Town-Crier Newspaper July 24, 2009

KIDS CANCER GOLF BENEFIT

The South Florida Fairgrounds

The Kids’ Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches was held July 16 and 17 at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida teamed up to offer children the chance to sample 40 different sports all in one venue. Page 9

Features

Helping Horses Survive Florida’s Summer Heat

We all know how tough summer in South Florida can be. But many people don’t stop to consider how the heat affects horses. Horses may suffer from the heat even more than we do, can get heatstroke, and in extreme cases, die of overheating. Page 16

Roebuck Road Demands Could Raise The Price Tag

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Construction of Roebuck Road faces questions by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District, which are both requiring extensive comment from the county as to why a road is necessary through environmentally sensitive land, according to County Engineer George Webb.

Webb gave a midyear update of the county’s five-year road program at Tuesday’s Palm Beach County Commission meeting.

Although Roebuck Road was not part of minor amendments requested by staff to the road plan, Commissioner Steven Abrams asked Webb to explain some of the issues surrounding the road, which has been an object of contention between the western communities and the City of West

Palm Beach for more than ten years.

Webb said based on the questions by SFWMD and the Army Corps, mitigation and construction costs for Roebuck Road could run higher than the current estimate of $43.75 million. The road is currently in the design phase at a cost of $8.7 million with mitigation and construction set for 2011. Webb said the mitigation and construction costs could reach a level that at some point the road could be blocked altogether as not cost-effective.

“We continue to go through an extensive permitting process both with the Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District,” Webb said. “Their comments and their ultimate ability to issue permits are going to be based on us being able to construct a road and mitigate that construction an appropriate

amount. The mitigation amounts are what will drive the feasibility of the project. The higher the mitigation cost, at some point it might not be cost effective to build.”

Although the costs haven’t reached that point yet, Webb said the new comments from both the Army Corps and the SFWMD asking for justification for the road through wetlands and for possible alternatives could drive it to that.

Webb said the Army Corps required a response in a few weeks or it would issue a denial of the permit, so he has temporarily withdrawn the permit application, explaining that the county would need at least a few months to respond.

Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Martha Webster, who attended the meeting along with other village representatives including Village Manager David Farber, Vil-

See ROEBUCK, page 16

Wellington Ready To Roll Out New Travel Baseball Program

By Mark Lioi

Town-Crier Staff Report

Following up on a successfully revamped recreational baseball program, the official youth baseball provider organization in Wellington is gearing up a travel program with tryouts to start next month.

A year ago, the Wellington Village Council voted to sunset the boards of separate recreational and travel baseball programs and authorize one provider for the sport overall. The successful travel program had been dogged by complaints of rigged tryouts and coaches from other communities reserving slots for non-resident talent.

Jason Weiss, the president of new provider organization Wellington Baseball Inc., spoke against the reorganization last year but agreed to help rebuild the recreational program. Weiss said the village last week gave final approval for his organization to re-launch travel baseball in Wellington.

“On the heels of the success we had in reorganizing the Little League program and putting the rec program back together, and making it stronger than it was, we were asked if we could do the same thing for the travel program, and it was a decision we made as a group to give it a shot,” he said.

Travel teams require a greater level of commitment from players and parents, and play at a much higher level than their recreational counterparts, Weiss explained. “The rec program is used more just to expose kids to baseball, to teach them the game, to give them some activity outside the house, and the rec program turns nobody away,” he said. “The travel is much more competitive; it’s supposed to be the top talent in their particular age group, put together from the community to represent the community and play all over South Florida.”

The council’s decision to See BASEBALL, page 16

Wellington Rebate Check In The Mail

By Mark Lioi Town-Crier Staff Report

Cash-strapped Wellington

homeowners can look forward to finding a check from their municipal government in the mailbox in coming weeks. The village is in the process of mailing out refunds of a special hurricane assessment property owners paid as part of their tax bills in 2006, village officials said this week.

The village charged each property a special assessment to help cover the cost of cleaning up damage wrought by hurricanes in 2004 and 2005. A year ago, during the village’s summer budgeting process, the Wellington Village Council approved refunding the assessment amount with the rationale that the village had secured more federal disaster reimbursement funding than anticipated.

Homeowners with curbside waste collection service can expect a check for $115, Wellington’s Administrative & Financial Services Director Mireya McIlveen said. Owners of units with containerized collection service, such as condominiums and businesses, can expect a refund of $70 per unit, she said.

The village is shelling out a total of approximately $2.2 million among about 18,000 units, McIlveen said.

Wellington is now in the process of fine-tuning a budget for next year that is about ten percent smaller than that of the current year. Still, Village Manager Paul Schofield said the village is in a position to pay out the refunds without jeopardizing the village’s reserves or credit rating.

“I suspect that if we had known what the financial downturns were going to be, we might have made a different decision [last year],” he told the Town-Crier Thursday. “But the simple fact is we can send out a refund; the refunds will not in any significant way impair our ability to operate or fund next year’s budget. I had to side

with council on this. Giving it back is a good thing to do.” Schofield said the village should have all refund checks in the mail by the end of July, with a few exceptions. Those cases involve public safety employees who have the right to keep their property ownership information private. With only an address and no owner name publicly available, he said, the village cannot cut a check, but the village has sent letters to addresses with private ownership information to tell the owners how they can collect their refunds.

“All you’ve got to do is give us a call, send us an email, whatever, and we will cut their checks separately,” Schofield said. “We’re available to do that right now.” The village originally wanted to credit property owners with the refund amount on the tax rolls, Schofield said, but couldn’t devise a simple way to get it done.

“Rather than take a chance on putting these refunds off, we just decided to go ahead and cut the checks and send them that,” he said. One of the issues the council struggled with when considering the refund was crediting those property owners who had actually paid the assessment, as some properties have changed hands since then. But Schofield said that crediting current property owners was the only way to go. “Tax refunds are to the property, not to the owner,” he said.

McIlveen said Thursday that she has been busy fielding telephone calls from residents on the refund, either calling to confirm their ownership information or curious about the amount or when to expect it. Property owners should receive their checks by the first week of August, she said. “If you don’t get your check, then give us a call, because there may have been an issue,” she said. Property owners with questions on the refund can contact the village at (561) 791-4000.

Commission Supports Inspector General Proposal

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Palm Beach County Commission agreed Tuesday to create an ethics commission, ethics code and an office of the inspector general (OIG) by the end of the year to ferret out waste, corruption and malfeasance in county government.

At the recommendation of Commissioner Burt Aaronson, they also directed legal staff to draft language for a county charter amendment that would create an office of the inspector general to be put on the November 2010 ballot for approval by voters. The charter amendment would create an independent

countywide auditor that would monitor not only the county, but other entities such as municipalities, the Palm Beach County School District and the Solid Waste Authority.

The county commission was responding to a grand jury report that recommended the creation of the office of inspector general in the wake of corruption-related convictions of several elected county and West Palm Beach city officials as well as local businesspeople.

About 50 people attended the meeting to support the approval of the OIG and ethics commission, including 30 people wearing red T-shirts

with “We’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take it any more” printed on them.

Commissioner Karen Marcus pointed out that the commission’s creation of a county-run inspector general would be a temporary measure until voters approve a charter amendment.

“This is just the immediate step,” Marcus said. “The longer-term step is what Commissioner Aaronson said, to create a charter amendment to go on the November 2010 ballot with input from all to create an independent auditor.”

“That is also set forth in our recommendations that we would have that language by

June 2010 to place on the ballot in November,” County Attorney Denise Nieman agreed.

Commissioner Shelley Vana, a former state representative, said ordinances creating the county inspector general position and ethics commission would be a good trial run in crafting language for a charter amendment. “I’ve been involved in Tallahassee when we did changes,” she said. “It’s very important that if we’re going to put it in the charter that we get it right, so it is a good thing that we would do ours first. We may actually, with everyone working together, want to tweak it so that we

get the language that we want to put on the charter.” Commission Chairman Jeff Koons said he had spoken with members of the Palm Beach County League of Cities about garnering support for a county charter amendment. Commissioner Steven Abrams, as a former League of Cities president, said he would help with that.

“Obviously,

The Gypsy’s Horse Irish Pub & Restaurant in Wellington hosted a golf tournament to benefit Max Clark and the Kids Cancer Foundation last Sunday at the Binks Forest Golf Club. After the game, golfers gathered at the Gypsy’s Horse for the awards and a buffet luncheon. Six-year-old

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

American Legion Post 390 in Wellington held its first official installation of officers last Thursday. Shown here is former commander David Knapp, who will serve as the southern area commander. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

RPB Council OKs Added Outdoor Seating At Center

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council approved a series of measures last week that would allow a tripling of outdoor seating at the Southern Palm Crossing shopping center on Southern Blvd.

At a meeting July 16, the council approved variances on the number of required parking spaces and on various other restrictions on outdoor seating, and a site plan amendment increasing the center’s outdoor seating from 3,220 to 10,000 square feet.

Food outlets at the shopping center include Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Outback Steakhouse, Panera Bread, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Rita’s Water Ice, Nestle Tollhouse Café, Foster’s Grille and Hurricane Grill & Wings.

Senior Planner Bradford O’Brien said the applicant asked for a variance to reduce the minimal number of parking spaces to accommodate outdoor seating from 34 to eight. O’Brien said the applicant conducted a study that

showed the existing 1,175 parking spaces at the center exceed the minimal demand. A condition of the variance will require employees to park in spaces north of the center on Seminole Palms Drive, which was improved by the developer when the shopping center was built. Another variance will allow walkways through the outdoor seating at shops on the end-cap shops and freestanding restaurants to be five feet instead of the eight feet as required by code. Fencing or screening requirements will also be eliminated in certain areas, with the agreement that restaurant owners will see that the pathways remain clear. Tables and chairs will be allowed to remain outside at night except during a tropical storm or hurricane warning.

Councilman David Swift said he had no problem with the parking variance or the seating increase. “I’ve looked at the parking lot,” Swift said. “I think the outdoor seating

See SEATING, page 16

SBDC Offers Help For Entrepreneurs

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

A small business expert offered hopeful future entrepreneurs advice on establishing their own businesses Wednesday at the Wellington library.

Certified business analyst

Phil Scruton of the Small Business Development Center offered insight on setting up small businesses, supplying technical information as well as advice on subjects such as preparing business cards and utilizing useful web sites during the process.

The Small Business Development Center, a statewide organization that in Palm Beach County is hosted by Palm Beach Community College, provides small businesses with management and technical assistance.

Besides covering basic aspects of setting up a small business such as different types of corporations, tax ID numbers and payroll issues, Scruton noted that the people he sees attending SBDC classes are risk-takers, willing to look toward the future in these uncertain times.

Scruton said he expected that many people were drawn to the seminar because they had lost their jobs to the dismal economy, but are willing to chase their dreams independently.

“There is an immutable natural law that corrects mistakes over time,” Scruton said. “We tend to look at the current economic situation as a kind of a meltdown. I know a lot of people not looking at a paycheck now or on the horizon. Your livelihood has failed you. That is the painful part of the correction. The people in our class are risktakers. They have dreams.”

Scruton noted that failure is built into the small business experience, and that entrepreneurs should not be afraid to fail.

“I mentioned small businesses fail occasionally,” he said. “They fail more than occasionally. The hopeful thing about our economy is that the failure does not stigmatize you as a failed person. In many countries in the world, they all look at you as a failed person. In this country, we don’t function that way. When we fail, we say

lesson learned, and we move on to the next venture.”

Scruton also noted that those who establish a small business would find themselves caught up in such a way that they would think, talk and even dream about little else. He encouraged listeners to go beyond “living at 40 percent” and earning just enough to get by, saying that entrepreneurship has an energizing effect.

“I cannot imagine a better way to spend your time,” he said. “Entrepreneurs have an incredible amount of energy. You will wake up every day with a purpose. You will have the opportunity to get it right again.” And South Florida, he added, offers an incredible range of opportunities. “We live in a weird place,” he said. “We have some of the most glorious weather, and we have some of the most foulest weather. We have some of the most wonderful people, and we also have some who are just jaw-droppingly rude. You will deal with all of them. What they all have in common is that you may put your hands in their wallets and withdraw some money. That is what entrepreneurship is all about.”

Scruton warned that the Florida economy of 2005 and 2006 is not coming back, and anyone who thought it might is just not being realistic. That economy was an illusion, he said, created by some pretty slick people.

“They created some innovative financing institutions based on nonsense,” Scruton said. “They said this nonsense will earn you 30 percent a year. That economy is not coming back. Legislation is being crafted in Washington to prevent it from coming back. It’s not going to be what it was. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t get it. They are waiting for the economy to come back. You and I know better. We will adjust our thinking. We won’t wait for the old economy to come back. We will do the best we can. It’s an interesting economy for small businesses.” Scruton also said the best thing about the emerging economy is that it would create a lot of competition, and

Help for Entrepreneurs — Phil Scruton of the Small Business Development Center speaking Wednesday at the Wellington library.

PHOTO

GYPSY’S HORSE HOSTS BENEFIT FOR THE KIDS CANCER FOUNDATION

The Gypsy’s Horse Irish Pub & Restaurant in Wellington hosted an inaugural golf tournament to benefit Max Clark and the Kids Cancer Foundation last Sunday at Binks Forest Golf Club. After the game, golfers gathered at the Gypsy’s Horse for awards and a buffet luncheon. Six-year-old Clark is battling leukemia and has just undergone a bone-marrow transplant. For more info., visit www.kidscancersf.org or www.caringbridge.org/visit/maxclark.

FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTOS BY DENISE

David Prill buys raffle tickets from leukemia survivor Ainsley Erb while her mother Sandy looks on.

Michelle O’Boyle joins Ainsley and Sandy Erb in looking for the next raffle winner.

Kids Cancer Foundation President Michelle O’Boyle and Treasurer Sandy Erb flank Gypsy’s Horse owner Paul Rowan.John Larkin and Ed Portman look at silent auction items.

Closest-to-the-pin winner David Prill receives his prize from Paul Rowan.

Golf winners (with a score of 57) Dr. Bob Lentz, A.J. Walker, Lee Baris and Nathan Brown.

OUR OPINION

Kudos To Wellington For Keeping A Difficult Promise

After more than a year of consistently bad economic news, it’s easy to forget the brief bit of financial good fortune the Village of Wellington received in early 2008. It was then the village learned of an unexpected windfall of $3 million in hurricane-related reimbursements following the tumultuous 2004 storm season, including money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for hurricane damage to village equipment. This sudden influx of money came after the village levied a $115 hurricane recovery surcharge to property owners for cleanup services. And now, at a time when homeowners everywhere could use some extra cash, the village is returning that money. It would be understandable if the village were to decide the refund is something it can no longer afford, given the current economic climate. Wellington would be justified in scrapping the idea. However, thanks to a fiscally responsible council and staff, the village can afford to refund residents without having to make further cuts in services or programs. While other communities have been putting every bit of extra cash they can find into balancing the budget today, Wellington should be applauded for keeping its promise to return the money to the taxpayers.

Last week, the Wellington Village Council approved a preliminary property tax rate of 2.807 mills with the goal of lowering it to possibly 2.5 mills during the budget review process. While it might have been fiscally prudent for the council to set the preliminary tax rate as high as it did, it is crucial that the

Healthcare Proposal Bad For Seniors

I’m a senor citizen and have been fighting insurance companies for more than 40 years, but the worst is yet to come. The Obama healthcare proposal if passed will strip seniors of lifesaving medical care. If you are over 65, under universal healthcare (which I call socialized medicine), colonoscopies will be limited as they are in Canada, which led to a 25-percent increase in the rate of colon cancer, and because the plan did not cover two of the best chemotherapies, 43 percent of Canadians with colon cancer died.

Even if you are wealthy, say goodbye to your private plan, because the government subsidized plan will be preferred by employers to the more expensive private plan. A private plan cannot continue in business without employer support. Medical care will be rationed. If you’re 40, you get a new knee. If you’re 70, you live with the old one as best you can. If you need a new

hip, and you’re old, it will be put into a younger person, and you will just have to use a wheelchair. If there are two people waiting for a lifesaving procedure and you’re the oldest, you go last — that’s if you don’t die first. The AARP will be compensated, perhaps by becoming a vendor, so don’t expect any help from the AARP. If you are over 65, write to your congresspersons and tell them you are opposed to universal healthcare. The life you save may be your own. Frank Morelli Wellington

Stop Scaring Floridians!

Editor’s note: The following is a letter from Florida Alliance for Retired Americans President Tony Fransetta in response to Republican Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite’s recent comments criticizing the Democrats’ healthcare reform proposal.

Rep. Brown-Waite’s remarks earlier this week were not only inappropriate and inaccurate, but they were a misleading and divisive attempt to scare Florida’s se-

niors in the current debate over national healthcare reform.

My message to Rep. Brown-Waite is this: when your political passion is greater than your ability to be sensible, responsible or even honest, you have a serious credibility issue. This should be about the healthcare Floridians need, not politics.

As someone who represents more Medicare beneficiaries than any other member of Congress, Rep. Brown-Waite is unfortunately choosing political scare tactics over the pressing needs of her constituents. The bill she assailed, HR 3200, would make giant strides to improve the quality of life for Americans of all ages.

Do her comments mean that she opposes the creation of a public plan option to expand access to health coverage, make private plans in Florida more equitable and affordable, and drive quality improvements in the healthcare system? Do her comments mean that she opposes the bill’s closing of the “donut-hole” coverage gap in Medicare Part D? One in four seniors spends part of each year simultaneously paying

council keep its promise to lower the rate as much as possible as the budget process rolls on. While it may not be possible to get down to the 2.34 mills of last year, meeting or going lower than the promised 2.5 mills is necessary if the village is to balance its needs against the needs of taxpayers begging for relief. Although some are lobbying to push the tax rate even lower, the ongoing property foreclosure problem should serve as a reality check to what can realistically be done at this time. Last year was challenging enough, but since then, there has been a 15-percent drop in the value of taxable property in the village. And as Village Manager Paul Schofield told council members last week, the village is forecast to face a revenue shortfall of between $4 million and $14 million by 2016 if it continues providing services at current levels. Still, Wellington has done better than many municipalities in cutting costs. One need look no further than its buyout plan for village employees, which will save money by eliminating positions without resorting to layoffs. In addition, the village has made significant cutbacks in capital improvement spending. There may not be any more sudden windfalls on the horizon, but if the village continues on its course of fiscal restraint, its target millage rate can be achieved without sacrificing too much in the way of services. And by refunding residents money they were promised in better times, Wellington officials should be commended for maintaining a sustainable balance between service levels and taxes.

full price for their prescriptions while also paying their monthly premiums.

Do her comments mean that she opposes creating an affordable Medicare buy-in for early retirees age 55 to 64 who cannot obtain or afford private insurance? There are nearly five million people in this age group who put their health at risk because of delays in diagnosing or treating chronic medical conditions such as diabetes. Not only do Florida retirees have a lot at stake in the healthcare debate, but we also worry about our children and grandchildren in these difficult times. Working together, we can create a healthcare reform plan that helps all Americans. There is no place in this debate for Rep. Brown-Waite’s politics of divide and conquer.

Tony Fransetta Wellington

Healthcare Change Is Necessary

I believe there is a two-part solution to the healthcare crisis in our country.

• Socialized medicine —

OPINION

Yes, good medical care for all, not just the wealthy. No, there won’t be long lines. No, we won’t be denied necessary care (as we are now). No, it won’t bankrupt us. Our dollars will actually go toward quality healthcare instead of into the wallets of insurance company executives and stockholders.

• Comprehensive health care centers/one-stop shopping — We need facilities where if your doctor feels you require an x-ray and a blood test, you go down the hall to get them. Need a specialist? You see one immediately in

the same facility without waiting months. This model already exists in our country and works well.

Why do we allow a handful of rich health insurance company executives and stockholders to hijack our healthcare system? These individuals may have millions of public relations and lobbying dollars on their side, but we’ve got millions of voices. It’s time we used them to shout: “We want socialized medicine and comprehensive health care centers now!”

Donna Gephart Jupiter

SEND IN YOUR LETTERS

The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words). Submit letters, with contact name, address, and telephone number (anonymous letters will not be published), to The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to (561) 7936090; or you can e-mail them to letters@ goTownCrier.com

Basketball’s Next Superstar? First He’s Got To Pick A School

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

It isn’t often the Sunday sports section of the New York Times devotes onethird of a page to a high school basketball player. They did recently, and it intrigued me to find out more about Harrison Barnes of Ames, Iowa. Barnes, a 6’8” guard, is ranked numero uno nationwide. His basketball skills are obviously overwhelming. But wait a minute: this young man has a 3.6 grade point average and will prob-

County Charter Change In 2010?

continued from page 1

ing how Miami-Dade County reached agreements with other entities, including its school board, on establishing its office of the inspector general.

County Administrator Bob Weisman said he felt nothing more than an interlocal agreement would be necessary.

Neiman said county legal staff planned to get with the League of Cities prior to the adoption of the ordinance. “We would be working with all interested parties including the business sector to make this happen,” she said.

Abrams said other recommendations in the grand jury report would need to be followed up on including changes to bond underwriting, land transactions, commissioner discretionary funds, ethics laws and anti-corruption criminal laws.

“There are other issues in here,” Abrams said. “I think the county administrator has concurred virtually with everything in the grand jury report, but I think it’s a question of refining it.”

Koons asked if the county’s internal audit function might be affected by the ordinance, and Weisman said he did not think so.

“You may want to assign some of the internal audit personnel to support the office of the inspector general initially, just because they have a knowledge of what we

ably be a sophomore academically when he eventually picks the college he wants to attend. (He will have completed nine Advanced Placement classes before graduating high school.)

Barnes’ preferred list of colleges includes Duke, Stanford, Southern California, Iowa, Iowa State, UCLA, Florida, Minnesota and North Carolina. You can bet he won’t have to worry about acceptance. How good are Barnes’ basketball skills? Listen to some of the punditry of Scouts Inc., the esteemed rating service: “dominating possessions,” “knocks down open threes” and “attacks the lane and finishes through contact.” Want more? Read on: “hits midrange pull-up,” “makes scoring plays repeatedly,” “competes on both ends of the floor,” “good rebounder both ends,” “ability to lead break,” “good ball handler,” “smart defender,” etc.

are, of the books and how they work,” Weisman said.

Weisman said he agreed with many of the recommendations of the grand jury and appreciated comments by Assistant State Attorney Alan Johnson at a recent public forum held by Commissioner Jess Santamaria in Wellington distinguishing between real and perceived corruption.

“I think the one point Mr. Johnson has made in public presentations is one that I will repeat, and I appreciate the comments he has made dealing with perceived as well as actual corruption,” Weisman said. “One thing that has become clear to me is that when you read newspaper stories or whatever, are the perceptions of what county government is or the problems we have. I want to highlight that we are

‘One thing that has become clear to me is that when you read newspaper stories or whatever, are the perceptions of what county government is or the problems we have. I want to highlight that we are not examples of corruption or poor county government.”

— County Administrator Bob Weisman

not examples of corruption or poor county government.”

Weisman pointed out that one of the examples of corruption often stated is the recent embezzlement of more than $1 million from the Convention & Visitors Bureau, but that was not a shortcoming in county government, he said.

“Those were private dollars that disappeared out of the Convention & Visitors Bureau,” Weisman said. “They had delivered services to the county. They had been paid for that, and they had their own funds. We had no audit responsibility over them nor should we have. It was their own shortcoming as a private institution.”

Weisman said the county is not without shortcomings, but wanted to clarify that his departments have kept watch

Oh, by the way — since Barnes should enter college as a sophomore, one key

over their employees, which has resulted in the firing of more than 800 since he became county administrator 19 years ago for infractions ranging from drug and alcohol abuse to running a private business on county hours and fraudulently taking extra paychecks.

Santamaria said he disagreed that corruption is merely a matter of perception.

“I don’t think these people are here out of perception,” Santamaria said. “They are here for certain irrefutable facts. In the past three years, we have five elected commissioners from the county or West Palm Beach that have either served prison terms or are serving prison terms and are convicted felons.” These convictions have dramatically hurt the county’s

factor in his choice will be a college’s flexibility (should he choose to go to the NBA after one year) to allow him to return and take classes and get a degree. After all, “you can’t play basketball forever,” said this superman… or is it superkid? Based on what we already know, superman seems the appropriate word.

reputation, Santamaria added.

“Another fact that I don’t think anybody here is too proud of, the national media has given us the title ‘corruption capital of the U.S.’,” Santamaria noted. “The last commissioner to be convicted, her parting words were, ‘it ain’t over.’ That was also the reason an FBI agent said, ‘we have to hire four more agents because there is so much to investigate.’”

Marcus made a motion to follow legal staff’s recommendation to approve ordinances establishing an ethics commission, ethics code and the inspector general’s office to be enacted by the end of this year. The motion, which also contained language calling for the November 2010 referendum, passed unanimously.

‘I don’t think these people are here out of perception. They are here for certain irrefutable facts. In the past three years, we have five elected commissioners from the county or West Palm Beach that have either served prison terms or are serving prison terms and are convicted felons.’

— County Commissioner Jess Santamaria

AMERICAN LEGION POST 390 IN WELLINGTON INSTALLS OFFICERS

American Legion Post 390 in Wellington held its first official installation of officers last Thursday at Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 30. Former Wellington mayor Tom Wenham was installed as the new commander. Former commander David Knapp will serve as the southern area commander and oversee all of South Florida. New District Commander Paul Bosco of the 11th District performed the installation with his district staff.

ARTIST CORINNE INGERMAN VISITS WELLINGTON BOYS &

GIRLS CLUB

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Tom and Regis Wenham with an American Legion coin.

American Legion Post 390 officers and members.

Eleventh District Commander Paul Bosco swears in the new officers.

Tom Wenham receives the gavel from David Knapp.

Eleventh District Sergeant at Arms Edward Manak prepares the POW-MIA chair as a symbol of missing military persons unable to attend.

David and Mary Knapp with Regis and Tom Wenham.

BY

Wellington artist Corinne Ingerman was a special guest at the Wellington Boys & Girls Club on Tuesday morning. Ingerman, who is affiliated with the Wellington Art Society, met with youngsters

projects. The Boys & Girls Club is located at 3401

Corinne Ingerman assists the kids with their projects.Counselor Justin Millio helps out.

Boys & Girls Club Cultural Arts Director Susan Mosely examines the youngsters’ work.

Several Criminal Mischief Incidents In Palm Beach Polo

By Jason Budjinski Town-Crier Staff Report

JULY 19 — Several burglaries and criminal mischief incidents were reported last Sunday in Wellington’s Palm Beach Polo & Country Club. According to separate Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office reports, several cars were burglarized and damaged sometime overnight last Saturday, three of which took place outside different homes on Wimbledon Circle. One of the victims parked and secured her 2001 Saab convertible at approximately 8 p.m. last Saturday. When she returned at 2 p.m. the following afternoon, she discovered the convertible top had been slashed; nothing had been stolen from inside. According to a separate report, a resident from the same building discovered the rear driver’s-side tire of the 2008 Nissan Altima she rented had been slashed, causing approximately $120 worth of damage. A third resident from the building returned to her unlocked 2008 Honda Accord at approximately 2:40 p.m. to find that someone had stolen her 120-gigabyte iPod, along with a car charger and extension cable. There were no witnesses or suspects in any of these cases, according to the reports. Meanwhile, according to a fourth PBSO report, a resident of Pond View Drive discovered someone had slashed the top of his 1997 Volkswagen convertible, causing approximately $1,200 worth of damage. Again, there were no suspects or witnesses. There were further reports of keys being stolen from the inside of vehicles in the neighborhood.

•

• • JULY 17 — A traffic stop in Royal Palm Beach led to the arrest of a Clewiston man last Friday. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation pulled over a truck driven by 24-year-old Andres Roman Jr. for failure to maintain a single lane near the intersection of Southern Blvd. and Lion Country Safari Road. A subsequent investigation revealed there was an outstanding felony warrant for Roman relating to a charge of cocaine possession. Ro-

man was transported to the Palm Beach County Jail.

JULY 18 — A Wellington man was arrested last Saturday following a traffic stop in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was traveling eastbound on Southern Blvd. when he observed a 1994 Saturn SL2 that had an active nationwide warrant out of Hillsborough County relating to charges of trafficking in cannabis. The deputy made contact with the driver, 33year-old Bob Fijnje, who was arrested without incident and transported to the county jail.

JULY 19 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to the Publix supermarket on State Road 7 in response to a robbery. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 6 p.m. the deputy met with the victim, who said she left the store and proceeded through the parking lot toward her vehicle. As the victim attempted to load her car with groceries, an unidentified black male approached her from behind and simultaneously pushed her while taking her black leather wallet, which had been tucked under her arm. According to the report, the suspect then fled southbound through the parking lot into a nearby development. There was no surveillance footage available from the store’s closed-circuit system.

JULY 20 — A resident of the Bedford Mews neighborhood called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Monday regarding a home burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim was in her home shortly after 3 p.m. when she heard a loud noise coming from her bedroom. The victim then saw a white male exit through the rear sliding glass door before jumping a fence and running toward the Stonegate community. PBSO deputies arrived but were unable to find the man. According to the report, the suspect gained entry to the home through the bathroom window, using a prying tool to break the lock. Once inside, the suspect stole an unspecified amount of jewelry and U.S. currency.

See BLOTTER, page 16

PBSO Investigating Bank Robbery In Royal Palm Beach

JULY 22 — The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a bank robbery Wednesday at the Riverside National Bank branch located at 665 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, a white or lightskinned Hispanic male entered the bank and demanded money via a note. No weapon was seen. The sus-

pect left the bank with an undetermined amount of money. The suspect is described as being approximately 5’5” to 5’8” tall and wearing a white ball cap and a white shirt. This scene was active with K-9 and helicopter assistance. Agents with the FBI are also involved with the investigation. There was no further information at the time of the report.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Marcus Jerry is a black male, 5’8” tall and weighing 180 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 02/07/92. He has tattoos on both arms, his neck, left shoulder and wrist. Jerry is wanted for violation of community control on a charge of burglary. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was at large. Jerry is wanted as of 07/23/09. • Alexander Perez-Camba is a white male, 6’0” tall and weighing 190 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 12/26/70. He is balding and may have a shaved head. PerezCamba is wanted for lewd or lascivious exhibition. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was Burns Drive East in Loxahatchee. Perez-Camba is wanted as of 07/23/09. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc. com.

Marcus Jerry

2010 Budget: Indian Trail Spending Up, Assessments Down

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors approved a budget for fiscal year 2010 earlier this month a bit larger than the previous year’s, along with assessment rates that are lower on average. The $9,960,655 budget the supervisors approved July 8 is larger than last year’s budget of $9,421,770, but homeowners will be assessed less overall, with the average non

ad-valorem assessment for active units set at $509, compared to the current year average of $521. The district’s administrative budget of $1,790,881 marks an increase from $1,642,724 in the current year, the parks budget of $1,535,733 is up significantly from $1,004,593 this year, and the $6,538,167 maintenance budget is up from $5,911,036.

ITID Vice President Mike Erickson said the district

managed to increase the budget while lowering assessments by trimming the reserve fund in individual units to 25 percent and rolling the excess into the operating fund, crediting new accounting procedures that enabled the district to more readily identify excess reserves that have accumulated at the unit level.

“Before we got on the board, they were using one big number,” Erickson told the Town-Crier. “We’re a spe-

cial district, so our reserves are always accountable at the unit level to determine water control plans.”

More than half the units in ITID will pay lower assessments than the previous year, Erickson said, and about $1.2 million will be shifted from the reserve fund to the operating budget.

Included in the budget are capital improvement projects such as roadway network improvements, which are one-time expenses, Erickson

said. A big initial outlay is being made for energy-efficient park lighting, which he said will lower the district’s energy costs.

At the July 8 meeting, ITID President Michelle Damone noted that a previous board majority two years ago passed sharp budget cuts. “It was well over $2 million that was cut two years ago, and there have been no increases since then,” she said.

The ITID assesses property owners based on services

provided rather than property values, which Damone said has kept the district’s finances relatively stable. “What’s different about our district is we don’t base our taxes on the value of your home,” Damone said. “That’s why we’re not in financial trouble like municipalities. That’s when it’s good to be an improvement district.” Erickson made a motion to adopt the 2010 fiscal year budget, which passed unanimously.

Rita’s Water Ice Hosts Benefit For Canine Cancer Foundation

By Laura Hampson Town-Crier Staff Report

The South Florida Chapter of the National Canine Cancer Foundation held its first fundraising event last Thursday at Rita’s Water Ice in Royal Palm Beach.

Between the hours of 6 and 9 p.m., 20 percent of sales went toward the new chapter’s goal of raising $5,000 for canine cancer research. A total of $1,131 was raised at the event, which was aimed at helping the one out of three dogs that will develop cancer.

After their golden retriever Skyler Blue died from cancer, event organizers Chris and Eileen Pike felt there was something more they could do. They turned to the National Canine Cancer Foundation, which funds grants for canine cancer research. Chapters across the country raise money for the organization, and the Pikes are doing their part to shore up support in Palm Beach County.

When their other golden retriever Kiara was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Chris Pike said he reached out to the foundation again. Kiara will soon take part in an experimental treatment for the tumors.

Despite recent news of a possible “cancer cluster” in The Acreage, Pike does not think his dog’s tumors are related. Cancer is common in golden retrievers as a result of over-breeding, Pike said. Lisa Hodgson of Golden Rescue of South Florida said there are many dogs that die from cancer.

“Instead of mourning dog after dog, it’s good to see someone doing something,” she said. “Somebody is paying attention.”

For more information about the South Florida Chapter of the National Canine Cancer Foundation, visit Skyler Blue’s fundraising web page at www.weare thecure.org/friends/skyler blue.

PHOTOS BY LAURA HAMPSON/TOWN-CRIER

X102.3 CUSTOM CAR AND BIKE SHOW BRINGS OUT THE CLASSICS

The inaugural X102.3 Custom Car and Bike Show took place last Saturday at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The event featured the fastest, hippest and most “tricked-out” vehicles, from modern machines to classics. For more info., visit www.thenewx1023.com.

being vacated by Sen. Mel Martinez. For more about the mission of the Jeffersonian Association of Florida, visit www.jeffersonianflorida.com.

BENACQUISTO HOSTS CAMPAIGN EVENT AT

Councilwoman and State Senate candidate Lizbeth Benacquisto held a campaign fundraiser last Thursday at Rooney’s Public House in Jupiter. In attendance were friends and supporters, including Palm Beach County Republican Chair Sid Dinerstein. Benacquisto, a Republican, is vying for the District 27 seat currently held by Democrat Dave Aronberg, who is leaving the seat to run for attorney general.

Lisa Hodgson with her golden retrievers.

Eileen and Chris Pike with son Kellen and dog Kiara.

Amanda Klein, Randy Nitzky, Chad Nitzky, Arlene Nitzky and Kelly Nitzky of Rita’s Water Ice.Eileen Pike passes out information about the NCCF.

Joe and Mary Berger with their shih tzu Lucy.

Kwik Rick (Richard Stephens Jr.) with his 1972 Chevy Chevelle race car.

Linton Paint & Body’s Greg Sepe

Jerry De Francesco with a Suzuki 1000. Amy Madrid with her Nissan 350Z car she races at the Palm Beach International Raceway.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Joan Joseph, Larry Fish and State Rep. Mark Pafford.John Cohen says a few words.Dr. Marshall DeRosa speaks about Jeffersonian politics.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Palm Beach County Republican Chair Sid Dinerstein with Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto.

Lizbeth Benacquisto greets attendees at the event.

C-PAL Moves

To Cultural Center

After 26 years serving the western communities with its performances, the Crestwood Performing Arts League (CPAL) is currently looking for sponsors for its concerts as well as board members and season members for its 200910 season.

Advertisers can also purchase playbill space now and receive preferential placement and free tickets to future concerts. Season members can purchase tickets early for $55 and have their names printed in the playbill, or pay $15 at the door for each concert.

C-PAL’s new performance location will be the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). For more information, call (561) 795-3540.

Join Safe Neighborhoods For Basketball

The Village of Wellington’s new Safe Neighborhoods Office is offering a free three-on-three basketball league for ages ten and up. Registration is currently being held for teams.

The Safe Neighborhoods Office is located at 1100 Wellington Trace. At the Safe Neighborhoods Office, residents can meet neighborhood

advocates, receive information on services and sign up for the Citizens Volunteer Organization and a new crime watch group. For more information, call Programs Coordinator Joe Piconcelli at (561) 791-4756 or e-mail jpiconcelli@ci. wellington.fl.us.

Pizzazz Gives Back Day Returns

Pizzazz Hair Design will hold its annual Pizzazz Gives Back Day on Sunday, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Abacoa Plaza and Kobosko’s Crossing locations, donating 100 percent of the proceeds from all haircuts, color and spa services to Alzheimer’s Community Care.

Pizzazz Hair Design owner Dennis Marquez is proud to give back to the community he loves and to a cause that has special meaning for him and many of his team members. Marquez recently lost his father to Alzheimer’s disease, and his mother-inlaw is suffering from advancing Alzheimer’s as well.

“Through Pizzazz Gives Back Day, each and every one of us, including team members, loyal clients and the general public, has an opportunity to do something special and make a difference in the lives of others,” Marquez said.

To participate in Pizzazz Gives Back Day, call one of

the following locations today to make an appointment: Pizzazz in the Kobosko’s Crossing shopping plaza (9112 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) at (561) 793-7373 or Pizzazz in the Abacoa Plaza (5500 Military Trail, Jupiter) at (561) 627-7799.

Deadline For P.B. County Art Exhibit Aug. 20

Palm Beach County’s Art in Public Places Program has issued a call to visual artists to submit artwork to be considered for a four-month exhibit at the Palm Beach International Airport. Exhibition dates are Sept. 17 through Dec. 17.

“Solar Abstractions” will feature works by Palm Beach County artists that explore the power and brilliance of the sun’s splendor in Palm Beach County. In order for entries to be considered for selection, the content presented must reflect the exhibition theme.

There is a $10 application fee, and the deadline for entry is Aug. 20. Artists may obtain a copy of the call to artists in one of the following ways:

• At www.pbcgov.com/ fdo/art/calls.htm

• By sending an e-mail request to esinger@pbcgov.org

• By sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Palm Beach County Art in Public Places, 2633 Vista Parkway, West Palm Beach,

Visions Salon Special Event Set For Aug. 16

Visions Hair Salon in Wellington will host its third annual haircut-athon on Sunday, Aug. 16 to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all haircuts and blowdrys will cost $25. Visions Hair Salon is located at 12793 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in the Wellington Plaza. To schedule an appointment, call (561) 7901696.

Temple Beth Torah To Donate TV

On Tuesday, Aug. 4, the Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood will donate a 37” LCD TV to the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach. The TV will be utilized in the waiting room in the VA Medical Center’s new audiology department, which is currently under construction.

Proceeds for the donation came from the brotherhood’s sixth annual golf benefit held on April 19 at the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington.

Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood has consistently supported local charitable and governmental agencies in-

cluding funding scholarship and educational programs at Temple Beth Torah through its fundraising endeavors.

To make a donation to the brotherhood, call Barry Hirsch or Gregg Lowenstein at (561) 793-2700.

Convention Center Holds Food Drive

The Palm Beach County Convention Center recently donated more than 700 nonperishable food items to the Daily Bread Food Bank in West Palm Beach. Half of the donations were contributed by staff members and the other half were collected during the graduation ceremonies in May on behalf

of the School District of Palm Beach County. The 700 food items, which weighed more than 600 pounds in total, will provide families in need with approximately 430 meals. In addition to the non-perishable donations, the convention center also donates prepared meals to the Daily Bread Food Bank whenever there is a surplus of food from an event. Throughout July, convention center employees are collecting supplies such as paper products, laundry detergents and hand soaps for the Quantum House. For more information, contact Chrissy Lambert at (561) 366-3017 or clambert@pb conventioncenter.com, or visit www.pbconventioncenter. com.

It’s

Convention Center Food Drive — Darryl Clardy Sr. of the Daily Bread Food Bank with Convention Center staff members Traci Peterson, Maria Walker and Chrissy Lambert.

Palm Beach Lightning cheerleaders Alle Betancourt, Megan McDow and Kelsey Hagan lead a group cheer.

Roslyn Rigdon from Dino-Mite Camp tries out a metal polo pony with help from Maria Feola.

Mike Rumph, Bennie Blades and Brian Blades of the Bennie Blades 36 Foundation show kids a ladder drill.

Kimberly Gilbert gets help from Adam Burgoon from Phipps Skate Park in West Palm Beach.

Ventress (Michelle Haddock), Siena Nieto and Tie Pilot (Dr. Joe Nieto).

Gold Coast Gymnastics gymnast/coach Randi Bruni with Samantha Bates from Camp Shalom.

J. Cohen” last

Liz Bloeser gets her three new books signed by Nancy J. Cohen.Library Manager Doug Crane with Nancy J. Cohen.

Classic Bookshop owner Jeffrey Jacobus with customer Kathy Scarlett.

Located at 12160 South Shore Blvd., Suite 110 in Wellington, La’ Mer Nails & Spa held its grand opening in Wellington on July 6. La’ Mer Nails & Spa specializes in spa pedicure liners for each client as well as threading using string for precision eyebrows. Owner Jenny Thy Phan has 20 years experience in service at nail salons. La’ Mer Nails & Spa is offering 20 percent off all services through July. For more info., call (561) 798-9715.

Pictured above are La’ Mer Nails & Spa staff with Palms West Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.

Fund Established For New Market Tax Credit

To improve the likelihood of receiving funding for beneficial projects in underserved and rural areas, Farm Credit of South Florida has joined with the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council to form a joint venture to apply for New Market Tax Credit funds: the Florida Economic Development Fund.

Since 2002, the U.S. Treasury Department, through its Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, has allocated tax credits to provide capital for development projects nationwide. The New Market Tax Credit program is designed for financial and community development organizations.

The program permits taxpayers to receive a credit against federal income taxes for making qualified equity investments in designated Community Development Entities.

Substantially all of the qualified equity investment must in turn be used by the CDE to provide investments in low-income communities.

NMTC funds can be used as equity supplements for large-scale projects. South

Florida has several of these types of projects either in the planning stages or recently completed. In Palm Beach County, the inland port project and the new hospital in Belle Glade are two such projects. Funds can also be used for smaller projects that can provide needed services and jobs to low-income and rural communities, either on a stand-alone basis or as ancillary projects to large-scale projects.

To date, the NMTC program has awarded $19.5 billion in tax credits. Since its inception, only two Floridabased entities have received allocations: Florida Community Loan Fund Inc. received a $15 million allocation in 2003 and Capital Trust Agency in Gulf Breeze, Fla., received $75 million in 2009. These allocations amount to .46 percent of all allocated funds. The Florida Economic Development Fund was not awarded any NMTC funds in 2008 and is awaiting news on its 2009 application. For more info., contact Tom Fagerquist at (561) 515-0954 or tfagerquist@ farmcreditsfl.com.

Moe’s Southwest Grill Returns To Wellington

Wellington residents have a new option for Southwestern dining. Moe’s Southwest Grill opened last week at 2605 State Road 7 in the Shoppes at Wellington. A Gold Award winner of the 2008 Consumer’s Choice in Chains Awards, Moe’s Southwest Grill serves fresh made-to-order burritos and southwest favorites with attitude and flair.

Partners Brian and Jerry Oxenberg of Moe’s Wellington Green Inc. have brought Moe’s back to the western communities. Moe’s will join Shane’s Rib Shack as the company’s second local res-

taurant venture.

“Wellington is definitely in need of a new place to get giant burritos, custom-made quesadillas and of course hot, flavorful Moe’s queso, and we’re excited to be the ones to deliver,” Jerry Oxenberg said. “Not only is the dine-in experience a great one, but Moe’s also offers unique catering options ideal for any gathering.”

Moe’s Southwest Grill in Wellington is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. For more information, or to place a catering order, call Moe’s at (561) 792-5712.

Wellington Chamber Debate Set For July 30

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host a debate on the “Hometown Democracy” issue Thursday, July 30 at the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington.

The chamber occasionally hosts debates on issues it believes are important to its members and the community. Amendment 4, known as the Hometown Democracy amendment, is one of those subjects that merits serious attention as it will be on the November 2010 Florida ballot. Its implications are enormous.

If approved, Amendment 4 will mandate referenda for comprehensive plan amendments approved by city and county commissions. Passage of Amendment 4 will have serious consequences to the future economy and growth in Wellington and throughout Florida.

Opponents say it will stifle growth and further deepen the state’s economic woes. Speaking against Amendment 4 will be Floridians for Smarter Growth Executive Director Ryan Houck.

Proponents want citizens to be in charge of their communities and have the ability to stop development initiatives. Speaking for Amendment 4 will be Jayne King of Planet Produce, a sustainable company.

The chamber encourages everyone to attend the debate,

hear both sides and become a knowledgeable voter. Invite your business associates, friends and neighbors to learn more about one of the most controversial amendments to appear on Florida’s ballot in 2010.

Floridians for Smarter Growth is an umbrella organization founded by Florida’s business and community leaders to fight the “Hometown Democracy” amendment. In his role as executive director, Houck serves as the spokesman for the campaign. In preparation for the 2010 election, Houck also leads efforts to construct a political apparatus, manage media relations and coordinate a coalition of organizations that oppose Hometown Democracy.

Houck previously served as public affairs director for Central Florida’s Regional Transportation Authority, where he worked extensively with local governments and business leaders to improve transportation alternatives. Houck has also held important roles in the office and successful campaign of U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez. Having graduated with a political science degree from Rollins College in Winter Park, Houck is president-elect of the Central Florida Rotary Alliance, a member of the James Madison Institute’s Central Florida Board of Ad-

visors and a board member for the Orange County 4-H Foundation.

King is a small business entrepreneur and event planner with extensive experience in building organizations, fundraising and political campaign management. She was the Delray Green Market Manager, Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, from 1997-1999; a classroom teacher in Broward, Palm Beach, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties and Department of Defense Dependents Schools for the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force in Europe 1973-1994.

King’s affiliations include serving as co-chair of the Florida Green Party and Palm Beach County Green Task Force, an executive committee member of the Sierra Club’s Loxahatchee Group, on the Palm Tran Service Board and Marketing Subcommittee, the Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizens Advisory Board and more. The luncheon will be held at noon. The cost is $20 for chamber members in advance, $25 for chamber members at the door and $30 for non-members. Once the debate begins, there will be no admittance and no refunds given, so be sure to arrive before noon. To RSVP, or for more information, call the chamber at (561) 792-6525.

Customers line up at Moe’s in Wellington.

Ryan Houck

Jayne King

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Emily Brook Wins Colgate’s North Florida Country Showdown

Ten-year-old Emily Brook of Wellington may be little, but she’s loud and talented, becoming a North Florida finalist at the 2009 Colgate Country Showdown on July 17 near Live Oak.

“I just love performing,” Emily said later after it had sunk in that she will be representing North Florida in the state finals Oct. 25 in Pensacola. The showdown was sponsored by WQHL 98.1 and the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. WQHL radio personality Kevin Thomas was master of ceremonies

for the event. Before a packed audience of friends, family and wellwishers, Brook took the stage near the end of the first round of competition, wowing judges and audience members alike. Shortly after the competition, Emily was announced as the winner.

“When I heard them call my name, I was very excited!” Emily said. “It was kind of late after the show, so I didn’t get to call any of my friends. The next day I called some of them and they said ‘congratulations’ and ‘that’s great!’”

Knowing she could move on to the national finals if she wins just two more times has Emily overjoyed. “I’m just dying to go the Ryman Auditorium and Nashville,” the soon-to-be-fifth-grader said.

Only eight months ago, Emily began performing publicly at the Hurricane Grill & Wings in Royal Palm Beach every Saturday night. She had taken guitar lessons for about a year and a half with Mark Boreffi of Boomer’s Music in Wellington when Boreffi asked her to

take part in his weekly show at the Hurricane Grill. Emily’s charm, coupled with her talent, could help her to win the state competition where she would receive $1,000 and go on to the regional competition.

Regional winners go to Nashville in January 2010 where they will vie for the coveted Best New Act in Country Music title and a $100,000 check. For more information about this year’s competition, visit www. musicliveshere.com.

Wellington’s Jason Brotman Earns The Rank Of Eagle Scout

Wellington’s Jason Brotman, a member of Troop 125 and Venturing Crew 2125, became an Eagle Scout on May 25. Along the way, Brotman earned 41 merit badges and accumulated more than 950 hours of community service.

Brotman organized and led a group of scouts and friends to complete his Eagle Scout project on June 25, 2006. His team worked with Pastor Efrain Silva from Grace Fellowship Church to collect clothing, shoes and school supplies for children in Venezuela, which were distributed on a mission trip.

Brotman’s journey to Eagle Scout started at seven years old, as a Tiger

Moviemaker Gary Davis Opens Studio

In Royal Palm Beach

After making nearly 20 low-budget movies and running all over Florida to shoot them, local moviemaker Gary Davis has opened a studio especially for independent, budget-conscious moviemakers like himself.

The studio, which Davis calls Studio D114, contains readymade sets, lights, props and wardrobes. It will be the place for low-budget TV commercials, music videos, local TV shows and movies. It is also the ideal spot for models and photographers. Davis plans on having everything there for the local moviemakers at a price they can afford.

This weekend, the studio will host two of its first networking events for actors, models, musicians/artist,

dancers, singers, photographers, filmmakers and the media. Friday, July 24 is dedicated to models and their networks, and Sunday, July 26 to actors/artists and their networks.

There are also a few open casting calls planned for several upcoming projects, including a major TV show, a movie written by Richard Williams and Gambling on Grace a movie Davis is making with one of his collaborators Matthew Pabon.

The two of them have already produced two movies together — A Sinner’s Prayer, available from Netflix and Blockbuster Video, and Fighting for Faith. The first casting is Saturday, Aug. 1. Studio D114 is located 9250 Belvedere Road, Studio 114 in Royal Palm Beach.

Cub Scout in Pack 125. In January 2004, Brotman earned his Arrow of Light Award and crossed over into Boy Scout Troop 125. As a Boy Scout, Brotman served Pack 125 as a den chief to two dens. He also helped lead Troop 125 as a senior patrol leader, Order of the Arrow representative, patrol leader, troop guide and became certified as a BSA life guard. Brotman really enjoyed going to summer camp each year. He attended camp at Raven Knob, Skymont, Powhatan, Daniel Boone and the local camp, Tanah Keeta in Jupiter. During the past three years, Brotman worked at Tanah Keeta as a member of the staff, helping

Grace Riley Dunn — daughter of Tina and Pat Dunn of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 30.

Beau Christopher Allen — son of Jenn and Brett Allen of Loxahatchee was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 30.

Leroy Matthew Carrigan son of Andria Deloris Harley and Leroy Carrigan III of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on July 2.

Isabella Romeo — daughter of Karla and Sebastiano Romeo of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on July 2.

Naomi Simone Krehl — daughter of Renee Lavonne and Michael John Krehl of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on July 3.

Domani Elijah Prince Altidor — son of Quenna Melendez and Billy Altidor of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on July 4.

younger scouts enjoy summer camp. Brotman attended the 2005 National Scout Jamboree and became a member in the Order of the Arrow honor society. He will be attending the 2010 Boy Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia,

celebrating the Boy Scouts of America’s 100th birthday. Venturing Crew 2125, Troop 125 and Cub Scout Pack 125 are chartered by St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington, which supports and nourishes the program as one of its community outreach missions.

Alijewicz Graduates Tufts

Katie Alijewicz of Wellington was one of more than 2,900 students to graduate recently from Tufts University in Massachusetts. The university-wide commencement ceremony took place on May

Julianna Isabel Cantu daughter of Sandy Suarez and Jose Cantu of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on July 7.

Sophia Marie and Isabella Marie Rodriguez — twin daughters of Emma and Miguel Rodriguez of Wellington were born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on July 7.

Taylor Marie Shipp — daughter of Laurie Anstee and Sean Shipp of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on July 7.

Matthew Scott Johnson Jr. son of Jennifer Michele Costaney and Matthew Scott Johnson of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on July 8.

Valentino Dennis Celeste — son of Jenny and Martin Celeste of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on July 8.

Jaycee Mae Weese — daughter of Cheri Sluder and Jason Weese of

17 with Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick as the featured speaker. Alijewicz graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She was also named to the dean’s list for the spring semester.

Loxahatchee was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on July 8.

Beckett James Brent — son of Christine Lance and Richard Paul Brent of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on July 8.

Guilianna Gregoria Quartarolli — daughter of Adriana and Reinaldo Quartarolli of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on July 10.

Christian Dwight Grinion son of Tonia Mack and Dwight Grinion of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on July 13. Oliver Maxwell Chase — son of Shana and Bradford Chase of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on July 15. Riley John Rebholz — son of Stephanie Ostrin and John Rebholz of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on July 16.

Emily Brook

Jason Brotman

Rotary Flag Drive Benefits Peace Park

On Sept. 21, 2008, the Village of Wellington and Rotary International dedicated the Wellington Rotary Peace Park to world peace, and they were not alone. More than one billion people from 190 countries made a conscious effort for world peace and intercultural understanding on this special United Nations World Peace Day. According to the World Peace Prayer Society, there are more than 200,000 peace poles in 180 countries all over the world dedicated as monuments to peace.

Rotary International looks forward to the day when peace will be a reality throughout the world. The Wellington Rotary Club encourages community members to be a part of the world

peace concept by sponsoring a country’s flag on the International Walkway leading to the Peace Pole Pavilion. Every nationality can serve as a symbol of friendship and peace among us.

Each contribution of $150 helps to purchase the United Nations flags of each country to be displayed annually on each Fourth of July, Flag Day (June 14) and U.N. World Peace Day (Sept. 21). Contributions help sponsor a three-feet-by-five-foot nylon flag for the country of your choice or in memory of a loved one. There may be numerous donors for each flag.

All proceeds go to the Wellington Rotary Peace Park Fund. Certificates of appreciation will be awarded for your country’s flag dona-

tion, and your country’s flag will be added to the Wellington Rotary Peace Park International Flag Collection. Visa, Mastercard or check can be used to sponsor a flag.

Checks may be made out to the Wellington Rotary Flag Fund. For more information, contact John Mercer at pisplace@gmail.com or (561) 965-4232.

New Royal Palm A Capella Group Performs

The Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center hosted a free premiere performance of the community a capella choir Third Row Center last Friday afternoon.

Third Row Center performs a collection of classic favorites from the 1940s to the present day, including religious songs, jazz, doo-wop, oldies and Broadway. Last Friday’s program featured the national anthem, “Embrace You,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Fever,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” and others. During the winter season, Third Row Center will trans-

form into the Dickens Caroliers, offering audiences a set of holiday favorites. Choir members include Sue Smalling, Mike Harabin, Alana Milich, Jim Kunard, Karenna Holt, Elon Zito, Michelle DeSanti, Ron Tarr, Cara Abaldo, Delaney Garrett and Rachel Chalhoub.

The driving force behind the group is Musical Director Karenna Holt, who holds a degree in music education from the University of Florida. Choir member Sue Smalling is the Parkinson’s Support Group exercise teacher.

Collier Prepares For Miss Teen USA Pageant

Kayla Christina Collier called on health and fitness professional training from Evolution Wellness in Wellington to prepare her for the Miss Teen USA Pageant in the Bahamas on July 31. Training harder than ever since May, Collier said that she’s in the best shape of her life and ready to take on the Miss Teen USA stage in a couple of weeks.

Collier is 18 years old and never had any structured sports, dance or physical fit-

ness training. In the swimsuit competition, one of three rounds in the pageant, judges are looking for a beautiful, healthy, physically fit and confident young female to represent the USA Teen community. In today’s society, so much pressure is put on females to be thin versus being fit. There’s plenty of information found in today’s newsstands promoting health and exercise, fad diets and products, and quick fixes to getting in

shape, but unfortunately, a lot of misconceptions and confusion brings many young American teens down an unhealthy, potentially damaging lifelong path.

With obesity levels rising in young children, many professionals blame it on inactivity and poor eating habits compounded by several health program budget cuts in schools nationwide.

Collier kept a very positive outlook and had a plan of action with a strict training reg-

imen. Ultimately, she has learned some lifelong valuable lessons on how to follow a healthy balanced diet and the importance of working hard on a personalized fitness program.

Collier feels she already won because she is stronger and fitter than ever, and has reached the goals she set back in May. Being crowned Miss Teen USA and possibly going on to the Universe Pageant would certainly be a bonus to her accomplishment.

Shaikh Earns Sarah McCarthy Memorial Writing Scholarship

Wellington High School graduate Hina Shaikh was recently awarded the Sarah McCarthy Memorial Writing Scholarship.

Shaikh served as assistant producer for the production of Alice in Wonderland Mudslide, the performance coordinator of Nintendo Mudslide and Talent Unplugged, and was the producer and worked backstage for Poetry Live. She was co-editor of the first Poetic Justice of the year, and contributed her photography and writing to the magazine.

Shaikh was voted Most Valuable Member of the Literary Magazine Class and was the winner of this year’s Sponsor Award.

The Sarah McCarthy Memorial Writing Scholarship

Sturgis, Stolz Awarded Chick-fil-A Scholarships

Nearing $25 million in scholarship awards as it helps restaurant team members reach education goals, Chickfil-A has awarded leadership scholarships to Grace Sturgis of Wellington and John Stolz of Royal Palm Beach.

Sturgis and Stolz received the $1,000 scholarship from Rob Rabenecker, franchise owner of the Chick-fil-A restaurant in the Mall at Wellington Green.

Sturgis and Stolz are the ninth and tenth team members from that location to receive the honor. Sturgis is studying nutrition at the University of North Florida, and Stolz is studying aeronautical science at EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University.

“Grace and John are now part of a 35-year legacy of more than nearly 25,000 Chick-fil-A restaurant team members who have received this scholarship as they pursue their educational goals,” Rabenecker said. “They represent the hardworking and service-oriented attributes

that characterize the more than 50,000 Chick-fil-A team members around the country. We are very proud of their accomplishments.”

Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy wrote a personal check more than 50 years ago to support the college dream of an employee at his original Dwarf House diner. He formalized that support in 1973, just seven years after opening the first Chick-fil-A chain restaurant by creating the Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholarship.

Despite the economic downturn, the chain plans to award more than $1.4 million in the $1,000 scholarships this year. In addition, Chickfil-A annually selects 25 of those 1,400 winners to receive the S. Truett Cathy Scholar Award, a second $1,000.

Since the Leadership Scholarship program began, the chain has awarded scholarships totaling more than $2,387,000 in Florida and more than $24.5 million nationwide.

Members of the a capella group Third Row Center.

Flag Drive Sponsors — (L-R) Frank Suess with Germany’s flag, Saundra Mercer with Poland’s flag and John Mercer with Costa Rica’s flag, in memory of Don Brown.

was established in memory of Sarah McCarthy, a 1996 WHS graduate who died on June 24, 1997. Shaikh will attend the University of Central Florida. She is the daughter of Bashir and Saleema Shaikh.

Hina Shaikh

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, July 25

• South Florida Kids Consignment, a four-day megaevent, will continue through Sunday, July 26 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Five percent of the sale’s profits go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. The first 200 people to register will be entered in a drawing for a $100 Toys ‘R’ Us gift card. For more info., visit www.southfloridakids consignment.com.

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will meet at the Apoxee trailhead and hike seven miles to the M Canal bridge and back to Apoxee on July 25 at 7:30 a.m. The Apoxee Natural Area is located on Jog Road approximately one mile north of Okeechobee Blvd. Call Paul at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Scrapbooking for the Family” on Saturday, July 25 at 2:30 p.m. for ages five and up. Scrapbooking is a great way to preserve your memories and pictures of a special event. Learn new techniques and create your own designs. Bring your own pictures and memorabilia. Basic supplies will be provided. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6070.

Sunday, July 26

• Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington, located in the original Wellington Mall, invites the community to an open house meet its rabbi, cantor and leadership on Sunday, July 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Current members can renew their membership and pick up High Holiday tickets while prospective members learn about the temple services, religious school starting Aug. 23, social activities and community service opportunities. For more info., call the temple office at (561) 7934347 or e-mail info@temple bnaijacob.com.

• The South Florida Science Museum (4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach) will hold a Health Expo on Sunday, July 26 from noon to 6 p.m. in conjunction with its new “Amazing Feats of Aging” exhibition. Sponsored by W4CY Radio, the expo will offer activities designed to raise awareness of healthy lifestyles and aging. All activities will be included with museum admission. Call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsm.org for more information.

• Grace Fellowship Church’s Acreage campus will host Vacation Bible School with a “down under” theme for elementary-age students in the western communities. The adventure begins Sunday, July 26 at 10 a.m. in the gym at Seminole Ridge High School and continues Monday, July 27 through Wednesday, July 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at SRHS. The event will conclude on Thursday, July 30 at Kidscape Park with a cookout for all the church and VBS families. Contact Cindy Potts at (561) 827-5990 or cindy_potts@bellsouth.net to sign up.

Monday, July 27

other games they would like to play. For info., call Joan Berkowitz at (561) 7901443.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Art for Tweens: Mobiles” on Tuesday, July 28 at 2 p.m. for ages nine and up. American artist Alexander Calder was given credit for making the first mobile. Put your imagination to work and create your own sculpture with movement. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6070.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host a Young Professionals meeting on Tuesday, July 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Fit2Run in the Mall at Wellington Green. RSVP to Jessica Clasby at (561) 790-6200 or jessica@palmswest.com.

• Duffy’s Sports Grill (11935 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach) will host a Charity Benefit on Tuesday, July 28. The event is being coordinated by Royal Palm Beach youngster Alex Ng. Ten percent of sales will be donated to purchase school supplies for Belle Glade and Pleasant City elementary schools. There will be free temporary tattoos for children. For more info., call John or April at (561) 7924045.

Wednesday, July 29

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold its “Poetry Discussion Series” on Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. Engage in a provocative discussion of several published poems written by various poets. Pick up copies at the information desk. To preregister, call (561) 7906070.

Thursday, July 30

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host Power Networking on Thursday, July 30 at 8 a.m. at the Mall at Wellington Green. RSVP to Debi Leed at (561) 790-6200 or debi@ palmswest.com.

• The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host a debate on the Hometown Democracy issue on the 2010 ballot. The debate will take place Thursday, July 30 at noon at the Binks Forest Golf Club. Featured debaters will be Jayne King of the Green Party of Florida (making the case for Hometown Democracy) and Ryan Houck of Floridians for Smarter Growth (speaking against Hometown Democracy). RSVP by July 27 to (561) 792-6525.

• AmTrust Bank (2625 State Road. 7, Wellington) will hold a Real Estate Owned Networking Event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29. Learn about REO properties available in Florida and nationwide. Call Antoinette McNamara at (561) 499-2188 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Storytellers’ Faves” Monday through Thursday, July 27-30 for children of all ages. Join the youth services staff during the last week of Summer Story Times as they share their favorite stories. Each day will feature different storytellers and story favorites. Call the children’s desk at (561) 7906070 for times.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7 in Wellington) and Chef Stacey Webb will partner for a fun and educational hands-on Cooking Camp July 27-31. Camps will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for ages six to 12 and 1 to 4 p.m. for ages 12 to 15. Young chefs will learn the art of cooking along with lessons in nutrition, organics and food safety. The cost will be $175 per week. To register, call Webb at (561) 744-8555 or e-mail funchefs@hotmail.com.

Tuesday, July 28

• The Royal Palm Beach Na’amat Sharon Club will hold a card party on Tuesday, July 28 at noon at the Classic (6100 Common Circle, West Palm Beach). The cost is $10 per person. A salad lunch will be served. Participants may bring bridge, canasta, mah jong and Scrabble games or any

• Master Chef Chris Paul of the Wild Orchids Café will make an appearance at Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 S. State Road 7) on Thursday, July 30 at 6:30 p.m. Paul will create a magical three-course dinner. The cost to attend is $35 per person. Pre-registration is required. To RSVP, call (561) 904-4000 or email lauren.belinsky@ wholefoods.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Teen Game Night” on Thursday, July 30 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Join in for Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero and board games. Snacks will be provided. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6070. Friday, July 31

• Palm Beach Puppies & Boutique of Wellington (10240 Forest Hill Blvd., in the Pointe at Wellington Green) will hold “Yappy Hour” on Friday, July 31 from 6 to 9 p.m. to celebrate the finding of a lost puppy. Free wine and pizza will be available compliments of Pizza Fusion. Everything in the store except selected puppies will be 20 percent off, and free treats will be available from Palm Beach Puppies. Courtesy massages will be provided by Massage Envy. A raffle will be held, and attendees will be encouraged to make donations to Save-A-Pet. For more info., call (561) 4222220 or visit www.palm beachpuppies.com. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@gotowncrier.com.

Post 367 Wins District Championship

The American Legion Post 367 baseball team from Royal Palm Beach brought home the district championship title after emerging victorious at the recent American Legion Southern District Baseball 17-U Tournament held at the Lake Worth Dick Brown field. After losing the first game, Post 367 came back and won five games straight to eliminate every other team in their district, paving the way to the district championship title.

The district championship win gave the team an entry into the American Legion

State Tournament at Santaluces High School. Joe Rubiano received the championship win after pitching all seven innings and giving up only one hit. Other tournament pitchers that helped get Post 367 to the championship game were Brant Forbes, Robbie Pettet, Chris Barr and Joe Pavicic. Players who hit for doubles were David Gladding, Robbie Pettet and Robert Henderson. Pettet hit for triples. In addition, lead-off hitter Frankie Cacaeres led the team during the tournament with a total of seven singles.

Sauer An MVP At Bucky Dent School

Seven-year-old Michael Sauer received the Most Valuable Player Award for his team during “All-Star” week at the Bucky Dent Baseball School. He lives with his parents Eve and Bruce Sauer in Wellington. Michael worked hard, had a great attitude and played very well. His favorite position in baseball is first base, and he plays for the Wellington All-Star Braves. Michael’s favorite Major League Baseball player is Carlos Beltran, and his favorite team is the New York Mets. This is Michael’s second year attending the Bucky Dent Baseball School.

Recently, the school cel-

ebrated the Major League Baseball All-Star game by dividing the camp into American League and National League teams. Throughout the week’s competitions, teams were awarded points based on various performances. At the end of the week, the American League won the competition.

Based in Delray Beach, the Bucky Dent Baseball School is open 26 weeks out of the year and hosts kids from the ages of five to 18. For more information, call Larry Hoskin at (561) 2650280, e-mail pr@buckydent baseball.com, or visit www. buckydentbaseballschool. com.

Wellington Swimmers Excel At Meet

Last weekend’s Division II meet was the perfect venue to observe the Wellington Swim Team’s up-and-coming talent rapidly exploding onto the scene. Many Wellington swimmers exhibited eye-opening times in the meet, as well as demonstrating rapid progress and a strong competitive drive. Whether it be nineyear-old Peyton Fuller winning the men’s 10-U 50meter breaststroke, or 15year-old Joey Campbell

sprinting his way into the win for the men’s 14-18 50-meter freestyle, Wellington’s dominance was on display. A total of 14 events were won by Wellington swimmers.

Standouts include Summer Ryder, who won the women’s 10-U 200-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle and 100meter backstroke; Lacy Phillips, who won the women’s 10-U 100-meter breaststroke; Cash Hollister, who won the men’s 10-12 50-meter butterfly, 100-meter butterfly and

100-meter backstroke; and Cody Cline, who won the men’s 10-12 100-meter backstroke. Not only did the Wellington swimmers win events, they also set many personal records for themselves and made improvements on former times. Ten-year-old Lacy Phillips shaved a jawdropping 39.91 seconds in her 100-meter breaststroke, exemplifying Wellington’s competitiveness. The swimmers are led by Coach Rich Whalen. He and

his coaches have enforced a strict morning and afternoon workout regiment for the swimmers, emphasizing consistency at practice and proving that what swimmers put into their practice will show in a meet and on paper. Whalen hopes the swimmers’ performance at this month’s Division II meet was just the beginning of a fruitful season for these young athletes as they prepare for the Junior Olympics at the end of the month.

Twelve-year-old Tory Tyler of Loxahatchee traveled to Lewisville, Texas July 10-12 to take part in the World Skating Association National Jam Skating competition. Tory placed third in the Boys Solo Rink Rat Division (ages 10 to 12). More than 200 jam skaters of all ages from across the U.S. participated in the three-day annual competition at Interskate Rink. Jam skating is a form of breakdancing on skates. Pictured above is Tyler with pro jam skater Diamond Walker.

SISTER SKIERS TAKE SECOND AT STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Wellington residents Danielle and Samantha Dumala competed at the 2009 Waterski State Championship at Ski Paradise in Mulberry, Fla. on July 11. Ten-year-old Danielle received second place with a total of 64 buoys in Girls I Division slalom. Twelve-year-old Samantha also received second place with a total of 71 buoys. Samantha competed in tricks and also received second place with a total of 580 points. They will be traveling to compete in 2009 Southern Regionals in Paducah, Ky. later this month. In August, they will compete at their home practice site Okeeheelee Park in the 2009 Goode Water Ski National Championships that take place Aug. 11-16. Both girls are members of the Ski Club of the Palm Beaches. Pictured above are Danielle and Samantha with their medals.

The Post 367 Team — (Front row, L-R) Derek Earl, Andres Morillo, Frankie Cacaeres, Connor Brennan, Caleb Hitchcock, Mike Roy and Brant Forbes; (back row) Coach Bobby Schlinger, David Gladding, Robbie Pettet, Chris Barr, Robert Henderson, Joe Pavicic, Brett Bonincontri, Joe Rubiano and Manager Robert Pettet.

Michael Sauer and Coach Ariel Gonzales.

Summer in South Florida. Hot. Humid.

Tips For Helping Horses Survive Florida’s Summer Heat Tales

Yes, we all know (possibly too well) about that, but many people don’t stop to consider how the heat affects horses. Horses may suffer from the heat even more than we do, can get heatstroke, and in extreme cases, die of overheating.

Horses are primarily cold-weather creatures. Give them a snowstorm and watch them smile. South Florida weather is especially hard on them, particularly these long, sweltering summer days.

Horses need shelter first and foremost, either under a structure or some leafy trees, where they can get shade when needed. Just getting out of the sun can mean an ambient temperature reduction of as much as ten degrees. The shelter should be open enough to allow air to circulate freely and for breezes to

From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

blow through, so hot air doesn’t collect and intensify. Many horse owners put fans or misting fans in their barns that blow directly into the stalls, and some go so far as to install air conditioning.

Horses drink when they’re thirsty, and also to cool off and replace fluids lost in sweating. Especially during summer, horses need a constant, plentiful source of fresh, clean water

Baseball Travel Program Starting

continued from page 1 sunset the previous travel baseball provider was a controversial one, with many parents threatening to take their children elsewhere to play, and some warning of the death of a powerful travel team tradition in the village.

But Weiss, who has several years’ coaching experience with recreational teams, said some players and managers from the previous travel program have already expressed interest in coming on board.

“What we did immediately upon being given the pro-

Roebuck RPB Will

Continue The Fight

continued from page 1 lage Engineer Ray Liggins and Vice Mayor Matty Mattioli, said the increased pressure from the SFWMD and the Army Corps is the result of lobbying by opponents to the road.

Roebuck Road opponents who spoke included Baywinds Community Association Treasurer David Kaiser, Baywinds resident Ira Raab, West Palm Beach Assistant City Administrator Eduardo Valvas and West Palm Beach Commissioner Geraldine Muoio.

“The City of West Palm Beach is still working very hard to try and run up the cost of the permitting process so that the road will get taken off the five-year road plan,”

Seating Southern Palm Changes

continued from page 2 is a nice addition, and I think they have plenty of parking.”

Vice Mayor Matty Mattioli said he attended the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on June 23 when the shopping center’s request was reviewed.

“After very little discussion, they approved this unanimously,” Mattioli said.

“I’ve walked this area many times, and it seems outdoor seating is a coming thing to a lot of restaurants, which we don’t have too much of in Royal Palm Beach, and the restaurant owners are clamoring for this. The economic conditions aren’t the greatest. They think it will stimulate their business, and I would not be one to stop that.” Mattioli asked about a

gram is reach out to the existing travel players and the existing managers to see if we could have some continuity and some involvement, if they were interested in coming over and helping form the core of the program that we’re trying to create,” he said.

Included in the council’s overhaul of sports provider guidelines last year were the imposition of a 51-percent residency requirement for each team, and a requirement that travel baseball players also participate in recreational play.

Weiss said the recreational requirement won’t be addressed until next spring, but that Wellington Baseball will go beyond the basic 51-percent residential requirement.

Webster told the Town-Crier “It will come back again, and we’ll be there again, hopefully in force, and we will continue to support Roebuck Road.”

Webster said the Roebuck Road fight has been largely the result of opposition by residents of Bay Winds, Andros Isle and River Walk, whose homes were built on Okeechobee Blvd. with the condition that Roebuck Road be built to relieve traffic on Okeechobee. Because of the long history, Webster said part of the challenge is to bring three new county commissioners up to speed on the issue.

“We have new commissioners who are not familiar with the history on this,” Webster said.

What makes the situation more challenging, she said, is the three developments on Okeechobee Blvd. are occupied primarily by retirees who have time to lobby com-

railing or some type of divider that had been discussed at the zoning meeting to separate the outdoor seating from the walkway in some areas.

O’Brien described a divider at a local surf shop consisting of a rope tied to planters and supported in the middle by palm trees. “It has an architectural appeal to it in that situation,” he said.

Councilwoman Martha Webster said she supported the increased outdoor seating but would prefer more substantial walkway separation in some areas.

“I think the look is good, and I’m glad that you want to continue to improve the property, with conditions the way they are,” Webster said. “I like the outdoor seating, and I like the rail and the fencing, but I hope it is going to have a same, consistent look.” Webster said she would rather see something more substantial than a rope and a

available at all times. They also need access to a salt block to help replace salt and trace minerals.

Another “cooling” feature is a pasture that allows a horse access to a pond. Horses enjoy wading and rolling around in water. They love to splash and play and get wet. They also will frequently roll in sand or dirt when they’re wet to add a protective layer against biting flies. As with us when we jump into a pool or the ocean, getting wet is a great way to cool off. Just make sure there aren’t any resident gators in that pond.

Another important consideration is where and when you ride. The best times are either early morning or early evening, after the heat of the day has dissipated. Also, riding in a shaded, covered arena or under shady trees can help keep both horses and riders cooler. Some horses grow a heavy or thick coat over the winter. If they haven’t fully shed the coat by April, it’s a good idea to help them out by body-clipping them. Horses should be turned out or left to wander freely in a pasture or paddock for a few hours each day. During summer, it may be best to keep them in fan-cooled stalls during the day and turn them out during the cooler night hours. This will also help avoid sunburn. Yes, horses can get sunburned, especially on their sensitive noses! Many owners apply a zinc-oxide cream to their horses’ noses to prevent sunburn.

Owners can help their horses prepare for the long hot months by getting them in shape through regular exercise. A horse that’s in shape will be able to perform better without getting overheated. After riding, the horses should be thoroughly and gradually cooled off by walking out and especially by getting hosed off. Another option is sponging the horse off using water with liniment added to it. This aids evaporation and therefore cools the horse more quickly. The most important areas to hose or sponge are the neck, ribcage, flanks and legs. If you’ve ever had heatstroke, you know it can hit fast and make you feel really miserable. Horses can also suffer from heatstroke. Symptoms include rapid breathing when the

“There’s going to be a requirement that no team have more than four out-of-boundary players on its roster, which will mean ultimately 60 to 70 percent Wellington residents participating and forming the core of the program,” he said.

The boundaries of the Wellington Baseball program stretch from Southern Blvd. on the north side to Lantana Road at the south, and Florida’s Turnpike to the east and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to the west. The boundaries were defined because the Little League organization requires them, Weiss said, and Wellington Baseball will use them for both of its programs.

“It expands it slightly to some communities that might

missioners and agencies.

“They have the time to put into it,” Webster said. “The residents from our area, not just Royal Palm Beach, are traveling the roads to go to work. It takes time; they don’t have it to put into that, so we’re working on it.”

Royal Palm Beach Mayor David Lodwick noted that Roebuck Road is part of a condition imposed on West Palm Beach through an interlocal agreement with Royal Palm Beach. In the 1994 agreement, the City of West Palm Beach acknowledged that construction of Roebuck Road on the northern edge of the three communities would involve environmental impact, which is an issue opponents are challenging the road on.

“There was environmental impact in building thousands of homes as well in that area,” Lodwick told the Town-Crier. “We will need to get with the new commissioners and

palm tree in areas with heavy automobile traffic.

“When I see someone coming at me, I don’t want just a palm tree there,” she said. “I like the fence, and I would like it to be a little more secure.”

Councilman Fred Pinto said he agreed with the idea of fencing as opposed to a rope. “I think fencing should be fencing,” he said.

O’Brien said fencing could be consistent with the white rail fencing at the freestanding restaurants.

Lodwick said that restaurant owners in areas without railing would need to be held to the standard walkway widths. “You can’t stress that enough because it tends to creep out over time,” he said. “To me, a clear walkway is what makes these things work because the public still has a right to go back and forth, and you want them to go from store to store.”

Mattioli made a motion to approve the resolution allow-

not technically be within the Village of Wellington but have kids who go to Wellington schools,” Weiss said. “Basically the immediate surrounding areas of the village.”

There are two schools of thought on requiring travel players to participate in recreational teams, Weiss said. Some believe that the more highly skilled travel players elevate the overall skill level of recreational teams, but others say that the recreational requirement overloads the schedules of travel players, or that travel players take the allstar team slots that committed recreational players covet.

However the issue is addressed, Weiss said he hopes that closer coopera-

explain the other side of the story, from us, from Indian Trail, from Loxahatchee Groves, from Wellington — all the residents of the western communities.”

Lodwick called for residents to attend the commission’s next five-year road plan update in December to support Roebuck Road.

“When the decision is going to be made, it has to be more than elected officials down there saying this is long overdue and needs to be done,” he said. “We need residents to come out to that meeting in force to say, ‘This was promised, now it’s time to keep the promise.’”

Commissioner Burt Aaronson made a motion to approve the amended fiveyear roadway plan with Roebuck Road intact until Webb supplies them with a cost increase estimate. Commissioner Karen Marcus seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

ing a parking variance, which was seconded by Councilman Fred Pinto and passed unanimously.

Webster made a motion to approve the variance on outdoor seating standards with a stipulation for fencing in certain areas, which was seconded by Swift and also passed unanimously.

Mattioli made a motion to approve the third ordinance allowing the seating increase, seconded by Pinto. Like the others, it carried unanimously.

Lodwick thanked the applicant and planning staff for the time they put in on the ordinances. “When you do a development like this, we’re trying to be more creative from the beginning,” he said. “I think it was our planner’s idea for the restaurants around the lake and the incorporation of outdoor seating. I think some of this was changing as we worked with you to hopefully make a better project.”

horse isn’t being worked, a hard and rapid pulse, either too much or not enough sweating, a body temperature above 103, confused or lessened reactions to stimuli, and dehydration. You can check this last one by pinching a fold of skin. If the skin doesn’t quickly lay flat again, the horse may be dehydrated. If a horse has heatstroke, you should immediately call your vet. In the meantime, the horse should be moved to a cool, shady spot and be either hosed down or sponged off continuously. Some horses are prone to anhydrosis: they lose the ability to sweat! This dangerous condition usually becomes apparent during the summer months when humidity is high and the temperatures may not drop below 80 for weeks at a time. “Non-sweaters,” as they are known, must be watched extremely closely. Non-sweaters will pant and breathe hard in an effort to remain cool after even minimal work. They should be worked only during the cooler times of the day and for short periods, with plenty of short walks so they avoid overheating. Some people even hose down their non-sweating horses a few times while riding to help them out. Another thing to consider is that non-sweaters can quickly become overheated in a horse trailer without air conditioning or adequate ventilation. These horses should only be transported in open trailers at cooler times of day and closely monitored. There are numerous supplemental feed preparations available which help some horses resume sweating. Some have complicated chemical formulas and electrolytes. Some are as easy as adding rock salt to a horse’s daily feed bucket. One old-time remedy some swear by involves adding a bottle of beer to the horse’s grain. For some horses, the only remedy is relocating to a cooler, more northerly climate. Many non-sweating horses regain the ability to sweat normally once they’ve been removed from hot, humid, tropical weather. So the next time you see a horse enjoying the luxury of an air-conditioned stall, or standing under a shady tree swatting flies with its tail, remember there’s probably a good reason for it!

tion between the two programs will yield benefits to each.

“In having one board and one organization running each program, it’s going to open the doors to communication and open the doors to cooperation that didn’t exist when you had basically two separate entities that didn’t have any communication or dealings with one another,” he said.

Weiss said he hopes the travel program will attract in the neighborhood of 80 to 90 players in its first season.

“We’re still in the process of forming the infrastructure for that program, but the anticipation would be that we are going to try to form at least one team in each of the eightand-under up to 14-and-un-

der age categories,” he said.

Wellington Baseball is also looking to recruit managers for the travel program to help run the tryouts and scout talented players.

“The program can only be as strong as the managers who run the teams,” Weiss said. “Like any school is only as good as its teachers, any baseball program is only going to be as good as the managers you select.”

Weiss said tryouts are scheduled to begin Aug. 7 at the program’s home fields at Olympia Park with details to be available soon. While the organization has not yet set up a web site, Weiss is taking inquiries by e-mail. Those interested should contact him at jweiss @wellingtonbaseball.org.

Salad Days Event Aug. 1

The Western Executives will host its inaugural Salad Days on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington.

The event will raise money for the Farmworker Council. There will be plenty of food sampling, a best salad

SBDC

Future Of Small Business

continued from page 2 not the same tired old formats and models. Instead of having three automakers, you might have 30 automakers, each with an interesting twist on how to make a car.

“The stuff that the Big Three puts out is all the same,” Scruton said. “What about a situation in which car makers are competing with each other? They bring back designs that were rampant in the ’30s and ’40s.”

Blotter

continued from page 6

According to the report, the incident caused the victim to have a heart attack. Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue responded to the scene, and the victim was transported to JFK Medical Center. The suspect was described as wearing blue-and-white pants and a white scarf covering his face.

JULY 21 — Two women were arrested for shoplifting Tuesday afternoon at the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, 26-year-old Kimberly Parker of North Miami and 20-year-old Christina Dewsnap of Wellington selected miscellaneous clothing items from the women’s department, concealing them in a plastic bag before passing all points of

competition, demonstration by a local home-brewers club, business expo/fair, raffle and silent auction. Tickets are $10 in advance available online or $15 at the door. For more information, call (561) 793-5509 or visit www. westernexecutives.net/ saladdays.htm.

Also, Scruton noted that the small business owner might find an advantage in what he or she offers, and the personalized and knowledgeable way it is offered may be quite different from what big business is willing to provide.

“We are moving away from a knee-jerk reaction to big business,” he said. “Big business no longer commands our respect. My belief is that small businesses will have an opportunity to take over.”

For more information about the Small Business Development Center, call Scruton at (561) 862-4785 or visit www.pbcc.edu/sbdc.xml.

sale. Parker and Dewsnap then returned the merchandise at the customer service desk and received a refund for $108.63, according to the report. A store security officer observed the incident, and the pair were apprehended. Parker and Dewsnap were placed under arrest and transported to the county jail.

JULY 21 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded Tuesday to a home on Vinings Circle regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 4 p.m. on July 14 and 3 p.m. on Tuesday, someone entered the victim’s 2003 Chevy Impala and stole a Sony radio worth approximately $1,100. The vehicle may have been unlocked, and the alarm system was turned off. There was no additional information at the time of the report.

An example of a cool, shady stall good for horses during the heat of the summer.

When A Kitchen Disaster Highlighted A Summer Romance

I was trying to think of a lighthearted topic for your summer reading enjoyment when it dawned on me that I never told you about the time my eyebrows fell off.

So here goes.

I was dating a guy named Danny who was staying in his friend Bob’s apartment for the summer. One day Bob was out, so I decided to bake Danny a big batch of my famous chocolate-chip cookies.

Bob’s kitchen was really small, so I felt like an acrobat just trying to get from the sink to the oven (you had to walk sideways around the kitchen table). Plus, Bob was sort of a neat freak, from the bowl of bananas atop the fridge to the triple-lined wastebasket near the back door. So I was extra careful to clean up as I went.

Things were going quite wonderfully until it came time to put the cookies in the oven; it

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

was still cold! I twisted the knob a couple more times — nothing.

“Bad news, Danny,” I hollered toward the living room. “The oven is broken. I’ll have to make you Jell-O instead.”

“OK.” I squeezed back around the table to fill a pot with water, then squished myself back to the stove, where I turned on a burner. But I hadn’t lit the pilot light so the oven had filled

with gas. The spark from the burner set it off.

Ka-BOOM! A gigantic, oven-sized fireball exploded in my face, startling me into taking a leap backward. But I couldn’t go backward because the table was right there. Showing the heartfelt love and deep concern typical of Danny (the same degree of love and concern that led to our eventual breakup), he shouted from the couch in the living room, “what’d you do? Knock the refrigerator over?”

I went toward his voice, whimpering my way down the hall. It was hard to see because my eyebrows had been singed off, leaving nothing but gray-colored ashes in their wake. The hair on my arms was also gone and the front of my 100-percent polyester sweater had become a hard plastic surface. Why I myself was not toasted, I do not know.

When he saw me, Danny did not consider a trip to the emergency room for one single moment. In fact, he bolted past me down the hall to the scene of the destruction where he gave a low whistle. “You’d better clean this up before Bob gets home,” he announced. To his credit, he did pitch in. We had the place spic and span in just a few hours. Not a trace of fire, smoke or eyebrows anywhere. I went home and didn’t see Danny until the following day when I went to pick him up. We were still congratulating ourselves on a job well done when Bob came out of his room and walked over to me. “What did you do,” he asked, “blow up the stove?” “How did you know?” I asked. “Ashes in the banana bowl,” he answered. Man, Bob was tall. Or maybe he just wanted a banana... in lieu of cookies.

If You Liked Last Year’s Harry Potter, Come Back For More

Those people who enjoy the famed J.K. Rowling series about young wizards will love the movie Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the sixth cinematic installment in the very popular series. Those who have no real interest or background may find it a bit puzzling. Unlike the previous films in the series, this one is not a simple stand-alone affair. The producers expect you to know in advance who Harry and the other inhabitants of his magical world are and where the plot is headed. For avid fans like me, the film pays off well. It is far more character-oriented than most of the previous installments. There is some action, but the characters, particularly the lead actors, are far more developed.

The three young wizards, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) are now 16 and discovering that there are more important things in life than magic, such as making out. The

‘I’ On

CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

youngsters are now spending a lot more time pursuing their interest in the opposite sex.

Continuing a pattern begun with the third film, the students seldom wear school uniforms, dressing more like normal teenagers. Since they behave like them, it works well.

The acting, as usual, is very good. Jim Broadbent, who gives a finely nuanced performance as Professor Slughorn, needs to be singled out as probably the best in any Potter film. The professor is a man with a very guilty

secret, filled with remorse covered by a sense of cowardice. That secret is the basic answer to how the evil Lord Voldemort may be killed. He does not want to reveal the secret, but does so after several adventures and confrontations.

As ever, the action moves swiftly, often following the exact path of Rowling’s book. There is very little focus on identifying the half-blood prince of the title, something discussed and investigated at length in the book. Finally, he reveals himself right at the end, but the significance is lost to a great degree.

The basic purpose of the book was an exploration of that prince, who goes on to play a key role in the next installment. The seventh book presents the final struggle that defines the whole series, and has been adapted as two separate films now in concurrent production. The current film itself is darker than most others in the series, but there is a lot of comedy that helps lighten things.

One of the best things about the series is that fans have had a chance to watch the characters grow. And they have grown up very well. The young stars are asked to do more in this film in terms of acting than simply reacting to others, and they carry it off well. Since they are surrounded by some of the finest character actors in England, the films work extremely well.

The whole series of books will probably be established as among the best of current English literature as well as the most successful (having sold over 300 million copies). The movies are not quite as good, but all have had their good points and they are certainly among the most entertaining in our decade.

This is a place-setting movie, setting up for the investigations, adventures and confrontations of the ending of the series. It is enjoyable on its own merits. If you are a fan, it is not to be missed!

Independence Day Is Fun Enough To Justify A Double Dip

The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday of the year. In fact, I like it so much that I decided to celebrate it twice this year.

About a week beforehand, I got a call from my son Ronnie. He wanted to know if I wanted to go to a minor-league baseball game at Roger Dean Stadium on July 3. The Palm Beach Cardinals would be playing the Jupiter Hammerheads. I told him thanks, but no thanks. I could tell by the tone of his voice he wasn’t happy with my answer. He wanted me to reconsider. I told him I would, and then told him the answer was still no. Why should I watch minor-league teams play, I added, when I can watch Major League Baseball in Miami?

My son had an answer. He said that at this game, they were going to allow Little League teams playing in a tournament in Palm Beach Gardens to parade around the field before the

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

game started. He reminded me that my grandson Max is on the Acreage team called the Hawks. He added that four of my other grandchildren would be at the game.

When I asked him how much the tickets would cost, he used my favorite word. He said the price for me would be free, as he would pay for my ticket. How could I refuse an offer like that?

Well, I almost refused that offer, but then

my son threw in one more freebie: he said there would be fireworks at the end of the game.

My son knows that ever since I was a little boy, I have loved to watch fireworks. He knows that as a kid, I would go to Coney Island every Tuesday night to watch the fireworks.

I can’t tell you who won the game, but I can tell you the fireworks and spending an evening with five of my grandkids were great.

The next day, Independence Day, I decided I would spend a quiet (well, as quiet as can be on the Fourth) day at home. Once again my phone rang. It was my son Brian, inviting me to go watch the fireworks in Wellington with him and his ever-growing family. When I didn’t answer him fast enough, he added he would buy some chicken from KFC, and we could picnic at the park. He also said he would

drive. Now, how could I refuse an offer like that?

My son had lawn chairs, blankets and plenty of fried chicken and soda for our picnic. He also brought along a couple of umbrellas for the rain showers that arrived half an hour before the fireworks were to begin. At 9 p.m. sharp, the fireworks and music started... and the rain stopped as if on cue. The fireworks lasted for about half an hour.

As was the night before at Roger Dean, the Wellington fireworks (in the words of Tony the Tiger) were grrrrreat!

What more could one want in life — family, food and fireworks on a holiday weekend? As we used to say in Brooklyn (because of the Dodgers), “wait ’til next year.” Yes and that is exactly how I feel. I can hardly wait ’til I can repeat this wonderful weekend all over again.

Ambrosia To Perform This Sunday At Meyer Amphitheatre

The Grammy-nominated band Ambrosia will perform its blend of smooth ’70s and ’80s pop on Sunday, July 26 as part of the Sunday at the Meyer concert series in downtown West Palm Beach.

The concert will feature Ambrosia’s hits including “You’re the Only Woman,” “Biggest Part of Me” and “How Much I Feel.” Guests can enjoy a great Sunday afternoon at the Meyer Amphitheatre with good times and tons of fun along the picturesque downtown waterfront, all for free. In addition to live music, Sunday’s event will feature free kids’ activities, free cookies from Mayor Lois Frankel and free parking at all city meters, lots and garages. Guests arriving by boat can also tie up their vessels for free at the beautiful new city docks.

Ambrosia created a new and invigorating style of music and pioneered the progressive rock sounds of the 1970s. In addition to soldout concerts around the world, Ambrosia garnered five Grammy Award nominations, tons of FM airplay and several hit singles. Known for inventive musicianship and skillful ar-

ranging, Ambrosia’s smooth pop sounds have captivated audiences everywhere.

The Palm Beach Post Sunday at the Meyer series brings fab tunes, a cool scene and good vibes to downtown West Palm Beach. These free family-friendly concerts are held on the fourth Sunday of each month (May through October) and feature a variety of national and regional recording artists. Guests are welcome to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs, and they can also purchase food and beverages at the concert.

The concert will take place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Meyer Amphitheatre is located on South Flagler Drive between Datura and Evernia streets.

Other upcoming concerts in the Sunday at the Meyer series include Firefall, Aug. 23 (www.firefall.com); the Tokens, Sept. 27 (www.thetokens.com); and Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players, Oct. 25 (www.myspace.com/sugarfootop). For more information, call (561) 8221515 or visit www.wpb.org. For more information about Ambrosia, visit www. ambrosialive.net.

Lake Worth Playhouse Presents ‘Grease’ Through Aug. 1

The Lake Worth Playhouse’s summertime show is the Broadway hit musical Grease by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. The popular Tony Award-winning 1950s-themed show is running now through Aug. 1.

Grease brings to the stage everybody’s favorite cast of characters from Rydell High’s senior class of 1959, featuring the legendary Pink Ladies and Burger Palace Boys who set the stage for their cool greaser friend Danny to wow new-girl-in-school Sandy with music, dance and a little greased lightnin’! The musical features hit songs “Summer Nights,” “We Go Together,” “Born to Hand-Jive,” “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee,” “Beauty School Dropout” and “Greased Lightnin’.”

Originally hitting Broadway in 1972 where it enjoyed an eight-year run, Grease was revived in 1994 and again in 2007, and has been nominated for more than a dozen Tony Awards. With a score that recalls the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley, it became the soundtrack of a generation and spawned a major motion picture starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in 1978 and its sequel starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Maxwell Caulfield in 1982.

The Lake Worth Playhouse production of Grease is directed and choreographed by Robert Dawson, with music direction by Toni Stamos. Dawson and Stamos are the winning team behind last season’s hit production Nunsense and have individually worked on several other successful playhouse productions,

including last summer’s hit Hair (Dawson) and the recently produced held-over production of Always… Patsy Cline (Stamos).

The Lake Worth Playhouse is a non-profit community theater with a diverse array of offerings, including award-winning dramas, comedies, musicals, area premieres, Broadway favorites, children’s shows, ballets and operas on film, concert series and alternative programming. In addition to its main-stage theatrical fare, the playhouse presents yearround independent and foreign films in the Stonzek Theatre, an intimate black-box style theater equipped with a large viewing screen and high-definition projection. The playhouse is proud to offer a variety of educational programs for adults and children, as well as community outreach initiatives that bring cultural programs into the neighborhoods of underserved youth and also makes the theater available free of charge to disadvantaged citizens in the community.

The 57th season of the Lake Worth Playhouse will open with the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Oklahoma! (Oct. 925), followed by Neil Simon’s bittersweet comedy Brighton Beach Memoirs (Nov. 20 through Dec. 13), Broadway dance sensation Swing (Jan. 22 through Feb. 7, 2010), Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap (March 5-21, 2010) and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (April 16 through May 2, 2010). The Playhouse is also presenting a special Halloween

The cast of Grease performs a 1950s-themed number.

production of the spine-chilling ghost story

The Woman in Black (Oct. 30 and 31).

The Lake Worth Playhouse is located at 713 Lake Avenue in downtown Lake Worth. It is situated on the south side of Lake Avenue two blocks east of Dixie Highway. Free, well-lit parking is available on Lake Avenue and surrounding side streets, with free parking lots located behind the playhouse.

Performances of the summer musical Grease run Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. with an additional Sunday matinee on July 26 at 2 p.m.. Grease closes Saturday, Aug. 1. Single ticket prices cost $25 and $29, and can be purchased through the Lake Worth Playhouse box office at (561) 586-6410 or online at www. lakeworthplayhouse.org.

Ambrosia band members Ken Stacey and Doug Jackson live in concert. PHOTOS

PHOTO BY ROBERT ROYEM

Nicole’s Owners Reach Back Into Their Past For New Name, New Menu & New Restaurant Concept

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

A popular Wellington restaurant is reaching into its own past to offer a new menu, new décor and a new name next month.

Ron and Jaene Miranda, who own Nicole’s Village Tavern in Mizner Place on South Shore Blvd., are taking cues from their popular former restaurant Michael’s Pasta in order to present Nicole’s Pasta & Grill in early August.

The Mirandas opened Michael’s Pasta in Wellington in 1992, when restaurant options in the western communities were few.

After several high-profile Italian restaurant franchises opened in the area, they opened Nicole’s Village Tavern in 2001 to offer something different. Michael’s Pasta was named after their son Michael, while Nicole’s Village Tavern was named after their daughter Nicole. In order to focus on the new restaurant, they sold Michael’s Pasta in 2002, and it continued under new ownership for a few years before closing.

Ron Miranda personally created many of the menu items at Michael’s Pasta, signature dishes that weren’t available in franchise restaurants, he said.

“Michael’s Pasta was extremely successful,” he said. “Although Michael’s had some traditional Italian food, there were a lot of specialties, signature dishes. They were unique then, and they are unique now. You just don’t find these particular meals in any of your chain stores.”

Loyal customers who remember Michael’s Pasta have requested the return of some of those signature dishes, Miranda said.

“Many people have come up to us recently asking us if we can bring some of that back,” he said. “For the most part, all the hype of all these new Italian chain places has worn off.”

The new menu at Nicole’s will offer the best of both restaurants, along with a few changes to reflect current economic conditions, Miranda said.

“The prices will be lower and more focused to where we’re at in the economy, so we’ve created some additional dishes for that,” he said. “We’re also going to create a number of dishes that will be half-orders

“In

for those who don’t want a full meal. We’re fusing the old restaurant, the Michael’s Pasta concept, with Nicole’s. We’re going to keep our signature dishes here at Nicole’s. We’re changing some of the portion sizes and such to meet the needs of where we’re at in the economy.”

The restaurant is finishing a renovation to reflect the new menu, Miranda said. “We’ve added tile to the wall for an Italian look,” he said, noting that he was careful not to take the Italian theme too far since the new Nicole’s will not be a strictly Italian restaurant.

Miranda said he has been researching the market and the new menu for the past nine months, adding that he can easily get about three times as many types of pasta as he could eight years ago: whole wheat, tricolor, stuffable pastas. Several varieties of gnocchi will also be served.

“Our menu will have 20 different types of ravioli, which separates us from any Italian restaurant in the county,” he noted.

Lobster, sausage, four-cheese, porcini mushroom and veal are among the varieties of ravioli that will be offered, he said. Each will be served with a sauce that complements the filling. “It really creates an exciting menu,” Miranda said.

Although the menu will be predominantly Italian, Nicole’s will retain its more popular Continental menu items including steaks, ribs and lamb. “In addition to the unique dishes we had with Michael’s, we will continue to carry the unique dishes from Nicole’s, especially from the grill,” Miranda said. “We will have two steaks on the menu, but they will be higher-end because we want them to be the best steaks you can get.”

The new Nicole’s will be more familyfriendly, with a number of items for children, including mac-and-cheese ravioli, sandwiches and about a dozen varieties of specialty pizzas, Miranda said.

“You can come in and order a steak, your spouse can order a specialty item, and your child can order a pizza or sandwich,” he said. “We’ll have a line of Italian sandwiches as well.”

For the last four months, friends who are New York City pizza veterans have been

Ron and Jaene Miranda, owners of Nicole’s Village Tavern on South Shore Blvd., will soon be renaming their popular restaurant Nicole’s Pasta & Grill. The new concept will feature many Italian favorites from their previous Michael’s Pasta restaurant.

teaching Nicole’s employees how to make pizza New York style, Miranda said.

“We will be making our dough in-house,” he said. “Everything for our pizzas will be made in-house. There’s nothing bought or frozen on our pizzas.”

And as perhaps the ultimate nod to the past, Miranda said the original chefs from Michael’s Pasta will be in charge of the kitchen.

“One of them is consulting with me, one of them works for me now, and my brother who was a chef at Michael’s Pasta will be

PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

down here in September, also to work with us,” he said. “I will have the same exact chefs that we had at Michael’s Pasta. We are so excited about this menu and what we’re doing here. We’re not only reinventing ourselves, we’re reintroducing ourselves.”

Nicole’s Village Tavern, soon to be Nicole’s Pasta & Grill, is located in Mizner Place at 12300 South Shore Blvd., Suite 103 in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 793-3456 or visit www.nicolesvillage tavern.com.

addition to the unique dishes we had with Michael’s, we will continue to carry the unique dishes from Nicole’s, especially from the grill,” Miranda said. “We will have two steaks on the menu, but they will be higher-end because we want them to be the best steaks you can get.”

Ron Miranda, owner of Nicole’s Pasta & Grill

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AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC —

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

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

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

WATER CONDITIONERS FROM $499.00 —- Reverse osmosis units for the whole house. Mention this ad for equipment checkup and water analysis $19.99 561-6896151