the board was. Unfortunately, Ryan’s affronting arrogant attitude, which alluded to his legal expertise being above and beyond the town attorney’s, coupled with his lie about the consensus of the district board he represented, had already done irreparable damage. Residents need to be aware of how counterproductive and dangerously dishonest the antiquated “independent” water control district has become. Howard Voren Loxahatchee Groves

Committee Requests Full Plan For Grand Prix Acres

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Members of the Wellington Equestrian Committee lacked a quorum to take action Wednesday, July 9 but listened to staff reports including a developer’s request to reduce the housing density for part of the Grand Prix Acres development on the north side of 40th Street South one and a half miles west of South Shore Blvd.

Michael Sexton of Sexton Engineering sought approval on behalf of Mark Bellissimo to amend the Grand Prix Acres master plan to reduce the dwelling units on the southern 82 acres of the 600-acre development from 64 units to 36, with the development in two phases of 21 and 15 units.

Planner Olga Prieto said that the request had been found in compliance by staff. The item was slated to be heard by the Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board on July 10, but committee members said they hoped the PZA Board would postpone the item so it could be considered by the Equestrian Committee with a quorum in August. The item is scheduled to go before the Wellington Village Council on Aug. 12, but staff said the item could be moved to the council’s Aug. 26 meeting.

Vice Chair Michael Whitlow asked about the traffic impact on the neighboring Grand Prix Village. “My question is, do you have all the traffic situations worked out in terms of 40th

Grades

Most Get Top Grade

continued from page 1 percent of its lowest readers showed improvement, up from 45 the previous year. And in science, students achieving FCAT Level 3 was at 33 percent, an improvement of only one point.

All middle and elementary schools in the western communities earned A grades.

Osceola Creek Middle School Principal David Alfonso said his school jumped 45 points, to 606, in large part because of major improvements in performance by the school’s lowest math and reading students.

“We made incredible gains, and the biggest was in the percent of lowest in reading and math,” Alfonso said. “We jumped 10 points to a 73 in reading, which was huge, and 11 points to a 72 in math.”

Alfonso said the school focused its efforts on all students, gave them reading packets for winter break and offered a voluntary tutorial program. “We encouraged them to do it, and gave them a reason to want to be successful, to want to graduate high school and, if need be, to go to college and be college ready,” he said. “That’s our goal as a school, and as a district.”

Acreage Pines Elementary School Principal James Campbell said his students and staff are thrilled with their ninthstraight A grade.

“We were fortunate enough to receive an A and maintain it over the years,” he said. “I sent emails to the teachers letting them all know about it, and we put it up on the marquee.”

Campbell noted that the standards are increasing every year and his school will continue working hard to improve.

Cypress Trails Elementary School Assistant Principal Katy Thomas said it’s the fifth year in a row her school has maintained an A. “We’re excited about it,” she said. “We worked very hard to motivate the kids. We have a population that is one of the most diverse out here. We worked hard to keep raising that bar for the kids. We teach them

Benaim

Facing Two Challengers

continued from page 12 County was the only one of seven urban Florida counties to get an A rating from the state for the fourth year in a row, which he attributes to putting the right amount of money where it does the most good.

He cited Seminole Ridge High School, which received an A this year and was built during his tenure, as an example of school district excellence. “It has a fantastic principal,” he said. “[Principal Dr.] Lynne McGee is a testament to leadership.” Benaim pointed out that SRHS and Osceola Creek Middle School have received national architectural design awards.

Street, which is the Lake Worth [Road] right of way?” Whitlow asked. “Do you have an agreement with Grand Prix Village for traffic going through Grand Prix Village? Does 40th Street have to be redone?” Sexton said that the master plan would take those issues into account.

Whitlow said he approved reducing the number of lots, but wanted to see approval from neighboring communities.

“If it reduces traffic, I would like to see the plan that shows it. It would behoove us as a committee that we get another shot at this. I find it a little hard to believe that our friends in Grand Prix Village are going to be wild about additional traffic going to and from there,” Whitlow said. “You are going to have to have an acknowledgment from their HOA that it is OK with this so you don’t end up in a legal situation with them. It’s a gated community. Those are private roads.”

Committee Member Carol Coleman said she was concerned about development in small increments and wanted to know if there was a master plan for the section being discussed and also for the entire 600-acre property. “We are doing little sections,” Coleman said. “Unless we know what the whole picture is, I find it difficult to know what is going on.”

Sexton said that he is working with the parties involved and there hopefully will be a master

their basic skills and they learn to do their writing. Writing is a big part of fourth grade. They also did really well in fourthgrade math.”

Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School Principal Richard Myerson said his school showed modest gains. “We did a little bit better than last year,” he said. “It’s always nice to show improvement from year to year. We have a very good group of students and staff here. They all worked very hard. The kids did a great job.”

At Binks Forest Elementary School, Principal Dr. Julie Hopkins said the school celebrated at the end of the school year without knowing the FCAT results because she felt the students and the school were winners no matter what grade was earned.

“We did a grade-level celebration in every single grade level,” Hopkins said. “Everyone sacrificed a little bit. Every one worked very hard for that test, and the teachers did a phenomenal job in planning and analyzing the data. We’re number four [in Palm Beach County] among elementary schools for points. We are doing awesome as usual. These teachers are amazing.”

Equestrian Trails Elementary School Principal Sandi Gero said she and her staff were delighted to maintain the school’s A grade. “We have a staff of dedicated professionals who maintained a relentless focus to get all students to achieve,” Gero said. “It is a pleasure to work with teachers who are always willing to go the extra mile, parents who are supportive of the school, and students who are willing to work hard every day.”

For Panther Run Elementary School Principal P.J. D’Aoust, the news that his school earned an A was doubly wonderful, as it was his first year heading the school. He doled credit to his students and staff.

“The efforts of our dedicated staff and inspired students pushed the school to a new level of excellence, as we ranked fifth of all county elementary schools in total FCAT points, overall learning gains, and learning gains for our lowest 25 percent in reading and math,”

“You’ve got some gorgeous schools out there,” he said of The Acreage community.

Benaim also cited more than 100 career academies in county high schools as another shining accomplishment. “We are giving our children careers so they can stay in the area,” he said.

He refers to the students as his “silent constituency.”

“The parents vote for me, but I have to do what is best for the kids,” Benaim said. Sturmthal did not return phone calls Wednesday. According to her web site, www. kellyforschoolboard.com, the Jupiter resident is 42, married and has two children. She is currently serving her second term as Jupiter Farms Elementary School PTO president. She is an attorney and co-owner of a product development family

plan within the next few months. Equestrian activist Cynthia Gardner noted that bigger parcels of equestrian land could mean more people including grooms and farriers driving back and forth. “Reducing it from 64 to 36 lots doesn’t mean it’s going to reduce traffic,” she said.

Committee Member Don Dufresne agreed with Gardner and asked that staff relay the concerns of the committee members to the PZA Board on Thursday night.

“Let the PZA Board know that it is a concern of ours,” Dufresne said. “If it comes back to us, there will be changes.” Results from Thursday’s PZA Board meeting were not available at presstime. In other reports, Community Development Director Marty Hodgkins said the master plan amendment and development order amendment for an equestrian arena in Section 34 will probably be on a smaller scale than originally proposed last year. Last year, Stadium Jumping proposed building a new show grounds on the site with a large arena. That plan, since abandoned, was previously approved by the Equestrian Committee. The new proposal is designed primarily for the residents living there.

“We’ve had some discussions with the property owner, and he thinks that he will have something just for the residents in the Wellington Preserve area,” Hodgkins said.

D’Aoust said. “We outperformed all previous years and look forward to coming back next year and improving even more.”

At Wellington Elementary School, Principal Mike Borowski said he is already looking ahead to next year. “We are very proud of our students, teachers and staff leading to our repeated designation of an A school,” Borowski said. “Having said that, we will more fully analyze the results and begin preparation for the upcoming school year.” School grades are based on student performance on the FCAT using a formula factoring performance of students in the third, eighth and tenth grades and improvements in reading, writing and math. Also, science scores by students in grades 5, 8 and 11 now count toward school grades for the first time. Schools can earn a maximum of 100 points in eight different categories. In addition, beginning this year, high schools can earn 10 “bonus” points when at least 50 percent of their juniors and seniors retaking the FCAT in reading and math pass the test. In the coming school year, high school grades will be calculated using a variety of assessment tools, rather than the controversial FCAT alone. These include: high school graduation rates; performance and participation in dual-enrollment, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses; results on SAT and ACT tests; graduation rates of at-risk students who scored at Level 2 or below on eighth-grade FCAT reading and mathematics examinations; and student performance on standardized end-ofcourse assessments. Additionally, in order for a high school to earn an A grade the school must demonstrate adequate progress among at-risk students.

“We haven’t been given the rules on how those will be factored in,” McGee said. “We know they’re a factor, but we’re not sure how much yet. It would be nice to know in August, when we start. It’s easier to work when you know where the target is.” Grades for elementary and middle schools will continue to be based solely on FCAT results.

Dr. Monroe Benaim business. Sturmthal graduated from Jupiter High School in 1984, received a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Central Florida in 1988 and her law degree from the University of Miami in 1993.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/ TOWN-CRIER

Lil Cohen (immediate right),

Adam Havican and son Michael (far right).

Fourth Of July Fun At Red, White & Blue Fishing Tournament

The Royal Palm Beach Bassmasters hosted the 18th Annual Red, White & Blue Fourth of July Fishing Tournament at Lakeside Challenger Park last Friday. Justin Deithorn of Royal Palm Beach caught the big bass, which weighed 6 lbs., 3 oz. Sawyer Colucci of Loxahatchee caught the big fish (other), which weighed 4 lbs., 12 oz. The rest of the results, in weight of total fish caught, are as follows:

• Six & Under (Other) —

First place went to Sawyer Colucci of Loxahatchee, 18 lbs.; second place went to Susannah Classen of Royal Palm Beach, 12 lbs., 1 oz.; and third place went to John Dotson of Royal Palm Beach, 5 lbs., 13 oz.

• Six & Under (Bass) — First place went to Hunter Demer of Royal Palm Beach, 8 lbs., 10 oz.; second place went to Shelbylyn Hubbs of Royal Palm Beach, 3 lbs.; and third place went to Madallyn Conner of Lake Worth, 2 lbs., 12 oz. • Seven to Nine (Other) —

First place went to Megan Orelas of Royal Palm Beach, 7 lbs., 4 oz.; second place went to Emily Dotson of Royal Palm Beach, 5 lbs., 13 oz.; and third place went to Dalton Nutter of Royal Palm Beach, 5 lbs., 8 oz. • Seven to Nine (Bass) — First place went to Kayla Hubbs of Royal Palm Beach, 6 lbs., 13 oz.; second place went to Wade Young of Loxahatchee, 3 lbs., 11 oz.; and third place went to T.J. Healy of Loxahatchee, 2 lbs., 4 oz.

• Ten to 12 (Other) — First place went to Lincoln Colucci of Loxahatchee, 15 lbs., 14 oz.; second place went to Courtney Bruckner of Wellington, 9 lbs., 8 oz.; and third place went to Chris Perez of Wellington, 5 lbs., 10 oz.

• Ten to 12 (Bass) — First place went to Breanna Hubbs of Royal Palm Beach, 8 lbs., 10 oz.; second place went to Ronny Demer of Royal Palm Beach, 6 lbs., 10 oz.; and third place went to Chris Fagan of Royal Palm Beach, 4 lbs., 3 oz.

• Thirteen to 19 (Other) — First place went to Alex Pacheco of Royal Palm Beach, 7 lbs., 1 oz.; second place went to Paul Bernstein of Wellington, 4 lbs., 6 oz.; and third place went to Sabrina Worsley of Jupiter, 3 lbs., 10 oz.

• Thirteen to 19 (Bass) — First place went to Cory Inman of Royal Palm Beach, 10 lbs., 2 oz.; second place went to Justin Deithorn of Royal Palm Beach, 8 lbs., 8 oz.; and third place went to Tyler Hubbs of Royal Palm Beach, 6 lbs., 9 oz. • Adult/Child (Other) — First place went to David and Evan Sager of Royal Palm Beach, 8 lbs., 6 oz.; and second place went to Oceana and Les Gershberg of Royal Palm Beach, 5 lbs., 4 oz.

PHOTOS BY CAROL

Winners in the 13-19 Bass category: Cory Inman, Justin Deithorn and Tyler Hubbs.

Chris Fagan of RPB with his catch.

Ronny and Hunter Demer of RPB with their dad Ron.

Zoe Gershberg

Kayla Hubbs with her catch.

Six & Under Bass winners Hunter Demer, Shelbylyn Hubbs and Madallyn Connor.

Winners in the Six & Under Other category: Sawyer Colucci, Susannah Classen and John Dotson.

Winners in the Seven to Nine Other category: Megan Orelas, Emily Dotson and Dalton Nutter.

Winners in the Seven to Nine Bass category: Kayla Hubbs, Wade Young and T.J. Healy.

Winners in the Ten to 12 Other category: Lincoln Colucci, Courtney Bruckner and Chris Perez.

T.J. Healy of Loxahatchee.

Breanna Hubbs and her brother Tyler of RPB.

FEATURES HORIZON BAPTIST CHURCH CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING IN

On Sunday, July 6, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for Horizon Baptist Church at the corner of 130th Avenue North and Orange Blvd. in The Acreage. Pastor Sherman Dibble officiated at the ceremony. Parishioners in attendance included Dot Hutchens, a member of the Westside Baptist Church, which originally had plans for the 2.75-acre parcel. Dibble spoke fondly of that church and how fate had tied together their plans for the property. For more information about the church, call Dibble at (561) 792-1122, e-mail him at info@ horizonbc.com or visit www.horizonbc.com.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Pastor Sherman Dibble addresses the parishioners.

Daniel Madistin and his son Jeremiah.

Church members participate in the groundbreaking ceremony.Dot Hutchens with Pastor Sherman Dibble.

Parishioner Joe Thomas says a few words.

Seth Murrell holds his shovel before the groundbreaking.

If You Can’t Shoot Your Troubles, Talking To Sales Is Plan B

Last April, I called the phone company because I wanted to be able to talk on the phone and use my crummy dial-up Internet service at the same time. I came away with call waiting, call forwarding, a second ringtone and an additional $60/ month on my phone bill. The only service I did not get was evidently the one that allows me to talk on the phone and use the Internet at the same time. So, after trying to locate the phantom second line for months, I called the phone company and someone there explained to me that a second ringtone merely plays “Dixie” — it is not a second line But I don’t want to mislead you. I don’t want you to go away from this column thinking that the phone company is going to quickly and concisely explain things to you and then fix them. That would be wrong.

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

You know the phone company, being in the business of communication, you’d think they would make an effort to communicate better. It took me three calls before I could even get through to a real person. I tried dialing O for operator — there is no longer any such thing. The computer mantra just ignored my O and kept on going through the plethora of options available, none of which was anywhere close

to the option I needed — troubleshooting.

After listening to the mantra for so long that I was almost in a hypnotic trance, I resorted to my old trick of pressing whatever number the mantra said would take me to sales. The people in sales answer the phone immediately. I bet they have more live bodies in sales than troubleshooting could ever dream of. In fact, the best way to save time when troubleshooting is to take a gun and shoot your telephone. Now you have no phone but you have no trouble either.

The second-best thing is to talk to sales. The live, pleasant, eager, happy person on the other end of the line will start reeling off all the cool things you can buy and will offer to send you a $100 thank-you check if you are bright enough to sign up for these services. But when the sales person realizes they have been duped into actually answering the phone to help you with an exist-

ing problem, they become a lot less pleasant, eager and happy but, unfortunately for them, still alive. So they have to talk to you. I explained my problem and the person replied that I had been sold the wrong thing from the start and was quite relieved to be able to go back to the primary cheat sheet and pick up where they left off in the list of cool things I could buy. They told me that two lines with dial-up would cost me $115 but, if I got DSL, it would only cost me $80. (This is per month, not per lifetime, of course.) So I signed up for DSL, got a $100 check and even a refund for all the money I’d sent them for the nonexistent second line. I was happy — until my husband got home.

“But can you talk on the phone and go on the Internet at the same time?” he asked. You know what? I don’t know! I’ll have to call sales.

European Take On Resort Living Is Stuck In Another Century

People from outside America have very different vacation needs, as we just discovered. I like vacations. There really is nothing like getting away to another country to a place where most of the people you meet are there primarily to take care of you. I may not be rich, but I love being treated that way for a week every year.

We did something a little different this time. Instead of staying at an American-style resort in the Caribbean, we went to one owned by a European chain. And there are some real differences in vacation styles between the two. Objectively, we are in a different culture. Subjectively, we moved back in time.

The European resort obviously has heard about air conditioning. The room containing their computer systems is as icy as you can find. The hotel rooms, however, are another story. Some Floridians think of their ceiling fans as auxiliary devices. At this resort they had to be on all the time. Air conditioning was either nonexistent (in public rooms) or wildly inadequate (in private rooms).

‘I’ On

CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

We noticed that the fan in our room barely moved. When we asked a maintenance man to check, he pulled at the wiring and told us the fan was not hooked up correctly when installed years before but that no one had ever complained. Can you imagine someone at an American hotel not complaining because the temperature in their room was well over 80 degrees?

The food was different as well. Portions were a lot smaller, which is good when you are on a diet. Many of the foods were new to us; interesting varieties using animal parts we usually are not

served in this country. Many of them were actually very good. Others I was too cowardly to try. Think of tripe and haggis, if you will. Google them and find out what goes in them. If you have more guts than I do, you might even try them.

The entertainment was not what most of us have come to expect at resorts either. We saw a production of Cabaret that turned out to feature a lip-synched version of “Wilkommen” as well as songs from other shows. Frankly, the productions from our local high schools are better. And there was no air conditioning in the crowded theater.

But the simplicity had its own charms. With very little to do except hang around a pool or the beach, we were able to really relax and unwind. We slowed down considerably. Just taking it easy, cold drinks being brought regularly to keep us hydrated, made it seem very 19th century. There is a lovely charm in not running around anywhere, in waking up late because there are no appointments. I was off the net for a week and did not miss it. There was some television, but not much

in English. (Imagine watching Law & Order in French with Spanish subtitles!) But I did not have to think about the national elections or even the local ones.

I admit driving on third-world roads did bring up thoughts about the road system in The Acreage. They have ways of slowing traffic that make anything done in Florida seem like nothing. Huge potholes create unplanned slowdowns and trenches in front of very long speed humps even slow down the cab drivers. One of them told me that going over them fast was a good way to need a new suspension for a car. All in all, we had a very good time. Relaxation, even when more or less forced on us, is a great cure for the constant rat race. The food was different but that helped remind me to stay on my diet. American resorts are firmly in the 21st century. Going back deep into the 20th was different but a welcome diversion. Disney may have Tommorrowland,

While Some Seek Answers, I’m Still Compiling My Questions

Are you ready? Gather the children and the grandkids; it’s that time of year again. Its time for Ernie’s annual wondering column.

I wonder why you can train a puppy to go to the bathroom outside in a couple of weeks, but it takes a human baby about two and a half years to learn to be potty-trained. I wonder if it is true that “Broadway Joe” Namath is really 65 years young and collecting Social Security.

I wonder why so many people die in traffic accidents on our highways and byways. Is it because the State of Florida allows its drivers to drive too young and too old? I wonder if the lack of an efficient mass transit system may be adding to the situation. I am also wondering if folks talking on their cell phones, sending text messages, putting on makeup and yes, even shaving, may be a contributing factor. Of course, don’t forget the folks who drink and/or do drugs and drive.

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

will be late for their own funerals (I hope so).

I wonder if the rain that we needed so badly will ever stop falling from our skies… I wonder if Lake O has enough water. If the powers that be tell us it doesn’t, then methinks they need a new way to measure the lake. I wonder if the price of gas will ever come down (I can dream, can’t I?).

I wonder if I am the only person in this country who never watched Meet the Press… I wonder if Tim Russett was ever elected president (could’ve fooled me)… I wonder what George Carlin (who attended a very nice Catholic school in The Bronx) really died of. I wonder how many folks knew that George served in the Air Force.

I wonder if the U.S. government is happy that my wife Sharon used her (our) stimulus check to help pay for her new bathroom… I wonder why the word “tired” is in the word “retired”… I wonder if my son Brian and his wife Ali will ever be on time for anything… I wonder if they

I wonder if I will see more of our residents hoofing it and/or riding a bike because of a lack of a mass transit system in the western communities. After all, who among us couldn’t use a little more exercise? I wonder if car prices will be coming down when the 2009 models arrive. The carmakers have to do something to jumpstart their industry. I wonder if watermelon will really do for me what the local newsreaders told me last week that it could do… I wonder when my wife’s bathroom will be finished. I wonder if the post office will go to a five-day-a-week delivery because of the gas prices.

I wonder if either of the presidential candidates

has a solution that will get our country out of its current economic mess… I wonder if it is time to replace every member of Congress for sitting on their hands (and other things) and doing nothing to help us out of this mess. They are all up for election this year, and a third of the Senate is, too… I wonder if the voting machines will be able to count our votes correctly, or if we will once again be the laughing stock of the country. The machines forgot to count at least 700 votes in the recent West Palm Beach election. I wonder if anyone is still reading this column… Don’t worry, it is almost done. I wonder if you are better off taking your Social Security at age 62 or should you wait until you reach the ripe old age of 66… I wonder if my wonderful readers would like to add their two cents to this column. If you would, drop me a line care of this newspaper. I am now done wondering ’til next time. I hear the cheers ringing in my ears.

• ABSOLUTE DANCE OF WELLINGTON —When prices everywhere are rising daily, isn’t it refreshing to know that a business is committed to keeping their prices down? Absolute Dance is freezing their monthly tuition for yet another year so young children can keep dancing. It is our goal to ensure that every child has a positive experience, whether it is a two-year-old taking their first Mommy & Me class or an 18-year-old dancer wishing to perform with the Miami City Ballet. Experienced teachers, observation cameras in both studios, yearly themed recital (this year is Peter Pan), and all at a price you can afford! For more info., call (561) 798-1388 or visit www.absolute danceofwellington.com.

• BOOMER’S MUSIC — The recording studio at Boomer’s Music is nearly complete. Summer workshops are available for beginners to intermediate students. Coowner Jeanie O’Neill has taken over as drum instructor and revised the lesson program. Boomer’s instructors give their all to students and are able to bring out the best in them. For more information, call (561) 656-1259.

• GLADES DAY SCHOOL — Founded in 1965, Glades Day School offers a balance of academic, athletic and extracurricular programs. Serving students from kindergarten through grade 12, Glades Day provides the opportunity for students to develop to their fullest potential. Accelerated math and science programs are offered to advanced students, and all students are offered a full range of programs from computer technology and foreign language to the performing arts. Registration for the new school year is on-going and financial aid is available to those who qualify. Glades Day School is located at 400 Gator Blvd., Belle Glade. For more information, call (561) 996-6769 or visit www.gladesdayschool.com.

• SACRED HEART SCHOOL — NCEA-FL Catholic Conference-accredited, Sacred Heart School has an established history of excellence in education. We offer a low student-to-teacher ratio, pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, before and aftercare, and bus transportation. Preparing your child for life... with love! Call (561) 582-2242, ext. 150 for a personal tour, or visit www.sacredheart schoollakeworthfl.com.

• TEMPLE BETH TORAH LEONIE ARGUETTY PRESCHOOL — Temple Beth Torah’s pre-school is committed to providing a nurturing and positive educational experience for children ages two to five, while developing an appreciation and respect for Judaism. Our curriculum is designed to foster children’s natural curiosity while encouraging their social-emotional, cognitive and physical development. Call (561) 793-2649 for more information.

• TEMPLE BETH ZION RELIGIOUS SCHOOL AND PRESCHOOL — At Temple Beth Zion’s pre-school, children of all faiths learn and play together. “My First Jewish Experience” is a fun Montessori-style experience for children ages 5 & 6, including vocabulary games, art, musical activities, Jewish holidays, prayers and customs. “More Jewish Experiences” (ages 6 & 7) is a continuation of the program, learning to read and write in Hebrew. For more information, call (561) 798-8888 or visit www.temple bethzion.net. The temple is located at 129 Sparrow Drive in Royal Palm Beach.

• WELLINGTON BRANCH OF THE JCC OF THE GREATER PALM BEACHES — Prevent summer boredom by checking out the Wellington Branch of the Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches. It’s bursting with programs, including Camp Sunshine at the Good Earth Farm for kids who love horseback riding and working with animals, and Camp Rising Stars for budding performers ages 7-12. Call (561) 253-6030 for more info.

• WELLINGTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL — Wellington Christian School has been serving the western communities since 1981, offering a Christ-centered education for pre-K through 12th grades. Accredited by SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) and CSF (Christian Schools of Florida), WCS offers a competitive athletic schedule, diverse fine arts program, and extra-curricular activities. For more info., call (561) 793-1017 or visit www.wellingtonchristian.org.

TOWN-CRIER SPORTS & RECREATION

Wellington Swimmers Compete In Junior Olympic Qualifier

By Paul Gaba Town-Crier Staff Report

Last weekend, former Wellington High School and Wellington Swim Club standout Laurabeth Guenthner placed seventh in the 800-meter freestyle event at the United Sates Olympic Team time trials.

This weekend, future Olympic swimming hopefuls from Wellington will try to make their mark in the sport at the Florida Gold Coast Junior Olympic qualifier tournament.

Third-year Wellington Swim Club Coach Rich Whalen said the qualifier, taking place on the campus of Florida Atlantic University July 11-13, is the final opportunity for a shot at the Florida Gold Coast Junior Olympic Championships in Plantation set for July 2427.

“This is their last chance to qualify for the Junior Olympics if they don’t already have the qualifying standards,” Whalen said. “We have several kids who have top-level qualified already.”

Those who do advance will compete in Plantation, which is the Junior Olympic championship for all swimmers from Martin County south to the Florida Keys. While there are some similarities between Guenthner’s attempt at Olympic glory and her younger peers’ dreams, there are some notable differences as well. Most specifically, while only the top two in each event qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team, there is no limit on the number of swimmers who can advance to the Junior Olympics.

Whalen said this is because Junior Olympics qualifiers are based on achieving a qualifying time, not a specific finish. In theory, this weekend’s qualifier could see eight or nine advance in some events, and no advancements in others. “It’s basically racing against the clock,” he explained. “Usually, this meet is pretty quick and a lot of kids end up qualifying.”

The qualifying time is based on a formula that considers past results and levels of competitiveness during the year.

Whalen estimates the Wellington club could fill at least 20 slots in the Junior Olympic competition. Several notable names include Tanner Fuller, Emily Deem, Fabiana Ingram and Jessi Costan.

“Tanner should contend for the best point award in the 9-10 division,” Whalen said. “Emily and Fabiana should be finalists in several events in the 11-12 [division], and Jessi should be a finalist in the 13-plus division.”

Whalen said Fuller is in the top 16 in the nation in the 100-meter freestyle, and his goal is to break the Gold Coast record of 1:05.

“To put this in perspective, 1:05 is as fast as most high school kids in Palm Beach County achieve, on average, and he’s only ten,” Whalen said. “He has the potential to be great.”

At FAU, Wellington swimmers will be competing against peers from Martin County south to Coral Springs. Those who advance to the Plantation tournament will face swimmers from as far south as Key West. Whalen said observers would find the Plantation meet similar to the national team time trials, with preliminary and finals heats and medals for the top eight in each event.

At the Junior Olympics championship in Plantation, which is limited to swimming only, swimmers can enter a maximum of six individual events, as well as several relays, with no more than three competing on any given day. The events are staggered, Whalen said.

“We encourage kids to do multiple events, and not to specialize,” Whalen said. “We want the kids to have a solid foundation in all events. Our goal is to let them develop and have fun. If they’re better in one event than another, so be it, but we want them to work on everything.”

It is possible that, depending on their results in Plantation, some area swimmers will be invited to be part of a “zone” all-star collection representing Florida Gold Coast, swimming at the zone championships in Atlanta later this year. Zone swimmers must be between 11 and 14 years of age.

And while it’s too late for this year, the advancement level is set up so that some competitors can participate in future U.S. Olympic time trials, Whalen said.

Wellington’s program has roughly 115 swimmers training daily. Advanced swimmers train year-round from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., while intermediate swimmers practice from 7:15 to 9:30 a.m. The secondary inter-

PHOTOS BY PAUL GABA/TOWN-CRIER

mediate group trains from 5 to 6:30 p.m., while the beginner “novice” group for swimmers age six and under trains three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) from 5 to 6 p.m.

The schedule is adjusted slightly for advanced swimmers during the school year, Whalen said, but still involves morning and afternoon sessions.

“Historically, if you look at the success of our program, you’ll find… we’ve had swimmers who have become doctors, lawyers, judges,” Whalen said. “There’s a multitude of people who were competitive swimmers who are doing very well in ‘real life,’ and they’ve done it through hard work and effort, and time management. They practiced in he mornings, took [Advanced Placement] classes, practiced after school, and did homework at night. The most successful kids in our program were top-notch students who were top-notch competitors in the pool, too.”

Whalen cited Guenthner and Matt Cetlinski, who won gold at the 1988 Seoul Olympics as part of the United States’ freestyle relay team, noting Cetlinski “is the only individual developed entirely out of Palm Beach County to earn gold in Olympic swimming.”

Despite this legacy, Whalen said high school-aged swimmers are not as plentiful in the club as younger swimmers.

“It’s a circular pattern, and we have a great group of 11, 12, 10 and under,” Whalen said. “We will have a huge group in high school in a few years.”

Whalen said he has worked for the past three years trying to change a culture inherent among older swimmers, that they need to be more accountable for practicing before meets.

“Swimmers must practice a certain number of times in order to compete in weekend meets,” Whalen said. “In my philosophy, they’re not here to just train, they’re here to be competitive. I’m slowly moving the kids who don’t come on a consistent basis to another lane, to work with them on the side, and those who are dedicated and come every day will get the majority of the work. Those are the kids that want to be there and do it.”

For more information about the Wellington Swim Club, visit www. wellingtonswimming.com.

Stevenson Entered In This Year’s

Last year, the Mustang Heritage Foundation sponsored a contest called the Extreme Mustang Makeover. The competition and the end results were shown on RFD-TV, satellite TV channel 379. A hundred trainers each had a hundred days to train a wild mustang. The results were astounding. Some horses could do flying changes, jump and work cattle, and one even tolerated a rider holding a running chainsaw!

Ashley Stevenson of Loxahatchee, who is now 21, has been involved with mustangs her whole life. Her mother Darlene is president of the South Florida Mustang Club. When Ashley heard about the contest, she knew she had to try. She submitted an application, listing her experience and available facilities, and six weeks later she was approved.

That June she got a four-year-old chestnut gelding she named On The Rocks. The mustang had never been touched by a human hand. In September, she and her mother drove Rocks out to Fort Worth, Texas to show off what he’d learned.

“My goal was just to have him walk, trot and canter in all of that noise and confusion,” Ashley said. “The hardest part was getting him used to people. He was very defensive at first. He bit, kicked, struck out with his front feet. But he got over that. I think this contest is a great way to promote the breed and show people that these horses aren’t all bad or crazy, which I think is what a lot of people assume about them.”

Ashley, an amateur basically working by herself, was up against a lot of professionals. She was pleased when she placed 49th. At the end of the competition, the horses were auctioned off to the highest bidder. One horse went for $50,000. Ashley, however, brought Rocks back home to live on her family’s five-acre ranch.

The contest was such a success that this year it has been expanded to 200 trainers and horses. There are also three different levels: Stars, Idols and Legends, each one involving progressively more challenging maneuvers and obstacles.

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

Ashley is giving it another go this year in the Idol division. She’ll be judged on Conditioning; In-Hand (showing the horse on a lead line without a rider); Horse Course at a walk, trot and canter with trail obstacles; and Freestyle, where she’ll have two minutes to show what her horse has learned without any restrictions.

On June 13, Ashley got another four-year-old gelding that she named Captain Morgan. She had to drive to Ewing, Ill. to get him. They’ll be in Fort Worth in September.

“So far he’s been really good,” Ashley said. “I even briefly got on his back. That’s what you have to do with them — when something goes well, like backing them, you get off quickly so you can always end on a good note.”

Ashley does a lot of groundwork with Captain Morgan in a round pen. She picks up his feet, leads him around, and gently throws ropes at him. These techniques help desensitize him to everyday riding practices.

Ashley’s family and friends help out with the training when they can. They aid Captain Morgan in getting used to noise and confusion, but Ashley, who works full time as a dressage groom, does most of the work all by herself.

“All of this takes a lot of time and a lot of money,” Ashley noted. “And I can only work with him in my spare time. I’m not a professional trainer who has hours and hours every day to spend with him. I try to work an hour in the morning and another hour in the afternoon, if we don’t get rained out.”

The Mustang Heritage Foundation reimburses each contestant $500, but the costs are always larger than that. There are the costs of driving the horse home and then back out to Texas — not inconsiderable in these days of $4-per-gallon gas. Then there are vet bills, feed bills, special equipment — it all adds up. At the competition, when the horses are auctioned off, the trainer gets 20 percent of any bid over $200. The top ten prizes in the Idols division range from $200 to $5,000. But that’s in September, and the bills have to be paid now. There are

yard sales, and friends have organized a fundraiser raffle to benefit Ashley’s work. Prizes include gift cards to the Red Barn, and Publix and a $50 gas card. The drawings will be held on July 26. For raffle information, e-mail darsray@yahoo.com.

“My dream is to be in the top ten this year,” Ashley said. “I hope he’ll be able to walk, trot and canter. But each Mustang has his own timetable, so we’ll just have to see how far he’s ready to go by then.”

For more information about the contest, visit www.extrememustangmakeover.com.

Ashley Stevenson with Captain Morgan.

Sara O’Boyle

Sara O’Boyle, Tatiana Mamola, Emily Deem and Jennifer Campbell.

Grace Cozad freestyles.

Monica Cozad practices the butterfly.

Jared Ingram, James Mamola and Mariah Watson take a breather.

Maverick Watson freestyles.

The Skatezone Crush, a local travel roller hockey team, recently returned home from the East Coast Hockey Organization National Tournament in Snellville, Ga., where they placed second. The Crush knocked off teams from Georgia, Tennessee, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. These boys and girl have proven hard work pays off. They will compete in three more tournaments held at Palm Beach Skatezone, as well as the AAU National Tournament in Orlando to complete their 2008 season. Palm Beach Skatezone is located at 8125 Lake Worth Road, just west of Florida’s Turnpike. Pictured above are: (front row, L-R) Austin Lahti, Jake Cuthbertson and Angela Fina; (second row) Manager Dwayne Harrington, Matthew Harrington, Michael Pesaturo, Kyle Kohlhorst, Brendan Walsh and coach Tim Flynn; and (third row) Dominic Frost and Matt Magua.

Eleven-year-old Chris Healton of The Acreage recently caught an approximately six-pound bass in a canal at the end of his street. He was using a “stickbait” as bait. After taking photos of the fish, Healton released it. Shown here is Healton with his catch.

SPORTS & RECREATION

14-U Palm Beach Slug Monkeys State Softball Champs

The Palm Beach Pride Slug Monkeys 14-U girls travel softball team won the USSSA “B” State Championship held in Stuart and Jensen Beach July 4-6. The girls won both seeding games against Coral Springs and the Tamiami Lady Panthers, making the Slug Monkeys the number-one seed heading into the playoffs.

On July 5, the double elimination playoffs began on a good note for the girls with a tight win in a tiebreaker over the Jupiter Seahawks White team. In the next game, the team fell to the Gold Coast Hurricanes by a score of 2-1, which put them in the losers’ bracket. They came back on the second day of elimination play facing five back-to-back wins to take home the title.

On July 6, they beat Pembroke Lakes Bandits, Port Orange Blazers and turned the tables on the Gold Coast Hurricanes by coming back from a 3-0 deficit to avenge their loss from the previous day, sending them to the championship game. In the first champion-

ship game, they defeated Jupiter Seahawks Black in an exciting come-from-behind win in the bottom of the last inning, with a 2-1 score forcing a second championship game.

The momentum of the backto-back play continued and the girls did it again, coming from behind to tie the Seahawks and force a tiebreaker; the Slug Monkeys prevailed with a 3-2 win and were crowned the 2008 “B” State 14-U champs.

It was a great weekend of play, and the girls had an overall record of 8-1 for the tournament. This was the ultimate prize for the girls, and they earned it with solid pitching, outstanding defensive plays, great base-running and lots of big hits.

The team is ranked the top 14-B team in the State of Florida and number 14 in the U.S. This is their first year playing together. The team’s home base is Okeeheelee Park and includes girls from Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, The Acreage and Lake Worth.

Horizons Fishing Tournament To Benefit Hospice

Local anglers are gearing up for the Ninth Annual Horizons Fishing Tournament on Saturday, July 26. The tournament benefits Hospice of Palm Beach County’s John J. Brogan Horizons Bereavement Center’s children’s programs, which provide grief counseling, support and the Sea Star Retreat weekend outing for children and teens receiving services through the Horizons Center.

Lauryn Barry is the tournament chair, and committee members are Leonard Bryant, Bob Gregory, Jessica Gyland, Steve Gyland, Willie McDow, Gary Nagle, Denise Nagle, Kim Valestin and Mark Wodlinger.

“We expect at least 225 boats to enter for this year’s kingfish, dolphin, wahoo, snapper/grouper tournament, competing for approximately $30,000 in cash and prizes,” Barry said.

The grand prize for largest KDW overall is $2,500 cash and marine equipment valued at $7,500. The fun starts at the

captains’ meeting July 24 with great food provided by Park Avenue BBQ. The tournament begins on July 26 at 6:30 a.m. Scales open at 1 p.m., and all boats must be in line by 4 p.m. Anglers may depart from any inlet but must weigh in at the Riviera Beach Marina. The fishing tournament concludes the evening of July 26 with an awards ceremony, dinner catered by Outback Steakhouse, silent auction, raffle and music.

The tournament is sponsored by City of Riviera Beach, Riviera Beach Marina, Cod & Capers Seafood Market, D.S. Eakins Construction Corporation, Grand Slam Castaways KDW Tournament and Offshore Connection.

The registration fee of $200 to $300 is based on date of entry and includes: one boat entry with up to six anglers, one T-shirt and two tickets to the awards ceremony dinner.

To register for the tournament, call (561) 494-6884 or visit www.spectrumhealth carefoundation.org.

Slug Monkeys — (Front row, L-R) Alyssa Cheatham and Carli Gish; (middle row) Michaela Hollis, Nikki Granitto, Amy Groover, Lauren Hill, Brooke Bostley and Taylor Gish; (back row) Brianne Alex, Lauren Nickerson, Mackenzie Davis, Kayleigh McCabe, Amanda Cook and Nicole Hamilton. Not pictured: coaches Troy Cheatham, Mike Groover and Scott Hill.

Fishing For A Cause — Horizons Fishing Tournament Committee members Steve Gyland and Gary Nagle (back) with young anglers Joseph Devine, Diana Devine, Mary Eleana Duckworth and Alexis Kast-Criniti.

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, July 12

• The Jupiter-Tequesta Dog Show will be held at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.) on Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13 in the Expo East. This is one of South Florida’s major dog shows, featuring more than 1,000 entries in categories including obedience, grooming and presentation. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults. Parking is $3. Call (561) 7930333 for more info.

• The Palm Beach Zoo (1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach) will hold Winter in July on Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Events will include interactive games, educational arts and crafts for children. The zoo’s “Snow Queen” will be on hand reading arcticthemed stories. Regular zoo admission is $12.95, $9.95 for seniors 60 and older, and $8.95 for children 3 to 12. Admission for those under three years and zoo members is free. For more info., visit www.palmbeachzoo.org.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will present Hamilton R. Head for ages two and up on Saturday, July 12 at 10:30 a.m. In anticipation of “Library Night” at Roger Dean Stadium, the Jupiter Hammerheads’ mascot will visit to celebrate the Summer Reading Program. To preregister, call (561) 790-6030. The mascot will visit the Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) the same day at 2 p.m. To pre-register, call (561) 7906070.

• The Wellington Aquatic Complex (12165 West Forest Hill Blvd.) will feature Alvin & the Chipmunks at Dive-In Movie Night on Saturday, July 12. The entrance fee to the pool is $5 per person or $15 for a family of four. The movie will begin at 8 p.m. All spectators are urged to bring floats or noodles to relax on while viewing the movie. For more info., call (561) 753-2484, ext. 2836. Monday, July 14

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host its Meet the Candidates Luncheon Forum on Monday, July 14 starting at 11:45 a.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds Americraft Expo Center. Candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives and the Florida Legislature will be featured. Admission is $15 for members, $25 for non-members. For info., call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palmswest.com.

• The Child Enrichment Center at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church (12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) is accepting applications for its remaining summer camp sessions, offering on-site activities for children three through entering first grade. Activities include arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor games, videos, creative play and water play. Available two-week session dates are July 14-25 and July 28 to Aug. 8. Campers can attend two, three or five days a week from 9 a.m. to noon or 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more info., call Pat Banks at (561) 798-3286 or download a registration form online at www. stpeterscec.com.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will continue Summer Story Times for ages nine months to five years Mondays through Aug. 1. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will present “Around the World in Eight Weeks” for ages six and up on Mondays at 2 p.m. Library staffers use stories, music and crafts to travel to a different area of the world each week. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6030.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Creative Writing: Poetry” for ages eight and up on Mondays at 3 p.m. Classes focus on turning great ideas in your head into poems. To preregister, call (561) 790-6070. Tuesday, July 15

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Craft Club: Mosaics” for ages nine through 12 on Tuesday, July 15 at 3 p.m. Use small pieces of colored paper or other materials to create a mosaic masterpiece. To preregister, call (561) 790-6070.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Cosplay Workshop” for ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m. Start working on your costume for the library’s Anime Fest on Aug. 1. To pre-register, call (561) 7906070.

• City Cellar in CityPlace will host a mixer for Overtures,

Young Friends of Palm Beach Opera and guests on Tuesday, July 15 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. prior to the Music for the Mind season preview concert at the Harriet Himmel Theater. The concert will feature Palm Beach Opera resident artist Susan Jean Hellman and guests. Wellington’s Dr. Robert Sharon will accompany on piano. For more info., call the Palm Beach Opera box office at (561) 833-7888 or visit www.pbopera.org. Wednesday, July 16

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will present a Business After-Hours Mixer on Wednesday, July 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Palm Beach Place Condominiums (1790 Windorah Way, WPB). Admission is $10 for members, $20 for non-members. For info., call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palmswest.com.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will present “The Power of a Positive Attitude” for adults on Wednesday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m. Kim Daughtry of Hospice of Palm Beach County will help you learn how to adjust your attitude and take charge of your life. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6030.

Thursday, July 17

• The Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches will take place Thursday and Friday, July 17 and 18 at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The festival will offer kids a sampling of a wide variety of sports and activities. The registration fee is $17 per child, which includes a T-shirt and a full day of fun and activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults are admitted free of charge. For more info., visit www.palmbeachsports.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Oddball Vaudeville” for ages six and up on Thursday, July 17 at 1 p.m. In this hilarious tale, Pageturner Adventures finds a trunk that belonged to a 1920s vaudevillian named Baldy the Magnificent containing his old props. Enjoy juggling, physical comedy, magic and mystery. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6070.

• The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host a Candidate Reception for the upcoming state, county and congressional elections on Thursday, July 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Equestrian Club by Tavern on the Green (3401 Equestrian Club Drive). Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be available. The event is complimentary to chamber members and their guests. RSVPs are required. Call (561) 792-6525 for info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present Découpage for ages 12 to 17 at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 17 and Tuesday, July 22. Decorate a wooden box with paper cutouts to keep or give away. You must attend both sessions to complete the project. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6070.

Friday, July 18

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Shape Capers” for ages four and up on Friday, July 18 at 11 a.m. Discover the fun of using geometric shapes to create objects from your imagination. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6070.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Friday’s Family Fun Faves: Fly Away Home” on Friday, July 18 at 2 p.m. A 13-year old girl and her father teach a flock of geese to fly. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• Beginning Friday, July 18 and continuing on the third Friday of each month, an art-related film will be shown in the Colaciello Gallery at the Armory Art Center (1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach). Prior to the movie will be wine, cheese, conversation and a brief lecture on the featured artist. Call (561) 832-1776 for more info.

Saturday, July 19

• A Fruit Tree Sale sponsored by the Rare Fruit Council will be held at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.) in the AgriPlex on Saturday, July 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (561) 793-0333 for more info.

• Wild Orchids Cafe at Royal Palm Beach Veterans Park will host Fun Day on Saturday, July 19. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests will enjoy a variety of fun activities. A portion of the proceeds will go to Take Stock in Children. For more info., call (561) 252-8633. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier

New Zoo Health Club In Royal Palm Accepting Memberships

By Paul Gaba Town-Crier Staff Report

According to the Centers for Disease Control, obesity has increased sharply for both adults and children since the mid-1970s, and in two more years roughly 40 percent of adults in the United States will be considered obese if things do not change.

How to change this frightening trend? Health experts advocate a lifestyle that includes healthy eating and exercise. In grocery stores, there are more options for foods containing lower levels of fats, carbohydrates and sugars, or none at all. Fast-food restaurants have eliminated or reduced their “super size” portions. Specialty stores offering a variety of protein shakes and energy bars seem to be everywhere. And there has been a virtual explosion of fitness centers, whether at country clubs and apartment complexes or in freestanding buildings.

The newest fitness center in the western communities is the Zoo Health Club in the Royal Palm Beach Business Park, which will offer round-theclock access to area residents beginning early next month.

Former Bostonian Rich Carroll, 44, brings years of experience in both the insurance and healthcare fields to his new venture. While in Boston, he operated two therapy businesses while simultaneously assisting a plaintiff attorney

with insurance adjustment work. He is also a former competitive bodybuilder who knows what works in fitness centers.

“What makes the Zoo unique is that we will offer access 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Carroll said. “Our equipment is brand-new and top of the line; no one else will have what we have. We will have classes and babysitting available, and an aerobics room. And I will be an on-site owner/operator. We want to make this a neighborhood type of place, where people are comfortable and offered a professional service.”

Equipment at the Zoo comes from makers familiar to those in the fitness business: Hoist Rocket, Free Motion, TechnoGym and Life Fitness. The Zoo is the first health club in South Florida to have TechnoGym equipment, Carroll said, adding that Hoist “is the only equipment in world where when you do exercise, the seat actually moves with you. The benefit of that is by keeping the back aligned, it reduces the risk of back injury.”

The Zoo will also offer cardio equipment to its members, and the spacious facility at the northwest corner of State Road 7 and Business Park Way has room for a second-deck expansion if needed.

Carroll said the location is ideal because, while there are other health and fitness centers

in the area, the region is not oversaturated.

Currently, the Zoo is offering memberships priced at $14.95 a month. So far, more than 300 have signed up, according to Lisa Friedberg, Carroll’s manager and an attorney who also came to the area from Boston. She said the club offers a variety of membership plans, including options for snowbirds and families.

Carroll said members will also have the option of working on exercise plans with certified professional trainers.

The Zoo Health Club is a division of Diversified Health and Fitness, a company claiming more than 35 years in the health industry. Friedberg, who worked with Carroll in Boston, said the franchise process is quite selective. “They don’t take just any franchisee,” she said. “In fact, the parent company turns down more franchisee [applicants] than they accept.”

Representatives from Diversified and the original Zoo Fitness Center helped with presales in June and offered advice on investing in the right fitness equipment, Friedberg said. “They provide an overall knowledge and years of experience,” she said. For more information on the Zoo Health Club, located at 100 Business Park Way in RPB, call Carroll at (561) 7900013 or visit www.zoohealth clubroyalpalmbeach.com.

PHOTO BY PAUL GABA/TOWN-CRIER

Coming Soon — The Zoo Health Club’s Lisa Friedberg and Rich Carroll outside the soon-to-be opened gym in the Royal Palm Beach Business Park.

The Mold Doctor: Mold-Free Home Crucial To Good Health

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Feeling sneezy? Throat closed up? Eyes itchy and running?

It could be caused by the mysterious black stuff that has appeared on the walls of your home, mold brought on by the recent rain or by damage sustained years ago that went unnoticed at the time.

The Mold Doctor owner Ray Surdi inspects homes for possible mold infestations. He said mold spores are found in household dust and are easily carried to naturally moist areas of the home where they spring into mold blooms.

Under certain growing conditions, some molds produce mycotoxins that cause allergic reactions, and in high concentrations can be harmful to humans and animals.

Surdi, who has been a building contractor more than 35 years and is a certified inspector and mold remedial contractor, said mold draws nutrients from wood, drywall, furring strips, carpets and carpet padding. Dust mite feces found in carpets and in air conditioner filters are also a source of nutrition for mold. Living in South Florida for 32 years, he said he has dealt with a large amount of wind and rain damage and became more and more involved with mold and its effects on humans and animals.

“Over the past six or seven years it has become regulated, and a person needs credentials on how to properly treat mold,” he said. “We used to use bleach, but that doesn’t treat it permanently and creates another chemical pollutant in the air.”

Surdi’s son Raymond, also a licensed general contractor and mold inspector, took over the construction side of the business when his father specialized in mold inspection.

Treatment can sometimes be simple, but can be more complicated if the mold has gotten inside walls and air conditioning or is one of the more toxic varieties.

“Some people think if you have mold you can paint over it, but mold comes from the inner surface,” Surdi said. “The infestation or colonization comes from exterior roof or wall

leaks or a pipe bursting. The mold is living and breathing. It feeds off insulation, drywall or wood; it can eat just about anything.”

Mold will accumulate on the coils of the air conditioning system and spread through the entire house, Surdi said. Some contractors attempting to clean up a mold problem will tear out drywall, only to send mold airborne where it spreads through the rest of the house.

“It’s like blowing on a dandelion,” he said. “If it is caustic, it will disperse through the house and settle on surfaces where people put their hands. If they eat with their hands they will ingest mold. This is how people get sick.”

Even simple non-toxic mold can cause problems for people with allergies, asthma or the very young who have not developed resistance, or elderly who have lost their resistance to irritants, Surdi said. People with blood disorders, asthma, HIV or a history of health or immune system issues are also susceptible.

Surdi said doctors are now learning to ask patients with sneezing and allergy complaints about their environment, and whether they have leaks or musty smells in their homes.

Children who learn in portable classrooms that are not sealed properly or have leaks are also susceptible to mold exposure, he said. “They’re ingesting mold in school,” Surdi said. “This needs to be brought to the attention of people.”

Animals including dogs, cats and birds are also susceptible to mold irritation, he added. Mold awareness got its beginning in New York City, which developed guidelines on how to deal with mold and other irritants in its old buildings. “The rest of the country has now stepped up to the plate,” Surdi said. “I have educated quite a few doctors with what is happening with the environment today. The flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes and water damage all leads to mold problems. People need to be made aware of it. I’m trying as an environmental inspector to educate people. It’s a real big problem. That’s why I diversified from construction, to make people aware.”

Surdi said he has found the occupation rewarding in making people feel better after meeting hundreds of people who were sick, some of whom he feels might have died in their homes if he had not figured out their problem.

Surdi said a mold inspection starts with breathing the air in a house, and sensing its effect on his nasal cavities and throat.

“I’m highly susceptible to mold,” he said.

He also asks the client if he or she has been having headaches or respiratory problems. If he feels mold is present, he will recommend sending samples to a lab to find out what kind it is and whether it is toxic.

Surdi gets test results from a laboratory in Weston that he said is one of the finest in the country. He gets results normally in 48 hours, sooner if the need is urgent. “You do a lot of research, but in the end it

helps people out,” he said.

If the mold is toxic, Mold Doctor crews block off the area with plastic, shut down the AC and go in with suits and breathers to perform the clean-out. If mold has been blowing through the structure in the air conditioning, they will disinfect the entire building, Surdi said.

Once the mold has been cleaned out, a final test is done to make sure that the mold and spores have been killed.

“It’s the same as operating for cancer. If it is not completely cleaned out it can return,” Surdi said. “When we’re done it’s cleaner than a hospital.”

Surdi said he can supply references to attest that he is known as one of most honest contractors out there. “I tell people the honest truth,” he said. “I don’t sugar-coat. I tell them the plain, simple facts.”

A lot of mold caused by wind or rain damage is covered by

insurance, and Surdi said he works with insurance companies to get as much coverage as possible.

“I try to get the insurance to help pay or pay all,” he said. “We charge what we have to, to get the job done. It’s nasty, disgusting work, pulling out stuff that is toxic and makes people sick.”

Sometimes the job is simple and can be one in a day, he said. Whatever the demand, the Mold Doctor is prepared with a remedy. “Everything is done by us,” Surdi said. “We try to make it easy and simple as possible.” People with a mold problem or suspected mold problem can the Mold Doctor any time at (561) 512-8806 for a consultation. For more information, visit www.molddoctor.biz.

Curves In Wellington Offers CurvesSmart Program

Imagine having the world’s most advanced fitness coach at your disposal. Someone to customize workouts based on your body structure and endurance, adjusting each exercise machine’s intensity based on your recent progression or regression. The coach monitors your energy level and range of motion continuously to ensure you are achieving your personal potential. Then the coach automatically computes your workout data to produce a progress report. This is exactly the role of the CurvesSmart personal coaching

system, a new technology pioneered by Curves that offers a precision designed workout, moment-to-moment feedback and progress reports to keep members motivated while they work out. Curves in Wellington is among the first in the nation to feature the equipment upgrade.

After a member’s personalized profile is determined by a Curves staff member, the member is issued a CurvesSmart ID Tag. The tag is electronically recognized by the monitor at each station, automatically re-

trieving the member’s profile to determine the specifications for her workout. The monitor indicates whether her heart rate is in the target range, whether the member is achieving her target intensity level, the range of motion for each repetition and the number of repetitions. If the woman is exercising correctly, all indicators on the monitor will be green.

“The CurvesSmart technology offers women the benefits of a highly skilled personal trainer without the expense,” said Jan-

ice Pietro, owner of Curves in Wellington. “It’s the world’s most advanced fitness training system. We expect our members to be thrilled with how this amazing workout will help them achieve their goals even faster.” Curves is taking new appointments to get started on the CurvesSmart workout. Curves will hold an open house Friday, July 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. RSVP by July 16 by calling (561) 3836447. Curves is located at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33, inside the original Wellington Mall.

The Mold Doctor — (Above) An example of mold growing on the wall inside a home. (Right ) The Mold Doctor owner Ray Surdi.

POST Members Named Finalists For Heroes In Medicine Award

The Pediatric Oncology Support Team (POST) of the Child Life Institute was recently honored as a finalist for the “Heroes in Medicine” award from the Palm Beach County Medical Society during a presentation at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

The POST’s mission is to provide psychosocial services, educational support, referrals, advocacy and financial assistance for children with cancer and their families in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. The award acknowledges individuals who personify the ideals of their professions and repeatedly demonstrate a desire to go above and beyond expectations. Dedicated to children with cancer and their families, Bar-

Melanoma On The Rise In Women

Over the past few decades, the incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has increased. Melanoma has become the most common cancer in women between the ages of 25 and 29. Overall, skin cancer is the most common cancer among men and women in the United States.

This trend is alarming to dermatologists, who often work with public health officials to get the message out to the public in order to increase awareness of the dangers of sun exposure. “It is reaching epidemic proportions,” said Dr. Gervaise Gerstner, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

Certain people may be at higher risk for developing of skin cancer. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, risk factors include: family history of skin cancer, personal history of skin cancer, lighter natural skin color, certain physical characteristics such as lighter eye and hair color, a history of sunburns early in life, consistent sun exposure through work and play, and many preexisting moles.

In addition, tanning salons are

frequented much more often by women than men. “There is a study that shows that women who use tanning beds have a higher risk of melanoma,” Gerstner said.

The sun gives off different types of radiation in the form of UV light. Tanning salons use lights that give off the rays and can mimic natural sunlight, so the skin can get damaged in the same way.

To prevent skin damage from the sun, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends:

• Avoid the sun’s peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., even on cloudy or rainy days.

• Generously apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.

• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.

• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand, which reflect damaging sun rays and can increase your chance of sunburn.

• Get vitamin D safely

through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Also, don’t forget to protect your lips. It is important to apply lip balms or lipsticks with SPF protection whenever going out in the sun. “Lips, tops of ears, receding hairlines are all common spots for precancerous growths,” Gerstner said.

Early detection is extremely important when it comes to treating melanoma.

In general, women tend to get screened more often than men. The most common spot for melanoma in men is on the back; for women, it’s the calf. “We do tend to catch women’s melanoma earlier,” Gerstner said. “Men tend to let things grow.”

Melanoma is very treatable if caught early, that’s why it is so important to be aware of the signs and to visit a dermatologist regularly.

The Society for Women’s Health Research will host the live online moderated discussion on “Keeping Your Skin Young and Healthy” on Wednesday, July 16 from 3 to 4 p.m. with world-renowned plastic surgeon and author Dr. Michelle Copeland. To participate, visit live.womenshealth research.org.

bara Abernathy, Terrie Johnson, Darlene Flanigan, Janis Worch, Karen Hansen and Veronica Gaines of POST exemplify these high standards and consistently exceed what’s needed by children with cancer and these families.

Recently, a seven-year-old patient named Amy came to the POST offices on the campus of St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach looking timid and overwhelmed. Her recent diagnosis of cancer was reflected in the terrified faces of her parents and visible by her thinning hair.

At POST, Amy was welcomed warmly, and it didn’t take long before her fearfulness was replaced by curiosity. She began to explore the play activities in

the office and was intrigued by photos of other smiling boys and girls who were just like her. She looked at their bald heads and smiled. She was given the chance to ask questions and was offered a book on hair loss and cancer. Her parents received answers to their questions and were helped to navigate the quagmire of social service applications. The POST staff nurse provided the family with information regarding their child’s illness and made an appointment to meet with them later in the week to answer other questions about treatments.

Amy’s parents were also provided with information about coordinating services to maintain her schoolwork and a plan was made to tutor Amy while

she was in the hospital. Amy found a place where she belonged, and her parents found a place where the unmanageable and unthinkable could become more manageable — a place where the POST team members save the day everyday. And just as they have done for hundreds of other children with cancer and families, a staff of real life super heroines was there to respond to every imaginable need of Amy and her family. During its ten years, the Pediatric Oncology Support Team has served more than 400 children and their families. It is the only comprehensive pediatric oncology psychosocial support program in the region. For more information, call (561) 3404068.

Questions To Ask Your Pharmacist Before Purchasing A Medication

For many, the trip to the local pharmacy is a quick one. You probably run up to the counter or use the drive-through, pay your pharmacist and assume that you are leaving with the medication your doctor prescribed for you.

However, according to Dr. Mark Alberts of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Illinois, patients in his state are taking a closer look at the fine print on their prescription labels and realizing a much different story.

According to recent news reports, it has become quite common for pharmacists to switch patients’ prescriptions to generic or less-expensive brand-name drugs.

A number of factors may influence these decisions. “While saving a few dollars on medications certainly sounds appealing during these tough economic times, cutting costs should never be at the expense of your health,” Alberts said. “Shop around for the cheapest gas to put in your car; don’t put a different drug in your body to save money.”

According to Alberts, there

are five critical questions that you and your family should keep in mind each time you visit the pharmacy counter:

• Is this the exact drug that my doctor prescribed? This may sound like a given, but unless your physician specifically checks “dispense as written” on your prescription script, a pharmacist may change your prescription without knowing your full medical background as your physician does.

• Why are you switching my prescription? It’s probably to keep costs down for the pharmacy. You may be pleased to learn you’re also saving money, but it’s often the pharmacy that reaps the real reward of the switch. For example, last month Walgreens agreed to pay $35 million to 42 states to settle allegations that it unlawfully switched medications from tablet form to capsules to receive more money from Medicaid reimbursements.

• Will this switch affect my health? Keep in mind that not all medications are created equal. Many people think generics always perform the same as a brand-name equiva-

lent, but that is a common misconception. While the active ingredients may be the same, it’s the inactive components of a drug that can potentially cause adverse reactions. Additionally, certain brand-name drugs don’t have a generic equivalent, so a switch means you are getting a different medication.

• Have you notified my doctor of this switch? It’s all too common for a patient to be switched to a different medication without the knowledge of his or her doctor. The physician often doesn’t find out until the patient requests another appointment because they are still sick or, in some cases, their condition has worsened. Always consult with your doctor before a switch.

• Is this the same dosage as my previous prescription? New medicines may only be available in a higher or lower dose, and can be metabolized at a different rate than the previously prescribed medicine. This can lead to confusion and non-adherence, which can affect both the safety and effectiveness of the medicine.

Heroines Of Medicine — (Front row, L-R) Karen Hansen, Terrie Johnson and Veronica Gaines; (back row) Janis Worch, Barbara Abernathy and Darlene Flanigan.

THE PALMS WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTS RIBBON CUTTINGS

Staples — Staples office supply recently opened a location at 10465 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. Staples is the world’s largest office products company with sales of $19.4 billion in 2007. Their more than 76,000 associates in delivery businesses and 2,000 stores around the world are dedicated to making it easy to buy office products. For more information about Staples in Royal Palm Beach, call the store at (561) 422-1615. Pictured here are Keith Lee and Reida Lewis with Palms West Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.

Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market — The Palms West Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 25 to celebrate the official opening of the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market located at 6901 Okeechobee Blvd. “We are very happy to be in the West Palm Beach area,” store manager Tim Wallace said. The store features wide isles, fresh produce, a large deli and bakery, and a variety of products sure to please every shopper. Wallace noted that as of June 25, the store had donated $18,500 to local schools and charities. For more information on Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, call (561) 683-6909. Pictured here are representatives from Wal-Mart with Palms West Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.

Crosbie Earns E-Pro Certification

Strategic

GMAC Real Estate has successfully completed the Realtor EPro course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered through the National Association of Realtors. Crosbie is an Acreage resident.

The Realtor E-Pro certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.

With more than 70 percent of consumers beginning their real

estate research on the Internet, E-Pro certified agents have the experience and expertise to meet the demands of today’s buyer and seller.

“The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past several years,” Crosbie said. “A majority of consumers are taking the time to conduct their own research prior to contacting an agent. In turn, real estate professionals must be knowledgeable of how technology can assist them in serving the needs of the buying and selling public.”

The exclusive Realtor E-Pro certification course is presented entirely online and certifies real estate agents and brokers as Internet professionals. Because of

its innovative design, students are able to complete the course at their own pace, when and where they want, via any Internet connection. The course is designed to help Realtors stay at the leading edge of technology and identify, evaluate and implement new Internet business models.

Once completed, the E-Pro certified real estate professional joins the ranks of a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained professionals who provide high quality and innovative online-based real estate services.

For more information, e-mail Winston Crosbie at winston@ winstoncrosbie.com or call (561) 628-7803.

CAFCI To Host Business Expo Aug. 16

The Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) will host their annual business expo on Saturday, Aug. 16 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane). This year’s theme will be: “Small Business Survival Guide for Tough Economic Times.” The event will host a mix of small businesses, government

and non-profit organizations all gearing up to participate, network and share. The Jamaican Tourist Board is this year’s sponsor. The expo promises to be a potential great revenue source for buyer-seller partnerships and as well provide valuable information. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to network, meet potential customers, increase sales and have fun. Companies and individuals can display their business in a designated area for a donation of $50. The public will be admitted to the event free of charge. For more information about the business expo, contact J. Amanayea Abraham at (561) 791-1618 or amanayea@aol. com, or Tinu Peña at (888) 6098791 or tpena@motreco.com.

The South Florida Science Museum is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Rachel Docekal to its senior leadership team. Docekal, a Wellington resident who has more than 20 years of experience in the expansion and development of corporate and nonprofit organizations, joins the team as vice president of institutional advancement.

In this role, Docekal will work closely with the museum’s board of directors to expand programming, cultivate strategic relationships and plan for growth. She currently oversees the organization’s marketing, membership, customer service and development to evaluate the best path forward for building a new science center.

“With her well-rounded experience in both the corporate and non-profit fields, Dr. Docekal has already become an incredible asset to our team,” South Florida Science Museum Chairman of the Board Rhys Williams said. “As a part of the museum’s senior leadership team, she is already hard at work creating a broader vision for the museum with

a strong focus on science education at the primary and secondary levels, as well as the creation of strong partnerships and collaborations with businesses, schools, science organizations, donors and foundations.”

Prior to joining the science museum, Docekal worked at Nova Southeastern University’s Mailman Segal Institute as part of the team responsible for building the Jim & Jan Moran Family Center Village on the university’s main campus. During her more than six years with the university, she served on numerous boards and program committees surrounding the betterment of life for families and children within Broward County.

Docekal holds an undergraduate degree from Chatham College, earned an MBA with a concentration in marketing from the Katz School at the University of Pittsburgh, and a doctor of education degree in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

With the support of an active, robust board composed of prominent members of the science, business and philanthropic communities, and key leadership now in place, the South Florida Science Museum has developed the infrastructure for measured, strategic growth.

For more information about the South Florida Science Museum, its programs or current exhibitions, call (561) 8321988 or visit www.sfsm.org.

Winston Crosbie of

Dr. Rachel Docekal

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