The 17th Annual Red, White & Blue Fourth of July Fishing Tournament was held last Wednesday at Lakeside Challenger Park in Royal Palm Beach. A total of 305 participants caught 325 pounds of fish.
Pictured here are Carina and Antonia Coulter with their dad John.
By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report
The Wellington Village Council shot down the latest application Tuesday to build an assisted-living facility for senior citizens on land in the village’s Equestrian Preserve Area (EPA).
The application requested a change in zoning for the 7.8acre parcel on South Shore Blvd. north of Pierson Road from commercial recreation to mixed-use, as well as removal from the EPA, which places tight restrictions on development.
Over the course of the last year, the so-called Hospitality Shoppes proposal has fared poorly in reviews by Wellington’s advisory committees. Developers originally proposed 15 residential units and 80,000 square feet of commercial and office space for the parcel, which is currently occupied by the dilapidated Palm Beach Polo Stadium.
The village’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board rejected the plan in October 2006, as
well as an adjoining development proposal called the Equestrian Shoppes, after which the Hospitality Shoppes proposal was reworked to include the senior facility. The PZA Board rejected that proposal in January, and weeks later the plan was withdrawn from the council agenda after property owner George Banks abruptly sold his interest in the site.
The most recent proposal, containing a 65,000-squarefoot, 96-bed assisted-living facility, 20,000 square feet of commercial space and 15,000 square feet of office space, got negative reviews by the Wellington Equestrian Committee in May and the PZA Board in June, even though village staff recommended approval.
Village staff again voiced their support for the proposal Tuesday. Community Services Director Paul Schofield told the council there had been many changes in the EPA and that the original planned unit of development proposed multi-family and single-family development for the area.
“Things change over time,” Schofield said. “Staff recommends approval because the facility has fallen into disuse and disrepair. Notwithstanding the number of proposals we have seen that would return it to an equestrian use, none of them has come into fruition.”
Schofield also said that because the proposal required a comprehensive plan amendment, the application would be required to undergo state review and the council would have more control over the development.
“It gives you more control and puts you through a more comprehensive process,” Schofield said. “They would subject it for consistency with the Village of Wellington’s comprehensive plan.”
Attorney Al Malefatto, the agent for the Hospitality Shoppes, told the council the developer has the right to build 34,000 square feet of office and retail uses on the property without the intensive review process. However, he said, his cli-
By Paul Gaba Town-Crier Staff Report
The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission approved a site plan Tuesday for the new Village Commons Park on the site of the former Tradition Golf Course.
Landscape architect Russell Moore and Village Engineer Ray Liggins outlined a bold new look for the 160-acre site, located to the east of Royal Palm Beach Blvd., in a one-hour presentation. The master plan process took roughly a year to complete, Moore said.
The site will be divided by a spinal road into two sections. The northern section will contain a nine-hole executive golf course, clubhouse and practice tee area. The southern portion will include a community arts center for teens, seniors, daycare and other organizations; a sporting center where residents can rent kayaks, canoes, bikes and inline skates, as well as buy concessions; boat and bike trails; a central plaza and “great lawn” with a promenade intended for scenic wedding ceremonies, picnics and parties; a wedding pavilion; a banquet garden; and an interactive fountain. Each portion will feature several lakes and ponds.
The existing Harvin Center in the planned northern section will continue to be used as a community service building for about five years, Liggins said, when it will be torn down and replaced, in part because it will not match the 1930s-style architectural theme proposed for the new structures, signage and furnishings.
Moore said the sporting center will overlook one of the ponds and serve as launch point for kayaks and canoes. The building would be three stories and would include a banquet facility.
Liggins said the real expense of developing the park is in the buildings, and that the village and its consultants have worked with Palm Beach County regarding many of the development issues. The project as a whole was planned following input from residents, he said, many of whom listed a golf course as a feature they wanted included in the site plan.
Moore added that a nine-hole course “came out best in our studies for needs in the area.”
The village has been talking to different management companies to run it, but details such as potential greens costs have not yet been determined.
Much of the natural material that will be used to develop the course and the rest of the site will come from the location itself. Moore said material removed to create the new lake system will be used to create berms, fairways and hilly areas. Some will also be used to help landscape and hide the proposed maintenance building, which will be located near the entrance, have a flatter roof, and be built some eight feet below the grade of the road.
The maintenance building was the top source of commissioner concerns, with several asking why it would be situated so close to the entrance.
Architect Marvin Scharf and engineer Dana Gillette explained the consultants had considered locating the maintenance building deeper into the complex, but that would cause several problems. The maintenance building would not be in good proximity to some vital areas and buildings, and by locating it further from the main entrance, delivery vehicles bearing loads of sod, mulch, fertilizer and other landscaping supplies would pass through the entire site.
“Traffic for deliveries that come to the maintenance building is not an everyday occurrence,” Scharf said. “But we don’t think you want the trucks driving through the entire park. Also, it gives us an area where you have the maintenance building for the park and golf course.”
Golf course architect Rodney Cole added that placing a maintenance building near the entrance to a golf course “is not uncommon in the golf industry,” and that it would be hidden from view and screened. “There’s no way anyone would see it when coming in, with the design and landscaping that is proposed,” Moore said. “We don’t want it to take away from the golf experience. We believe this is the best possible option.”
While the plans do not include a dog park, Commissioner Jackie Larson said it would be wise to include some sort of waste bag dispenser like Veterans Park has.
Commissioner John Frothroth Jr. made a motion to recommend approval of the site plan, which was seconded by Larson. The motion passed by a 4-0 vote with Vice Chair Richard Durr Jr. recusing himself due to a conflict of interests.
The site plan proposal now goes to the Royal Palm Beach Village Council, which is scheduled to vote on it Aug. 16.
PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/ TOWN-CRIER
Binks Owner Hopes To Get Part Of Course Playable By Deadline
By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report
Although the Binks Forest Golf Course may not be fully open until the end of the year, there is strong local interest in memberships at the club, the course’s new owner told the Wellington Village Council on Tuesday.
Aquila Property Company CEO Jordan Paul gave council members an update on renovations to the golf course since the firm purchased it earlier this year.
Aquila is bound by a developer’s agreement stipulating a September reopening of the long-shuttered course. The village has on file a request to extend the opening of the course to the end of the year, but the council made no decision Tuesday on whether to grant the extension.
Paul said Aquila is hard at work renovating the course and planning renovations of the maintenance facility and the cart barn. Simon & Associates has been selected to do architectural work and Dewhurst Construction the construction.
“Another area we are working hard on is the membership structures,” Paul said. “We expect to finalize those and announce them by Aug. 1.”
Paul said a survey on membership sent to 588 residents generated a response rate of 35 percent, a very encouraging rate of return.
“The key finding is that 62 percent of those surveyed said they would be interested in a golf course membership,” Paul said. “They also had a huge interest in the meeting and banquet facilities we are planning, and would like to be regular patrons of the restaurant.”
The reseeding needed to get the golf course playable had been severely hampered by the drought and accompanying water restrictions, Paul said.
“Prior to our ownership, the basic irrigation and clearing had been made, and then Phase 3 water restrictions went into effect,” Paul said. “Given the Phase 3 restrictions that went into place, it was determined that it was best to use the water on the area that had been seeded. We have evidence of that strategy paying off. We’ve had great growing on the front nine. We need to get it open as quickly as possible. We are taking steps to get the back nine sprigged as quickly as possible. We will get all the putting greens on the back nine sprigged.”
Paul said Aquila had retained a law firm to seek a variance on water restrictions from the South Florida Water Management District, but the district’s preliminary response was not encouraging.
Given the circumstances — factors beyond their control — Paul said a September opening date is unlikely. There is a possibility that some play on the course can begin on a trial basis in September, but Aquila is thinking the course would likely be open in its entirety by the end of the year, he said.
Paul noted that the developer’s agreement states that an act of God or unusually severe weather could alter the opening date, and said Binks had been subjected to both.
“We will explore all the avenues we have. We will continue working the schedule and working on the club, and coming up with final plans for the golf course. We still believe that by Sept. 30, 2007, we will have some golf to play. We will initially open it for small groups, and see what’s working and what’s not working. It’s very important that we do it right. By Sept. 30, we will have nine holes ready to go. In the first month, we will try it out and work out the kinks. By the end of the year, we will have the full public out for the 18-hole golf course.”
Paul said it is in Aquila’s financial in-
terest and also in the interest of golfers to open the course as quickly as possible. Each day it remains unplayable will be a loss in the investment by the company.
“It’s in our best interest to get it open as quickly as possible,” Paul said. “We’d rather under-promise and over-deliver than the opposite. We want to thank you for taking the time to listen to where we stand today.”
Mayor Tom Wenham wanted to know the timeline for submitting plans for renovations of the clubhouse, the cart barn and the maintenance facility. Paul said it was likely Aquila would be submitting plans to review this month.
Since the survey indicated high interest in memberships, Vice Mayor Bob Margolis asked how much Aquila would charge.
Paul said Aquila is close to finalizing the membership structure, but could not yet release the figures.
Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto said she was pleased to see a renewed spirit of cooperation in the community.
“I want to thank you for all the hard work you have done,” she said. “You have been working through some trying times. I wish you luck. I am glad to see the community so receptive to the club and the efforts. I am hoping to see a lot of people playing very soon.”
Aquila Property Company CEO Jordan Paul addresses council members.
PHOTO BY CAROL
Palm Beach County Commissioner Jess Santamaria invites you to his July 2007
COMMUNITY FORUM
Wednesday, July 18
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the “original”
Wellington Mall
“KEEPING OUR HOMES AND STREETS SAFE”
Guest Speakers:
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw: 2008 Budget
Lt. Mike Wallace: Gang Awareness
Michelle Santamaria, Assistant State Attorney:
Citizen Participation
LOCATION: The “original” Wellington Mall (Center Court) is located at the southeast corner of Forest Hill Boulevard and Wellington Trace
Coffee and cookies served
Our Opinion
Don’t Expect Water Restrictions To Go Away Anytime Soon
“Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.” — Samuel Taylor Coleridge, “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”
The drought isn’t over. Despite the South Florida Water Management District easing of water restrictions this week in large parts of the county, including the western communities, Florida is still in the middle of one of the worst water shortages in its history. And while recent rainfall has made a dent in the multi-year shortfall affecting the state, it’s not enough. Lack of rain the past six months or so led to the recent extreme water restrictions affecting daily life in the western communities and beyond. Currently, Lake Okeechobee, the region’s backup water source, is more than four feet below the normal level for this time of year.
The ongoing drought conditions got many water customers, especially commercial interests, understandably hot under the collar. Some people have suggested that the SFWMD is utterly clueless and that the district precipitated the current situation by lowering the lake level in anticipation of a busy 2006 hurricane season that never arrived.
Friday, July 6 marked eight months since water flowed from the Kissimmee River into Lake Okeechobee. This was done in accordance with regulation schedules set by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Kissimmee River and water bodies in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes region. As a result, the southernmost and northernmost ends of the river remain impassable by boat, and small islands have appeared on miles of banks that normally would be flooded this time of year. Despite recent rains, water levels remain below normal in the Kissimmee watershed that typically helps replenish Lake Okeechobee, and backup water storage in the watershed has been lost because of the severe regional drought. While many are voicing displeasure with the powers that be, there are also those
Racism In Wellington
individuals who believe the SFWMD was justified to maintain its tough Phase 3 watering restrictions limiting lawn watering to once a week, a mandate in effect for three months and still in force in some parts of the county. Among the goals is to help elevate Lake Okeechobee back to its “normal” level.
As a result of the system of canals and levees built following the hurricane of 1928, virtually all discharges into and out of the lake are now artificially controlled. Details of the impact the Herbert Hoover Dike around Lake Okeechobee has had on South Florida since the 1930s are another story. The 140-mile-long, 30-foothigh, 100-foot-wide earthen wall encircling Lake Okeechobee has been successful in part because water managers customarily lower the level of the lake when a particularly powerful storm is coming.
However, the dike severed Lake Okeechobee’s natural connection to the Everglades, severely disrupting the natural ecosystem of South Florida and helping promote the runaway growth of recent decades.
Regardless of what you believe, one thing seems pretty clear: in order for Lake Okeechobee to return to normal depth, we need more than an occasional sprinkle from the skies. Unless there are some dramatic changes soon — from the heavens above, through readjustment of Corps criteria, or some combination thereof — we anticipate some form of water restriction will still be in place into 2008, and maybe beyond.
It is time for South Floridians to realize that water restrictions are likely to be a fact of life in our tropical paradise. While we will not always be under Phase 3 restrictions, it is possible that three-times-a-week Phase 1 restrictions may become permanent. Wellington, for example, is considering an ordinance to mandate as such. Smart growth, smart planning and little bit of sacrifice can help us ensure that South Florida does not dry out.
Letters To The Editor
I am a black woman who married a white man, living since 2001 in the Eastwood section of Wellington. I used to live in Clewiston, in a section called Harlem. Living in Wellington has been a bad experience for my daughter and me. It is worse than when I lived in Harlem. I have been a victim of racist remarks (saying to go “back to Africa, nigger”). I have been called this by people I don’t even know. I believed Wellington was an upscale village one would desire to live in, but it is sad to say not any more.We are a middle-aged couple with two children, one adopted. We are quiet people; we mind our own business. Our house and landscape are always kept nice.
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The latest vandalism committed by neighbors here on Summerwood Circle was the final straw. On July 6 at around 9:45 p.m. something rotten happened to us.
Unger: Improve Veteran’s Park
I went by Wellington Veterans’ Park on July 4, and there was no one there, and except for Memorial Day and Vets Day, no one visits our park. So I went to visit a relative in Royal Palm Beach and visited their park.
to a government meeting, belittles us all.
George Unger Wellington
Look At Wellington Spending
There were children playing, people appeared to be picnicking, and like myself, a few veterans, solemnly remembering that which on all other days we try to forget.
We fought for various reasons: democracy, the Domino Theory (Vietnam), but most of all, we fought for one another, the guy in the next foxhole! Many of us wonder how and why we survived, while so many didn’t (58,000 in my war).
I recently read that Wellington is considering dropping some events from its budget to make up for the shortfall. The council wants to drop the mother-son prom (saving $8,500) and the father-daughter dance (saving $12,800) among other events.
BARRY S. MANNING Publisher JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor RON BUKLEY Managing Editor
Since 1994, my husband had a very beautiful, unusual-looking red antique cast-iron mailbox that he imported from his country. It was valued at $325. When we got up the next morning, we found that it was blown up into bits and pieces by some type of explosive. The police were called and the bomb squad investigated the matter up until 10:30 a.m. They blocked the entire street.
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The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising.
Last Halloween, my husband woke up, went out to take a look around the property and found racial slurs spray painted on his van, the word “Nazi,” among others.
The motion detector lights located on the back of our property were shot out, a garbage can was overturned and garbage spread out in the driveway, our bird bath was broken, our car was keyed, our metal gate was damaged at an expense of $280. I was told, “we will come back for you, nigger, when it turns dark.”
My husband installed in our backyard at his expense (more than $3,000) guardrails to keep ATVs and dirtbike riders off the property. All reported incidents have case numbers.
“No trespassing” signs have been ripped down and thrown in the canal many times. How much more can we take? By law it is the responsibility of the Village of Wellington to provide their residents with a peaceful and quiet environment. All we have been getting is stonewalling and indifference and no courtesy calls to return the many phone calls and visits we made for help.
Living in Wellington is the good life? It is the biggest joke! There are a lot more incidents we reported, but I’m going to stop at this time.
Cathy and Karl Nellen Wellington
Today, some 40 years later, I look around me and sometimes I cringe.
I look at our present government in Washington, and I know I didn’t fight for the partisan bickering, the corruption, and the lack of compassion!
Locally, we appear to be a microcosm of all that is wrong in Washington. I cannot visit my local vets park because of the noisy and odoriferous location, lack of parking and not one shade tree.
I read in our local papers of my local government considering overturning our new governor’s tax policy, while my representative [Wellington Councilwoman] Laurie Cohen complains of a 5 p.m. meeting time and her loss of “billable hours” and [Councilwoman] Lizbeth Benacquisto brings her dog to a four-hour meeting. Both are disrespectful, both show a lack of judgment, and both of them could stay at home (or at work) and obviate their great sacrifice.
Is it any wonder that our country thinks so poorly of our elected officials? I used to revere public service, for it is an honor to serve, but to whine about billable hours, or to act like Paris Hilton and bring a dog
First off I would love to see the itemized bill for both of these events. I cannot fathom that my village spent $21,300 on these events. I am not doubting that they did spend the money but that seems a little too exorbitant, especially since my wife and son were charged $50 for tickets and my son was served macaroni and cheese for dinner. It seems that the council is all about taxing us and spending our money in crazy ways. Let us see an itemized bill and see where we could have saved a little money.
Craig Jacobson
Wellington
Vote No On ‘Super Exemption’
In a recent letter to the TownCrier, Phil Sexton said that we should support the new “super exemption,” because local taxing authorities set the millage rate and we could pressure them to adjust that rate to offset increases in market value.
After listening to how Palm Beach County and Wellington are struggling to even come close to the state-mandated rate, and reading how Royal Palm Beach is warning residents that this is the last time they can expect a reduction in their rate, it appears highly unlikely that Mr. Sexton’s suggestion is very practical.
Last year the market value of Palm Beach County homes increased 21 percent. How in the See LETTERS, page 5A
The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words). Submit letters, with contact name, address, and telephone number (anonymously sent letters will not be published), to 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to 793-6090; or you can e-mail to letters @goTownCrier.com.
Letters
continued from page 4A world could that kind of increase be offset by reductions in the tax rate?
Even if the market values decrease to the projected amount of six percent in 2007, it is unlikely that local governments could possibly offset that by lowering tax rates without drastically cutting or eliminating services.
Mr. Sexton then went on to say we should vote for the super exemption, because we would get immediate and substantial tax cuts.
According to [Florida House Majority Leader] Daniel Webster, who helped draft the plan, only 41 percent of homesteaders would get a tax cut in the first year. Then look out!
This proposal is just subterfuge to get us all out of the homestead plan. We will all sell our homes over time. When we do, we will be forced into the super ex-
emption plan, and pay taxes based on market value, with no cap. In the next 20 to 30 years, there will be no homestead [exemption]... There will be just a lot of residents looking to sell their homes and move out of Florida.
This amendment should be voted down, then current and future homeowners will enjoy the benefits of being in the Save Our Homes plan, even if they sell their homes.
Morley Alperstein
Wellington
For The Record
The Town-Crier article “Synergie Cellulite Program Available At Wellness Experience” published July 6 should have noted that the program is FDA cleared, not FDA approved. The Town-Crier regrets any confusion this might have caused.
Time To Reopen Miss Liberty?
With Town Up And Running, LGLA Seeks A New Role
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
Flagging attendance at Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association meetings has the group’s leaders wondering about the future of the organization now that the Town of Loxahatchee Groves is fully operational.
Attendance has fallen off considerably at recent meetings, despite efforts to arrange important and compelling speakers. In some cases the presenters have outnumbered the residents attending, LGLA President Marge Herzog said.
Herzog, who is also vice mayor of the new town, said association members plan to discuss the future of the LGLA when they meet Thursday, July 19.
Herzog said she works diligently to bring in interesting and topical speakers. “I’ve been trying to bring in quality speakers,” she said. “We had the narcotics, drug and alcohol discussion, and very few people were there. There were more people on the panel than in the audience.”
That meeting was in the wake of an underage drinking party in Loxahatchee last year where two men were shot and killed. Last month she invited experts to explain the decline in turtle populations in Loxahatchee Groves, but few residents showed up to hear their presentations.
Footloose and...
By Jules W. Rabin
Sometimes you just don’t know which side to take in a dispute. For example, Congressman Anthony Weiner from New York City wants the National Park Service to reopen the spiral staircase to the Statue of Liberty’s crown, which was closed after “9/11.” The bureaucrats say no — possible terrorism plus visitor safety are their concerns. Weiner is introducing a bill in Congress requiring the park service to allow visitors to reach the statue’s crown. Hearings will be held on the legislation allowing members of Congress to question officials of the park service on the issue. There should be creative solutions to the problems, Weiner said. “Their refusal to think outside the box is so symbolic of how bureaucracies get locked into uncreative ways of thinking,” he quipped. Dave Barna, chief of public affairs for
the park service, indicates the agency was considering closing down the staircase before the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. “There was concern mostly about fire safety and fire protection,” Barna said.
“If you had a trash can fire at the bottom of the spiral staircase, you could be in trouble very quickly.” Also, he pointed out, a heart attack or other medial emergency at the crown would make it very difficult to get the person down.
Thus we have a picture where both antagonists have valid points. Yet, somehow or another, I would hope that our nation’s brainpower resources, which sent people to the moon, would come up with an emergency escalator or even a non-intrusive elevator system to overcome safety worries.
Let’s get an architect or two to Liberty Island — pronto!
JOIN IN A TOWN-CRIER
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Do You Think There Should Be Year-Round Water Restrictions?
A. Yes! The stricter the better.
B. Yes, but only minimal Phase 1 restrictions.
C. No. The current restrictions should soon be lifted.
D. No! Once-a-week lawn-watering is not enough.
Cast your vote by visiting www.goTownCrier.com and scrolling down to the poll question at the bottom left of the web page. It’s as easy as that!
Previous Question: Are You Pleased With The State’s Recently Passed Tax Overhaul? A. Yes! It is the type of change I was hoping for: 11 percent; B. Yes. It will lower my taxes: 14 percent; C. No. It will cut off local government services I count on: 19 percent; and D. No! It provides very little benefit. More change is needed: 57 percent.
Central to the discussion will be coming up with a new mission now that the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council has assumed many of the tasks formerly undertaken by the LGLA.
“Will it be just adopt-a-road, the progressive dinner and social events?” Herzog wondered. “It seems like the town is comfortable with the town council, clerk and manager handling everything the landowners used to handle.”
Herzog said she feels the LGLA plays an important role in the community with its presentations from representatives of organizations that provide services to the area. “We will have FPL there on July 19. I’m hoping for a good turnout,” she said.
But with the town council meeting Tuesday, July 17 and County Commissioner Jess Santamaria holding a town hall style meeting in Wellington the following evening, she is concerned people will skip the LGLA meeting Thursday night. “People get worn out going out every night,” she said.
Herzog anticipates that the LGLA will not disband, but instead take on more of a social role. She said Acreage Landowners’Association meetings she has attended seemed more concerned with community events such as Huck Finn Family Day and Halloween and Christmas events.
As a town council member, Herzog said, her role as president of the LGLA might appear to pose a conflict of interest, but she said she offered her resignation when she was running for the council and no one would accept it.
She said other association officers have already served several terms and are not seeking more, while the organization’s rules preclude more casual members from filling their posts. “When you look at the bylaws, there’s no one to replace you,” she said. “The bylaws say you have to be there six out of the last 12 meetings. That was the situation when I was running. I asked people to take over the presidency and nobody wanted it.”
“I had people from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission and the Folke Peterson Animal Rescue Center and had very few people there,” she said. “It gets to the point where it’s embarrassing to have important people give up their night when people don’t show up. I guess it’s a good sign that things are going smooth that people are not coming out.”
Herzog said she thinks the association might continue as a forum where people can speak out if they do not get satisfaction from the council. “Originally, my thought was the landowners’ [association] would be a watchdog and give people a more open forum to express themselves and allow them to speak for longer than the council would allow,” she said.
But Councilman Dennis Lipp, a longtime LGLA member, said he feels the association has never been much more than a social organization. “We intended the LGLA to be an activist organization, but it never turned out that way,” he said. Lipp said association meetings were packed in the 1980s when they met in the small Palms West Chamber of Commerce building boardroom, but attendance fell off in the 1990s.
He said he regrets that some of the LGLA’s longtime activists, such as Joan Shewmake and Rita Miller, who helped develop the Loxahatchee Groves Neighborhood Plan, have declined to get involved with the town. Miller was a vocal opponent of incorporation.
Residents had been talking about incorporation since the 1980s, before Mecca Farms, Scripps and other encroaching development posed threats to the rural way of life in Loxahatchee Groves. He said developers have been presenting grandiose plans for planned unit and commercial development for decades. “The incorporation process began 20 years ago,” Lipp said. “We formed a committee outside the LGLA.” Although he considers himself and his wife loyal LGLA members, Lipp said he stopped attending meetings once elected to the council to avoid any appearance of violating the state’s “government in the sunshine” law, which prohibits elected officials from discussing government
See LGLA, page 14A
See LGLA, page 14A
Juvenile Arrested For Concealed Weapon At Regal Cinema In RPB
By Jason Budjinski Town-Crier Staff Report
JULY 4 — A traffic stop last Wednesday at the intersection of State Road 7 and Southern Blvd. resulted in the drug arrest of a West Palm Beach juvenile. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, deputies from the Royal Palm Beach substation was dispatched to the area at approximately 2 a.m. in reference to a reckless driver in a green Dodge pickup. After observing the vehicle commit several traffic violations, the deputies conducted
CRIME NEWS CRIME NEWS
a traffic stop. The driver told the deputies he had let his son, who was sitting in the back seat (and does not possess a driver’s license), operate the vehicle. The driver further noted that when he determined his son was not capable of driving, he resumed control of the vehicle, according to the report. While speaking with the driver, the deputies noticed a smell of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. A search of the pickup truck revealed a clear plastic
baggy containing 10.4 grams marijuana, located on the floor behind the front seat, where the son was sitting. The 17-yearold admitted the drugs were his. He was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to sell and transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.
JULY 5 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded last Thursday to a home on Exotica Lane in reference to a vehicle burglary. According to the victim, at some time between 10:30 p.m. last Wednesday and 7:15 a.m. the following morning, unknown
Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives:
• Diana Smith-Watson is a black female, 5’4” tall and weighing 175 lbs. with black hair and brown eyes. Her date of birth is 05/ 01/79. She has a scar on her right shoulder. Smith-Watson is wanted on the charges of uttering a forgery and obtaining property in return for a worthless check. Her occupation is legal secretary. Her last known address was S. Congress Avenue in Greenacres. Smith-Watson is wanted as of 07/12/07.
• Louis Uretsky is a white male, 5’7” tall and weighing 185 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 09/14/44. Uretsky is wanted on the felony chage of grand theft as well as several traffic violations. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was Forest Club Drive in Wellington. Uretsky is wanted as of 07/12/07.
Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crime stopperspbc.com.
THE INFORMATION FOR THIS BOX IS PROVIDED BY CRIME STOPPERS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, WHICH IS WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS CONTENT.
suspect(s) opened the driver’sside door of his vehicle, placed a lit firework on the seat and closed the door. The interior of the vehicle was badly damaged, according to the report.
JULY 6 — A Wood Row Way resident called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Friday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to the victim, at some time between 11 p.m. last Thursday and 8:30 a.m. the following morning, unknown suspect(s) entered her unlocked BMW and stole a bottle of vodka that was inside. Although a key was left in the center console, it wasn’t determined whether the car was driven. Nothing else was taken, according to the report.
JULY 7 — A woman was arrested last Saturday after a traffic stop on Okeechobee Blvd. revealed she was in possession of hard drugs. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was on patrol at approximately 12 a.m. when he pulled over 36-year-old Krista Zanella of West Palm Beach for failing to stop at a stop sign. After learning that Zanella was driving with a suspended license, the deputy asked her to exit the vehicle. The deputy smelled marijuana and, upon gaining consent from Zanella to search the vehicle, found a small plastic jar with a pipe attached to it (which contained marijuana residue), as well as a cylindrical metal container which contained crack cocaine, according to the report. Zanella was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail.
JULY 7 — A resident of Westhampton Circle called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Saturday regarding a burglary. According to the victim, unknown suspect(s) entered her patio, damaged the screen and stole her son’s Mongoose bicycle, valued at approximately $125. There was no suspect information available at the time of the report.
JULY 7 — A juvenile was arrested last Saturday at the Regal Royal Palm Beach 18 Cinema for possessing a concealed weapon. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the RPB substation was assigned to detail at the theater at approximately 10:25 p.m. when he observed the juvenile, along with other subjects, blocking the doorway to the restrooms. After lying to the deputy about his age, the juvenile produced his identification, which revealed that he was 17. Upon further investigation, the deputy discovered a knife in the juvenile’s possession. He was taken to the JAC.
JULY 9 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched Monday morning to the intersection of Southern and Crestwood boulevards in reference to a possible drunk driver. According to the PBSO report, the deputy arrived to the location at approximately 8:35 a.m. and observed a white Ford Explorer with a broken left brake light. Upon initiating a traffic stop the deputy made contact with the driver, 36-year-old Steven
Louis Uretsky
Diana Smith-Watson
RPB: Service Levels Up, Taxes Down
By Paul Gaba Town-Crier Staff Report
In reviewing a proposed 2008 budget with few surprises, the Royal Palm Beach Village Council accentuated the positives — which were many.
“We will be able to continue to provide a level of service that the citizens of Royal Palm Beach enjoy today,” Village Manager David Farber said at the council’s Thursday night budget workshop. “The story of this budget is no different in its approach or outcome than the 12 years before this. We didn’t need the state legislature to prompt us to cast a watchful eye on how to spend somebody else’s money.”
RPB will continue to be careful in designating taxpayer money, Farber said. “We take a holistic approach on how we choose to manage the community’s wealth and resources,” he said, “and we take that obligation seriously.”
Farber was referring to the property tax reform proposal passed in Tallahassee last month. It mandated rollbacks in current spending levels and set up a constitutional amendment vote next January, when voters will decide whether to change how property taxes are assessed.
Farber did note that if the proposed “super exemption” of 75 percent of the first $200,000 of a home’s value and 15 percent of a further $300,000 is approved by voters next January, it will affect RPB more than other communities.
“Our average property value is $250,000, so [if the proposal passes] it will have a disproportionate impact on us,” he said.
However, regardless of the vote, “we will be able to provide a level of service the citizens of Royal Palm Beach en-
joy today,” Farber said. “We have found ways to raise levels of service in the past without having to impact the consumer.”
The village will achieve this while posting the lowest millage rate of any municipality in Palm Beach County, proposed at 1.99 mills — a seven-percent reduction from the current rate, Farber said.
Finance Director Stan Hochman told the council, with Councilwoman Barbara Isenberg absent, that there are some financial concerns stemming from last month’s state law requiring all taxing authorities to roll back taxes to the 2006-07 levels, then reduce that amount by anywhere from three to nine percent, depending on per-capita tax increases over the past five years.
Royal Palm Beach will not be subject to the additional reduction, since it has reduced residents’ ad valorem taxes each of the past 12 years.
“The ‘typical’ resident in Royal Palm Beach owns a $225,000 home, which means that resident would see a $31.54 tax reduction,” Hochman said.
It what is viewed as a “flow through” budget, the largest change revolves around Royal Palm Beach’s soon-to-be-approved Village Commons Park.
The park, to be created through redevelopment of the former Tradition Golf Club site on Royal Palm Beach Blvd., amounts to roughly 25 percent of the 2007-08 proposed budget of $63 million, $20.2 million more than last year’s budget. Village Commons accounts for $16 million of that estimated increase.
The park’s proposed site plan was approved by the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission Tuesday (see related story, page 1A).
Hochman said the $16 million
figure is only an estimate at this time, but that regardless of the project cost, the village will ensure enough money is provided. “Whatever the proposed cost will be will be awash with the financing,” Hochman said. “Whatever the cost is, we’re going to borrow that amount.”
Farber said he hopes the village can put out requests for bids on construction of the large central park by June 2008.
Once the park is built, however, it will need to be operated.
“Building the park is not an issue; paying for people to operate it is a whole new ballgame,” Hochman said, noting the passage of the “super exemption” referendum could throw a monkey wrench into the completed park’s operation.
“The best thing we could do if it passes is go out for a referendum asking for residents to pay through a revenue bond issue,” he suggested, explaining that a voter-approved bond could be used to replace funding lost through passage of the property tax proposal.
Village Engineer Ray Liggins noted that $1 million was budgeted for the current year, and focused on design work. The biggest challenge has been working out a conversion from the 18-hole golf course to a ninehole executive course with park facilities.
Liggins also discussed revisions in the village’s 25 Acre Park plan, necessitated by the Village Commons Park proposal. He said that, in order to reduce overlapping ideas, the 25 Acre Park proposal has been revised, and will now consist of bike paths, a concrete path, a canoe launch, a trailhead and a pavilion.
Mayor David Lodwick asked about adding kayak and canoe
See RPB, page 42A
COUNCIL HONORS WHS TRACK STAR
While
Blotter
continued from page 6A Sherman of The Acreage. The deputy noticed a smell of marijuana and conducted a pat-down on Sherman, discovering a bud of marijuana in his left pants pocket. He was released with a notice to appear in court.
JULY 9 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded on Monday to the Wachovia Bank on Greenview Shores Blvd. regarding a vehicle burglary. According to the victim, he parked his truck in the parking lot at approximately 12:50
Sheriff To Visit Santamaria’s Community Forum July 18
County Commissioner Jess Santamaria will host a community forum on Wednesday, July 18 at the original Wellington Mall at the corner of Wellington Trace and Forest Hill Blvd.
The forum, which takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. in the mall’s center court, will feature a presentation by Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, who will discuss the PBSO’s 2008 budget.
Also at the meeting, PBSO Lt. Mike Wallace will discuss gangs and Assistant State Attorney Michelle Santamaria will discuss citizen participation.
Coffee and cookies will be served. For more information about the forum, call Commissioner Santamaria’s office at (561) 355-6300.
Wellington Chamber Luncheon July 18 At The Players Club
Apex Automotive will sponsor the Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s July luncheon on Wednesday, July 18 at the Players Club in Wellington. The guest speaker will be local celebrity and meteorologist Dean Tendrich from WPTV NewsChannel 5. Tendrich earned his certificate in broadcast meteorology at Mississippi State University in 1997 and is a full member of the American Meteorological Society.
Apex Automotive is a family-owned and operated repair and service facility located in Wellington. Owners Karena and Wesley Hamilton proudly specialize in all luxury vehicles with the highest quality without the customer having to pay a dealership’s luxury price. Apex takes much pride in its upscale office, professional staff and friendly atmosphere.
The cost to attend the luncheon is $15 for chamber members and $25 for non-members. For more information or to RSVP, call the chamber at (561) 792-6525.
Wellington Toastmasters Club Elects New Officers
Wellington Toastmasters Club 6775, Area 14, Division D, recently swore in new officers for 2007-08. They are: President Myrna Brooks, Vice President of Education Dabney Hedegard, Vice President of Membership Dr. Scott Snyder, Vice President of Public Relations Daria Pustilnik, Treasurer Anna Mercado, Secretary Susana Pascal, Sergeant at Arms Terrel “Murph” Lavergne and Past President Michael Schwartz. Wellington Toastmasters meets at the Wellington Community Center, 12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Mondays at 6:30 p.m., except on major holidays. For more information about Wellington Toastmasters, visit http://wellington.freetoasthost.com/ index.html.
p.m. and entered the bank. When he returned to the vehicle approximately 40 minutes later, unknown suspect(s) had stolen a weed trimmer and blower that were kept in his open lawn trailer. There was no suspect information at the time of the report.
The Wellington Village Council congratulated Wellington High School sophomore Ashley Brasovan for her success in cross-country and track & field competition this year. Brasovan successfully defended her state championships in cross-country and the 3,200-meter race.
winning the 3,200-meter race, she shattered the state record for the event. In 2005 and 2006, Brasovan also won the Florida Runners Race of Champions cross-country race, featuring the best high school runners in Florida, setting course records each year. In 2007, she won the Nike High School 3,200-meter national indoor title, among many other accomplishments. PHOTO
Area Supermarkets Well-Prepared This Hurricane Season
By Paul Gaba Town-Crier Staff Report
Area supermarkets suffered a financial battering in 2004 and 2005 due to visits by hurricanes Frances, Jeanne and Wilma, as widespread power outages spoiled food and kept stores closed or only partially operational.
But with forecasters suggesting we are in a cycle of busierthan-usual hurricane activity that will continue for several years, local supermarkets are investing heavily to minimize the impact of another severe storm.
Publix is in the final stages of implementing a $175 million generator program for their stores in Florida, coastal Georgia and South Carolina. Every Publix in Florida will have either a stationary or mobile 500kilowatt generator by 2008, according to Anne Hendricks, media and community-relations manager for the Miami division of the supermarket chain.
“We started planning for this in 2004; it takes a lot of planning and coordination,” Hendricks said. “In recent years, hurricane season has gotten more active. We needed to respond to that and change the way we do business regarding hurricanes.”
The Miami division is responsible for 230 Publix stores from the Florida Keys to Vero Beach. Currently 140 stores in the division have stationary generators installed, with another 40 mobile generators on hand.
Nearly 40 Publix stores in Palm Beach County have a gen-
erator on site, including stores at the Groves of Royal Palm (State Road 7), Town Center at Wellington (Forest Hill Blvd.), The Acreage (Seminole Pratt Whitney Road), Crestwood Square (Crestwood and Southern boulevards), and Woods Walk (Lake Worth Road and SR 7).
Hendricks said the company is continually adding generators to its stores.
“These generators can run the entire store, in particular the refrigerating and freezing [equipment],” Hendricks said.
“Publixes have always had a backup generator in place to run the lights, registers and things like that. But these new ones will make for a much different shopping experience post-hurricane.”
Even without hurricanes, the generators have benefited the stores in which they are installed, Hendricks said. “Even when we have small power outages, the customers won’t notice a problem,” she said.
The generators, purchased through a contract with PowerSecure in South Carolina, run on natural gas, diesel fuel or both. Hendricks said they can run up to three days without refueling, depending on the type of fuel, with natural gas offering the further runtime.
PowerSecure automatically monitors all the generators via computer, Hendricks said.
“They can pull it up on a computer screen, know when a generator is turned on, and know what the problem with the primary power source is,”
Hendricks said. “Through monitoring, they can tell how much fuel is in the generator, all kinds of things. It’s a very smart system.”
While not every store has a generator installed, Hendricks said the mobile generators are valuable assets.
“Mobile generators are key, because if a hurricane is forecast to go one direction, but takes a different path, we can move it to wherever the storms occur,” Hendricks said.
PowerSecure also keeps Publix staff informed when any of their generators run low on fuel. The mobile generators are good backups in those situations as well.
Hendricks said it is important for residents to monitor announcements on local media before and after a storm. Power outages may be spotty, so some stores may have full primary power, she noted. Also, curfews, flooding and other problems can close off an area and affect a store’s hours, even if it has a generator.
Hendricks said the supermarket chain continues to keep large stockpiles of nonperishable items such as flashlights and batteries, as well as water and ice, both in the store stockrooms and company warehouses.
“We always make sure our stores are very heavy on the basics,” Hendricks said, adding that Publix stores have special hurricane supply sections during the hurricane season.
“We’ve been in business 76 years; we’ve had a lot of time
‘It takes a lot of planning and coordination. In recent years, hurricane season has gotten more active. We needed to respond to that and change the way we do business regarding hurricanes.’
— Anne Hendricks, Publix Community Relations Manager
to perfect our processes for hurricane season,” Hendricks said. “These generators are the major difference as hurricanes have gotten more active, to make sure our refrigerators and freezers are up and running right after a storm.”
Ray Cordero, co-manager of the Winn-Dixie on Royal Palm Beach Blvd., said his store is hurricane-ready thanks to a new generator supplied by corporate headquarters.
“A lot of other Winn-Dixie locations have been approved, but we’re one of the first to get it,” Cordero said of what he described as a “super generator.” “It powers everything — the coolers, freezers, everything. According to corporate, if we have a hurricane, we won’t lose anything.”
Winn-Dixie’s method of preparing for a hurricane — and, in particular, helping customers prepare — parallels that of Publix.
“All of our nonperishable items, such as canned meats, need to be stocked as full as possible on the shelves,” Cordero said. “We always keep extra water and batteries in stock. And from the corporate level, they send every store a truckload of supplies — any-
thing that has to do with that area.”
At the store, located at Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards, hurricane supplies are presented at the end of aisles in “endcap” displays to give customers quick access to flashlights, coolers, ice chests, and other supplies, Cordero said.
“We want to have it in a high-traffic area, so customers can get it right away,” Cordero said.
During the state’s annual tax-free “hurricane preparedness days,” Publix managers set up a huge display with supplies in the store’s lobby area.
Winn-Dixie policy is to halt orders of perishables such as meats when a hurricane is forecast to head toward the area, to avoid losses from spoilage. Cordero said despite the new generator on-site, he does not know if the store will still halt orders in such situations.
“If we’re instructed to order, we will, but there are other things to consider — the road conditions for example,” he said, noting that if trucks are unable to deliver due to weather concerns, new orders would be affected regardless of the store’s generator power.
Residents, Equestrians Voice Concerns Over Stadium Jumping Plans
By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report
Wellington equestrians expressed fears this week that plans for a new competition facility in extreme southern Wellington give short shrift to local riders.
Members of the public who attended a presentation on the plans Monday at the Players Club in Wellington included several who bought expensive estates near the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club, the current venue for the National Horse Show and the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Stadium Jumping Inc., the producer of the shows, filed a development order and master plan with the village in May for show grounds on a 179-acre parcel south of 50th Street South, part of the planned Wellington Preserve development of 640 acres designated on survey maps as Section 34. Wellington’s Development Review Committee, a contingent of village staff and consultants, reviewed and certified the documents last week.
The plans for Stadium Jumping’s new home call for a mix of competition rings, stalls, grooming areas, parking and space for vendors and exhibitors. The company hopes to have the facility open in time for the 2009 competition season.
Stadium Jumping says it has outgrown the 80-acre facility it currently leases near Pierson Road. In January 2005 the promoter and several other partners announced they would build a
massive new equestrian complex to house the horse shows
Stadium Jumping produces, but those plans foundered after a falling-out last autumn.
Land-use attorney Ed Stacker told the audience Monday that the evening’s presentation and question-and-answer session would not address the ongoing litigation between the former partners.
“There is and continues to be litigation that surrounds this,” Stacker said. “I am sure that you are generally aware that there is litigation surrounding the location of the facilities. Suffice it to say we are not intending to delve into those types of issues this evening. It’s not the forum to air those types of issues. What we are trying to do is familiarize you all with our proposed project and to entertain questions that you have in that regard.”
Stadium Jumping President John Canavan told the audience Stadium Jumping is doing all it can to be a good citizen, working closely with village staff to resolve outstanding issues concerning the development.
“We are doing this right,” Canavan said, “and at the end of the day, this is something people will take great pride in.”
Dressage rider Kate Sanders, who lives in the Saddle Trail Park neighborhood near Stadium Jumping’s current facility, said she will have to trailer her horse to the new site for competitions instead of simply riding in. She questioned a lack of trailer parking in the plans and said she doubted the developers were
interested in accommodating local riders.
“Where are we going to put our trailers?” Sanders asked. “You haven’t indicated any space for anyone. Are you proposing we rent a stall for five days? You have made no attempt to include us. I show dressage. I don’t show every day.”
Kelly Caldwell was another local equestrian who invested in a home near the current show grounds. She said the earlier, stalled proposal to build a massive horse show complex shook the confidence of the local equestrian community.
“A lot of people are feeling a bit slighted,” Caldwell said. “This is where a lot of the feeling comes from. We are paying exorbitant fees to show where we bought. A lot of people are starting to feel you are squeezing out the locals here. You are saying, ‘trust us.’ Even last year, when they brought this proposal forward with other people they said, ‘trust us.’ You are saying ‘trust us’ again. You are squeezing the local crowd. You are squeezing out the people who support you.”
Realtor Diane Jenkins, whose firm handled the sale of the lots surrounding the show ground site, noted that property owner Wellington Preserve Corp. donated the 179 acres, and that Stadium Jumping’s desire to remain in Wellington demonstrates the promoter’s commitment to the local equestrian community.
“Bringing the show grounds to any site is an encouragement
to surrounding properties,” Jenkins said. “Other areas offered free land to the show grounds. There were other transactions that Stadium Jumping could have made but it was important for the principals of Stadium Jumping to stay inside the Village of Wellington. This was the only location that was an adequate size for this.”
Jenkins told the Town-Crier Tuesday that the plans for the new facility are still in a preliminary stage, that public participation has helped shape the vision for the show grounds, and
that Stadium Jumping is doing its best to accommodate the local crowd.
“We are moving along quickly to make things work for everyone,” Jenkins said. “People made a lot of good comments. We don’t want to lose the people who have been coming to the show for years. They are the clients. We can do a lot of things to make this happen. That’s the only way we can work these things out. We are still in a position to make all the adjustments we have to make.”
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Wellington’s Equestrian Committee unanimously approved applications Wednesday for a new equestrian facility in southern Wellington to house the horse shows produced by Stadium Jumping, but not without hearing testy public debate.
In early May, global conglomerate CL Financial Ltd. donated to Stadium Jumping 179 acres in the heart of Section 34, a 640acre tract west of 50th Street South slated for residential development as the Wellington Preserve.
The applications, by management company Everglades Equestrian Partners, include a development order amendment allowing a conditional use to establish a commercial equestrian arena in the Orange Point PUD, and an amendment to the approved Wellington Preserve master plan for the arena.
Some features of the planned complex, Community Development Director Marty Hodgkins told the committee, include multiple arenas, a grand prix field with covered stands, stables, quarantine and veterinary areas, VIP event and catering pavilions and 688,000 square feet of administrative offices. Hodgkins said there are 32 conditions of approval associated with the application.
Many of the comments from the committee and members of the public referred to a collapsed partnership between Stadium
Jumping and investor Mark Bellissimo called Wellington Equestrian Parners. Until late last year the partners planned to build a massive equestrian-oriented development that would have provided a venue for the promoter’s shows and also those produced by the Burton family’s Littlewood Farm.
Aero Club resident Janixx Parisi said she attended Stadium Jumping’s presentation Monday (see related story, page 9A) and asked who the players in the application are. “I asked a very salient question and I didn’t get an answer,” Parissi said. “I want to know who the people are. Who is behind the Wellington Preserve? I also would like to know who the Everglades group is. This is my town.”
Parisi recalled the village’s agreement with would-be Binks Forest Golf Course redeveloper Frank Leo. “They let in someone to do an overhaul on the golf course,” she said. “It wasn’t a real good guy. I find that when I do business I want to know who people are. I am asking again — can we know who we are dealing with?”
Equestrian Committee Chair Mike Whitlow agreed with Parisi and said people are concerned with the long-term future of Stadium Jumping. “What do we have to look forward to 20 years from now?”
Whitlow asked. “Are the show grounds going to be leaving for a larger space? I also think people are more comfortable when they know who they are
dealing with.”
Stadium Jumping attorney Ed Stacker said he could not answer that question, and that Everglades Equestrian Partners, LLC was an entity created to manage the property, and Wellington Preserve the not-forprofit owner. Stacker stressed that Stadium Jumping’s current facility at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club is outdated and there is no option to stay there.
“The folks involved would very much like to stay here,” Stacker said. “This is a win/win from our perspective from the industry and the village. I don’t there will be any legitimate concerns of ownership for the property given the opportunity to move forward.”
Palm Beach Polo consultant Mike Nelson took aim at Stadium Jumping, saying it is not the entity it was under longtime president Gene Mische, now the company’s CEO.
“Gene took his role as a community leader very seriously and paid back those who helped him grow by donations of time and money as well as use of his facility to a number of churches and charities,” Nelson said. “Gene is not the problem — it is the new Stadium Jumping whose goal has turned to real estate investment at the expense of equestrians who made the industry what it is today in Wellington.”
Nelson said the “new” Stadium Jumping is turning its back on its local supporters. “Some of you have built around the
[current] show grounds,” he said. “Some of you have built businesses based on the existence of the show grounds. Well, as far as the new Stadium Jumping is concerned, tough luck. They want to head south to 50th so money can be made on real estate deals. And who knows? When this area is built out, what will stop them from heading someplace out of Wellington and leaving a few other farm owners without a show grounds?”
Besides providing impetus for routing a massive amount of pass-through traffic through southern Wellington, Nelson said Stadium Jumping had done all it could to avoid a comprehensive plan amendment with the associated public review and state scrutiny.
Former committee chair Cynthia Gardner said everyone was unhappy with the move but little could be done about it. She said the new plans still need a lot of work, and suggested Stadium Jumping continue to talk to equestrians and concerned people and work on the issues.
“What you see in the package tonight and what they are asking for in stabling, show rings, and parking, we want those things,” Gardner said. “I would like to propose that Stadium Jumping continue to listen and respond to the needs of the people and make it more user-friendly.”
Attorney Dan Doorakian, representing Wellington Equestrian Partners and Mark Bellissimo,
said the plans were severely deficit on horse show capacity, trailing, parking and other areas. Doorakian said Wellington Equestrian Partners’ project, the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and Littlewood Farms, had been required to submit applications for the comprehensive plan process, and the new Stadium Jumping project should do the same.
Doorakian also said his firm had identified one entity behind the plans as Solar Sports, a subsidiary of Delaware North, a company controlled by Jeremy Jacobs of Deeridge Farms.
“I have been through this process with my clients,” Doorakian said. “We were required to disclose who we were, and we did that. It’s important to know who you are dealing with and for them to put their best foot forward.”
Homeland resident Victor Connor, president of the South Florida Hunter Jumper Association, said he strongly supported the project and said it was not government’s job to “micromanage a particular plan,” but that nobody should be hiding behind corporations.
“The biggest detriment is to hide it,” Connor said. “If it’s Stadium Jumping and it’s Jeremy or Lou Jacobs, it raises suspicions, period.”
Equestrian Committee members began asking questions about the plans, raising questions about trails, parking, stabling and other issues. During the heated
Wellington Postpones Decision On Setting Millage Rate
By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report
The Wellington Village Council held off on setting preliminary property assessment rates for the coming fiscal year, but not before hearing several residents urge them not to cut their taxes.
The village must roll back its millage rate as directed by the state legislature and is looking for items to cut from its budget. With village staff prioritizing budget items as necessities or quality-of-life trimmings, many cuts are proposed to Wellington’s recreational events and leisure services.
Village Manager Charlie Lynn told the council it could accept the statutory reform rate, a rollback to the 2006-2007 fiscal year, with a vote of three out of five council members and would result in a millage rate of 2.34. An optional rollback rate of 2.57 mills would spare some items slated for the chopping block but would require a supermajority approval from four council members. Raising the millage rate any higher would require a unanimous vote from all five council members, which would also cost the village about $850,000 in sales tax revenues. The current millage rate is 2.7.
Lynn also noted that while most municipalities had been directed to make tax cuts, Wellington was among those directed to make an additional cut of nine percent, which represented a cut of four tenths of a mill or nearly $3 million in prop-
erty taxes. Lynn said the village has maintained higher levels of service ever since incorporation. “These high levels of service did not occur by accident,” he said.
“The growth was driven by high levels of service. I was asked a question at a recent Palms West Chamber of Commerce luncheon by someone who wanted to know what did Wellington do with the money during the good times. Most of it was reinvested into the community. We did some limited bonding. We switched to a payas-you-go policy for a lot of our parks and public facilities. We have reserves.”
Lynn said millions of dollars had already been cut from the budget, including staffing and program cutbacks. Some employee-related cuts included tuition reimbursement, training classes, recognition and moraleboosting events such as luncheons, and wellness programs. Other considerations could include freezing of all non-essential vacancies, denial of personnel requests for the coming fiscal year, holding off on future services and facility additions, eliminating non-essential open or filled positions, filling critical positions at lower levels with lower salaries, instituting a wage or hiring freeze, and offering early retirement options or employee buyouts.
Other possible cuts included consulting services, leisure services, community-outreach programs, human resources, security and advertising.
Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore noted that many of the proposed cuts were to the Leisure Services Department. Community Services Director Paul Schofield concurred but said he and staff were trying to reconfigure some of the programs so they could better perform. They were considering the option of enterprise funds where the programs would pay for themselves.
Priore said he appreciated staff thinking ahead of the curve, but he was worried about the people that didn’t know they were out of the proposed budget. Priore said he supported holding off on setting the millage rate until sometime before the Aug. 6 deadline so staff could better review its options.
Priore also said the number being bandied about for the millage rate was 2.7 but in actuality the Village of Wellington was operating at 3.1 millage rate.
“The very poor and very affluent cities are feeling this the worst,” Priore said. “The poor just don’t have it. We have been able to provide such a wonderful lifestyle. That will be taken away. When you have something good, you don’t want to lose it. The question is why are we focused on 2.57? If we go higher than that, the State Legislature will say they will take the $850,000 away from you. You won’t get the money. We can’t consider going higher than 2.7, and we are mandated to stay at 2.34. I have been here a long time. I have never had to experience this kind of situation.
I want to hear from everyone. I also know at some point something has to give. We can’t stay at 2.7.”
Priore also suggested council should use any opportunity for further discussion, or to set the millage rate that evening if there was a consensus to do so.
“We need to review and get a better handle on making decisions on what to do,” Priore said. “I am concerned about setting it too high and prolonging the agony. If we have to make the cuts, I want to make them and hear about how the folks will be impacted by them.”
Councilwoman Laurie Cohen said it would be helpful if residents knew the programs being considered for the chopping block, including the egg hunt, the Teen Council, the Public Safety Fair, the Mother/Son Prom and Father/Daughter Dance, the Senior Games, contributions to the annual holiday parade and many others.
“These are things the residents show up for and they look forward to,” Cohen said. “We need to make it clear to them what we are going to be faced with as a community.”
Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto concurred with the public forum idea, “so you can get an accurate feel for what they feel.”
During public comment, resident Mary Koski said the parks and recreation programs drew people to live in Wellington in the first place. If they were cut, she said, many would move away and others would not
move in.
“Almost every household in this community came here for recreation,” said Koski. “There isn’t a family here that doesn’t use the recreation department. I don’t know what the options are. People will get up and leave. We are at the breaking point. I want to appeal to you to be creative. We think you can come up with a solution that will keep the kids in the programs.”
Mike Pignato, president of the Western Communities Football League, said the community hosts numerous football clinics and outsiders are pleased with what they see when they come to the village. Pignato also suggested that the value generated by the services might outweigh the “penalty” of the higher millage rate.
“I received so many comments and e-mails from people about the facilities and the sense of community that they saw,” Pignato said. “The byproduct of the services and facilities is the attraction of residents that you bring to this town. When you offer the services, you will attract them.”
Resident Anthony Bugeja told the council he would write a check for his portion of the shortfall right there if necessary. As a schoolteacher, he said he could have stayed in West Palm Beach, but he chose Wellington because of its superior schools and leisure services.
“I have a 12-year-old at home and an eight-year-old and a twoand-a-half-year-old,” Bugeja See MILLAGE, page 42A
Petapalooza Adopt-A-Thon
If you’re wondering where you’ll find your next furry companion, mark your calendar for July 28. From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. the Petapalooza Adopt-a-thon will take place at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, 3200 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach.
Reduced adoption fees will be offered all weekend.
Activities include South Florida Air K9 Frisbee shows at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Doggie Idol Adoptee dog show, pet photo IDs, pet craft vendors, DJ Kenny Mondo, face-painting noon to 3 p.m., “Ask the Trainer” dog training tips by Babette Haggerty, Lorrain Smith from Heel2Heal and free stuff for all newly adoptive families.
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League cares for over 8,000 lost, injured and abandoned animals each year.
Serving the community since 1925, the Animal Rescue League relies on adoption fees, donations and special events to help maintain the quality of services provided on a daily basis to the animals, their owners and the community.
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is located at 3200 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. Call (561) 686-3663 or visit web site at www.hspb.org.
Wetland Native Planting At Science Museum
On Saturday, July 14 Arthur R. Marshall Foundation summer interns and community volunteers will be installing native plants and trees in order to create a wetland along the outdoor science trail at the South Florida Science Museum. Volunteers of all ages are expected to be on hand to help out.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. and will be attended by Congressman Ron Klein.
Planting will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Founded in 1998, the nonprofit Marshall Foundation has three goals: restoring original plant life and water flow patterns to the greater Everglades ecosystem, educating young people and the public about the Everglades ecology, and delivering the message of preservation and restoration to as many people as possible through comprehensive public outreach programs. In the last five years, over 83,000 native Florida trees have been planted through Marshall Foundation efforts.
The South Florida Science Museum is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach
To reach the Science Museum take Southern Blvd. east to Parker Avenue. Take Parker Avenue south (right) to Summit Blvd. Take Summit west (right) to your first light. This is Dreher Trail North. Turn right on Dreher Trail and continue around until you reach the Museum.
This project was planned by the Marshall Foundation’s three summer interns as part of an 11-week Everglades ecology program that they are completing.
Call (561) 833-0551 for more info.
The Lord’s Place Needs New Beds
The Lord’s Place is in urgent need of 100 new beds as well as other bedroom and living room furniture for its family emergency facility and is asking the public to help the agency meet this need.
A tax-deductible donation of $150 (which amounts to 41 cents per day for a year) will buy a twin bed; $200 will buy a twin bed with sheets, a comforter and a pillow. A donation of $2,500 will furnish an entire apartment.
“Often when families first come to our emergency facility, they have spent days,
maybe even weeks, sleeping in their car, in a tent at a campground or sometimes even on a bench or a picnic table at a public park,” said Lord’s Place Executive Director Diana Stanley.
“The beds at our emergency facility and apartments need replacing so we can provide each member of the families we help out of homelessness with a clean and comfortable bed. This is the first step in restoring their dignity and helping them address the issues that led them to become homeless.”
Checks can be mailed to the Lord’s Place at P.O. Box 3265, West Palm Beach, FL 33402. Donations can also be made with a Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card at www.thelords place.org.
The Lord’s Place is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness by providing innovative, compassionate and effective services to men, women and children throughout Palm Beach County.
For more information, call (561) 4940125.
Leukemia Society Winter Marathons
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training is looking for people who are interested in training to participate in upcoming winter marathons.
An informational meeting is planned at Wellington Community Center Tuesday, July 24 at 6 p.m. and many other Palm Beach County locations.
The society will be recruiting for the Honolulu Marathon on Dec. 9, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend on Jan. 12 and 13, 2008 and the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon on Jan. 13, 2008. People of all fitness abilities are welcome.
As an added bonus, all participants will be entered into the Marathon of the Palm Beaches half marathon.
The goal for this winter season is to
raise $514,000.
Participants will be part of a national team called Team In Training (TNT) the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s signature national fundraising program. Funds raised through TNT are used to finance lifesaving leukemia research and provide financial assistance for local patients.
All TNT participants receive coaching, training schedules, group training sessions, race entry and accommodations for the event weekend. Each member of the team also participates in honor of a patient who is battling leukemia or a related illness.
To register for a meeting or to learn more about TNT, call (561) 775-9954 or toll free at (888) 478-8550, or visit www.teamintraining.org/pb or e-mail michelle.mohamed@lls.org.
The kickoff party for these events will take place Aug. 4 at 9a.m. at the Community Foundation in West Palm Beach.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a national, not-for-profit voluntary health agency dedicated to finding cures for leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and Hodgkin’s disease.
Chamber Mixer
At El Dorado
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Palms West Chamber of Commerce will co-host a mixer at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 18 at El Dorado Furniture 160 S. State Road 7 in Wellington. Presenting sponsor El Dorado Furniture is a fine furniture store with modest pricing and innovative marketing.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Remember to bring business cards. Member price is $10 RSVP or $15 at the door. Non-member price is $15 RSVP and $25 at the Door.
RSVP by July 17 by calling (561) 8321986 or visiting www.palmbeach hispanicchamber.com.
Damone has been spreading the word that her hometown of Springfield, Vermont was
picked in a nationwide online poll as the Springfield of the hit television show The Simpsons
Although the show has been on TV for 18 years, it has never identified where Springfield is.
“As a Springfield High School alumnus, I did my part and got
over 100 votes for Vermont,” Damone said. “The last exciting thing that happened in the town was when Charles Lindbergh landed a plane there in 1927.”
There were 14 states with towns named Springfield entered in the competition. Each was invited to submit a video to win support. Springfield, Vermont won with 15,367 votes out of a total of 109,582 votes. Springfield, Florida came in last, alas, with 1,386 votes.
PBSO Seeks Tips In Pond Cypress Arson Case
JULY 4 — The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating suspect(s) involved in last Wednesday’s arson at the Pond Cypress Natural Area, located north of Okeechobee Blvd. near State Road 7.
According to a PBSO report, at approximately 9:30 p.m. unknown suspect(s) burglarized a trailer owned by
Aquatic Vegetation Control Inc.
The suspect(s) set the trailer on fire, causing the chemicals stored inside to seep into the ground and surrounding water.
John Farill of Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and Department of Environmental Protection Emergency Response Manager Stephen Threet are conducting a joint investigation with the PBSO.
AVC is offering $5,000 for the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) and the Florida Advisory Committee on Arson is offering $2,500 or more for information leading to the identity of the those responsible. Anyone with information can contact Cpl. Charles Robinson at (561) 688-3697 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 458TIPS.
Springfield, Vermont’s winning video featured footage similar to the opening sequence of the TV show, including a real-life Homer running through city streets while
the show’s theme music plays in the background.
With a feature film opening nationwide on July 21, Damone’s hometown will host the film’s creators present at the world premiere at the Springfield Theater on Main Street.
For more information or to view trailers of The Simpsons Movie , visit www.simpsons movie.com.
State Funding For Camellia Park
Florida’s environmentally conscious budget, recently signed by Governor Charlie Crist, included more than $33 million to expand and improve local parks across the state. Funded through the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program, $1.3 million will go to Palm Beach County to assist 15 local park projects and enhance nearby communities by increasing outdoor recreation opportunities and improving public access to Florida’s natural resources.
“Setting aside recreational green spaces within Florida’s local communities is imperative to land conservation and essential to creating strong communities,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grants are an investment in the future of Florida’s natural resources and in the state’s citizens.”
Palm Beach County projects funded in this year’s budget in-
clude Camellia Park in Royal Palm Beach. The funds will be used for a skate park, basketball courts, landscaping and the renovation of restrooms, playground, bocce ball court and a bike trail.
“Creating and enhancing local park systems help produce active, healthy lifestyles and strong families in Florida’s communities,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. “Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grants not only protect natural areas but attract people to recreate in the real Florida.”
The Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program is a competitive grant program providing funds to local communities for public outdoor recreation. Over the last nine years, Florida has invested more than $200 million to improve local park facilities through this grant program, funding more than 1,500 projects statewide.
For more information, visit www.floridastateparks.org.
This trailer was set on fire last Wednesday at the Pond Cypress Natural Area.
Seminole Ridge High School Hopes To Appeal Its ‘B’ Grade
By Paul Gaba Town-Crier Staff Report
For the second consecutive year, Seminole Ridge High School is investigating an appeal of its state-issued grade.
Late last month, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) rated Seminole Ridge a “B” school based on FCAT results that earned the school 524 points, one shy of the 525 required for an “A.”
“We’re looking to see if we can find that point,” Seminole
LGLA Future Mission?
continued from page 5A business outside a legally noticed public meeting.
Councilman Dave Autrey, who like Lipp was a proponent of incorporation, said he has not been active with the LGLA but could understand why the organization is reconsidering the role it plays.
“I really don’t know, but it’s a fair question to figure a mission it could fulfill,” he said, adding that they played an important role by dogging developers, interfacing with the county and developing the beginnings of a land use plan in the years before the municipal government existed.
“We didn’t have a government,” he said. “We only had the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District and they only do streets, canals and bridges. Now we have an entity, which
Ridge Principal Dr. Lynne McGee said Wednesday. “If we think we can put together a solid case, and can find something tangible [in the data], we will appeal it.”
Wellington High School’s 576 points were 51 points above the minimum “A” grade benchmark, but the school was docked a grade level because only 49 percent of its lowestscoring students in reading made gains in the school year just ended.
The state requires “A”
is the town council.”
Although he was not actively involved with the LGLA, Autrey doesn’t think it should just go away.
“A healthy conversation might be appropriate about the future of the LGLA, whether it’s going to be a civic or historic organization or what,” he said.
Councilman Dr. Bill Louda has served several terms as the LGLA’s president or vice president in the past decade. He resigned his seat as an at-large board member when he was elected to the council. He said he would not like to see the organization disband, as it has loyally served as a watchdog in the past and could serve as a counter to the town council in the future.
The LGLA also serves an important civic role, he said, organizing social events that he feels shouldn’t be funded through the town council with taxpayer dollars. “When I was president I organized canoe
schools to demonstrate a minimum 50 percent improvement in their lowest-achieving students in reading and math in order to retain the grade.
On Monday, Palm Beach County School District Assessment Manager Cherie Boone said data was sent to both McGee and WHS Principal Cheryl Alligood that day. Administrators from both schools have until the end of the month to peruse the information and determine if they have a valid argument to present to the FDOE.
trips, barbecues and square dances,” he said. “Its role was to be a civic organization... I certainly don’t want to see it go away.”
One role for the LGLA, Herzog said, might be as sponsor of town hall meetings that host extended presentations the council might not have time for. As an example, she cites the Florida Power & Light presentation next week. FPL representatives will get 15 minutes at the council meeting Tuesday, but 45 minutes at the LGLA meeting Thursday.
“On Thursday. I have asked FPL to make a presentation on the wires and poles and a complete rundown of what they are doing to harden the area,” she said. “I hope more residents come out. During a storm, it’s a big issue out here.”
The July 19 meeting will start at 7 p.m. in classroom 1 at Palms West Hospital on Southern Blvd.
“They can’t do anything until they find something,” Boone said. “After that, they send a formal request in to the district.”
After review by Boone’s office, the appeal needs to be approved by District Superintendent Dr. Art Johnson. If Johnson gives his blessing, the appeal is sent to the FDOE, which will review the request. The decisions are made by the FDOE based on department staff recommendations.
The district successfully appealed Seminole Ridge’s case last year, its only success among six appeals for grade changes.
The school initially received a “D” in 2005-06, having missed
a “B” by one point and being docked an additional letter grade after only 48 percent of its lowest readers showed improvement.
But Seminole Ridge, which opened in 2005, was bumped up to a “C” after convincing state administrators the school was handicapped by its one-year performance history, when standards for “B” and “C” schools allow a two-year period to show improvement.
“We’re in the process of scanning the results to see if any student was put in the wrong [data] box,” McGee said. “We have to look at the situations. If we can find something, we will appeal.”
RPB Employee Honored — Denise Jansen-August was recognized for 15 years of employment with the Village of Royal Palm Beach at a special meeting of the Village Council on Thursday. Jensen-August, shown here with Mayor David Lodwick, is an aerobics instructor with the village’s Parks and Recreation Department.
PHOTO BY PAUL
Pure Thoughts Of Loxahatchee Rescues Seven Unwanted Horses
Pure Thoughts Horse and Foal Rescue had much to celebrate on the Fourth of July. With the help of the horse activist organization Fans of Barbaro, Pure Thoughts welcomed seven new additions to its Loxahatchee farm, including five orphaned foals from Kentucky. Along with the new additions, Pure Thoughts currently has about 15 rescued horses, ponies and foals available for adoption.
Founded in 2004 by Jennifer Swanson and Bradley Graver, Pure Thoughts is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to saving, rehabilitating and adopting out horses, ponies and foals that would otherwise be
Local Blood Donors Needed
Florida’s Blood Centers is appealing to the general public for donations as soon as possible. Summer months are always a challenging time for blood donations, but this summer blood levels are at an all-time low. Local hospitals are experiencing high blood usage and if blood supplies are not replenished, it could lead to the postponement of critical medical treatments.
The national blood supply is also under strain, and Florida’s Blood Centers, along with other blood banks, are not able to bring blood into the area to relieve the critically low supplies in Florida.
To be eligible to donate blood you must be healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be 16 or older. There is no maximum age
destined for slaughterhouses in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Pure Thoughs also handles starvation, neglect and abuse cases.
Fans of Barbaro is a worldwide community of people active in horse welfare issues, named after 2006 Kentucky Derby Champion Barbaro. FOBs, as they are called, have been an invaluable asset to Pure Thoughts, financially backing the rescue of dozens of horses and foals. FOBs are also active in issues such as anti-slaughter legislation, safer racetrack conditions and equine medical research.
The orphaned foals arrived
limit. All donors will receive a $10 gas card for donating at any branch location. Visit www.floridasblood centers.org for locations and hours, or call (888) 9-DONATE for more information.
Register Now For Marathon Program
RunFast promotions and the Wellington Runners Club are offering a marathon training program for distance runners interested in participating in a marathon or half-marathon during the fall or early winter of 2007.
The program, coached by 2006 USATF Florida Distance Runner of the Year and Wellington resident Sonja Friend-Uhl, is open to all runners from beginner to advanced level.
The program involves a 24-
with an emaciated quarter horse from South Carolina and a palomino paint pony rescued from the kill pen at Sugarcreek Livestock Auction in Ohio. FOBs had a large role in all of these rescues, and Pure Thoughts is extremely grateful. Swanson added a slideshow of the new arrivals to the Pure Thoughts web site. “It just seems appropriate that they arrived on Independence Day,” she said.
Pure Thoughts is located at B Lazy J Ranch in Loxahatchee. For more information, visit www.pthr.org or call (561) 254-0415. For more information on Fans of Barbaro, visit www.timwoolleyracing.com.
week training schedule (in sixweek blocks) from July to December 2007), and participants receive a distance runner’s customized nutrition plan complete with shopping list and sample daily menu, comprehensive distance running manual and Wednesday night coached speed-work practices and Sunday morning organized group long runs.
Participants also receive a ten-percent discount on shoes and apparel at Run N Roll in West Palm Beach and ten percent off a personal training or pilates training package designed for the distance runner at Fit Studio, as well as discounted entry to the Wellington Runners’ 2007 RunFast Promotions Seminar, access to Coach Sonja via e-mail regarding training/racing related questions, and a discounted entry fee (plus goody bag and
VIP tent entry) for the Marathon of the Palm Beaches if registered through RunFast by Oct. 1 (if this is your marathon or half-marathon of choice).
The program fee of $150 includes annual membership fee to the Wellington Runners Club, or $130 for current club members. To register or for more information, contact Sonja at sfuhl@aol.com or (561) 3173576.
More information is available at www.wellingtonrunners.org and www.runfastpromotions .com.
Art In Public Places Seeks Submissions
The Village of Wellington’s Art in Public Places Program is issuing a call to artists. Artists are invited to submit an application to loan or donate artwork for a
one-year display in village facilities and public places. All artwork should be freestanding or in display form (framed or mounted). All forms of media will be considered for review. Artwork will reflect a broad variety of styles and support community interests.
The competition is open to all artists who reside in the United States. Participants must complete a Public Art On-Loan/Donation Application. The application should be accompanied by one eight-by-ten photograph of the artwork, the artist’s curriculum vitae, a description of the artwork with size, and a certificate of value for the piece. Completed applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Aug. 17.
For more information, call Nicole Evangelista of the Wellington Leisure Services Department at (561) 791-4733.
Some of the rescued horses at Pure Thoughts in Loxahatchee.
YOUNGSTERS FLAUNT THEIR CREATIVE SKILLS AT THE RPB LIBRARY
The Royal Palm Beach branch of the Palm Beach County Library held the first session of its weekly Art Fest program on Monday, July 9. Approximately 20 kids ages eight to 12 were there to exercise their creativity. The library’s Gina Sousa and Kelly Pergram led the kids in their efforts, showing them how to make crafts such as paper mache mouse pencil holders. Pergram, an associate in youth services, noted that Art Fest is one of the library’s more well-attended programs for youngsters. Art Fest will continue Mondays July 16, 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. For more info., call the library at (561) 790-6030.
Cora Murray and Elyssa Luis squeeze glue onto a plate.
Rowan Pelfrey (left) spreads paper over the work table.
Kelly Pergram shows a finished mouse pencil holder.
Gina Sousa tells the kids about adding water to the glue.
Library associate Gina Sousa demonstrates the paper mache-making process.
Maria Luisa Rivas shows off the mouse head she made.
Cameron Wright applies paper strips to her piece.
Naomi Pomerance, Alexandra Rivas, Saulo Ramirez, Michelle Stern, and Jake and Jack McDonald wait for the glue to dry.
PHOTOS BY DENISE
Broken Elvis And Fearless Clerk: Another Day In The Life...
When I call my mother, I usually fill her in on how the family is doing, then start bragging about my fabulous antique store and how much fun it is and how it runs like clockwork. My mother listens to everything I tell her and then, every single time, says, “keep talking about the store like that and you’ll jinx it.”
As it turns out, Mom is (once again) right. The Powers That Be don’t like bragging. And, since Friday the 13th was this week, it seems like a good time to talk about things that don’t run like clockwork: the air conditioner has a squeak; I ruined my power drill by using it in place of a hammer; and heavy rains destroyed my outdoor bulletin board even though it’s under plexiglas. But those things still can’t hold a candle to what I call the “X Factor,” or problems involving human beings.
I’ve often said that with all the mutant strains of DNA in the world, I can’t believe people get along as well as they do. It’s especially improbable in this seething melting pot we call the United States of America. Yet we get a lot of different kinds of people through my store —
oddballs, collectors, you know, people like me — and we all get along fine. Every once in a while somebody snaps, but (let’s all cheer now) “Hey, hey, DNA!”
I like to think last Tuesday was nothing more than a Bad DNA Day for Alice, a dealer who rents a three-by-six-foot space in the front room of the store. She used to rent a three-by-eight-foot space but Tom, the dealer next door, talked her out of those last two feet. He told her she could save some rent money and he really needed the extra two feet so she gave them to him. I guess she regretted that decision because, on Tuesday, she pushed to the front of the checkout line to tell my clerk, Jean, that Tom had put an Elvis statue on her half of the divider. Jean, who was really quite busy, told her she’d speak to Tom about it, but in the meantime to just put Elvis back on Tom’s side of the line. Stress levels being high, Alice dropped Elvis, smashing him to bits. In the trashcan, he would finally leave the building. We like to think it was an accidental death, but who knows?
Enforcing our “You break it, you buy it” policy, Jean told Alice she’d have to
pay for Elvis but that she’d only be charged half price (also our policy). Alice retorted that Elvis had been on her side of the line and was therefore hers and she didn’t care if he was broken or not. When I inevitably was called in to referee, I announced that to keep the peace between two good dealers, the store would absorb the cost — $2.50. Sigh.
The second incident was much more serious. This same clerk had locked up for the night, gathered up the money for the deposit and was getting ready to leave when she noticed a picture hanging askew. She went to the back room, got a hammer and proceeded to pound away when the alarm went off. She instinctively knew that someone had seen her counting the money and had gotten into the store. Hammer in hand, she went in search of the intruder.
This is interesting because a) I’ve always told my clerks to just hand over the money and b) I’ve never told my clerks to confront people with weapons. But Jean is married to a former police officer and I think she maybe received different training from him. So off she
goes, willing to risk life and limb in a vicious assault against whoever is after our $100 bank and whatever she took in that day. And she finds the intruder!
Crouched in the back room, underneath a pile of boxes, is Rachel — our other clerk.
“Hi,” Rachel says.
“What are you doing here?” Jean shouts. “I almost hit you with this hammer!”
“I came in to get my check and these boxes fell,” Rachel says.
So, although there’s never a dull moment at the shop, you can see where it’s really nothing to brag about either. I just find it incredibly amusing. And I do love my clerks.
Dealer Service Keeps My Car Far From Fahrvergnügen
It always pains the author of a column to take back words and sentiments already written. Unfortunately, my sense of honor (as well as a great deal of annoyance) forces me to take back the praise I lavished upon our car dealer about two years ago. At that time, I went out of my way to praise the exceptional service provided to our white Volkswagen Jetta, known to all our friends as “Snowflake.”
We purchased it from a local dealer and, as problems arose, the dealership was quick to take action. OK, so the front bumper kept falling off because of a design flaw. After about a half-dozen
trips, they finally got it right. But whenever my wife or I drove the car in, there was that quick and friendly service — people went out of their way to be nice. If the car needed more than a bit of service and had to stay overnight, there was a rental available for free.
The car seemed to have more problems than other brands we had bought, but the dealership’s folks were always ready to help. We even bought another Volkswagen for our daughter because we were pleased with the service. After all, if they take care of one car, wouldn’t they take care of another?
My wife brought the car in and we
received a message from the service folk that we now owed $1,500. Because we had purchased an extended warranty, we were confused. But the warranty had expired. We asked why they had not informed us since we used an automatic payment plan to keep up the service contract. They just shrugged.
One of the other customers told my wife that a former service agent there told him the cars requiring more service were costing the dealership too much and that new management simply felt that quietly removing their own obligations was a better route than providing good service. Therefore, those people whose
By Leonard Wechsler
cars had some problems suddenly discovered they were no longer covered. We called our regular service agent and were told he now works at another dealership. Looking around, we discovered
See WECHSLER, page 29A
YOUNG NATURE CENTER CAMPERS MEET THE ECO CHALLENGE
Okeeheelee Nature Center held Eco Challenge Day last Friday for its day campers. Outdoor activities were cut short due to the lightning and rain but the youngsters did get to participate in an obstacle course, sack races and archery practice as well as a barbecue lunch. Indoor activities included animal games such as identifying animal smells and sounds and frosting their own cupcakes for dessert. Mark McCarthy of McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary brought a variety of animals for the kids to touch as he explained each animal and the dangers they face in the wild.
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Mark McCarthy gets a kiss from Norma Jean, a scarlet macaw.
Sack racer Benjamin Giubnei.
Christina Van Dyne holds Hariette, a tarantula.
Naturalist Meghan Murphy feeds grapes to Cosmo, a ring-tailed lemur.
Michelle Alberto, Shelly Chersko and Branden Cooper lick the icing off their cupcakes.
Maria Rigsby asks the kids to identify the pictured animals.
RARE FRUIT COUNCIL SEMI-ANNUAL TREE SALE AT FAIRGROUNDS
The Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council hosted its semi-annual Rare Fruit Tree Sale last Saturday at the South Florida Fairgrounds Agriplex. Council members grow fruit trees on their own properties and sell them to the general public twice a year, picking the best varieties of fruit to offer. Each sale showcases different fruits of the growing season. The members meet on the second Friday of every month at Mounts Auditorium, 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. For more information, call President Chuck Lore at (561) 968-7194.
PHOTOS
Sherri Collins and daughter Rachel with a Meyer lemon tree.
Western Clovers 4-H Club members Audrey and Meghan Miller load a calamondin tree. Cindy Jones buys a mulberry bush.
Some of the trees for sale at the event.
Sharon Long looks over the banana trees.
Jean Shirey buys two fruit trees.
Hundreds Participate In Fourth Of July Fishing Tournament
By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report
The 17th Annual Red, White & Blue Fourth of July Fishing Tournament was held last Wednesday at Lakeside Challenger Park in Royal Palm Beach.
A total of 305 participants caught 325 pounds of fish. Of the 54 bass caught, 51 were released alive — a 95-percent live release rate. The day’s big fish was a 5-pound, 15-ounce bass caught by seven-year-old Coral Sperling of Royal Palm Beach.
Tackle and prizes were donated by Fidelity Federal Savings Bank, Royal Palm Beach Parks & Recreation and Loxahatchee Bait & Tackle. Division-
al winners, with the total weight of fish they caught, were:
Six & Under (Other) — First place went to John Dotson of Royal Palm Beach, age 4, 6 pounds, 12 ounces; second place went to Connor Gendreau of Loxahatchee, age 6, 1 pound, 13 ounces.
Six & Under (Bass) — First place went to Jacob Connley of Royal Palm Beach, age 6, 5 pounds, 4 ounces; second place went to Hunter Demers of Royal Palm Beach, age 5, 4 pounds, 5 ounces; third place went to Maddallyn Connor of Greenacres, age 4, 2 pounds, 4 ounces.
7-9 Years (Other) — First place went to Hunter Markey of Wellington, age 7, 6 pounds, 5 ounces; second place went to
Coral Sperling of Royal Palm Beach, age 7, 5 pounds, 15 ounces; third place went to Emily Dotson of Royal Palm Beach, age 7, 3 pounds, 7 ounces.
7-9 Years (Bass) — First place went to Harley Coffman of Royal Palm Beach, age 9, 3 pounds, 15 ounces; second place went to Jacob Knuepper of Royal Palm Beach, age 8, 2 pounds, 12 ounces; third place went to Max Howard of West Palm Beach, age 9, 2 pounds, 7 ounces.
10-12 Years (Other) — First place went to Liz Goodwin of Royal Palm Beach, age 11, 2 pounds, 9 ounces; second place went to Shawn Spatz of Wellington, age 11, 1 pound, 0 ounces; third place went to Mike Laing of Royal Palm Beach, age 11, 0 pounds, 13 ounces.
10-12 Years (Bass) — First place went to Jonathan Parra of Royal Palm Beach, age 12, 8 pounds, 4 ounces; second place went to Ronnie Demers of Royal Palm Beach, age 10, 3 pounds, 14 ounces; third place went to Cara Young of Wellington, age 10, 2 pounds, 12 ounces.
13-19 Years (Other) — First place went to Erich Davis of Wellington, age 15, 16 pounds,
3 ounces; second place went to Roman Grigoriev of Loxahatchee, age 13, 8 pounds, 14 ounces; third place went to Alex Pacheco of Royal Palm Beach, age 17, 6 pounds, 14 ounces.
13-19 Years (Bass) — First place went to Jeff Tellor of Royal Palm Beach, age 14, 8 pounds, 14 ounces; second place went to Sean McGee of Wellington, age 15, 7 pounds, 3 ounces; third place went to Garrett Mattson of Royal Palm Beach, age 18, 7 pounds, 1 ounce.
Adult/Child (Bass) — First place went to Gary and Jacob Elders of Royal Palm Beach, 12 pounds, 6 ounces; second place went to Keith and Ellie Starling of Wellington, 11 pounds, 9 ounces; third place went to Joe and Justin Rivers of Royal Palm Beach, 6 pounds, 2 ounces.
Adult/Child (Other) — First place went to Nick and Courtney Bruckner of Wellington, 12 pounds, 6 ounces; second place went to Evan and David Sager of Royal Palm Beach, 10 pounds, 0 ounces; third place went to Dalton and Rodney Nutter of Royal Palm Beach, 9 pounds, 12 ounces.
PHOTOS BY
Winners in the Adult/Child Bass Category: third place, Joe and Justin Rivers of RPB; second place, Keith and Ellie Starling of Wellington; first place, Gary and Jacob Elders of RPB.
Second-place winner Sean McGee and first-place winner Jeff Tellor in the 13-19 Bass category.
Dylan and Jacob Connley and dad Bryan with a fish.
Winners in the 7-9 Bass category: third place, Max Howard; second place, Jacob Knuepper; and first place, Harley Coffman. The young anglers gather for a group shot.
Ten-year-old Cara Young of Wellington.
Big Fish category winner Coral Sperling of RPB with Tony Gorgas and the prize catch.
WARRIORS TAKE SECOND PLACE
The Wellington Warriors 11-U baseball team finished its season in second place, playing up as a 12-U team in the USYBA World Series on July 2. The Warriors made it to the championship game but lost 3-2 to a team from Illinois. The Warriors are: Kevin Bramhall, Chris Canavan, Bryce Dalton, Gabe Santana, Scott Murphy, Anthony Hotujec, Logan Masta, Joey McKenna, Alex Recio, Alex Amazzo and Justin Kleinman. Coaches include Keith Canavan, Greg Dalton and Marco Santana. Tryouts for the 12-U team will be held at Olympia Park on Friday Aug. 17, at 6 p.m. on Field 6. Rainout will take place Saturday Aug. 18 at 10 a.m. For more info., call (561) 248-2230.
Soft Tennis Clinic At Kid Fitness Fest
The Palm Beach County Sports Institute has added another sports clinic to its lineup at the Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches — a soft tennis clinic. The festival will be held at the South Florida Fairgrounds on Thursday and Friday, July 19-20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Soft tennis has a long history in Asia and is being introduced in the United States by the Nagase Kenko Corporation. Soft tennis is similar to regular tennis. It is a racquet sport played on a rectangular court divided by a net, but is slower and more strategic than traditional
tennis. It emphasizes longer rallies and a more exciting performance that is accessible to every age and ability. Originating in Asia in the 1870s, soft tennis has become the choice version of tennis for about 40 percent of players in Japan. Admission to the festival is $15 a day per child and includes a Kids Fitness Festival T-shirt, a gift bag, and a full day of fun and activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults are admitted free of charge.
For more information, call Dusty Ann Williams at (561) 233-3122 or e-mail dwilliams@palmbeachsports.com.
Tennis For A Cause — The inaugural Hold My Hand Tennis Tournament was held June 9 and 10 at Okeeheelee Park. The tournament raised approximately $7,000 for the American Cancer Society. All the publicity items were created by Alejandro Plaza with Olga DeJesus assisting. Donors included GL Homes, County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, Dr. Itzhak Nir, Kilday and Associates, and Dr. Ellis Webster. (Above) Category A firstplace winners Jose Patino and Odi Villapando. (Below) Category B firstplace winners Aura Vrahima and Sharon Billitch.
Wellington’s Allwyn Court Takes Top Honors At Lake Placid Horse Shows
Allwyn Court, a hunter and jumper show stable located in Wellington, competed at the Lake Placid Horse Shows, which were held recently in Lake Placid, New York. Allwyn Court is owned by Kathy and Gerry Newman and their daughter Katherine.
The first week of the show, Sarah Alvarez, a student at Allwyn Court, guided her mount Titleist to a blue ribbon finish
over fences in the Amateur-Owner 1835 Hunters. Titleist is owned by Manhattan Mortgage Company. Sixteen-yearold Katherine Newman showed her stallion Costa Sur in the High Junior Jumpers, and they received good ribbons in their division.
Newman also showed Urco, a horse owned by Gabby Slome, in the equitation classes. She pinned fourth in the
ACREAGE ALL-STARS CHAMPS
The Acreage 10U “B” All-Stars won the District 11 and 12 championship recently, going 6-1 in the playoffs in Fort Lauderdale. Pictured here are (first row, L-R) Christopher Dutil, Jake Fox, Johnathan Paul and Ryan Ritter; (second row) T.J. Walker, James Park, Ian Hunter, Joshua Swiger, Spenser Gamble, Richie Cotromano and John Kelly; (third row) coach Mike Paul, coach Lenny Dutil and coach Jim Fox.
USEF Hunt Seat Medal and fifth in the ASPCA Maclay.
“I don’t have an equitation horse to show right now,” commented Newman, “and I am very appreciative of Susie Schoellkopf, who found Urco for me to show.”
During the second week of the Lake Placid Horse Shows, Newman piloted Corvet Z, owned by Manhattan Mortgage Company and Melissa Cohn, and Mimi Abel-Smith’s horse Daydream in the Small Junior 16-17 Hunters.
“I hadn’t shown Corvet Z in a while, and I am very grateful to Melissa Cohn for letting me ride him,” Newman said. “We won two classes, as well as two seconds and a third in the under saddle.”
Corvet Z and Newman were champions of their division and also received the Grand Junior Hunter Championship. Daydream finished the week with a first and three fourth place ribbons. Tracey Topping, another student at Allwyn Court, showed Espoir du Feif in the Older Adult Amateur Hunters and pinned third over fences.
In the jumper ring, Costa Sur placed third in the High Junior Jumper speed class after they crossed the finish line with one rail and the fastest time. They also took fifth in the High Junior Jumper Classic.
Newman took fourth in the ASPCA Maclay aboard Geoff Teal’s horse, KLM’s Mister McCloud.
New Travel Team Holding Tryouts
A new 8-and-under travel baseball team is forming in the western communities. The team, which is named the Future, needs a few impact players to complete its roster. For more information or to schedule a tryout appointment, call (561) 798-4168.
Katherine Newman aboard Costa Sur.
Saturday, July 14
• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will present the Harry Potterthemed event Hogwarts Fun on Saturday, July 14 at 10:30 a.m. Children ages five and up will enjoy Harry Potter stories, trivia, prizes and diplomas. Preregistration is required. For more info., call (561) 790-6030.
Expo Center East on Saturday and Sunday, July 14 and 15. The show will feature more than 1,000 entries in categories including obedience, grooming and presentation. Admission is $3 for adults. Parking is $3. Call (561) 7930333 for more info.
Monday, July 16
• On Saturday, July 14, the Cultural Trust of the Palm Beaches will present One Night Stand Up featuring Richard Lewis, Chelsea Handler and Kevin Pollak at the South Florida Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The show will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $125 for premium seating and $95 general seating. Tickets are available online at www.culturaltrustpb.org and by calling (877) 772-5425.
• The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival’s Shakespeare by the Sea XVII will continue through Sunday, July 15 at Carlin Park in Jupiter. The festival will conclude the following week, July 19-22. Admission is free. Visit www.pbshakespeare.org or call (561) 963-6755 for more info.
• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present the My Little Pony Live production “The World’s Biggest Tea Party” Saturday and Sunday, July 14-15. Tickets cost $12 to $29. Call (561) 832-7469 for tickets.
• The Lake Worth Playhouse (713 Lake Ave.) will continue The Rocky Horror Show from July 14 through July 28. Tickets cost $21 to $50. For more info., call (561) 586-6410 or visit www.lakeworthplayhouse .org.
• The Maltz Jupiter Theater (1001 East Indiantown Road, Jupiter) will present the Charlotte’s Web Family Film Fest on Saturday, July 14 from 9 to 11 a.m. The event features a remake of the animated classic, as well as a “meet and greet” with animals from the Busch Wildlife Center. Call (561) 575-2223 for more info.
• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will continue the mod musical Shout! through Aug. 5. Shout! brings together five groovy girls who celebrate the music of Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield and Lulu, performing new arrangements of hit songs that made England swing in the ’60s. Tickets cost $21 to $50. Call (561) 832-7469 for info.
• Wellington Parks & Recreation will present the film Monster House on Saturday, July 14 at 8 p.m. as part of its DiveIn Movie Night series at the Wellington Aquatic Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Guests are invited to bring their favorite floats and relax to the PG-rated movie projected onto a big screen. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Call (561) 753-2484 for info.
• On Saturday and Sunday, July 14 and 15, the Palm Beach Zoo (1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach) will feature 40 tons of snow for its Winter in July event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event includes jugglers, storytelling, arts and crafts, games, live music and special guest appearances by the Snow Queen. Call (561) 547WILD for info.
• The Jupiter-Tequesta Dog Show will be held at the South Florida Fairgrounds
• The Flagler Museum (corner of Cocoanut Row and Whitehall Way in Palm Beach) will host the summer camp Inventions that Changed the World Monday through Friday, July 16 through 20 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Campers will engage in hands-on activities concerning the inventions of the Gilded Age. Call (561) 655-2833 for more info.
• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon on Monday, July 16 at 11:45 a.m. at Nicole’s Village Tavern (12300 South Shore Blvd., Wellington). The speakers will be John Lacy, trustee of the Glades Healthcare Foundation, and David Zechman, CEO of Glades General Hospital. RSVP to (561) 7906200.
• The Mid County Democrats will meet Monday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Tree’s Wings and Ribs (northeast corner of Royal Palm Beach and Southern boulevards). The public is welcome. For more info., call (561) 784-9973 or email gwynneac@comcast .net.
Tuesday, July 17
• On Tuesday, July 17, the Harriet Himmel Gilman Theater (700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach) will present Palm Beach Opera resident artists in the Music for the Mind Concert Series showcasing young talent. Selections performed will provide a snapshot of Palm Beach Opera’s upcoming season. The concert will start at 8 p.m. Call (866) 449-2489 for info.
• The Royal Palm Beach branch library will present a Teen Poetry Workshop Tuesdays, July 17, 24 and 31 at 6 p.m. for ages 12 and up. Awardwinning poet Stacie Kiner will lead a four-week poetry workshop including readings, suggestions and techniques. Preregister to (561) 790-6030.
• Eclectic alt-rock band 311 will perform on Tuesday, July 17 at Sound Advice Amphitheatre (601-7 Sansbury’s Way at the South Florida Fairgrounds). Tickets cost $25 to $35 and are available at www.livenation.com or by calling TicketMaster at (561) 9663309.
Wednesday, July 18
• The Folke Peterson Wildlife Center (10948 Acme Road, Wellington) will host a fun-filled and educational day learning about Florida’s native wildlife on Wednesday, July 18. Activities will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. The event will be for grades six through eight. Enrollment is limited. The fee is $40 per child. For registration information, email education@fpwildlife.org or call (561) 793-BIRD.
• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will hold a Business After-Hours Mixer on Wednesday, July 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at El Dorado Furniture, 160 S. State Road 7. RSVP to (561) 790-6200.
• On Wednesday, July 18 the Royal Palm Beach Parks & Recreation Department will
begin accepting registration for bus trips to Miami Dolphins games to be played in the fall. The cost is $80 per person and includes a ticket, transportation, giveaways, food and beverage. Tickets are limited. For more info., call (561) 790-5124.
• The City of Palm Beach Gardens will host a ribboncutting ceremony for the opening of Sandhill Crane Access Park on Wednesday, July 18 at 11:30 a.m. Activities will include kayaking, boating, fishing and wildlife observation. The park is located off PGA Blvd. west of Mirasol on the north side of the road. For more info., call (561) 630-1100 or visit www.pbgfl.com.
• The Royal Palm Beach Community Concert Band will present a free concert on Wednesday, July 18 at 7 p.m. at the RPB Community Center (151 Civic Center Way). For more info., call Fred Dart at (561) 965-4480 or Steve Petrone at (561) 790-5149.
• A Sushi & Stroll Summer Walk will be held at the Morikami Japanese Gardens (4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach) on Wednesday, July 18 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy the sunset while you mingle, shop in the museum store and indulge your palette at the Cornell Cafe. Call (561) 495-0233 for more info.
Thursday, July 19
• Clematis by Night will present reggae band the BigZ Band on Thursday, July 19 at the Meyer Amphitheatre in downtown West Palm Beach. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit Amara Shriners. For more info., call the City of West Palm Beach Community Events Division at (561) 822-1515 or visit www.clematisby night.net.
• A screening of Dale, a documentary film about late NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt, will take place on Thursday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Regal Royal Palm Beach Stadium 18 (1003 State Road 7). Tickets cost $10 and are available at the box office at (561) 795-0288 or online at www.fathomevents.com.
Saturday, July 21
• On Saturday, July 21 the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office will be stationed outside Pediatric Associates’ Royal Palm Beach office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to inspect that car seats are properly installed. There is no charge for the inspection and they will be done on a first come, first served basis. Pediatric Associates is located at 1017 N. State Road 7. For more info., visit www.pediatric associates .com or call (877) 334-5437.a
• On Saturday, July 21 from 9 a.m. to noon, Mounts Botanical Garden will offer a succulent wreath-making workshop. The cost (including materials) is $45 for members and $55 for non-members. Mounts Botanical Garden is located at 531 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach. Pre-register by Monday, July 16 to (561) 233-1757.
Wednesday, July 25
• Marilyn Manson and Slayer will kick off their North American tour on Wednesday, July 25 at 6 p.m. at the Sound Advice Amphitheatre (601-7 Sansbury’s Way at the South Florida Fairgrounds). Call (561) 966-3309 for info.
Wechsler Car Dealer
continued from page 18A that almost none of the people who formerly worked there were still present.
My wife speaks Spanish fluently but does not look Hispanic. She listened to some of the staff as they chatted in that language, not realizing they were being overheard. They referred to the large number of dissatisfied customers they saw every day as well as the almost total change in the service agents. “Most of them worked for years to make the customers happy,” one man said as he got out of the way of a man who had spent five minutes cursing Volkswagens and all other things German. “The new managers don’t care at all.”
Since I recommended the dealership years ago (and by name!), I feel it is my obligation to warn people about all those wonderful ads about the cars we see on television. The ads somehow fail to mention the poor service a lot of us in Palm Beach County are now getting. Perhaps there should be a “truth in advertising”
banner under the cute ads informing the public that some dealers will be out to service them (in the animal husbandry sense) rather than servicing their cars.
My wife and I are working on a solution. We will not go to the dealer for service and are now discussing trading the car in. We will not be checking out the new VWs, however, and will also skip them when we help our daughter get another car for her graduation.
More than 200 years ago Adam Smith said the marketplace would get rid of businesses that do not serve the public. Unfortunately, he was unaware of the power of cute ads. But in time the management of this particular dealership may well find they get far fewer repeat customers and the auto maker might find more appropriate jobs for them at far lower salaries.
I will be sending copies of this column along with my letter of complaint to the service department at the dealership as well as to Volkswagen. If I hear anything interesting, I will let my readers know.
Area Band Releases Debut Album
Local band the Faithful have released their first CD called Bearing Good Fruit.
The project took these indie artists eight years to complete, starting in New York City with renowned, legally blind producer Roderick Clemmons, who originally produced the opening song “There Will Come a Day” to finalizing the ten songs for the CD and completing the production in West Palm Beach at the Write Note Foundation with former staff producer Cooper Getschal.
Bearing Good Fruit is right at home in the contemporary Christian genre of music but could easily cross over into
other categories as well with tracks such as “Spirit, Spirit” and “Extreme Life.”
Members of the Faithful include Michelle “Magica” Canbuldu (vocals/ songwriter), Mark DiGennaro (percussionist/songwriter) and Cooper Getschal (producer/keyboardist/guitarist/backing vocals).
The Faithful’s official web site is located at www.thefaithfulband.com. The site contains MP3s, photos, all the latest band news.
Bearing Good Fruit can be purchased at the City Place Barnes & Noble in West Palm Beach or online at www.cdbaby.com/cd/faithful.
Wellington Woman Spends Summer Collecting Supplies For Students In Need
Stephanie Saraco will not spend her vacation sunning on a quiet beach with a paperback novel by her side. Nor will she be standing in line at an amusement park, visiting faraway family members, or traveling overseas.
For her vacation, the 37-yearold Wellington resident will be organizing boxes of school supplies and hundreds of volunteers as one of the volunteer coordinators for the 13th Annual Community Back to School Bash being held Aug. 11 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. The invitation-only event serves more than 7,500 area students who are homeless, at risk for homelessness, or in foster care.
An executive administrative assistant at NCCI Holdings, Inc. in Boca Raton, Saraco serves as board secretary for the Community Back to School Bash, Inc. and is NCCI’s onsite volunteer coordinator, responsible for collecting school supplies, monetary donations and gift cards from her coworkers. As one of the event’s corporate sponsors, NCCI will have a team of volunteers ready to escort students to grade-level supply tables where the children can choose the supplies they prefer. While students “shop” for supplies, their parents will be invited to browse through gently used donated clothing and register to vote. The event will also feature food, haircuts, community resources, and information and — for an extra dash of fun — face-painting and karaoke.
This is Saraco’s fourth year volunteering for the Bash but her ninth year working with community agencies to make sure needy students are ready for the new school year. Although the Bash takes place on one day, the event is a year-long process of applying for grants and other funds, purchasing the supplies from wholesalers and partnering with sponsors for additional donations. The event serves clients referred from 23 different agencies that assist families in need.
Due to NCCI’s “Time Off to Volunteer With Pay” program, Saraco can attend Bash board meetings held during company hours. But from Aug. 8 through 10, as the supplies come rolling in and the event nears, she will take three vacation days to get everything ready for the big day.
“The smiles on the kids’ faces are worth every bit of the effort,” she said. “The children we serve have so much uncertainty in life and helping them start out the year on the right foot and feeling good about themselves and about going to school is so important. When you’re in school, it’s so hurtful to be singled out and teased because you can’t afford a calculator or new notebook.”
Saraco has been active in the community since she was a child. “I was in Girl Scouting for 15 years and earned my Gold Award, the highest award in scouting,” she said. “In doing that, I learned how important community service is for being a good leader. I believe it is important to give back to your
community, not only because it is the right thing to do but because you never know when you are going to need that same community to help you.
“I am a single mom with two wonderful kids, but sometimes life really throws you a curve ball. This community gave me a ‘hand up,’ not a ‘hand out,’ when I really needed it, and I’m so proud that I can now do the same for others.”
The Community Back to School Bash is also being supported by Palm Beach County commissioners Jeff Koons and Jess Santamaria, Florida Power & Light, Lost Tree Village Charitable Foundation, NCCI Holdings Inc., Pace Micro Technology Americas, Palm Beach County Convention Center, Publix Super Markets Charities, Starbucks Coffee Company, the Palm Beach Post , the Wackenhut Corporation, United Way of Palm Beach County and the Wal-Mart Foundation.
With the help of the Palm Beach Post, the community is
encouraged to donate school supplies at all Wachovia financial centers in Palm Beach County through Aug. 3. Select area Starbucks have also joined the drive, and their locations can be found on the Bash page of
the Adopt-a-Family web site at www.adoptafamilypbc.org/ bash. Donations may also be sent to Community Back to School Bash c/o Adopt-a-Family, 1717 Second Avenue North, Lake Worth, FL 33460.
Before- And After-School Programs At Polo Park Middle
The after-school program at Polo Park Middle School will be up and running by the second week of school, according to school officials. It will include homework assistance from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. Monday through Friday on full school days.
The afternoon program will run from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday on most full school days.
Afternoon activities will include homework help, cooking,
sports, computers, arts and crafts, robotics, dance and a variety of special activities provided by outside vendors from the county Parks and Recreation Department. This year the school has added a game room with hockey, ping-pong and other new activities.
Parents will need to complete a 2007-2008 registration form to enroll students for the program. One form is all that is needed for morning and/or af-
ternoon programs.
Forms are available in the main office. At this time the program is free of charge.
Limited bus service is available and parent pickup time is no later than 5:30 p.m.
The school is interested in acquiring a pool table.
Any further questions can be directed to program director Lynn Lazarus at (561) 333-5500 or (561) 333-5542 once school is back in session.
Stephanie Saraco and Cynthia Wood with school supplies they have collected for children who need them.
What is Organizational Management?
Organizational Management (ORM) is a broad based program that emphasizes management theory and
What will the degree do for me?
“Palm Beach Atlantic’s Wellington location suits my busy schedule and the evening classes allow me to complete class assignments throughout the week. My education will help me move up the ranks.”
You will enhance your career opportunities while you develop the knowledge and skills to compete with other college graduates. Learn how to lead effectively and apply sound business and management principles as you enhance your understanding of human behavior and its relationship to today’s global work environment.
How long will it take?
Ask about the Master of Science degree program starting this fall.
The ORM program is flexible in applying previously earned college credit to your degree. Professional Education Credit may also be awarded for professional licenses and certificates. If you have earned an Associate of Arts Degree or the equivalent you should be able to complete your
certificates. If have earned an Associate of Arts degree in 1½ to 2 years.
How ar e classes of fer ed?
credit to Professional Education
Classes are accelerated and meet in the evening from 6 - 10 p.m.. Attending two nights per week gives you full-
time status.
Brenda Smith of Belle Glade, lieutenant for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department, Palm Beach County Jail that and practice.
Earning an evening college degree is an investment that will pay off. Your total cost and your cost per semester will depend on several factors: Full-time or part-time student status, the number of credit hours you transfer to PBA, the type of financial aid you qualify for Florida residency and tuition assistance from your employer. Full-time students who are Florida residents receive the Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG) fall and spring
student status, the number of credit hours transfer
Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG) fall and spring semesters, $1500 each semester.
• GLADES DAY SCHOOL founded in 1965, offers a balance of academic, athletic and extracurricular programs. Serving students from K-3 through grade 12, Glades Day School 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) 9966769 or visit www.gladesdayschool.com.
• WELLINGTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL is a Christ-centered, Bible-based school that is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and Christian Schools of Florida. Students from early childhood education through high school will experience a rich academic environment taught by certified teachers whose goals are to achieve superior scholastic results. Students will also be enriched with foreign language, music, art, choral band, drama and varsity sports programs. The school is located at 1000 Wellington Trace. For more information and to schedule an appointment to visit our campus please call us at 793-1017.
• SUMMIT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL is an independent non-denominational Christian school that has been educating youth in our community for over 30 years. Serving children from six weeks of age to grade 12, we train students to think critically and biblically and act morally and responsibly — in a learning environment that gives them security and significance. Summit Christian offers a cohesive and systematic collegeprep curriculum, the most unique fine arts programs available and an extensive athletic program that includes varsity football. “Summit Saints” athletic offerings begin in K-5 and continue through high school. Summit Christian School is also home to Summit Productions, our school’s film and television program. Busing, extended care, fine arts after-school programs and summer camps are also available. For more information, call (561) 686-8081 ext. 319 or visit www.summitchristian.com.
• TEMPLE BETH ZION RELIGIOUS AND PRESCHOOL — “My First Jewish Experience” is a fun, Montessori-style experience for children ages 5 and 6 including vocabulary games, art, musical activities, Jewish holidays, prayers and customs. “More Jewish Experiences” (ages 6 and 7) is a continuation of MFJE, learning to read and write in Hebrew. At our preschool, children of all faiths learn and play together. For more information call (561) 798-8888 or go to our web site at www.templebethzion.net. We are located at 129 Sparrow Drive in Royal Palm Beach.
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The Town-Crier
• PLANET KIDS a family owned and operated child care center for 25 years, offers a safe, fun and educational environment for children from six weeks thru eleven years. Their state-of-the-art facility includes a theatre, computer/library, science/ art, music/gymnastics, multiple intelligence discovery class, Spanish/French, and specialty rooms. Your child will learn foreign languages as well as sign language. The three safe, age-specific playgrounds are the coolest in town. They offer a creative, hands-on curriculum to prepare your child for Kindergarten. The staff is warm, loving, and specifically trained for each age level. Planet Kids has five convenient locations in Palm Beach County.
• DILLON COUNTRY DAY is an accredited non-denominational private independent college preparatory school serving the western communities since 1995, Grades 6 thru 12, providing the “bridge” to high school & college. Individual attention is given with a low student/teacher ratio of 5 to 1. Music, fine arts, marine sciences – scuba & surf, are just a few of the unique and interesting programs we offer. We participate in the McKay Scholarship program. Our motto is “Leadership Through Service and Commitment.” To find out more, call us today at (561) 798-4748.
• UNITY FOR KIDS EARLY INTERVENTION CENTER is a non-profit denominational preschool and therapeutic center for children with and without special needs. Our inclusive setting allows children to learn, play and socialize together. Children can realize their full potential and achieve high levels of self-esteem. We are a center where school readiness skills such as phonics, reading, numbers and language skills are stressed. Some of our important activities include Spanish, sign language, computer, music, drama, arts and crafts. We will be a voluntary pre-K program beginning in August, as well as a family central provider. Many specialneeds children can receive speech, physical and occupational therapy right at our center. We are accepting sponsors for some children who otherwise would not be able to attend our program. For further information please call Sharon Green at (561) 478-7477 or visit us at the center located at 1063 N. Haverhill in West Palm Beach.
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Wellington’s Ullman Tours Australia With Student Ambassador Group
Marissa Ullman, daughter of Keith and Debbie Ullman of Wellington, recently returned from a 19-day tour of Australia as a People to People student ambassador. Marissa was part of a 40-member group of high school students.
During the tour Marissa visited many sites throughout Australia, seeing unusual animals and eating different foods. Some of the first experiences included crossing the International Date Line and experiencing the reversal of seasons — June
is the beginning of Australia’s winter. Marissa said she found winter in Australia to be much colder than Florida.
The student ambassadors had a full agenda, traveling from Cairns, a tropical coastal city in northern Queensland, to the arid regions of the outback in central Australia and to Sydney, the largest city in southeastern New South Wales.
Marissa and her group visited two World Heritage destinations in Cairns, the Wet Tropics Rainforest and Great Bar-
Charity Golf Tourney At BallenIsles
As president of the United States Military Charitable Foundation — which raises money to help military personnel and their families — Wellington resident Patty Palmer is coordinating the third annual BallenIsles Charitable Golf Tournament to benefit the United States Military Charitable Foundation.
On Friday, Aug. 3 BallenIsles Country Club will welcome back 72 men and women of the United States Marine Corps, along with members from other branches of the military, to enjoy a day of golf and family fundraising for those currently serving overseas.
The support from the BallenIsles community and countless private donors has resulted in more than $55,000 raised from the past two tournaments.
Donations for this year have already exceeded $33,000.
The money goes to help military personnel who receive limited health benefits and modest pay, which in turn lead to personal and financial hardships for their loved ones at home. The USMCF is a 501(c)3 staffed solely by volunteers from the public and private sector.
All monies raised directly supports local military and their families in need.
“It has been an honor to give back to those who give so much in the fight for
our freedom,” Palmer said. “We’ve been able to provide monetary support in many areas, from the mounting of bronze star and purple heart medals to airline tickets for Marines to attend funerals of loved ones. When they endure financial hardships, the USMCF has been there to help.”
For more info about the United States Military Charitable Foundation and the golf tournament, contact Palmer at patty@dgcg.us.
rier Reef. World Heritage sites are designated areas around the world that have significant “cultural or natural heritage.” Marissa had the opportunity to hold a koala and feed kangaroos. She snorkeled at the Great Barrier Reef and observed thousands of colorful fish and coral in a submersible. The Great Barrier Reef is the only living thing visible from the moon.
In the Outback, Marissa’s group visited Ayers Rock, also known by its Aboriginal name of Uluru, in the center of Australia. Uluru is also a World Heritage Site and considered to be a natural wonder of the world. The Student Ambassadors visited the Royal Flying Doctors Service and the School of the Air, which provides services to the sparsely populated areas of the outback. The group stayed at the Ooraminna Bush Camp and learned how to crack a whip, throw a boomerang and camp out. They also learned camp cooking and ate traditional Australian food including kangaroo, emu and barramundi.
Before heading to Sydney, the student ambassadors participated in a “full on,” an outdoor adventure course that teaches leadership skills and personal growth, learning to conquer fear by flying across a valley via a zip line.
In Sydney, Marissa’s group learned about Australia’s history and visited the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney 2000 Olympic Park Complex, among other sites. Marissa said one of her favorite sites was the worldrenowned Sydney Opera House.
One of her favorite components of the trip was a home stay with a family in Tamworth, a rural area in New South Wales north of Sydney. During the home stay she experienced everyday Australian life and made new friends. Unlike Marissa, students in Australia are in school now.
The trip was sponsored by the People to People program founded in 1956 by
President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who believed that ordinary citizens of different nations could help make peace a reality through individuals getting to know each other.
The People to People program has been coordinating educational programs for more than 50 years.
After being invited to enroll in the program, Marissa had to submit letters of recommendation, complete an interview process and attend a series of orientation sessions prior to the trip.
Marissa is a sophomore at Suncoast High School, dual-enrolled in the math, science and engineering program and the International Baccalaureate Program. Marissa will receive credit for a high school elective course titled ambassadorial studies, offered by the Washington School of World Studies.
USMCF President Patty Palmer with First Sgt. Steve Rice 4th ANGLICO.
Student ambassador Marissa Ullman during her recent trip to Australia.
Loxahatchee Red Cross Volunteer Carolyn Kline Is Oklahoma Bound
A Loxahatchee woman is among four Red Cross Volunteers who boarded a plane on the Fourth of July to assist with disaster relief from the flooding in Oklahoma.
Carolyn Kline of Loxahatchee is a firsttime volunteer who will be serving as a nurse with other Red Cross volunteers based out of Oklahoma City and dispatched throughout the region.
The Palm Beach County volunteers will be joining 541 other Red Cross volunteers from throughout the country. Their deployment is expected to be for two to three weeks.
The other three volunteers are Heather
Harmon Graduates From Swarthmore
Sherelle Harmon, daughter of Stephanie Patterson of Wellington, received a bachelor degree from Swarthmore College at the school’s 135th commencement which took place on Sunday, June 3. Harmon graduated from Lake Worth High School.
Harmon graduated with a major in psychology and a minor in black studies. She received a Dean’s Award for sustained contributions to the college community, a Swarthmore Foundation Grant, a Swarthmore Foundation Summer Service-Social Action Grant, and was a member of Sigma Xi. She was a member of the Swarthmore African American Student Society (SASS), Swarthmore Christian Fellowship, Acquaintance Sexual Assault Prevention (ASAP), Women of Color, a volunteer with the Chester Tutorial, and was active with the Dare 2 Soar tutoring-mentoring program, Hurricane Katrina relief programs and the Black Cultural Center.
Harmon plans to work in the extern program at Devereux Institute in Malvern, Penn.
Wiley of Stuart who will assist in public affairs and husband and wife team Richard Bonito and Sayre Santonelli from Jupiter who will assist with mass care feeding.
Bonito and Santonelli have assisted in six other disaster deployments including Hurricanes Charley and Katrina.
The Palm Beach County volunteers flight departed from Palm Beach International Airport.
For more information about the flooding in Oklahoma and Kansas, to learn more about the work of the Red Cross in communities or to make a donation, call (561) 833-7711 or visit the
Swarthmore College, located in Swarthmore, Penn., is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission combines academic excellence with social responsibility. Swarthmore College, with an enrollment of 1,500, is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the country.
Ashbaugh Graduates From Messiah College
Wellington resident Rachel Ashbaugh was one of 700 students to graduate from Messiah College on May 19 during the college’s 98th annual commencement.
Ashbaugh graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries.Messiah College, a private Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, enrolls more than 2,800 undergraduate students in 60 majors.
Established in 1909, the primary campus is located in Grantham, Penn., near the state capital of Harrisburg. A satellite campus affiliated with Temple University is located in Philadelphia. For more information, visit the college’s web site at www.messiah.edu.
organization’s web site at www.redcrosspbc.org.
The American Red Cross is led by volunteers who provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
For 90 years, the American Red Cross
Michael Patrick Renda Jr. — son of Min Y. Kim and Michael Patrick Renda of Royal Palm Beach, was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 17.
Isabella Rae Farrell — daughter of Shannon Hope and James Robert Farrell of Royal Palm Beach, was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 20.
Gianna Marie Cruz — daughter of Lisa and Jonathan Cruz of Wellington, was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 20.
Benjamin Paul Read and Darren Kenneth Read — sons of JoAnn and Darren Read of Royal Palm Beach, were born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 20.
Julia Christine Drahos — daughter of Nathalie and Michael Drahos of Wellington, was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 20.
Trent Jason Leas — son of Christina and Jason Leas of Royal Palm Beach, was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 22.
Victoria Mia Alvez — daughter of Liliana Salgado Goycoolea and Sergio Alvez Sandoval, was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 22.
Kaila Bethany Davitch — daughter of Jessica and Aaron Davitch of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 25.
Miguel Robert Baque III — son of Meghan Hubek and Miguel Angel Baque
Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter, which includes Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee and Palm Beach counties, has been providing shelter for families during hurricanes, floods or fires and teaching First Aid, CPR, AIDS Prevention and Water Safety.
Jr. of Royal Palm Beach, was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 25.
Sophia Margaret Farnam — daughter of Kim and Francesca Farnam of Royal Palm Beach, was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center July 3.
Nina Marie Smalling — daughter of Erica Tomlin and Kevin Smalling of Royal Palm Beach, was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center July 3.
Sean Bao Nguyen — son of Van Pham of Royal Palm Beach, was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center July 4.
Madison Riley Zarazinski — daughter of Lisa and Chris Zarazinski of Royal Palm Beach, was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center July 4.
Kenneth Gerald Hernandez — son of Krystal Cavinee-Hernandez and Hubert Hernandez of Royal Palm Beach, was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center July 5.
Brianna Marie Rauch — daughter of Regina Foster and Keith Rauch of Loxahatchee was born at Palms West Hospital on July 6.
Joey Thomas Ayala — son of Margaret and Joey Ayala of Royal Palm Beach, was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center July 7.
Luke Ian Willhite — son of Alexis and Matthew Willhite of Wellington, was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center July 7.
Hernandez, Riley Wed
Kalah Jeanne Hernandez, 2002 Wellington High School graduate and daughter of Joe and Laura Hernandez of The Acreage, was united in matrimony to Andrew Michael Riley on June 2 in De Santis Family Chapel at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Kalah is completing her master’s degree in ministerial leadership from Southeastern University in Lakeland this summer. Andrew, a musician, has just completed his bachelor’s degree (dean’s list) in electrical and computer engineering technology from Purdue University. The couple will reside in Andrew’s home town of Portage, Ind.
Lord’s Place Home Team To Benefit From 5K
The Third Annual Dreher Park Dash 5K & Cookout will take place Saturday, July 28 at 7 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Home Team of the Lord’s Place. The family-friendly event is organized by Run Palm Beach and will include a 5K (3.1 miles) race at 7 p.m. followed by Kids’ K (.74 mile) at 7:45 p.m. The races will be followed with a barbeque dinner provided by Park Avenue BBQ. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. and
can be done online at www.runpalm beach.com.
Registration fees are $22 for Running Club members, $25 for non-members who pre-register and $30 on race day. Registration for students is $15 and $5 for children participating in the Kids K. For information about the Lord’s Place, visit www.thelordsplace.org or call (561) 494-0125.
Wellington’s Brooke Helvie Places In Top 15 At Miss Florida Pageant
Brooke Helvie, the reigning 2007 Miss South Florida Fair, finished in the top 15 at the recent Miss Florida competition held in St. Petersburg.
The Wellington resident was a preliminary talent winner at Miss Florida and will attend the University of Florida beginning this fall.
Belle Glade’s Denesha Jenkins, 2006 Miss South Florida Fair, was second runner-up at Miss Florida. She also captured an evening gown preliminary. Denesha is a senior at the University of Central Florida in Orlando where she
won the title of Miss University of Central Florida. Megan Clementi, who was crowned Miss South Florida Fair in 2005, finished in the Top 10 at the Miss Florida pageant. The Jupiter resident is the reigning 2007 Miss Orlando and is presently an engineering major at the University of Central Florida. Applications will be available in September for the 2008 Miss South Florida Fair pageant, which will be held Jan. 19. For additional information, contact Lisa Dudding at (561) 790-5211 or lisa@southfloridafair.com.
(L-R) Denesha Jenkins, Brooke Helvie and Megan Clementi.
Kalah and Andrew Riley
Mormons Host Annual Fourth Of July Children’s Bike Parade In Wellington
“Put On Your Red, White, & Blue... Celebrate America” was the theme for the Annual Fourth of July Children’s Bike Parade and Church Breakfast at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) at 990 Big Blue Trace in Wellington.
Children were encouraged to decorate their bikes, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, strollers, wheelchairs, etc. and participate in the parade as the adults cheer them on.
The parade was kicked off by a flag ceremony conducted by Boy Scout Troop 110, followed by the group singing “The Star Spangled Banner” and joining in a prayer of thanks and bless-
ings for this great nation.
After several laps around the parking lot, passing cheering fans, the entire group escaped the heat and went inside for a deluxe pancake breakfast with assorted toppings, sausage and eggs.
More than 150 guests enjoyed breakfast in a festive Fourth of July celebration. During breakfast, each table of eight worked together as a group on the Annual American History Trivia Quiz. Prizes were given to the winners.
It was the eighth annual bike parade held at the Wellington Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Ethan Baldwin pulling his sister Mallory.
McKelle and Morgan Rhodes.
Parker Allen.
Samantha, Ricky, Mercy, Jared and Rick Casanova.
Tina Sweet with son Jay Sweet III.
Nick LaRose cooks up a breakfast feast.
Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s Fifth Anniversary Season Tickets On Sale July 20
The Maltz Jupiter Theatre has announced its fifth anniversary limited-engagement lineup, which includes an allnew doo-wop series, a rare performance by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra String Quartet and legendary performers Shelley Berman, George Winston, Paul Williams, the Platters, Melissa Manchester and the reunion of the legendary lead singers of the Temptations.
The new musical Irving Berlin’s I Love A Piano and Ella Fitzgerald: A Tribute by Freda Payne will each run for multiple shows and popular theater favorites will return such as Roger McGuinn, John Pizzarelli, Capitol Steps, Steve Solomon, Indian River Orchestra and the Kids Korner and Free at Three series.
“The 2007/2008 season is one of the most ambitious seasons we’ve put together here at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre,”
Artistic Director Andrew Kato said. “We wanted to create a sense of excitement for our Fifth Anniversary Season by announcing exceptional talent as part of our limited engagements. Our subscription renewals have hit a record high of 6,000 patrons, which is a clear indicator that the community is happy with our selection of plays and musicals. With a full selection of programming throughout the summer, we are betting that our subscription numbers will grow even more, so people should make their reservations early to get the best seats.”
The season kicks off on Nov. 19 with Robert Dubac’s The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron? Additional highlights include the Artie Shaw Orchestra, An Evening with Groucho starring Frank Ferrante, and numerous favorites for the holidays. Tickets for the limited engagements vary in price and will go on sale Friday, July 20 at 10 a.m.
After experiencing record sales for the 2007/2008 subscriptions; the theater has
also announced the extension of The Boy Friend one week, to play Dec. 4 through 23.
Single tickets for The Boy Friend, produced in association with the Riverside Theatre, as well as Bernard Slade’s Broadway hit Same Time, Next Year; Smokey Joe’s Café; The Full Monty and the Tony Award-winning Master Class, will all go on sale Friday, Aug. 3 at 10 a.m.
Ticket prices range from $28 to $55. Tickets can be purchased at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre box office, online at www.jupitertheatre.org or by phone at (561) 575-2223 or (800) 445-1666. Season subscriptions are also on sale.
The Maltz Jupiter Theatre opened in February 2004 as a 550-seat, nonprofit community-based regional theater in the former Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre. The theater is a member of the League of Resident Theatres. It is located at 1001 E. Indiantown Road and State Road A1A in Jupiter.
Paul Williams
The Platters
The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra String Quartet
Council
‘Hospitality Shoppes’ Denied
continued from page 1A ents were determined to build a senior living facility the village needs, and would be willing to be bound by further agreements if allowed to do so.
“My clients have indicated to me as a condition of approval and maybe through a developer’s agreement that they will be willing to limit the other uses to those that would be allowed in commercial recreation areas,” he said. “We would be willing to enter into a developer’s agreement so we won’t be able to expand on what we could be allowed to build by right. Approval of our proposal will help address the life care needs of Wellington’s senior population and rejuvenate a parcel of land that has been dormant for much too long.”
Sunrise Senior Living Senior Vice President Rocky Goins, a Wellington resident, showed a series of slides of Sunrise Senior Living facilities elsewhere in the country and the world. He said the threestory “mansion” envisioned for the property would have a “homey” feel, and one of its components would be care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Goins said Sunrise had looked around quite a bit, and the site along South Shore Blvd. was the only suitable property they could find. “This is the only site we can see where we can provide rates that are affordable,” he said. “We have an existing polo stadium that is falling apart. We found a site that meets our criteria, and we found a landowner that meets our concessions.”
As in previous hearings on the proposal, public comments were divided
Stadium Move Approved
continued from page 10A debate, Mische pleaded with the committee to approve the plans. Stadium Jumping wanted to stay in Wellington, he said, and this was the best plan, and if he could stay at his old facility, he would. Some people would unfortunately get hurt by the decision, he said, but that was life.
“I hope to God you do what’s good for the sport and what’s good for Wellington and forget the pocketbook,” Mische said. “Please approve this.”
Committee Member Don Dufresne suggested the committee support the plans and said that at the very worst, the equestrian community might end up with three horse shows in the southern
mostly between those advocating a need for senior facilities and those warning of negative effects on the equestrian community by removing the parcel from the EPA.
Dean Turney of the Wellington Equestrian Alliance asked the council not to reward property owners for letting their facilities fall into ruin, and said that the proximity of commercial properties nearby did not justify approval.
“The village needs to show some resolve now,” Turney said. “You will have a lot of pressure in the future for trying to develop the property. You are out of land. You have vacant golf courses that could apply these same arguments.”
But Binks Forest resident Morley Alperstein, an alternate member of the PZA Board, said he supported the project despite the fact that his board had rejected it three times. “This is an important thing for this village,” he said. “There is no alternate site. It would be a crime not to have one in the Village of Wellington. I urge you to listen to your own staff and have one here.”
Wellington Seniors Club President Howard Trager reminded the council that in a recent survey, older Wellington residents included affordable senior housing among their chief concerns. He said the property represents just one tenth of one percent of the EPA, and with a new equestrian arena likely to be built along 50th St., the main focus in the EPA would be taken further south.
“This project is vitally important to the senior community at large,” Trager said. “A vote in opposition will indicate that Wellington is senior-unfriendly.”
Wellington resident and equestrian Victoria McCullough said she was not opposed to the facility, but to its location.
Wellington.
“That is why I am so adamant not to remove them from the Equestrian Overlay Zoning District,” Dufresne said. “Bar none, the Winter Equestrian Festival and the National Horse Show bring more bed taxes than any other event. I’d rather not have the industry drive them away.”
After some further discussion, Committee Member Robert Howe made two separate motions to approve the development order and master plan amendment applications, seconded by Committee Member Elizabeth Plummer. The motion passed unanimously.
Dufresne, who has represented Stadium Jumping in the past as an attorney, abstained from the vote. The committee’s land use subcommittee also approved the applications.
HURRICANES RECOGNIZED
The Wellington Village Council recognized players and coaches from the Wellington-based travel baseball team the Hammertime Hurricanes Tuesday for their demonstration of extraordinary sportsmanship in recent games with the North Miami Junior Red Sox. The Hurricanes exhibited generosity and good sportsmanship by lending their bats, balls and batting gloves to Red Sox players lacking decent equipment. At the end of the game, the Wellington team’s coaches were so bombarded with requests from his players to give their equipment to the other team, the coaches assembled the teams in the outfield where the Wellington players handed over their gloves and bats. Hurricanes players include Dallas Ryder, Branden Willey, Eric Roginski, Mitchell Goldhaber, Tim Becker, Adam Buggeman, Cage Morey, Jake Summey, Jordan Beller, Marshall Riddle, Hunter Goldberg and Carson Klawonn, and are coached by Scott Ryder, Andrew Beller, Tony Becker and Ken Goldberg.
PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER
She said she would love the advantages of such a facility as she grows older, but it would be in the wrong place. McCullough said the latest issue of a leading polo magazine features a new polo facility in Hobe Sound on its cover.
“Wellington has the opportunity to make a stand,” McCullough said. “If you don’t do this, you will lose it.”
Equestrian Committee Chairman Mike Whitlow urged the council to maintain the integrity of the EPA. “People are moving to North Carolina,” he said. “We’re going to lose this if we don’t protect it. I am not against an assisted-living facility. I may need one myself one day. We do not need it there... The EPA is the most important area in Wellington. I beg you to not open the Pandora’s box and change it, and keep the EPA as it belongs.”
Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto said the council had to think about all village residents. “This discussion is being framed as equestrians versus seniors,” she said. “We have discussed for years our goals, and having places for all people to have homes. I do not make this decision lightly. I don’t want us to look back on this decision five years from now and say this was our only opportunity, and we missed it.”
But Vice Mayor Bob Margolis said the facility would not offer independent living so would not cater to the needs of many Wellington seniors. “Most of the seniors will not be applicants for this,” he said. “This is a very difficult decision that has kept the council up for many nights. No one in Wellington seeks an assisted-living facility more than I do. It’s not in the right area.”
Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore disagreed, saying the village should evolve
Millage No Decision
continued from page 11A said. “I want them to be brought up here with these recreational programs. Please do not take these away from the children.”
Several residents cautioned the council that cutting leisure services would leave more kids on the streets and increase delinquency problems.
“We don’t want our town associated with those problems,” Noreen Simone said. “Taking away the sports and recreation programs would lead them down that path. I don’t wish that on anyone.”
Dr. Sam Falzone said his mother-inlaw participates in some of the leisure programs. “This isn’t about the youth,” he said. “It’s about everyone. Everyone
RPB
Budget Items
continued from page 7A launches on other properties on the north and south end of the village. Liggins said he and his staff will review the idea.
Liggins also discussed the village’s planning and engineering department, in particular the continued addition of technology to make life easier for residents and employees. The village’s use of geographic information systems (GIS) in land use and zoning issues has had a positive impact on many people, he said.
“For a business our size… the more we can make this government transparent and more people can find out about their own property, the better,” Farber added. “GIS is becoming more valuable. Ultimately, it will be technology that supports us.”
A GIS system is used for capturing, storing, analyzing and managing data and associated attributes spatially referenced to the earth. Liggins noted the system has allowed the village to have zoning maps available for residents that are much more detailed and easier to access, and has assisted with assessment damage following hurricanes.
Other notable highlights from the proposed budget:
• Five general fund employee positions were eliminated, bringing the total num-
rather than get stuck in the mud. He noted that the focus of the EPA is likely to move south with the relocation of Stadium Jumping’s horse show facility. “I don’t believe that we can just continue to leave things as they are,” he said. “There will be a strip center there. They will put in 30,000 square feet of commercial. I would rather see something like this than a strip center.”
Councilwoman Laurie Cohen, who attended the meeting by phone, said the location didn’t work. “It sets a policy precedent,” she said. “I believe if we start pulling them out from the EPA, others would follow. It’s been considered and rejected by our PZA Board and our Equestrian Committee. The applicant knew the land-use designation when he bought the property... I cannot in good conscience support this.”
Mayor Tom Wenham also had issues. “Would an ALF be great? Yes it would,” Wenham said. “There is no question it would. I have some real problems with this one. I don’t think this is the proper location for it at this point in time.”
Margolis made a motion to deny the application, which was seconded by Cohen. It passed 3-2 with Priore and Benacquisto dissenting.
After the meeting, Goins said he would not be back for another try but instead would seek a location for a Sunrise facility outside of the Village of Wellington.
On Wednesday, Malefatto expressed disappointment with the council decision. “People keep on saying they don’t want more commercial,” he said. “They just don’t get it. We can build 34,000 square feet there. If our proposal was approved, the village would have more control over it.”
in the village will be impacted by it. We need to think about it before we arbitrarily set a number and cut things.”
Priore made a motion to hold off on setting the millage rate that evening and proposed a special meeting on Aug. 2, while the council gets as much resident input as possible. Priore also said he supported a town hall meeting or public workshop if the other council members supported one. Benacquisto seconded the motion. It passed unanimously 5-0.
The council, however, unanimously approved the setting of the surface water management assessment rates at $146, including the $135 annual rate for operational costs and $11 targeting lakeshore erosion. The council also voted unanimously to set the solid waste and recyling rates at $129 for curbside service and $93 for containerized service.
ber of village employees (full- and parttime) to 165. Several staff positions were added and deleted from the village employment records; a Mechanic II position was eliminated in Public Works, while Parks and Recreation lost two Park Supervisor positions and four part-time/ permanent Recreation Leader III positions. Parks and Recreation added a Park Superintendent position and a part-time/ permanent Recreation Leader II position.
• Major beautification projects include the State Road 7 landscaping south of Southern Blvd. and the LaMancha Ave. landscaping.
• Major capital improvements, along with the Village Commons project, include the Florida Power & Light Bike Path, State Road 7 and Anthony Groves traffic signal, Royal Palm Beach Blvd. lighting, and stormwater enhancement and drainage.
“This is really the roadmap,” Lodwick said of the budget presentation. “When we do the budget, if you want to see the face of what this village will look like, you look at capital projects. I think this is a very representative document of what our residents want.”
The council is expected to vote on the proposed 2007-08 millage rate on Thursday, July 19. Hearings to formally approve the 2007-08 budget will be held in September.
PALMS WEST
A TOWN-CRIER Publication
Brite Ideas: Keeping BriteIdeas:Keeping The W Western Communities esternCommunities
By Lisa Gartner Town-Crier Staff Report
Thomas McDevitt had a bright idea last year.
Working with his father as an electrician for McDevitt Electric, McDevitt was tiring of having to turn to middlemen for supplies.
“Instead of going all the way into town or to Home Depot on a supply run, I wanted my own thing,” he said.
Without quitting his father’s business McDevitt and his wife
Faith opened Brite Ideas of South Florida to both supply and service the lighting needs of the western communities.
Faith, the company’s vice president, said her husband stays busy. “He runs,” she said. “He’s out in the field running, and then he runs the store too.”
While McDevitt is working in homes and businesses, Faith places orders, answers phones and handles computers. Together they supply, design, deliver and install lighting fixtures, sockets, bulbs, ballasts, landscape lighting, and security lighting and fixtures.
“Fluorescent and energy-efficient bulbs are most in demand,” said McDevitt, who also noted South Florida’s interest in
the Canadian blown glass fixtures sold in their showroom on Fairlane Farms Road in Wellington.
The company’s appeal, the couple said, also comes from their low, flexible prices. “We beat prices,” Faith said. “They show us a price list; we make sure we get them a lower cost.”
McDevitt said Brite Ideas does a great deal of work with management companies and their maintenance staffs.
“We buy master packs. By buying in mass quantity, we get supplies cheaper, so we can keep our prices low,” he said.
The McDevitts attribute their success to their enthusiasm for dealing with others.
“I feel satisfaction. I enjoy doing what I do, working hands-on with customers,” McDevitt said.
McDevitt said always answering the phone, giving prompt service and getting orders filled the same day keeps him in his customers’ good graces. “I stay on top of my customers,” he said. “I take care of them.”
His wife agreed. “We have what they need,” Faith said. “They don’t have to wait for their orders.”
Although McDevitt treats the western communities as family, his real family is as much a part of Brite Ideas as the light bulbs that line the walls of the showroom. Brite Ideas is a family-owned company in every sense. Behind the showroom, a wooden door opens to reveal a small office. The McDevitts’ two young daughters, sevenyear-old Kaylee and ten-monthold Ava, play barefoot on a blue foam mat. Above them, a small aquarium gurgles as their mother enters information into a computer.
“Some people think I’m eight,” Kaylee said, tugging at her Hawaiian-print shorts. Her father quickly assures her that she looks five.
While his daughters play in the back, McDevitt said business remains strong up front in the showroom.
“We’re a family-owned business, and we can be competitive with anyone else out there,” he said.
The Brite Ideas showroom is located at 3101 Fairlane Farms Road, Suite 7, in Wellington and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, visit www. briteideasofsouthflorida.com or call (561) 784-1174.
PHOTO BY LISA
A Family Business — Brite Ideas’ Thomas and Faith McDevitt with daughters Ava, 10 months, and Kaylee, 7.
Entrepreneur’s Source Offers The Tools You Need To Run A Business
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
Wellington resident Don Gross is in the business of getting people into business.
As a consultant with the Entrepreneur’s Source, Gross can offer clients franchises with about 250 different companies that include home-based, retail, wholesale and mobile businesses.
The 53-year-old Gross said he likes to help people start careers that offer selfsufficiency, control and security in these times of changing economics.
“I enjoy helping people get into something they will enjoy doing and be able to control their own destiny,” he said. “The biggest thing we see is that people are beginning to realize there is no security in the corporate world and the biggest risk was getting into something and leaving the security of a corporation. From now on that safety is not going to be there anymore. With downsizing, corporate layoffs and jobs going overseas, the days of staying on and working up though the corporate levels is probably not going to happen anymore.”
The Entrepreneur’s Source is a nationwide business and franchise coaching organization that helps individuals become established in franchising and business ownership as well as offering support to existing businesses.
Gross said that before steering clients toward any particular franchise, he gets to know them and their past experience. The franchise opportunities he suggests, he said, may not necessarily be the field most familiar to them, but will be enjoyable and fulfilling.
“They have to be willing to learn and be trained by that franchiser,” he said. “We don’t worry about what they have been doing but using their talents in something else. It’s about getting the lifestyle.”
The training offered by the franchiser gives an entrepreneur a great advantage when trying to get a business off the ground, Gross said.
“With our process of putting people in a franchise, the ramp-up period is much quicker than if they were to buy an independent business or try their own startup,” he said. “It’s quicker to get up and running and making money because you’re not learning the business as you go. You’ve bought a business model that has a plan to it. You’re paying a franchise fee for all that training and the marketing plan. If you follow the plan and are able to see before you buy that other people have been successful using that plan, your chances of success are much higher.”
Gross, who gained plenty of restaurant management experience both in his family’s establishments in Connecticut and in corporate chains such as Red Lobster and Victoria Station, said that when he moved to Florida he made the mistake of saying he wasn’t going to get involved in a franchise.
“It’s certainly much more difficult here in Florida to get started on your own,” Gross said. “What happens is we try to get people in a franchise rather than an existing business. If you buy a business from someone, you still have to know the whole gamut of that business. You have to know how to know the sales, the marketing, how to do the production.”
Another risk involved in buying an existing business, Gross said, is that the current owner may have seen the enterprise reach its peak and is looking to get out for that reason.
“Most people don’t get out when things are going well,” he said. “They are looking to get out when they see it’s changing so you could be buying a business at its most expensive point and you
Business Tools — Don Gross of Entrepreneur’s Source helps individuals become established in franchising and business ownership as well as offering support to existing businesses.
have something that’s basically going downhill. I’ve made some of these mistakes myself, so I will use my own experience to help others.”
Gross said the most common mistake made by people going into business for themselves involves insufficient cash flow.
“A large number of independent startup businesses are undercapitalized and that is the most common reason they do not succeed,” he said. “Improper capitalization is not having the cash flow to keep a business going and that’s why such a high percentage of enterprises go
out of business in the first couple of years. At that point that’s when the cash flow starts suffering. It’s not understanding what it takes to get over that hump — some people start a business thinking they can do it just on cash flow because they don’t have an inventory and doesn’t require much capital that way. It’s still the fact that while you’re doing it you’re not getting a paycheck, and therefore a lot of people run out of money.”
Gross said the franchise opportunities he has available require as little capital as $25,000 and range up to $1 million and See GROSS, page 8B
PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER
Bradley Heating & Air Conditioning: Quality Work And Customer Care
By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report
If Bob Bradley had his druthers, no doubt he’d have been throwing heat instead of cooling it. While the air-conditioning business has been his vocation for more than three decades, baseball has his been lifelong passion. The pictures of son Bobby, a former Wellington High School pitching star and the Pittsburgh Pirates’ number-one pick in the 1999 draft, that adorn his office attest to Bradley’s pride in his son as well as his love for game.
A former pitcher at Daytona Beach Community College, Bob Bradley nowadays spends his time as president of Bradley Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in Royal Palm Beach and as the longtime pitching coach for the Wellington High School baseball team.
Bobby Bradley, by the way, was released by the Pirates earlier this month after a series of elbow injuries blocked his way to the Major Leagues.
“I love coaching baseball,” Bob Bradley said. “If I could make a living at it, I’d probably be coaching all the time.”
Bradley’s coaching philosophy follows the same lines as his business philosophy. That is, good mechanics are a key to success.
“I put the kids on pitch counts and don’t worry as much about speed as some other coaches,” Bradley said. “If you don’t have arm speed, you don’t have it. But if you can hit spots, that’s
the key.”
In the business world, hitting your spot translates into providing quality service. In that regard, Bradley has been hitting his spot since his company opened its doors in 1980.
“Service is really what we’re all about,” Bradley said. “The airconditioning industry, to me, is very sophisticated. There are so many things you have to know. You have to know about electrical, for example, and you have to know about water temperatures. You have to know what makes these units work. It’s a very difficult industry to be in.
That’s why it takes qualified people to do the job.”
Few, if any, companies in the western communities come with the qualifications of Bradley Heating & Air. Need proof?
Consider that when the federal government needed an air-conditioning system for its jails at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, it called
Bradley, which had done work on the federal courthouse in West Palm Beach and for the Palm Beach County School District. Guantanamo Bay, however, was a completely different animal.
“That’s what they’re talking about shutting down now,” Bradley said with a smile. “I never went down — I was too busy here — but my guys were down there for about eight months. It was certainly different. We had to get materials to Jacksonville on barges and get them down there. We made some materials here and got them out of the Fort Lauderdale and Miami airports. It was all very structured.”
Not unlike learning the mechanics of how to throw a good fastball.
Bradley Heating & Air Conditioning is located at 200 Business Park Way, Suite A in Royal Palm Beach. For more information call (561) 793-7497.
APA Helps Employees Understand Minimum Wage Hike
Starting on July 24, the federal minimum wage will increase three times in two years from its current level of $5.15 per hour, culminating in a high of $7.25 per hour beginning on July 24, 2009.
The American Payroll Association, the nation’s leader in payroll education, offers these tips to help workers better understand the minimum wage increase. On July 24, it will rise from $5.15 to $5.85 per hour; on July 24, 2008, it will rise to
$6.55; and on July 24, 2009, it will rise to $7.25.
• The new minimum wage rate won’t affect employees in some states — Nine states already have a state minimum wage at or above the newly adopted federal minimum wage rate of $7.25: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
• Tipped employees’ cash wages won’t increase — Tipped employees may be paid at a
lower minimum rate of $2.13 per hour, with tips supplementing this payment up to the increased minimum wage amounts. The new Federal Minimum Wage will not raise the minimum cash wage paid to tipped employees. They will continue to receive a minimum of $2.13 an hour, plus tips, unless covered by a state law that requires a higher amount.
• Creditor garnishment amounts may change — The increases in the federal mini-
mum wage may alter the amount that can be garnished from a worker’s pay to repay a debt. The federal Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA) sets the maximum garnishment limit as the lesser of 25 percent of the employee’s disposable earnings for the week, or the amount the worker’s disposable earnings exceed 30 times the current minimum hourly wage. For more information, visit www.nationalpayrollweek.com or www.americanpayroll.org.
PHOTO
Keeping You Cool — Bob Bradley (right) with longtime service manager Mike Adams.
Wellington Library To Host Grand Reopening Celebration July 21
After being closed for more than a year due to the expansion project of its facility, the Wellington branch of the Palm Beach County library will host a grand reopening celebration on Saturday, July 21 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Speakers at the event will include County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, County Administrator Bob Weisman, Wellington Mayor Tom Wenham, Library Advisory Board Chair Regis Wenham and Library Director John J. Callahan III.
After a ribbon cutting ceremony, enjoy tours of the newly expanded branch, entertainment by Riley Roam for the whole family, photos of kids with Dewey the Owl, and refreshments.
The library has been expanded from 8,000 square feet to
30,000 square feet and has been modified to include the following upgrades:
• Increased access to computers — There are now 30 Internet and word processing computers in the adult area, 25 computers in the children’s area and five in the teen room, in addition to library catalog computers throughout the building. Free wireless access will be provided throughout the library.
• More meeting room space — two meeting rooms, one for children’s programs and one which can accommodate up to 100 people.
• Larger collection — The library now has space to house 145,000 volumes.
• Customer service — more staff to provide new and expanded services and hours, including Sunday hours.
• Attractive environment —
airy and spacious high ceilings in the common area, where the audiovisual and new book collections and the Internet computers will be located; comfortable seating with a scenic view in the magazine area.
• Space for young people — a larger, more comfortable, child-friendly area for reading and other children’s activities.
In addition, there will be an attractive teen area with a special teen collection and more than 130 additional parking spaces convenient to the building.
Plans for the expansion were by the architectural firm of Slattery and Associates; construction was by CentexRooney.
The Wellington library is located at 1951 Royal Fern Drive. For more information, call (561) 790-6070.
Edward Jones Recognizes Office Administrators At Wellington Branch
Edward Jones office administrators Margaret Morrissette and Shelley Lomastro have been honored by the company for their client service excellence. Both administrators are based at the branch office of Nita Stegmiller in Wellington.
This recognition earned both Morrissette and Lomastro an invitation to Edward Jones’ inaugural Branch Office Administrators Managing Partner’s Conference this September at the firm’s headquarters in St. Louis. Morrissette will represent
the Wellington branch office.
The three-day meeting will pool 300 Edward Jones branch office administrators to collectively recognize and reward their client service excellence, as well as take time to pinpoint the critical activities necessary to provide excellent client service.
“Service excellence is how Edward Jones distinguished themselves,” said Edward Jones Managing Partner James Weddel. “We want to learn from their success and share their insights with others.”
Morrissette said the conference is not only an honor but a chance to freshen ideas for enhancing client service.
“It’s rewarding to be offered the opportunity to spend time with my colleagues and Edward Jones’ leaders,” Morrissette said. “I hope to bring back new ideas for our branch office.”
Edward Jones provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliates, in Canada and the United Kingdom. Every aspect of the firm’s business,
from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work.
The firm’s 10,000-plus financial advisors work directly with more than seven million clients to understand their personal goals — from college savings to retirement — and create long-term investment strategies that emphasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-and-hold strategy. Ed-
ward Jones embraces the importance of building long-term, face-to-face relationships with clients, helping them to understand and make sense of the investment options available today.
Edward Jones is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. The Edward Jones interactive web site is located at www.edward jones.com, and its recruiting web site is www.careers. edwardjones.com. For more information, call (561) 798-6184.
The entrance to the Wellington library under construction.
Gross continued from page 3B beyond. He said he tries to understand a client’s goals and expectations for a business before helping them get started. “They’re not buying themselves a job,” he said.
Gross, who holds Florida mortgage, insurance and real
estate licenses, said he also provides consultation to existing businesses. “As a business coach, I bring more to the table for my clients than most consultants due to my ability to identify a client’s issue faster, therefore saving time and money,” he said. “Our unique coaching process identifies the rapid-im-
pact solutions specifically needed to identify these business dangers.”
For more information on business coaching or the Entrepreneur’s Source, contact Gross at (561) 723-8461 or esource144@bellsouth.net or go to www.theesource.com/ dgross.
Morris Joins Team At All Paws Animal Clinic
Dr. Patty Forsythe recently welcomed her new associate, Dr. Steffani Morris, to the staff at All Paws Animal Clinic in Royal Palm Beach. Morris earned her bachelor degree in Animal Science from the University of Florida, and her veterinary degree from UF’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
While Dr. Morris enjoys all
aspects of veterinary medicine, she has special interests in both dermatology and soft tissue surgery. All Paws Animal Clinic opened its doors for business in July 2002. During the past five years, the clinic has enjoyed serving Royal Palm Beach, Wellington and the surrounding communities, offer-
ing quality medical care with compassion.
All Paws Animal Clinic was twice voted “Best in the West” since opening, and plans on expanding in the near future.
All Paws Animal Clinic is located at 1011 North State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call the clinic at (561) 790-9225.
St. Andrew Becomes Tastefully Simple Consultant
Loxahatchee resident Dina St. Andrew recently became an independent consultant with Tastefully Simple, a national direct-sales company featuring easy-to-prepare gourmet products.
As a consultant, St. Andrew offers the company’s gourmet foods and beverages to guests at home taste-testing parties. Guests receive samples, easy meal ideas and serving suggestions.
“The Tastefully Simple opportunity is designed to be life friendly,” said company founder and CEO Jill Blashack Strahan.
“Consultants find a great deal of satisfaction through its fun nature, flexibility, unlimited earning potential and top-notch products.”
Tastefully Simple is an ideal opportunity for individuals seeking new or additional business options, supplementary income, more time with children, or simply control and freedom, Blashack Strahan said.
St. Andrew can be reached at (561) 792-7912. For more information about Tastefully Simple or to become a consultant, visit the company’s web site at www.tastefullysimple.com.
Dr. Patty Forsythe and Dr. Steffani Morris of All Paws Animal Clinic in Royal Palm Beach.
Dina St. Andrew
Baby Boot Camp Classes Available At The Mall At Wellington Green
Baby Boot Camp, the national strollerfitness program that helps moms regain or enhance pre-pregnancy fitness levels, is now offering classes at the Mall at Wellington Green. Classes meet every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. inside the mall entrance between JC Penney and City Furniture.
Available in more than 150 cities nationwide, Baby Boot Camp offers unique 55- and 75-minute workouts designed specifically to help new moms get back into shape after having a baby. Prenatal classes are also available. The format combines strength-training exercises with cardiovascular drills. This boot camp-style formula increases strength and tones muscles while boosting energy levels and increasing cardiovascular endurance. Most classes are held outdoors for the winter and indoors for the summer. Moms bring their babies in strollers or joggers as an integral part of the workout. Being able to bring their babies to class eliminates the stress and expense of finding childcare. Class sizes are small, giving moms individualized attention akin to personal training at a fraction of the cost.
“Women are finally realizing the benefits of strength training to increase weight loss and improve muscle tone,” said Baby Boot Camp CEO and founder Kristen Horler, an ACE-certified personal trainer. “But Baby Boot Camp is not just about
looking good. It’s about feeling great and having the energy, strength and stamina you need to keep up with the intense physical demands of being a mom.”
In addition to offering a great workout, studies have shown that exercising with other new moms can help alleviate the postpartum baby blues. In fact, a recent study in the International Journal of Nursing showed that moms in a stroller-based fitness program, like Baby Boot Camp, significantly reduced their symptoms of depression compared to those who attended a support group. Group discussions after class and Mom’s Night Out activities make Baby Boot Camp much more than an exercise class — it’s a valuable resource for new moms and it’s fun.
ACE-certified personal trainer, registered nurse and mother Kerissa Neal is bringing the national franchise to Wellington. “I’ve lived in South Florida for years and fitness has always been an important part of my lifestyle,” she said.
“When I had my baby, I couldn’t find a stroller-based program anywhere in the area. After doing some research, I decided that opening Baby Boot Camp would not only benefit me, but could help other mothers in countless ways. I am excited to bring the Baby Boot Camp program to this community.”
Visit www.babybootcamp.com for more information.
A mom enrolled in the Baby Boot Camp stroller-fitness program.
CCCS Offers Consumers Information About Reverse Mortgages
Close to 70,000 homeowners have secured reverse mortgages this year — more than ten times that of just seven years ago, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. And as the senior population continues to grow in Florida and across the country, the number of consumers using the equity in their homes as an income stream is also expected to rise.
“Reverse mortgages can provide needed additional monies for senior citizens on fixed incomes,” said Jessica Cecere, president of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast (CCCS). “But they aren’t for everyone. Understanding the benefits, the risks and the costs involved is an important first step when considering a reverse mortgage.”
CCCS wants consumers to understand the basics of reverse mortgages.
What is a reverse mortgage? A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows you to convert the equity in your home into taxfree income without having to sell your home, give up the title or take on a new or additional monthly payment. Instead of making payments to the lender each month, the lender makes payments to you.
How does a reverse mortgage differ from a conventional mortgage? With a conventional mortgage, the equity rises and the debt falls as you make regular payments and the value of your home appreciates. When you have a reverse mortgage, the debt rises and equity falls as you take the money out of the home, make no payments and interest accrues on the amount owed.
Who can qualify for a reverse mortgage? To be eligible for most reverse mortgages, you must be 62 years of age or older, have paid off your mortgage or have only a small balance remaining, and your home must be your
principle residence.
How much money can I expect to receive? The amount you can borrow depends on three things: your age, the appraised value and equity in your home, and the interest rate on the loan at the time of origination. If you are participating in a government program, your loan is also subject to the lending limit in your area. In general, homeowners who are older and who have a great deal of equity in their home are able to borrow the most money.
How are payments made to me? Borrowers can choose to get their money in a lump sum all at once, as a monthly cash advance, or as a line of credit that allows you to decide when and how much to use. Some borrowers opt for a combination of these payment methods.
How can the money be used? The proceeds from a reverse mortgage can be used at the borrower’s discretion.
While many choose reverse mortgages to provide supplemental income to cover basic living expenses, funds can also be used for home renovations, healthcare expenses, to pay off existing debts, or for major purchases such as automobiles or vacations.
How is the reverse mortgage repaid? No payments will be made while you occupy the home as your principal residence. The loan is repaid when the homeowner passes away, sells the home, or moves out. The amount borrowed, the accrued interest, the mortgage insurance premiums accrued, service fees, and any other financed fees will be repaid upon the sale of the home and any excess proceeds would go to you or your estate.
Is a reverse mortgage right for me? Getting a reverse mortgage may be right for you if you have a regular need for additional funds to cover basic living
expenses; if you live on a fixed income and your only asset is the equity in your home; or if you do not plan to leave your home to children or other beneficiaries.
A reverse mortgage can be an expensive way to borrow money and is not the best answer for everyone. Homeowners need to educate themselves and understand all the benefits and risks of a reverse mortgage. Some helpful resources include the AARP and the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association.
Consumer Credit Counseling Service is certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a comprehensive housing counseling agency and can provide information and counseling for consumers considering reverse mortgages. For more information about CCCS housing services, email housing@cccsinc.org or call (866) 616-3716.
Taxable Value Calculator Added To Property Appraiser Web Site
The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office announced this week that it has added a taxable value calculator to its web site, available at www.pbcgov.com/papa.
The calculator compares the taxable values on a property’s current Save Our Homes assessment cap benefit and $25,000 homestead exemption and the proposed two-tiered plan that the legislature passed last month. “There are so many variables to consider that it may be difficult for someone to know for certain what would be their best option,” said Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits. “Hopefully this calculator will help.”
“To help determine which option benefits you the most, the taxable value calculator on [the PAPA web site] compares the existing Save Our Homes assessment
cap and $25,000 homestead exemption with the proposed two-tiered exemption option,” said Nikolits. “The calculator gives you a comparison of each option’s benefit over a 20-year period.”
As with the current Save Our Homes assessment cap and $25,000 homestead exemption, the proposed two-tiered exemption applies only to homesteaded properties.
“If you are currently receiving a homestead exemption, or plan to purchase a home in the near future, the tax value calculator lets you see what effect the property tax reform proposal may have on the taxable value of your property,” Nikolits said. “Tax rates, set by local taxing authorities, are applied against the taxable value of a property to determine that property’s taxes.”
Properties with multiple exemptions, such as senior exemption, widow/widower, disability or disabled veterans exemption, will see these exemptions reflected in the calculations.
Properties that have unique exemption or taxation situations have been excluded from the calculator. Unique situations may include partial homestead ownership or partial homestead use such as homestead use mixed with agricultural or commercial use. Owners who have specific calculation questions regarding these properties can call (561) 355-2883 for assistance.
Florida voters will decide whether to adopt the legislature’s proposed constitutional amendment when it goes on the Jan. 29, 2008 presidential primary ballot.
KIDS MEET FLORIDA’S ‘NATIVES’ AT OKEEHEELEE NATURE CENTER
Okeeheelee Nature Center held its “Discover Natives” program last Saturday afternoon. John Welch, a naturalist at the nature center, explained about animals that live in the pine flatwoods — such as snakes and tortoises — whose habitat is dwindling. Owls, whitetail deer and alligators native to South Florida were also discussed. Welch wants to educate children about the native animals so hopefully they will learn to care about them and their environment. Okeeheelee Nature Center is located inside Okeeheelee Park at 7715 W Forest Hill Blvd. Call (561) 233-1400 for information on upcoming nature programs.
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Roberto Torres, age 9, pets a Florida pine snake.
Tammer Al-Turk age 9 holds the wing of a great horned owl.
Naturalist John Welch with Cheyenne, a red-shouldered hawk.
Kids handle deer antlers, owl skulls, feathers and other parts of native animals.
Welch holds an American alligator.
Natalie Cavenes tries on ears and eyes the size of owls in comparison to humans.
My
Kids
Say My Wife Is Spoiling Their Kids, And They’re Right
My wife Sharon is off from work for the summer. She thought she would have plenty of time for R&R, but that isn’t quite what is happening. As it turned out my kids and grandkids had their own plans for what Grandma Sha Sha would do with her summer vacation.
Yes, Sharon is having a great vacation. She has been to the beach many times. She went to a state park for a canoe adventure she will be talking about for many years to come (something about her falling out of the canoe). She is also a regular visitor to the beautiful pool at the Wellington Community Center, and has been to every kid’s movie that has come out this summer. She now knows the menu at Burger King, McDonald’s and Wendy’s by heart.
Sharon, in my opinion, is living the American Dream this summer. Not one wonderful summer day goes by that she isn’t bonding with at least one of our grandchildren. Most days she is bonding with at least four or five.
She has been there for number-two granddaughter Grace during her swimming lessons. The way Grace is learning to swim, in about a week or so she will be a better swimmer than her grandmother. Number-one granddaughter Eliana has taught her grandmother how
Wondering And Wandering
With Ernie Zimmerman
to paddle a canoe. I tried to send Sharon up the creek without a paddle but Eliana would not allow that to happen.
Sharon is now talking in her sleep about Shrek the Third. She has seen this great movie at least three times. I think she is going to see it again next week. She is also a great fan of Spider-Man. About a month ago she didn’t know a thing about him. Sharon was always a Superman girl. But at this point all she talks about is Spider-Man. Now she knows everything there is to know about him (no, I am not jealous).
My house has always been like a hotel, but this summer the Zimmerman Hotel is full just about every night with Zimmerman grandkids. I love when my grandkids stay at my hotel — I mean house. The house is
always loaded with candy and ice cream (who needs real food?). Of course we also have plenty of soda, chips and Cheetos.
When the kids are at my house there is no set time when they have to go to sleep. Usually they start catching their Zs at about 11 p.m. I did learn the Cartoon Network has very interesting shows on late at night.
My wife is now a big fan of SpongeBob. She now watches his show even when the kids are not here. For the life of me I don’t know what she or the kids see in it.
My own kids are a little upset with my wife. They claim she is spoiling their kids. I was going to help my wife respond, but once again she gave me “the look” and said she could handle it on her own. And handle it she did.
She told my kids the only reason grandparents were put on the face of the earth was to spoil their grandkids; nothing else. And spoil them she has.
I don’t think my grandkids will ever be the same. They are all having their best summer ever. The big question is whether my kids will ask my wife to watch the grandkids next summer. Do bears live in the woods? I am sure my kids will be asking for her assistance next summer.
With Summer Rains Here, Time To Trim Back New Growth
We’ve had enough rainfall now for plants to start their strong summer growth, and because of that you may have to do a little bit more pruning and shaping in the next several weeks. A lot of people don’t like to get out in the landscape during the summer heat, but if plants need to be pruned it’s best to do it rather than put it off until you have a major job looking at you.
Plants also benefit from light and frequent cutbacks rather than fewer, more severe cutbacks during the course of a year. Keeping plants pruned back will also make them safer in case of any potential hurricanes. Plants that are kept low and not overgrown are less likely to go down and create a problem. Trees in particular should be thinned out and kept from overgrowing and if you haven’t
already, contact one of our local certified arborists and get that taken care of to safeguard your property.
Small plants that require regular pruning can be pruned as many times as needed during the summer months and many people do like to prune plants themselves rather hiring it out to landscape contractors. Sometimes you don’t have to prune every plant the same way either. You may only have to remove a few tall or sideways branches to make a plant more attractive, so you almost have to treat each plant individually to make sure it looks the way you like for that situation.
Don’t prune flowering plants too often because frequent pruning often reduces flower production. If you’re constantly cutting new growth, you’re cutting off potential blooms and you’ll see
very few flowers, but the plant will still look attractive. In many communities people get upset with the regular pruning of hibiscus, oleanders or ixora that flower on new growth. Frequent cutbacks result in the hedges looking beautiful, but with few flowers to enjoy.
If your tall shrubs are getting leggy and less attractive, it’s all right to selectively cut one or more of the major branches almost down to the ground and then allow it to re-sprout and fill in the lower portions of the plant. This way you don’t have to sacrifice height on the plant if you’re using it to screen an objectionable view. This works well with multi-stem plants that get open and leggy at the bottom over time.
When trimming a hedge, always prune the sides at a slight angle so it’s wider at
the bottom and narrower at the top. This way the lower portions of the plant will continue to get plenty of sunlight and it will stay thick and attractive all the way to the ground, the way it is supposed to.
If you have questions about pruning landscape plants you can get some valuable free advice anytime from the Palm Beach County Extension Service at (561) 233-1750.
LOWEST PRICES! — Nobody beats our Price! Free Est. Complete A/C units from $1,150. Repair Specialists. Lic./ ins. 561-795-1130 toll free 888-981-9815
Air Conditioning Special — REDUCE
ELECTRIC BILL!! ALL POINT TUNE-UP
Including: Freon, Relay, Air Flow, Voltage & Ampage Draws, Cooling Loss, Condenser Coil, Drain Lines, Calibrate Thermostat. FREE Reusable Filter. BEAT THE HEAT CALL NOW! 561-333-7274. AIR CONDITIONING Repairs • Installation • Immediate Services. Mazella Mechanical Inc. Lic. #CMC1249709 AIR CONTROL SERVICES - Air Conditioning. Commercial/Residential. TUNEUP SPECIAL $59.95. Call Chaz Aprile 561-427-8844
JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. - Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996.
COMPLETE AUTO SHOP LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF LOXAHATCHEE!!Services provided; Brakes, Steering and Suspension, Belts and Hoses, Complete Engine Repair, Oil and Filters, Motor Tune Ups, Custom Exhaust Systems, A/C Repair, And Much More!!! Pick-up/Deliver Mark Hamilton Auto Repair "ASE Certified" Office: 561-793-1010 o Cell: 954-605-8416 MV#62390 Visa/MC/Amex accepted.
The only non-profit petting zoo in the area. - featuring parrots, mini horses, ponies, pony rides, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and Llamas and more and farm club. 561-792-2666
or
hours/No Job
References upon Request. Please call Dina 561-951-2770 HOUSE CLEANING/PET SITTING (YOUR HOME) - Reliable, owner operated excellent references. Charlene 561572-1782
HOUSECLEANING - Reliable & Dependable. Ask for Julie 561-603-3697
MAURILIA - CLEANING SERVICE - 561985-4137 Houses, new & used. Also stalls cleaned. Dependable & Honest. References Available.
CLUTTER FREE CLOSETS — For all your organizing needs. Custom closets. NOW OFFERING THE AMAZING BOOKSHELF BI-FOLD CLOSET DOOR. Robert Powell/Owner. FREE ESTIMATES. 561-422-7999 Lic. & Ins.
D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-333-9433 or Cell 561252-1186 Lic’d- Well. & Palm Beach
MOBILE -TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/Software setup, support & troubleshooting www.mobiletec.net 561-248-2611 $25 Off Labor Home & Office e-Masque InteractiveHas your computer gotten slow? Do you get unwanted Pop-Ups? Does your computer seem to have a mind of its own? Would you like to connect multiple computers to the internet? Spyware & Virus Removal•Repairs •Websites•Networking Upgrades•Programming•Security
including fueled system - Best Prices & reliable new Generator systems installed from 15 to 200KW “More Practical and much quieter” Maintenance & Service for all types of generators. Factory Authorized Dealer. 561-707-0575 Palm Beach. Tropical Power Systems, Inc.
CAN FIX IT — build it, move it, plant it, and more. Call Bruce, 793-2494. TFN
BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC. — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall, kitchens/cabinets/countertops, remodeling, wood flooring. Bonded/Insured U#19699. 561-791-9900
I’M A HANDYMAN — Rent me hourly/ job. Slightly used craftsman practicing all trades while designing & constructing own home. Any job from hanging a fan to remodeling.Textured walls, painting, flooring, cabinets/vanities etc. Make your repair honey-do-list, free estimates, Greg. 561-531-3141
"I'LL DO IT HANDYMAN SERVICES — All interior/exterior. Repairs and renovations. Painting & Plumbing. Affordable & professional. 561-452-5033.
ANMAR CO. –James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528
ATLANTIC SHORE HOME IMPROVEMENT — Kitchen & Bathrooms/Remodel, Ceramic & Wood Floors, Carpentry & Handyman Services, Doors & Windows. References upon request. 561-756-0428 Anthony Palermo Lic. #CGC057252 Ins.
MCA CUSTOM WOODWORKING, INC. — “Make your home standout from the rest” Call us for all your home improvement needs. Kitchen & bathroom remodeling, custom wall units, design your home office, cabinetry, tile & drywall repair. Lic. #U-19564. Bonded & Ins. 561-723-5836
QUALITY HOME IMPROVEMENTS Affordable Prices — Painting Interior & Exterior, Drywall, Knockdown Texture, Fire & Water Rest., Crown Moldings, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Tile & Marble. AND MUCH MORE... 10% OFF with this ad! One Stop Shop. Creative Concepts Construction 561-471-7874 Lic. & Bonded Home repair. Quality Work. Free estimates. Fast on time service. "For all your home improvement needs" Lic. & Ins. 561-685-5360 561-308-6677.
LITL AUDIO/VIDEO SERVICE — specializing in Home Theatre Installation Satellite Services and communications.
“I will Beat Retailer’s cost & Installation fees”! Call George for immediate service at 954-263-4189 561-784-4858 Office. Res./Comm. Lic. & Ins.
COMPLETE IRRIGATION — PVC/PIPE supplies.Citrus ,Vegetables, Power units. Water Wheels, design services, Fairways Polo fields, Pumps/Engines mowing of all types. 1-863-675-6333. UNIVERSAL IRRIGATION SERVICE & INSTALLATION — New Installations sprinkler repair pumps/Time Clocks. We Service all brands. Monthly Maintenance. Fast Response. Lic. #U-10740 Bonded Insured. 561-795-9735
FRANK’S BUSHHOG SERVICE — Lot mowing, Lawn Maintenance, Landscaping, Lot cleaning and TREE TRIMMING, reasonable rates. 722-4403 Lic.& Ins. TNT LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE 561-644-8683 — Lic. & Ins. Landscape design, low maintenance gardens, professional plant installation, mulching, monthly property maintenance, sprinklers maintenance & repair, expert hedge & tree trimming.
EVERGREEN LANDSCAPING INC.
Let us take care. Residential & Commercial, Lic. & Ins. Professional landscape design & installation. Reasonable & reliable. Waterfall & Ponds, exotics, landscape & flatstone. Butterfly gardens, tropical and Mediterranean. www.evergreensgardens.net 561-7236166
LAWN MAINTENANCE CARL
SAMUELS LAWN CARE — Complete lawn maintenance, mowing, edging, trimming & much more. Free estimates. Quality work at affordable prices! Lic. & Ins. 561-633-3687
561-601-4707 THE DOG NANNY — Wellington and individualized pampering for Wellington & Western Communities. Dogs at their Home & Office surrounding. Dog walks, Doggie Moi Play Sessions & sleepovers. American Red
SPECIALISTS INC. — All work guaranteed. 40 years exp. Family owned & operated. Radio dispatched 791-8855 BD HORIZON ROOFING INCORPORATED — Quality Work & Service. Free estimates. NO DEPOSITS/Pay upon completion reliable & on time. Written warranty/credit cards accepted, residential/commercial. Reroofing, State cert. Roofing contractor. 15 yrs. Serv. So. Florida. 561-842-6120. Lic. #ccc1325633
JOHN’S SCREEN SERVICE –– Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight, wrinklefree, guaranteed!Lic.#9001390.7983132.
ROLL DOWN SHUTTERS — Accordion shutters, storm panels and rolling shutters...prices that can’t be beat. All shutters Systems, Inc. 863-0955 AFFORDABLE HURRICANE PROTECTION — 2 - 4 wks. Installed Guaranteed! 10% deposit . Will get you started. All products, Dade County approved. We manufacture our own product. 561-5686099, 772-342-8705 Lic. & Ins. CGC 1511213
AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC - Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004 Lic. #U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990
NEED HELP DEALING WITH THE IRS?
— IRS Tax Mediation Services, specializing in all collection matters. Including liens, levy, installment agreements and offers-in-compromise. Business or Personal 561-313-3955 Free Initial Consultation. Authorized to practice before the IRS.
PROFESSIONAL TILE AND GROUT SERVICE — Cleaning, Sealing, Grout coloring. Old fashion customer service. Western Community resident. HOME BEAUTIFUL INC. Lic. CBC087928 INS. 561-543-1582
Estimate & Demo. TGK The Grout King. 561-2677524 ANTHONY’S CAR SERVICE — Doctor’s appointments and Grocery Shopping, Airport Service - Great Rates. Discounted Rates for Senior Citizens. 561-358-0497 ONE-ON-ONE
$18-$25/HR — Teachers/Tutors P/T. All subjects PreK to Adult. Certification/Experience required. Palm Beach County Areas Fax 561-828-8128 or E-mail Tutorking@adelphia.net
HELP WANTED/BOOKKEEPER EXPERIENCED; Familiar with QUICKBOOKS - Full-Time position. Pay commensurate with experience. Fax resume to A. Silver - 561-432-2825
