The Palms West Chamber of Commerce celebrated the demolition of its old building Wednesday to make way for a parking lot for its recently completed new building. At least 100 chamber members, staff and friends watched the old modular building come down. It had been a bank building on Military Trail before the chamber acquired it, moved it and retrofitted it in the early 1990s.
Replacing the old building with a larger, more modern facility has been a major chamber goal for the past decade. After years of plan-
ning, it has become a reality.
The new 4,000-square-foot building includes meeting rooms that will be available for public use for a small fee, Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda said.
The chamber offices can be shut off from the meeting rooms so people can use them while the chamber staff conducts business, Miranda said.
“These two conference rooms can be left open for the public to use, and we can lock down the inner office,” Miranda said. “It leaves the kitchen open, so if you’re having a big meeting, you have the service of the kitchen.”
The large conference room
could accommodate small banquets, she said.
“This is a facility for the community to use; that’s the big thing,” Chamber Chairman Carmine Priore III said, noting that the meeting rooms for the public will be set up soon. The new building has six individual offices for the chamber, including a separate corner office for Miranda, who previously had to share an office with another staff member.
Miranda said the new building is operating under a temporary certificate of occupancy. A grand opening celebration for the new
See DEMOLITION, page 16
Four Lawyers Eye County Court
By Lauren Miró
Town-Crier Staff Report
Four lawyers are seeking election to replace retiring County Judge Paul Moyle this year.
Laurie Cohen, Marni Bryson, Jane Sullivan and Lloyd Comiter will vie for the Group 7 seat on Aug. 24. The election is nonpartisan and open to all Palm Beach County voters.
If no candidate wins a majority, the top two vote getters will advance to the general election Nov. 2. The winner will sit for a fouryear term and receive a $137,000 salary.
County judges preside over civil lawsuits of less than $15,000, misdemeanor criminal charges and other cases such as traffic violations and landlord-tenant disputes. The maximum sentence in county criminal court is one year in the county jail. The county court is often called the “people’s court” and often sees litigants who represent themselves.
Cohen, 48 of Wellington, was born in Maryland and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland. In 1991, she moved to Florida and began law school at Nova Southeastern University.
Cohen has been admitted to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit and the U.S. District Court, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida. She lives with her husband, Irwin, and sons Stuart, 13, and Eric, 10.
After graduation, Cohen worked for the State Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor before opening her own firm in 1996.
“That’s when I got away from work in criminal law and moved to commercial litigation,” she said.
Cohen has worked in commercial litigation for 14 years and is currently with the Rutherford Mulhall law firm. She served on the Wellington Village Council from 2003 to 2008.
Cohen said that the desire for greater public service led her to run for County Court judge. “I value public service,” she said. “I think that it’s my responsibility to give back to the community.”
Cohen said that she is the most qualified candidate because of her “broad background” in law that covers criminal cases, a variety of civil cases including small claims and other county court matters, as well as complex commercial cases such as condominium, busi-
ness, contract, employment, copyright and patent lawsuits.
“There’s no sort of civil or criminal litigation case that I haven’t been involved in,” she said.
What sets her apart from the other candidates is her extensive business experience and government experience, Cohen said. Before attending law school, Cohen had 10 years of business experience, culminating in her position as second vice president for Chase Automotive Finance.
“I don’t think any other candidate has the breadth and depth of legal experience that I do,” she said. “The wide variety of cases I’ve litigated, along with my background in business and government experience, make me the best candidate.”
For more about Cohen, visit www.lauriecohen.com.
Sullivan, 60, was born in Cambridge, Mass., and attended Regis College in Weston, Mass., where she received her bachelor’s degree in sociology. Years later she received a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University.
In 1994, she moved to Florida, and at age 48 enrolled in law
By Denise Fleischman Town-Crier Staff Report
An injured Iraq War veteran has a new service dog, thanks to Paws 4 Liberty, a nonprofit service dog organization based in suburban Lake Worth.
Paws 4 Liberty Executive Director Heidi Spirazza, an occupational therapist and riding instructor at the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee Groves, recently placed Sgt. Paul Thurman, a wounded veteran from Fort Worth, Texas, with Lucky, a three-year-old yellow Labrador retriever.
Lucky will provide seizure alert, night terror wake-up assistance, help in picking up dropped items and general life enrichment for Thurman.
Lucky started his training as an arson detection dog in Miami. He didn’t care for arson sniffing duty, but took to other parts of his training with ease. Spirazza was con-
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
Next week, the Village of Wellington will begin phase two of its South Shore Blvd. improvements that will span from Pierson Road south to Lake Worth Road.
The improvements include roadway reconstruction, sidewalk construction, street lighting, landscaping, accent lighting and construction of a bridle trail and bike lanes along South Shore Blvd., Capital Improvement Director Rick Greene told the Town-Crier Tuesday.
“It has been a long time coming,” Greene said. “It will look the same as the north side of Pierson.”
The village plans to build a 16foot bridle path along the west side of South Shore Blvd. with a fourfoot, three-panel fence that is uniform with other bridle paths in the area. Additionally, a five-foot bike lane will be built along both lanes, and a sidewalk will be built on the east side of the road.
Although the roadway could handle additional traffic lanes,
Greene said the village is not looking to widen the roadway.
“We’re
to several communities along the road to provide for safer travel. Additional lights will be provided at Quarter Horse Trail, at the park entrance, the Wellington Boys & Girls Club, Santa Barbara Drive and Southfields Road.
“We’re not going to light the whole street,” Greene said. “We just want to provide additional lighting at those residential entrances.”
The project will also dig up and align the driveway of Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 27 with Santa Barbara Drive. The village also plans to improve the horse crossings on the southern corners of Pierson Road and South Shore Blvd. with in-
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
A report released last week by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection reports there are no dangerously elevated levels of contaminants in the soil in The Acreage.
“The DEP believes that in general, residential property in The Acreage is safe for families to enjoy outside activities in their yards,” DEP Division of Waste Management Director Mary Jean Yon wrote in a summary of findings in the 540-page report. The DEP tested for more than 200 possible contaminants and detected three substances at slightly elevated levels: arsenic, benzo[a]pyrene and petroleum hydrocarbons.
Soil samples were collected during March and April at 35 residences and 11 background locations in The Acreage. A total of 140 samples were taken. Of the 35 homes sampled, 12 were Department of Health case
tacted when it was determined that Lucky would make a good service dog.
After working with Spirazza and trainer Marti Hohmann, Lucky was assigned to a soldier for one year. That soldier underwent a spine operation and recuperated to a point that he no longer needed a service dog, so he returned Lucky to Spirazza.
Thurman contacted Independence Fund, which put him in touch with Paws 4 Liberty. Thurman applied and was accepted for a service dog. “Matching Lucky with Sgt. Thurman required evaluating the traits and strengths of the dog with Thurman’s needs,” Spirazza explained. Thurman was in town for two weeks this month to train with Lucky as they got to know each other. “He is going to be a big help to me. He’ll be there for me all the time. Lucky is an awesome dog,” Thurman said.
Spirazza said she believes that the pairing will work out well. “In the two weeks since Paul has been working with Lucky, I have observed a close bonding,” Spirazza said. “I believe that Paul will have an enhanced daily life with the aid of Lucky to help with physical and emotional support.” Thurman’s wife Tanya said that every day she spoke to him on the phone, he seemed more upbeat and happy.
Demolition Day — The old Palms West Chamber of Commerce building is torn down Wednesday. The chamber’s new building was recently completed. PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER
PWH, Miami Children’s Hospital Partner For Better Pediatric Care
Miami Children’s Hospital and Palms West Hospital announced Monday, July 26 that they have entered into an affiliation to provide pediatric emergency care in Palm Beach County.
Starting Oct. 1, physicians from Miami Children’s Hospital’s emergency room will be providing care to the children in central Palm Beach County at Palms West Hospital. Representatives of both hospitals took part in a ceremony on Monday to cement the relationship. The ceremony was concluded with leaders of both hospitals, and children affiliated with the hospitals, putting together a puzzle.
“We expect that this collabora-
tive affiliation with Miami Children’s Hospital will take the already great level of pediatric emergency room care at Palms West Hospital to an even higher level,” Palms West Hospital CEO Bland Eng said. “Palms West is looking forward to working with one of the most respected names in pediatric healthcare to provide enhanced pediatric emergency care.”
Appointments are now available for children who have special medical needs and require care from pediatric craniofacial, endocrinology, gastroenterology, neurology and orthopedic specialists. For additional information, or to request an appointment, call (561) 383-7113 or visit www.mch nicklauscarecenters.com.
Former pediatric patients assemble a puzzle to conclude the ceremony.
HCA East Florida Division President Michael Joseph, Miami Children’s Hospital CEO Dr. Narendra Kini and Palms West Hospital CEO Bland Eng with the finished puzzle.
Alec Domb, Bill Tavernise and Michael Stone.
Palms West Hospital CEO Bland Eng says a few words.
Royal Palm Beach Mayor Matty Mattioli, Wellington Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore, Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen and Palms West Hospital’s Lisa Gardi.
Weisman: County Budget Cutting Will Not Be Easy
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
The Palm Beach County Commission still is struggling to further reduce the budget in order to avoid a tax rate increase, although the net money collected in property taxes is decreasing, County Administrator Robert Weisman said at last week’s public forum meeting hosted by County Commissioner Jess Santamaria at the original Wellington Mall. Weisman said July 21 that his staff is working to keep taxes as low as possible while continuing to provide services that people say are important to them.
“That has been a constant battle with the commissioners and a lot of disagreement over what’s important and not important,” Weisman said. “It’s my job as the county administrator working for the seven commissioners to try to do the best I can to present the results of the majority votes of the board.”
The proposed county property tax rate of 4.75 mills is higher than the 2009-10 rate of 4.34 mills, but countywide property tax income will be less — $603 million for next year, compared to $608 million for the current year, Weisman said. This is because of a drop in taxable value from $140 billion in 2010 to $127 billion in 2011, based on figures released this month by the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office. Average county property taxes peaked at $688 million in 2007 while taxable property value grew from $160 billion in 2007 to $170 billion in 2008. Property value fell to $160 billion in 2009.
“The property appraiser predicts that will go even lower next year, and even lower in 2013,” Weisman said, explaining that he and his staff are presuming there will be no increases in property value. “There will be a continued decrease, not as steep as we have seen, but there will be a continued decline. I’m trying to convince the county commission that this is not an optimistic time and to be as conservative as possible.”
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office budget comes out of the county’s ad valorem tax revenue, and through the years has taken a significantly larger portion as other county departments have struggled to cut back, Weisman said. The sheriff’s budget was $371 million in 2007, compared with $337 million for other county departments. Since then, the sheriff’s
budget has continued to increase, to $480 million this year, as other county departments cut back to a combined $298 million. The sheriff’s budget for next year trimmed back $19 million to $461 million as the other county departments cut $26 million to $272 million, Weisman said.
“The sheriff’s budget is getting to be almost twice the county budget, when before it was only about 20 percent larger,” Weisman said.
“Why am I hung up on this? Because the sheriff’s budget is our combination of Social Security and the Pentagon for the national budget.”
Cutting the PBSO budget is not a popular idea, Weisman noted — especially since the vast majority of the money is in personnel costs. Salaries for about 4,000 PBSO employees account for about 80 percent of the operating cost, Weisman said.
Unless people are willing to look at the sheriff’s budget and the impact on taxes, it is almost impossible to reduce the county budget any further, Weisman said.
“That is the critical issue the county commission and the public are going to have to deal with,” he said. The two biggest portions of the county’s other operating costs are parks and the Palm Tran transportation system, Weisman said. A big portion of the Palm Tran budget is the disabled transit service, which provides door-to-door connections for those in need.
“They are a very vocal group,” Weisman said. “There are a lot of people in need out there, and the board hears those concerns and wants to try and do good for people.”
Weisman said county employees have not received raises, and he did not anticipate that they would for another several years. About 150 employees have been laid off in the past four years, and about 600 positions have been eliminated from the budget, cutting positions about 15 percent.
“The reality is we haven’t cut much in the way of services,” Weisman said. “We’re not maintaining parks the way we were, but we’re maintaining ball fields because that’s something people actively use,” he said, explaining that the county has avoided saving money by shutting parks and public facilities as Broward County did.
“Broward has shut their libraries on Sunday, and where do all
See WEISMAN, page 16
Three Republicans Seek To Replace Domino In Dist. 83
By Ron Bukley
Town-Crier Staff Report
Republicans Nancy Cardone, Pat Rooney and Francisco Rodriguez will face off in the Aug. 24 primary for the Florida House of Representatives District 83 seat being vacated by term-limited Carl Domino.
Domino, a Republican, is running for the Florida State Senate District 25 seat being vacated by Senate President Jeff Atwater. District 83 takes in most of northern Palm Beach County, including the northern half of The Acreage. The winner of the Republican primary will face Democrat Mark Marciano in the Nov. 2 general election.
Cardone, a Jupiter Realtor, said she is running because she wants to follow through on the vision of attracting high-tech, high-skilled jobs to the area, a longtime dream she said is finally being realized with the emergence of biotech firms such as Scripps Florida.
“We’re clear about what we want,” Cardone told the TownCrier on Monday. “We knew that the service industries and construction were not sustainable.” As a resident of the rural community of Jupiter Farms, she said she identifies with the lifestyle of residents of The Acreage. For instance, her home has a septic tank and a well. “I’ve got great water,” she said. “I don’t like chemicals in my water. It is a lifestyle we chose, and it is a lifestyle that should be protected.”
Cardone, whose children are grown, said she has the ability serve as a state representative. As director of marketing and sales for Illustrated Properties, she said she wants to apply her experience in the real estate industry to economic recovery.
“We will not improve the economy until we start to get out of the housing slump,” she said. “We
See DISTRICT 83, page 16
Nancy Cardone
Pat Rooney
Francisco Rodriguez
OUR OPINION
Memories Demolished, Making Way For New Memories To Come
This week marked a new chapter for the Palms West Chamber of Commerce as staff and members said goodbye to the chamber’s longtime home. Wednesday’s ceremony — which saw the demolition of the old chamber building — was a final farewell after nearly two decades. And while it’s the necessary next step for the chamber as it continues to grow along with the community, there was a lot of history attached to the old building. Because of that history, and the sentimental value the old building carried, its destruction was a bittersweet moment to say the least.
Those who weren’t around in the early 1990s might not understand what there is to be sentimental about. Well, for starters, it’s not just a regular office building purchased from a previous owner or put together by a construction company. It was donated by a bank — a bank on Military Trail. It had to be moved to Loxahatchee. And that only came after it was stored at Wellington’s wastewater treatment plant. As the chamber’s former vice president of operations Mark Miles recalled in the chamber’s 25th anniversary community resource guide, “We had to move power lines and phone wires and streetlights out of the way because of its height.” (And you thought moving furniture was an ordeal.)
Santamaria:
A Cure For Corruption
We residents of Palm Beach County (a.k.a. Corruption County) have felt embarrassed, suspicious and very unhappy about the title given to the place where we live. Repeatedly, members of county and local government have disappointed those of us who trusted them and put them in office. Three of them are now serving jail sentences! Finally an antidote is in sight, thanks to the clear thinking, effort and staying power of Commissioner Jess Santamaria. He knew that the only way to cure the illness that afflicted our part of Florida was to strongly support an ethics commission and inspector general that are totally independent of political influence or control. Palm Beach County’s Commission on Ethics is now in place and the inspector general’s position has been filled. These are great things for all of us. Local governments would be wise to follow this model and opt in to this necessary government “watchdog” plan. Since his election, the commissioner has committed himself to representing the best interests of all residents of Palm Beach County. He has “ruffled some feathers,”
County Court
Four Lawyers
continued from page 1 school at Nova Southeastern University. For 11 years, she has worked as an assistant public defender, currently representing juveniles between ages 12 and 19.
In 2006, Sullivan ran for County Court judge and earned 49.47 percent of the vote, narrowly losing to Ted Booras.
Sullivan said she hopes to be able to serve the public and increase the number of female judges in Palm Beach County.
“There’s 54 judges, and 35 are men — that’s 65 percent of the judges who are male,” she said. “There are 19 women, which is 35 percent.”
Sullivan said that her 11 years of courtroom experience coupled with her integrity and ability to be fair and impartial makes her the best candidate. “I’m a courtroom attorney,” she said. “I have 11 years of courtroom experience in county and circuit court in four divisions. I have experience with misdemeanors, felonies, juvenile cases and appeals.”
Acreage Good News?
continued from page 1 homes and 23 were control homes. Of the 35 homes sampled, 11 — four DOH case homes and seven control homes — had samples exceeding one or more of the three contaminants.
Samples were also taken at 11 undeveloped sites in order to have a background comparison. Arsenic was found at seven homes, two case homes and five control homes in concentrations slightly exceeding acceptable levels of 2.1 milligrams per kilogram for residences at a range between 2.4 to 7.3 milligrams per kilogram. Arsenic was once used in agricultural pesticides and to treat wood posts for termite prevention.
Benzo[a]pyrene was found at five homes at concentrations exceeding the acceptable range of
which to us voters means he is doing his job! He has saved millions of potentially wasted dollars by examining the facts, analyzing the impacts and deciding whether the proposal has merit for the people of the county. Commissioner Santamaria has saved the taxpayers over $60 million by opposing an unnecessary landfill. Because of his concerns about the quality of our drinking water, Jess has proposed a moratorium on rock mining until its effect on water quality can be evaluated.
Jess Santamaria continues to do all that he promised for the people of the western communities and Palm Beach County. He is up for re-election, and we will be very fortunate to have him as our advocate. I urge all voters in County Commission District 6 to thank him by voting for Jess on primary day Aug. 24, or in early voting beginning Aug. 9.
Arlene Olinsky Royal Palm Beach
President, Congress A ‘Nightmare’
I have just read your opinion page and would like to respond to a couple of the nice letters. Ms. [Dolores] Hunt wrote of the disrespect shown toward the current
Sullivan said that she hopes voters will recognize her demeanor and experience when they go to the polls.
“I’m a former Girl Scout and the daughter of a U.S. Marine,” she said. “I always do my best. And if I’m elected, I will do my best.”
For more information about Sullivan, visit www.janefrances sullivan.com.
Comiter, 45, moved to Florida from Philadelphia in 1965. He graduated from Deerfield Beach High School and received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Boston University. He graduated from St. Thomas University law school in Miami Gardens and spent four years doing civil litigation before opening his own firm.
Comiter has been admitted to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court, the District of Columbia Appeals Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit and the U.S. District Court, Southern and Northern Districts of Florida. He lives with his wife, Meryl, and children Chad, Elyssa and Jordana in unincorporated Boca Raton.
Comiter said he chose to run for county court judge to serve the
0.1 mg/kg in three case homes and two control homes, at a range of 0.13 mg/kg to 1.9 mg/kg. BaPs can be generated from burned products like charcoal, asphalt and organic materials.
Total recoverable petroleum hydrocarbons were detected at one case home and one control home exceeding the acceptable level of 460 mg/kg for residences. Levels were 700 and 710 mg/kg. TRPHs can be found in gas, diesel fuel or oil.
The complete report is posted on the Palm Beach County Health Department web site at www. pbchd.com/acreage. Information about the cancer investigation is available at the Acreage Neighborhood Information Center in the Acreage Shopping Center. For more info., call (561) 798-7082. The Acreage Community Focus Group plans to discuss the results of the DEP’s report at its next
If the building’s origin wasn’t a story in itself, the timing of its arrival would ensure that it was present for the years of western communities history being made around it. The chamber moved into the building in 1992, just as the area was in the early stages of its growth spurt. That very year saw the beginning of the population boom in The Acreage, which took in a lot of people from Broward and Miami-Dade counties in the wake of Hurricane Andrew. In three years, Wellington would be officially incorporated, and new developments would soon make their way throughout Royal Palm Beach. And by decade’s end, the area’s growth spurt would be in full effect.
Of course, just because we look back at these memories as important milestones, there’s still much more history to be made, and given the nature of what that history will entail — with much of it focused on bringing more industry to the western communities — the Palms West Chamber will play an integral role. So as the chamber closes the chapter on the two decades it spent in its first permanent home, it has decades ahead to help write the next chapter. As one of the organization’s founding members, it gives us great pleasure to welcome the chamber to its new home!
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
occupant of the White House and then showed the normal liberal disrespect of the recent past administration. I guess respect is only supposed to go one way.
Mr. [George] Unger didn’t like the words “socialist” or “communist” or even “progressive” in describing the Democratic Party. But sir, there is a progressive caucus in Congress and the current administration has hired and appointed several self-avowed communists to high office. Remember Van Jones? He’s just one. There is even a man running for Florida governor that ran for president a few years ago as a socialist. You know: if it walks like a duck..
Ms. [Shirley] Bass says the letter “Obama A Failure” (July 16) is the only rhetoric expounded by Republicans. No, Ms. Bass, I think the Republicans have called the Democratic Congress a failure also. With an approval rate of 11 percent, I would say that Congress and the falling poll numbers of the man in the White House indicate that most Americans don’t approve of the failure that is Washington under the Democrats.
Mr. Unger even spoke of the wonderful bills passed by this administration, such as healthcare. I wonder how much support this nation will give the bill when the massive new taxes take effect in the near future?
Do you nice folks appreciate the fact that Muslims are exempt from being forced to buy healthcare but will, of course, be given the benefits of healthcare for free? Just one part of the wonderful bill.
Do you remember the current occupant of the White House signing a deal with Rep. [Bart] Stupak that gave his word that the healthcare bill would never fund abortions? That was to bribe Stupak into voting for the bill, yet just last week it was revealed that Pennsylvania is paying for abortions with federal funds.
Myself, I think this administration is the worst thing to ever happen to this once-great nation. I can only pray that we start to recover in November when we elect new people who will put the brakes on this liberal/socialist/progressive/ communist nightmare in D.C. Archie Paul Wellington
Chesher: Look Up ‘Corporatocracy’
The Town-Crier prints a startling number of letters that could easily have been taken from the editorial pages of the McCarthy era. The recent letter “Progressives Or Regressives” is a perfect example. Socialism is a form of government that does not allow for pri-
NEWS
public. He said his experience in the county courts and volunteer work mediating small claims cases make him the best candidate.
“I’ve been practicing law for over 19 years now,” he said. “I’ve always enjoyed cases in the county court. I’ve been entrenched in the county court system and represented businesses and individuals.”
He said that his volunteer work shows he can be fair and impartial. “I’m easily approachable and easy to talk to,” Comiter said. “I’m a very open person, and I have integrity and good moral character.”
For more information about Comiter, visit www.comiterfor countycourt.com.
Bryson, 36, was born and raised in Miami. She received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Florida and a law degree from Nova Southeastern University.
After graduation, Bryson worked as an assistant attorney general in the Florida Attorney General’s Office in the criminal appellate division. She then spent more than two years as an assistant public defender before going into private practice. Currently,
meeting, tentatively set for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 5.
“The DEP will be explaining in detail what the soil testing results mean,” said Indian Trail Improvement District President Michelle Damone, who organized the focus group to explore a possible concentration of cancer cases in The Acreage.
Damone said she was glad the DEP had logical explanations for the elevated levels, such as bonfires, charcoal used in grills and mulch. “That to me was good news for The Acreage,” she said.
“I can remember at the beginning of this over a year ago, numerous residents stating they just want to make sure this is a safe place. Reading this DEP report saying it is safe for people to play in their back yards gave me the confidence I was looking for that there hasn’t been any contamination found to date. The focus group
vate ownership. That is a far cry from loans granted to the auto industry, which prevented the collapse of one of America’s most important industries, saved thousands of jobs and on which the U.S. Treasury is collecting millions of dollars in interest. The bank bailouts were initiated by the Bush administration and backed by his Republican Congress. I believe that’s called hypocrisy, not socialism.
Progressives focus on using government power to force large institutions to play by the same rules that the rest of us do. Republicans and conservatives fight to repeal all regulations on Wall Street, Big Oil and all multinational corporations, which are raking in record profits; you can’t really call that “socialism.” The obstructionist Republicans favor privatizing Social Security, eliminating the EPA and all other consumer protections, while blocking environmental protection bills. They spend obscene amounts of money on TV ads promoting the continuation of the Bush tax cuts for millionaires, while denying small
unemployment payments to five million struggling Americans, blocking the jobs bill and still insisting that trickle down economics actually works. (Bill Clinton raised taxes on the very wealthy and balanced the budget.)
The letter writer also insists that the Constitution has been re-written by activist judges. I agree. The Constitution does not give the Supreme Court the authority to stop vote-counting — an underhanded means of appointing a United States president. The Constitution also does not give U.S. or foreign corporations the right to spend limitless amounts of money to influence elections. It was the far right Supreme Court that rendered these decisions. If Republicans take back the Congress, we will re-visit the Bush years with the extra added influence of the Tea Party (which the Feb. 9, 2009 Newsweek called “the new John Birch Society”), the powerful NRA, un-regulated Big Oil and a reckless Wall Street. Good luck, middle class! Gwynne
The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words). Submit letters, with contact name, address, and telephone number (anonymous letters will not be published), to The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to (561) 793-6090; or you can e-mail them to letters@goTownCrier.com
she is an assistant attorney general in the Medicaid fraud control unit.
Bryson said she hopes to be able to serve the public if elected judge. She noted that after working for a private firm, she returned to the attorney general’s office because of her commitment to public service.
“I’m glad I got the experience,” she said. “But my heart has always been in public service.”
Bryson said that voters should elect her based on her courtroom experience and dedication to public service.
“I’ve spent practically all of my career in the court room,” she said. “I’ve logged hundreds of hours.
deserves an explanation on those areas where they had slightly elevated levels of contaminants, but I’m pleased with the results.”
At their meeting last week, focus group members heard reports on water flow from an Indian Trail Improvement District engineer and a representative from the South Florida Water Management District. The focus group had inquired about water quality and possible environmental threats to the water. Most Acreage residents are on well water.
Terrie Bates, assistant deputy executive director for South Florida Water Management District, said the agency’s focus is more on water quantity than quality, although it is involved with cleanup projects, including the Everglades.
“In Florida, water is not a property right,” Bates said. “The district requires a permit for anyone
After spending so much time in the courtroom as a prosecutor and a public defender, I know that we are in need of judges who have spent time in the courtroom.”
Bryson said that choosing a judge with experience is important to make sure everyone who comes before them gets a fair judgment.
“When you pick a judge to preside over the court, you’re dealing with rights and freedoms,” she said. “That’s one of the most sacred things we have. If you don’t have a judge who knows the law or who has tried jury trials, it’s not fair to the people who are being tried.”
Because of her experience as a public defender, Bryson said she
to draw water, no matter whether it’s from a well, lake or canal.” The legislature has exempted single-family domestic use and water used for firefighting, as well as the use of seawater, she said. Domestic users only need a permit from the health department.
“We want to make sure water use is not impacting other users,” she said. “From a well construction standpoint, that is delegated to the Palm Beach County Health Department,” she said.
Engineer Kyle Grandusky of ITID’s Engenuity Group gave an overview of surface water-management facilities and operations.
ITID’s legislative boundary of 88 square miles is much larger than what is commonly thought, he said. It is broken into two parts, the M1 and M2 basins. “To go north, we have to use pumps,” he said. “To discharge south, we can go gravity or pumps.”
understands the concerns of the people. “I understand what it’s like to be on the other side as a public defender,” she said. “Clients often mistrust the system, mistrust the judge and mistrust you. There’s no better lesson in the human element of the courtroom than spending time with clients with whom you have to foster that trust.”
Ultimately, Bryson said voters should choose her because of her ability to be impartial. “I’m evenkeeled,” she said. “I have an even temperament, and I treat everyone with respect.”
For more information about Bryson, visit www.marnibryson. com.
The M1 Basin can discharge water to the L-8 Canal by pump or the C-51 Canal by gravity, he said. Focus group member Stephanie Peskowitz asked how it was determined whether to discharge north or south. Grandusky said it depended on a number of variables, all based on water level. Discharge to the C-51 Canal is only allowed under specific circumstances and with permission from SFWMD, he said. Focus group member Patricia Curry asked about basin boundaries and connections to the L-8 running southwest of the Pratt & Whitney plant, which has been the subject of inquiries over use and possible spills of carcinogenic fuels and solvents.
“Are there canals that actually connect to Pratt & Whitney?” Curry asked. “No, not to my knowledge,” Grandusky replied.
Donnie Kula and Jennifer Johnson look over a classic G.I. Joe figure.
Maddie and Bella Asinas try on princess hats made by Donna Kurtz of Imagination Creations.
Donna Murphy examines a shell-encrusted cross adorned by Jean Ormsby and Joe Ann Hawley of Shell Craft.
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Martha Webster (center) with Copeland and Mary Davis. Jess Santamaria talks about his campaign. Jess Santamaria gathers with supporters for a group photo. PHOTOS BY
Jill and Jamie Fletcher of Wellington with the Hip Klip pocket accessory.
Michelle Leone assists Tara Shipp with a hand-softening treatment.
Lottie Daniels made dog and cat mats.
Man Dies In Tragic Accident At A Home In The Acreage
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
JULY 26 — A Connecticut man died Monday evening as the result of injuries sustained from an accident that occurred at a home in The Acreage. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, a deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to a home on 71st Place North after a vehicle fell off its jack and onto 56year-old Guy Manigat of Bridgeport, Conn., who was changing the car’s oil when the accident occured at approximately 10:20 p.m. According to the report, the vehicle slipped off the jack and fell onto his head. Manigat’s sister said he had been fine 15 minutes earlier. Palm Beach County FireRescue used the Jaws of Life to lift the car off Manigat, but he was not breathing. He was flown by Trauma Hawk to St. Mary’s Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
• •
•
JULY 20 — PBSO deputies arrested a Wellington man last Tuesday on charges of armed burglary following a burglary operation. According to a PBSO report, deputies observed 21-year-old Connor Hensius leave his home on Yarmouth Drive wearing all black and carrying a black backpack. Deputies observed Hensius jump a fence and enter the Stonegate community. According to the report, he broke into two homes and was then observed by deputies fleeing the development. After a chase on foot, Hensius was arrested, and deputies recovered his backpack, which contained jewelry taken from the homes and a handgun. Hensius was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail and charged with armed burglary, resisting an officer and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
JULY 21 — A resident of the Meadow Wood neighborhood called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Wednesday to report a delayed burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim said that at approximately noon on Thursday, July 15, she discovered that her mountain bike had been stolen from her screened-in patio. According to the report, the suspect(s) entered through the unlocked patio door. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
JULY 21 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home in the Versailles neighborhood last Wednesday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9:30 p.m. last Tuesday and 6:30 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole a briefcase, an iPod and a gold ring. The stolen items were valued at approximately $1,300. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
the victim’s unlocked car and stole two purses containing $120 cash, a debit card and a Social Security card. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
JULY 22 — A Lake Worth Man was arrested for shoplifting last Thursday at the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a loss prevention officer observed 28-year-old Patrick Glau select a pair of black shoes, a knife, several DVDs, a notebook binder and other items before entering the toy department. There, the officer observed Glau open the DVDs and conceal them in the notebook binder, put on the black shoes and conceal the binder in the front of his pants. According to the report, Glau then concealed the other items and walked to the front of the store, passing all points of purchase and making no attempt to pay for the items. A loss prevention officer stopped him, and the items were recovered. The total amount of stolen merchandise was valued at approximately $156. Glau was placed under arrest and transported to the county jail where he was charged with retail theft.
JULY 24 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home in Saddle Trail Park early last Saturday morning in response to an alarm call. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 12:53 and 2:40 a.m., someone attempted to enter the home on Appaloosa Trail. According to the report, when the deputy arrived, he heard the sound of broken glass falling onto the doorstep and observed that the decorative glass window in the front door had been smashed using a large piece of asphalt. The deputy checked inside the home and did not find any suspects. The victim is away for the summer. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
JULY 21 — A resident of Polo Island Drive called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Wednesday morning to report a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 11 p.m. last Tuesday and 8 a.m. the following morning, someone entered
JULY 24 — A Royal Palm Beach woman was arrested early last Saturday morning on obstruction charges following a traffic stop near the intersection of Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was called to the scene after 21-year-old Samantha Perrone stopped her car in front of the deputy conducting the traffic stop and got out of the car. According to the report, the deputy had to tell Perrone to get back in her vehicle five times before she complied. A search found two multicolored glass pipes containing residue in her purse. Perrone was arrested and taken to the county jail where she was charged with obstruction of an officer and possession of narcotic equipment. JULY 25 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to the parking lot of Regal Cinemas Royal Palm Beach 18 on State Road 7 last Sunday afternoon following a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 1:30 and 3:45 p.m., someone smashed the victim’s right rear window and stole a laptop com-
See BLOTTER, page 16
of criminal mischief. His occupation is cook/day labor. His last known addresses were 89th Place North in The Acreage and North Military Trail in Riviera Beach. Lovett is wanted as of 07/ 29/10. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc.com.
Aaron Diaz
Joseph Lovett
Challenger Bantel Takes On Longtime Port Commissioner Ciklin
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
Two Democrats are running in the Aug. 24 primary for the Group 4 seat on the Port of Palm Beach Commission.
Incumbent Blair Ciklin is being challenged by Charles Bantel, who ran unsuccessfully against Commissioner George Mastics for Group 2 in 2008.
The Port of Palm Beach District includes much of northern Palm Beach County. In the western communities, all areas north of Southern Blvd. vote for port commissioners.
Ciklin, the current chairman of the port commission, has been on the board for more than 30 years. He was elected in 1977 and served until 1980, when he took two years off. He returned to office in 1983 and has served since.
Ciklin said things are going well at the port, especially since the addition in January of the 1,200passenger cruise ship Bahamas Celebration, which he said is sailing about 4,000 people a week.
“That’s more than we expect-
ed,” Ciklin said. “Most of the cruises are sold out. People from out of county are spending nights at local hotels.”
The cruise ship offers a two-day cruise to Freeport, Bahamas, or a stay at Lucaya Beach Resort for a four- or six-day trip. He said the port commission is also working on a day cruise ship to replace the Palm Beach Prin-
cess
The commission has passed a resolution that it will not impose a tax on property owners in its district and as such has operated in the black, he said. “We are probably the only port that has not taxed,” Ciklin said. “This year we will be breaking even. We’re not trying to make a lot of money. We put it in the community.”
One major recent port initiative has been the goal of creating an “inland port.” That project has been going well since Florida Crystals became involved, Ciklin said. He said the inland port should provide jobs for people on the coast and in the Glades, which
has especially high unemployment, and provide commerce for other ports, in addition to the Port of Palm Beach.
Creating jobs is an important goal of the port, Ciklin said. The presence of Tropical Shipping and other firms at the port provides thousands of jobs, he noted. The port has space to accommodate a few more tenants, and Ciklin said they are negotiating with a biofuel company.
“If we can bring that in, we can be in good shape the next four years,” he said. “That’s why I’m running.”
Ciklin is the first vice president of Morgan Stanley in West Palm Beach. He also holds a Florida license in real estate and insurance. A native of Connecticut and resident of Palm Beach County since 1967, Ciklin graduated from Muskingum College in Ohio and did postgraduate studies at the New York Institute of Finance. He is a founding member of the Artificial Reef Committee.
Challenger Bantel said the port picture is not as rosy as Ciklin sug-
gests. As a commission watcher the past three years, he said he has seen policy shortcomings.
“I believe there needs to be a change,” Bantel said.
Both Ciklin and Commissioner Edward Oppel, as former directors, are still trying to be directors and are falling short on policy and political decisions, Bantel said.
In developing the inland port, the commissioners have given Port Director Manny Almira too much responsibility, Bantel said.
“They stopped working on the inland port and threw it to Almira right after he took the position,” he said. “It was a political item; they dumped it in his lap and tried to instruct him on how to do it.”
Bantel said he strongly favors the inland port, which he compares to what the airport did for Atlanta in turning the inland Southeastern city into an international hub. He feels the inland port could stimulate a similar phenomenon for South Florida.
Bantel also is critical of the commission’s meeting schedule, which he said is more for the com-
missioners’ convenience than the public’s. “They tend not to work so much in the public eye like they’re supposed to,” he said.
Bantel also feels the port’s funds, especially bond debt, have not been managed well. He asserted that commissioners have extended the timeline on $50 million in bonds, paying $4.2 million a year in debt service, putting them in a position that they will not be able to afford needed capital projects without major grants.
“They are now at a point where they have to rebuild infrastructure,” he said, adding that the port missed out on legislation that authorizes funding for port infrastructure improvements.
As a boater, Bantel said the inlet is in bad need of dredging in order to restore sand flow southward to Palm Beach.
“The sand normally goes from north to south and has built up to the north,” he said. “I have a concern because that is a condition to get a storm surge. I want that dredged to restore proper sand flow.”
Palm Beach used to be an easy inlet, but that is no longer so, he said. “The condition is changing,” Bantel said. “When the tide is outgoing, it is rough because of the shoaling. It used to be the tide would roll though the inlet. It now breaks, posing a danger for small craft, caused by shoaling.”
Dredging also is needed to accommodate Panamax ships, which are maximum-size ships that can navigate the Panama Canal and usually carry containers that can be offloaded to trains, semis or smaller ships, which would stimulate port commerce and be necessary if the Port of Palm Beach is to be a player in the inland port, Bantel said. “Fort Lauderdale and Miami are dredging to prepare for those ships,” he said. Bantel is self-employed as a commercial electrician. He said his work has included boat electronics, specializing in autopilots. The winner of the Aug. 24 primary faces only token opposition from write-in candidate Claudette Koenig in November.
RPB Zoners Impressed By Latest Plan For Links At Madison Green
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval Tuesday of an application by the Links at Madison Green to modify plans to build a new golf clubhouse building that will house a pro shop, lounge, fitness area and locker room.
Applicant John Szerdi said the improvements are to accommodate a growing number of golfers.
“We have more doors and windows because it’s more of a lounge and restaurant area for the members, in addition to the pro shop and lockers,” Szerdi said. The cart barn will remain where it is, where in the original plan, a new one was to be built. “We’re simplifying the plan,” Szerdi said.
The site is just west of Crestwood Blvd. north of Okeechobee Blvd. on almost five acres. Senior Planner Bradford O’Brien said the applicant is taking old treatments and applying them to all the buildings to unify the appearance, which was not in the original plan.
At the commission’s April meeting, the plan was criticized by Chairman Darrell Lange, who did not approve of their intention to close off an open dining area of the existing clubhouse. He also criticized plans for the new cart barn, which he said was “just a rectangle.”
Lange made a motion to recommend approval at the April meeting on the condition that the applicant work to add and preserve design elements, and the commission recommended approval. The
applicant received Royal Palm Beach Village Council approval for a site plan modification and architectural approval May 6.
Under the new plan, the applicant is proposing to maintain the original cart barn with no changes and build a new building that originally was a proposed new cart barn on the previous application. The applicant is proposing window and door treatments consistent with the existing buildings. Szerdi said all the colors, the window treatments and the building footprints will remain the same. The 6,750-square-foot building will be built on what is now part of the parking lot. O’Brien said parking still will meet minimum requirements.
Commissioner Jackie Larson
asked about the appearance, and O’Brien said all three buildings will look basically the same with similar treatments.
Commissioner Barbara Powell said the new plan seems much better laid out. “I want to commend you on the work you did because I know you had to go back in and do a lot of work,” she said.
Commissioner Tinu Peña made a motion to recommend approval of the application as submitted, which was seconded by Powell and carried 3-0 with Lange and Vice Chair Genevieve Lambiase absent.
In other business, the commissioners also recommended approval of an application by Gabicass Properties to repaint a building at 340 Business Parkway. Ap-
plicant Miguel Soto requested to change the color of the existing buildings from white and blue to beige, tan and red. A self-storage building directly across the street was approved for similar colors in April. Peña said the colors did not appear to be well balanced, calling attention to red painted garage doors on the side while the front remained beige and white on the front except for red address numerals. “It makes the building look bland,” she said. Larson asked why the applicant wanted to change the color, and Soto said he felt it was more attractive and would be more like the one across the street. “I’ve always wondered why people want to accentuate bay doors,” Larson said.
Larson suggested a condition of a three-inch minimum red band around the building, and Peña suggested the front door trim also be painted red. Powell made a motion to recommend approval of the application with those conditions, which carried 3-0. The commission also recommended approval of an application by TD Bank to convert signage at the former Riverside Bank branch at 665 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. Nadine Austerfield of Interstate Signcrafters said Riverside Bank had been taken over by TD Bank, which was asking for approval of the conversion to TD Bank’s green-and-white signage. Peña made a motion to recommend approval, which carried 30.
Indian Trail Seat 1 Candidates Discuss The ‘Cancer Cluster’ Issue
Each week leading up to the Aug. 24 primary election for the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors, the TownCrier will be asking questions of the four Seat 1 candidates. This week’s question: “What are your thoughts regarding the ‘cancer cluster’ investigation and what role do you see for the Indian Trail Improvement District in regard to the issue?”
JENNIFER HAGER
We have known for some time now that there is an increase in pediatric cancers in our area. Indian Trail must insist that no stone is left unturned, no water source untested. I’m of the mindset that the problem needs to be dealt with in earnest. It cannot be called a “cancer cluster” one day and not the next. It either is or it isn’t. We need to know for sure. Sweeping this issue under the carpet for the sake of property value is absurd. There can be no lingering questions about government testing. I want the system of disclosure to work itself out. Systems are in place for a reason. Perhaps other private, independent companies (as in not Florida’s own government) can be brought in to test our soil and water supply — all of it (50 tested wells out of 30,000-plus is not all). Call a spade a spade. Find answers. Move on. As a member of the ITID board, this will continue to be my stance. I’ll close with some questions for
my neighbors to ponder: What is the true value of your property if your child is laden with cancer? Why would anything matter more to any person than the health of the people they love? At some point this can no longer be about the almighty dollar!
MIKE NICHOLS
As vice chair of the Acreage Focus Group, I have been following this issue closely and coordinating with various agencies and residents appropriately.
The Level I cancer inquiry (study) by the Florida Department of Health was initiated in response to concerned residents who demanded answers to a disproportionate number of cancer cases in the area. After the study and a follow-up population recalculation analysis was published, it was determined that a one-time, threeyear SIR (standard incidence ratio) between 2005 and 2007 representing three female pediatric brain cancer cases, showed statistically significant elevated levels. Most people are unaware that the “cluster” is based on only three and arguably two cases, and that there is a likelihood that the elevated levels may be due to pure randomness. Further, most people are unaware that extensive testing has revealed that The Acreage has good water quality and that there is no contamination plume of any kind, and that further testing is therefore not warranted. Until fur-
ther cancer registry data is collected, analyzed and published, especially in light of the absence of a known or suspected cause, experts indicate randomness is a likely factor.
That does not rule out the possibility of some type of cause or suite of causes that is driving higher-than-expected levels, but because the study area is relatively small, it is not as stable as a larger area, such as a county or state population level, and the dependability of the numbers expressed is therefore not as good. These factors have led to frustration on the part of many individuals, including myself, seeking answers.
As far as ITID, it is a limited local government, but is a resource for the dissemination of informa-
tion related to assuring residents of the quality of their ground water and keeping their well and septic tanks maintained to a high level to ensure that their drinking water supply stays protected. ITID will continue to be an important resource for those with questions related to the quality of the environment in The Acreage and surrounding areas.
BILL RILEY
I see the “cancer cluster” as a problem that needs to be resolved. The ongoing investigation needs to keep on going until we know where it came from, how to stop it, and to safeguard our residents. Thirty soil samples are just not enough. Eleven of them show there is a problem that needs thou-
sands of tests. My heart goes out to the children who have been affected by this major problem. It’s up to the people who represent us that they care enough to get on it as fast as they can. We’re talking about lives here, not politics. As far as I know, it’s not in the water table yet... but what if we find it there later? Time is of the essence. I think ITID should work with the people who can find the answers to all the questions. So far I’m not pleased with the actions of the people selected to lead our community to be a safe environment. We need to get more people involved. To me it’s more than an issue; I call it a major problem. We pay taxes to protect us from health problems like this one. It’s time to see who cares enough
to get reelected to public office. What’s more important? A park? A paved road? A meeting where the residents are not satisfied with the panel? The answer for me is as I said — test more and find a way to solve the problem. How much is a human life worth? Our children are our future. They need to be protected, as well as all of our residents. ITID should contact all of the people who can help solve our problem.
RICHARD WAITE
Part of Indian Trail Improvement District helped perpetrate this fraud in order to have people demand county water. The proof in the pudding is that there is no justification for the cancer cluster scare.
Bill Riley
Mike Nichols
Jennifer Hager
Richard Waite
Olympian
Motorola representative Cesar Monserrate shows Peter Torres a new Droid X phone.
Bubu the clown makes balloon dog and swords for Andrew and Adam Johnson.
Tyler Pitino holds up the new Droid X phone he got for his birthday.
Team competition first-place winners: Hannah Brummer on Awesome Blossom, Heidi Basler on Donna Karan, Danielle Barber on Just Jack and Caitlin Klueber on Lucky Lord, with (standing) Manager/Secretary Ann Sterling Hart.
Dream of Love (a.k.a. Lover Boy) with Katrin Dagge.
Dr. Kristy Truebenbach Lund on Le Savant.
Adrianne Bowers, Preston Ramos, Billy Hart and Justin Gianoutsos.
Monday bassist Jersey Moriarty sings backup.
Rumor Has It front man Ryan Huseman plays a guitar lead.
Rumor Has It bassist Chris Gentile talks to the crowd.
Wellington High School alum Cassadee Pope sings with her band Hey Monday.
Jennifer Benitez gets assistance from Kids Consignment co-owner Karla McCurry. Gabriela Hagman tries out a rocking horse.
Jill and Raul Rojas look for school uniforms with their children Destinee and Austin.
PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Rumor Has It guitarist John Fiorentino on the Ernie Ball stage.
CARDINALS MASCOT VISITS RPB LIBRARY
Toastmasters Contests Aug. 28
In Wellington
Area 42 Toastmasters will present its 2010 Evaluation and Humorous Speech Contests on Saturday, Aug. 28 at 1 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).
Club speech contest champions from Area 42 will compete to advance to the Division D contests. Wellington Toastmasters Club President Reuben Henry will serve as the contest master and Area 42 Gov. Cindy Beckles will serve as the chief judge.
The event, co-sponsored by the Wellington Community Center, will feature speakers, food and door prizes.
Additional sponsors include Applebee’s restaurant in Royal Palm Beach, Boston Market, Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Royal Palm Beach, Domino’s Pizza in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Duffy’s Sports Grill, Everything Bagels in Royal Palm Beach, the Florida Marlins, Golden Corral in Royal Palm Beach, the Improv Comedy Club in West Palm Beach, Jungle Queen Riverboat, the Okeechobee Steakhouse, Olive Garden in Wellington, Outback Steakhouse, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Sam’s Club and Tree’s Wings & Ribs.
Toastmasters International is the world’s largest educational organization devoted to communication and leadership development. Founded in 1924, this non-profit educational organization has near-
ly 260,000 members in 113 countries.
Admission is free and open to the general public. For more information, contact Beckles at cindyebeckles@yahoo.com.
Homebound Mitzvah Program
Delivery Sept. 3
For 13 years, volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life have made a difference to homebound Jewish seniors in the community over the Jewish High Holidays and Passover. The Homebound Mitzvah Program of MorseLife will bring volunteers and Jewish seniors together again for the High Holidays this September.
More than 300 volunteers will be out in full force on Friday, Sept. 3 to deliver High Holiday packages to Jewish seniors throughout Palm Beach County.
The packages include kosher holiday meals, as well as wine, candles, a large print prayer book and a DVD of High Holiday services conducted by Rabbi Alan Sherman, director of chaplain services at MorseLife.
Just as important, volunteers provide some “quality time” to Homebound Mitzvah Program recipients, sitting and talking with them for a while to bring some additional warmth to the delivery. Homebound Mitzvah Program volunteers will gather for their deliveries on the MorseLife campus (4847 Fred Gladstone Drive, West Palm Beach, off Haverhill Road), and on the Jewish Community Center campus in Boyn-
ton Beach (8500 Jog Road) from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Since 1997, the Homebound Mitzvah Program has been reaching out to the area’s homebound elders in hopes of diminishing the loneliness and isolation frequently felt over Jewish holidays. For more information about the Homebound Mitzvah Program, call (561) 282-5388.
Huge Auction Set For This Saturday
In West Palm
J. Sugarman Auction Corp., headquartered in Miami, will host an auction on Saturday, July 31 at 11 a.m. at its new West Palm Beach location at 2070 Scott Avenue. The estate auction will feature almost $3 million worth of items from the owner of the famous Oscar and Dorothy Hammerstein home in Jamaica.
“We’re excited about moving into Palm Beach County,” J. Sugarman Auction Corp. President Scott Grasso said. “We believe this is an excellent opportunity to reach out to a new audience and continue to service our customers in the Palm Beaches. Our first auction in West Palm Beach is going to be special, and we will continue to make our presence felt in the area.”
The company expects to hold auctions at least once a month in its new Palm Beach venue. The first auction will feature items from J. Sugarman’s client’s 6,000square-foot Bal Harbour oceanfront penthouse, the Hammerstein home and his Manhattan apart-
ment. Among the featured items being sold to the highest bidder is a rare 1981 Rolls Royce Corniche convertible with original parts, paint, tires and interior and only 45,000 miles. The auction is much more than one spectacular automobile, however. There is a pair of 19th-century gilt bronze sitting three-foot Thai buddhas (estimated value: $50,000); a prestigious Buccelatti sterling flatware service for 24 (a combined 650 ounces) and two Hirschfeld pieces that were originally given to Oscar and Dorothy Hammerstein and displayed at their Jamaican estate. There is also $1 million worth of jewelry and watches, original French and Italian period furniture, $100,000 worth of men’s and women’s designer clothes and shoes, bronze erotica, Persian and Afghan rugs and dozens of original oil paintings and artwork, including several by Salvador Dali and French artist Louis Icart, Erte, Dufy, Picasso, Calder, Chagall, and a four-foot artist’s proof by Peter Lik. The July 31 auction will be available to bidders wherever they live as approximately 50 lots will be presented through the J. Sugarman Auction online bidding service. Items available will include the sterling silver service for 24, the Rolls Royce and numerous watches valued at more than $250,000. To enter the online bidding, visit www.jaysugarman. com. The public preview will be held on Saturday, July 31 at 9 a.m. with private viewings by appointment only by calling (561) 723-8246.
Palm Beach Cardinals mascot Robbie the Red Bird visited the Royal Palm Beach library Friday, July 23. Children who completed the 10-hour summer reading program received vouchers good for two tickets to the Jupiter Hammerheads vs. Clearwater Threshers baseball game celebrating Library Night on July 30 at Roger Dean Stadium. Pictured here is Robbie with his young fans (above) and Olivia McCormick and her father Patrick (below).
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
St. Peter’s In Wellington Hosts An Egyptian-Themed Bible School
Since its first year in Wellington, St. Peter’s United Methodist Church has been offering vacation bible school each summer. That was 30 years ago. What sprouted as an idea to bring fellowship to the children in the community has now grown into a brimming twoweek program filled with more than 450 kids.
This year’s VBS, run by more than 80 volunteers, invited children ages 4-12 to travel back in time through an ancient Egyptianthemed church gymnasium transformed by pyramids, music and a cultural marketplace.
“Vacation bible school was designed to introduce children to God’s love in a fun way,” said John Sullivan, St. Peter’s youth ministry coordinator for the past five years. “I’m amazed at how it all comes together to provide a program that is inclusive for the entire community. When people ask me, ‘How are you going to pull off such an extraordinary event?’ I say it is everyone here working together is what makes this program such as success.”
For more information about St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, visit www. stpeters-umc.org.
King’s Academy Students Return To U.S. After Finding Success In Spain
On July 18, 23 students from the King’s Academy’s Spanish Honors Program returned from a twoweek tour of Spain and Portugal. While in Spain, the group attended Spanish immersion classes at the Universidad de Salamanca, Europe’s fourth-oldest university. These classes, taught only in Spanish by university faculty, allowed the honors students to improve grammar and conversational skills, and to learn about the history and culture of Spain. Accompanied by TKA Spanish faculty members Roberto and Fatima Silva, the group performed well in Salamanca with a 100-percent passing rate.
“We are very proud of all of the students. They worked hard in their Spanish lessons this year to
get ready for this trip,” Fatima Silva said. “It isn’t easy or comfortable to learn when your teacher doesn’t speak English, but their preparation allowed them to succeed in Spain.”
The group also experienced European culture during evening and weekend trips throughout Spain and Portugal. These trips included visits to El Escorial, a royal monastery and final resting place of the kings and queens of Spain; La Granja, a royal palace and summer home; Segovia, home of an ancient Roman aqueduct and Spanish fortress; Pena Palace, a Portuguese royal retreat outside of Lisbon; the walled city of Avila; the Royal Palace and Prado Museum in Madrid; and a Spanish bullfight.
In addition to lessons and planned trips, memories were also made in unexpected ways. The students had the privilege of being in Spain as the country won its first World Cup, celebrating with fanatical Spaniards in Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor during and after their semifinal and final match victories.
“I love this country,” student Colton Jones said while celebrating. “I have met so many great people here and this has been the best day of my life.”
King’s students also enjoyed meeting and shaking hands with former President Jimmy Carter while visiting La Granja, as he graciously took time out of his visit to address the group.
The King’s Academy is a na-
tionally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool through 12th grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International, and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach and Hendry counties at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach, its Clewiston campus on Caribbean Avenue, and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens and Royal Palm Beach. More information about the King’s Academy is available online at www.tka.net.
St. Peter’s Youth Minister Coordinator John Sullivan with VBS co-director Shelly Albright.
One of the students’ “God Sightings” brings a smile to co-director Anne Miller.
Joseph, played by Kyle Albright, and Ramses, played by David Hass, stand at the entry of the “palace.”
VBS students marvel at animal sponge transformations.
Some of the children and teachers pose in front of the Egyptian pyramids.
TKA students take a break from exploring to pose for a photo.
PACK 120 VISITS GREEN CAY NATURE CENTER
Royal Palm Beach Cub Scout Pack 120 visited the Green Cay Nature Center in Boynton Beach on Saturday, July 17. The scouts learned about different plants and animals that are native to Florida, and remembered to keep their distance when they saw a female alligator guarding her eggs. The boys also competed in a photography contest, the results of which will be announced at a later date. (Above) Dave Elder, Connor Elder and Cameron Whalen learn about the flora and fauna of Florida. (Below) Nick Orth,
Latouche Honored For Academic Achievement
Anjanette Latouche
Moore Makes Dean’s List At Villanova
Christina Moore of Wellington has been named to the dean’s list for the 2010 spring semester at the Villanova School of Business in Villanova, Pa. Moore is a senior. Each year, students with established outstanding academic records are honored by the dean of each college. To qualify for the dean’s list in the Villanova School of Business, one must be a matriculated full-time student and earn a semester grade point average of 3.5, with no missing or nonpassing grades.
Villanova University is a co-educational Roman Catholic institution. It is the oldest and largest Catholic university in the Com-
Anjanette Latouche, a sophomore attending Wellington High School, has received recognition by the National Honor Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). Latouche has been selected for membership because of her superior academic achievements. The society recognizes top scholars and invites only those students who have achieved academic excellence.
Latouche, known as “Drea” to friends and family, works hard and made many sacrifices to ensure her place at the top of her class. Latouche has been on the principal’s honor roll since sixth grade.
monwealth of Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www. villanova.edu.
Greenbaum On Washington U. Dean’s List
Caitlin Jamie Greenbaum of Wellington was named to the dean’s list for the spring 2010 semester at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.
Greenbaum is a graduate of Half Hollow Hills West High School in Dix Hills, N.Y., and is enrolled in the university’s Olin Business School. To qualify for the dean’s list in the Olin Business School, a student must earn a semester GPA of 3.6 or higher, and be enrolled in at least 12 hours of graded course work.
She’s a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and she volunteers at her church. As for her hobbies, like many young women Latouche’s age, she still finds time to go shopping with her friends and enjoy dancing and reading. Latouche’s current goals are to continue doing well academically in high school and to pursue a scholarship at the prestigious Harvard Law School where she dreams of studying business law.
Formed in 2002, the National Honor Society of High School Scholars’ vision is to build a dynamic international organization
Washington University is counted among the world’s leaders in teaching and research, and it draws students and faculty to St. Louis from all 50 states and more than 125 countries. The total student body is more than 13,500 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. For more information, visit www.wustl.edu.
Goldberg, Moses Graduate U.S. Army Training
Army PFC Bryan K. Goldberg and PFC Crysteana M. Moses have graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, Goldberg and Moses studied
that connects members with meaningful content, resources and opportunity. Membership in the NSHSS entitles Latouche to enjoy a wide variety of benefits, including scholarship opportunities, academic competitions, free events, participation in programs offered by educational partners, online forum and publicity honors. The NSHSS recognizes academic excellence at high school level and encourages members of the organization to apply their unique talents, vision and potential for the betterment of themselves and the world.
the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, the military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field-training exercises.
Goldberg is the son of Ellis and Bonnie Goldberg of Loxahatchee and a 2004 graduate of Lake Worth High School. Moses is the granddaughter of Emma Meighan of Loxahatchee. Moses graduated in 2005 from William T. Dwyer High School and received an associate’s degree from Palm Beach Community College in 2007.
Nima Aria, Gavin MacLean, Connor Elder and Cameron Whalen take a breather.
Wellington Teen, Tailwaggers To Hold Benefit
Aug. 28 For Friends Of Abused Children Inc.
On Saturday, Aug. 28, Kevin Powers of Wellington will team up with Tailwaggers Learning Center to host a fundraiser for Friends of Abused Children Inc. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to noon at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.; enter Gate 6 or 8). The fundraiser will consist of an agility run for dogs, raffle and silent auction. The event is free and open to the public. For comfort, the public is invited to bring lawn chairs. Owners and their dogs who participate in the agility run must be currently competing in agility runs or be enrolled in agility classes. The cost to run a dog through the agility course is $5 for the first run; $3 for each additional run, per dog. Friends of Abused Children is a 25-year-old nonprofit organization serving children who have been adjudicated to state care. It provides goods and services to children and caregivers who are relative caregivers (grandparents,
Sponsors of the event include the Ironhorse Charitable Foundation, the South Florida Fair, CL Communications Inc., the Tailwaggers Learning Center, NTI Global, LSPhotoSmith.com, Schaumberg Industries, AgilityEquipment, Bravo Sports, Dr. Michelle Jobert, the Powers family, DogBedWorks.com, NY Prime Steak House, National Multiple Listings, Hands for Paws, Pet Supplies Plus, Plan-It Promotions Inc., Paw Prints On Your Heart, Paws-and-Tails.com, Say Yes Dog Training, Bay Pets, J&J Dog Supplies, Panera Bread and Chili’s.
For more information, call Friends at (561) 659-5005. To register your dog to participate in the run, call Kevin or Karen Powers at (561) 333-0533 or send an email to kpowers@bellsouth.net with the subject “Friends Fun Run.”
Troop 122 Attends Summer Camp In Tennessee
Boy Scouts from Troop 122 in Loxahatchee recently returned from their annual summer camp trip. This year, 15 scouts and leaders traveled to Altamont, Tenn., where they attended Skymont Scout Reservation.
While at camp, new scouts participated in the Polaris Program, which is specifically designed to teach new scout skills. Experienced scouts worked on various merit badges including climbing, rifle shooting and photography.
First-year camper Allen Leonard completed the Chaplain’s Aide program and was recognized with a certificate and patches. Several scouts and leaders spent an
exciting day whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River.
Scouts also participated in camp-wide games. Scout John Montanelli placed first in the archery competition. There were plenty of opportunities for leaders to join in the fun as well. Assistant Scoutmaster Jack Wolff placed first in the Scoutmaster Golf competition in which golf clubs were made from materials found around camp.
Troop 122 is already working on plans for next year’s summer camp. They are planning on attending Camp Daniel Boone in Asheville, N.C. For information on Troop 122, call Scoutmaster Tim Leonard at (561) 790-7256.
ZAIN Ministries Holds Inaugural Event At SRHS
On Saturday, June 12, ZAIN Ministries hosted its inaugural conference at Seminole Ridge High School. The theme of the conference was “Winning the Race In Spite of Hurdles.” The event was chaired by mistresses of ceremony Judy Nosworthy and Claudette Smallhorne, and includ-
ed praise and worship songs by soloists Hilthia Diaz, Traci Perez and Tony Williams. A mother’s testimony was presented by Janet Moreland, whose son battled cancer. A praise and worship dance was delivered by Brianne Forbes. The audience heard about the “Women of the Good News” of
Sudan, Africa by Deborah Dibble, who recently returned from Africa on a mission trip, and learned how to “Navigate the Storms of Life” from speaker Trish Zenczak, the author of Dump Your Junk: 30 Days to Quiet Leadership The function was well attended by men and women from the lo-
cal community. Seven lucky people won prizes and books, which were all donated. ZAIN Ministries is a non-profit charitable organization. Its members look forward to hosting more events in the Loxahatchee area. Proceeds will benefit women in crisis and local/global missions.
Ashton, Wilson Graduate Air Force Basic Training
Fason Wins Grace Hoadley Dodge Award
South Florida Fair’s Spring Garitson and Annabell Manners, Friends of Abused Children Inc. Board President Laurie Briggs and Tailwaggers planners Karen and Kevin Powers.
Troop 122 — Trevor Cole, Allen Leonard, Chris Burdick, Michael Fontecchio, Tyler Roberts, Kyle Grieser, Barbara Montanelli, Zulema Grieser, Tim Leonard, William Shock, John Montanelli, Matt Wolff, Dawn Shock, Jack Wolff and Ken Cole.
Forestry Officials: Keep Lox Groves Homes Clear Of Overgrowth
By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report
Two members of the Florida Division of Forestry stressed the importance of prescribed burning at the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association meeting Thursday, July 22.
Scott Peterich, a wildfire mitigation specialist, and Chris Wasil, a forest area supervisor, said prescribed burning was a way to prevent wildfires similar to the ones in Martin and St. Lucie counties in recent months.
Areas such as Loxahatchee Groves and The Acreage are vulnerable to wildfires because of the large amounts of trees, vegetation and wildlife.
Peterich, whose region includes Palm Beach, Broward, MiamiDade and Monroe counties, said residents need to better understand the effects of prescribed burning.
“My basic job is public education,” Peterich said. “All of you
live in an area we are very concerned about because of the large land areas with vegetation. It’s been very wet, and we have not had any wildfires. When that happens, people have a tendency to get more relaxed and lackadaisical. What you have to understand is that even if we have not had any wildfires, which will reduce the fuel, we have had 24 months of continuous growing.”
That continuous growing means future trouble, Peterich said. “When it does turn dry, we are going to have a tinderbox out here. We are really trying to make a push for prescribed burning,” he said.
One of the challenges, Peterich said, has been the rapid urbanization in South Florida.
Many communities have developments built in areas where there are trees and wildlife nearby, and the residents don’t want burns near their homes.
Peterich said there’s also concerns about prescribed burnings, and how residents with asthma or those with young children might be affected.
“There are health concerns,” he said. “They are real. If you want to have a prescribed burn, you have to take precautions to make sure we identify people who are shut in their homes and can’t get out, and they may have allergic reactions.”
Peterich discussed ways that communities could become Fire Wise communities and adopt programs that could reduce the risk of wildfires and qualify for federal funding. Peterich said the Division of Forestry would work with agencies such as Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office on these programs.
“The budget dollars are very tight,” Peterich said. “We have to stretch these dollars as much as we
can. We also include all our partners within the process.”
After the presentation, Peterich and Wasil answered questions. There were some questions about sugar cane burning, which often presents similar health issues as prescribed burning. Wasil said the Division of Forestry and the sugar industry are careful with those prescribed burns.
“We have come a long way in the past five years,” Wasil said. “The method of doing it has become computerized. Big Sugar does it now, and it’s very controlled. We do have some days where the upper level winds bring some ash all over town. I’m not going to say it’s never going to happen. You have to remember they are burning hundreds of thousands of acres of sugar cane every year. I will look at the computer for the weather conditions and make sure everything’s OK.”
Another question was about the
potential for a wildfire in the western communities, which has not had a significant blaze in quite some time. Peterich and Wasil said that although there has been a lot of rain recently, they are worried about what would happen when the rain stops. “There has not been a dry season,” Wasil said. “We’ve had a couple of growing seasons. There is debris out there. We had a fire just the other day in La Mancha in the woods by Target. It didn’t do much. So don’t think just because it’s green, it won’t burn.”
Peterich and Wasil encouraged the landowners to get in touch with them with questions or concerns. The Division of Forestry’s zone office is at 600 D Road in Loxahatchee Groves. For more information, call (561) 791-4725.
“Loxahatchee Groves is our place and our home,” Wasil said. “We want to make sure you guys are safe.”
CANDIDATE PETER BURKERT HOSTS CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISER AT BUCA DI BEPPO
A fundraising reception for State Senate District 27 candidate Peter Burkert was held Tuesday at Buca di Beppo in Wellington. In attendance were friends and supporters, along with Burkert’s daughters Lesley and Emily. Burkert is running in the Aug. 24 Democratic primary against State Rep. Kevin Rader. The District 27 seat is being vacated by State Sen. Dave Aronberg in his bid for Florida Attorney General. Three Republicans are also seeking the seat.
Demolition Buy Raffle Tickets
continued from page 1 facility is planned for sometime in October.
One of the people attending the demolition and tour of the new office was Vivian Palmer, who became executive director in December 1992 and led the chamber until her retirement in 2007. Palmer was one of the key people who pushed to make the new facility a reality.
Meanwhile, there is still some money that needs to be raised in order to pay off the new building. That job will fall to Director of Development Maureen Gross. Gross called it one of the chamber’s major challenges.
“My job is fundraising, first to
South Shore Work Will Begin Soon
continued from page 1
creased lights and signs on either side of the road to alert drivers that they are coming up on a horse crossing and equestrian area. It also will designate a horse crossing area for riders. “Many horses cross South Shore every day,” Greene said. “We’re going to clean those areas up and install
District 83
Three In
GOP Primary
continued from page 3 need to get people back to work and keep people in their homes.”
Affordable housing is more than just the price, Cardone said. Insurance and taxes continue to escalate, which also affects the affordability of housing. Born and raised in New York and Connecticut, Cardone moved to Florida in 1984. She has lived in Jupiter since 1989. Daughter Jeanette, 24, is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University. John, 23, served four years with the U.S. Army, including a 13-month tour in Iraq, and is now attending FAU’s Honors College. Jeffrey, 20, is a student at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
pay off the new building,” said Gross, who also directs the nonprofit Palms West Foundation, which owns the building.
The Royal Palm Auto Mall was a significant contributor to paying for the building, donating three new cars to be raffled. To help raise money, Gross noted that raffle tickets for this year’s car raffle are currently available to the public.
“We’re going to do another raffle, one a year for the next two years,” she said. “This year they’re $20 a ticket. The tickets are being printed this week. I should have them by the end of the week. Like last year, Santa Claus will pull the winning ticket at the end of the Palms West Holiday Parade.” To secure your ticket, call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palms west.com.
proper lighting and signage.”
Additionally, the village hopes to provide more room on each corner for horses to wait. At a public information meeting Wednesday, Greene said that the village was trying to obtain permission from the property owner on the southeast corner of Pierson Road and South Shore Blvd. to use some of the property as a waiting area for horses.
“We’re asking if we can secure an additional easement to basically increase the size of the staging
Cardone and her husband Bill Hall both work with Illustrated Properties. Cardone has been named Realtor of the Year by the Jupiter-Tequesta-Juno Beach Association of Realtors. She served on the Palm Beach County Zoning Board of Adjustments from 2000-06. She also served as a director of the Jupiter-Tequesta Chamber of Commerce for six years, serving as chairman in 2005-06. Cardone ran for the District 83 seat in 2002, losing a fourway Republican primary to Domino.
Rooney, scion of a well-known Palm Beach County family, said his experience with small and large businesses has given him the perspective it takes to run a wide variety of businesses — something he said is needed in Tallahassee.
“You don’t get a strong sense
eryone deserves.” Weisman noted that the next public budget hearing will be Tuesday, Sept. 14, in the evening at the county commission chambers. “The problem the board is going to face in September is they’re going to hear from both the people who think we need to have some services and some who want to have their taxes cut,” Weisman said. Weisman expects much of the discussion to be over planned PBSO cuts.
area,” he said. “And to increase the five-foot easement that travels along Pierson Road from west to east to 10 feet.”
Greene said negotiations had been successful so far, and if the owner agreed, the village would then modify its plans during construction to create the easements.
Mayor Darell Bowen, who attended the meeting, wondered whether the village could install a light at Lake Worth Road and South Shore Blvd. to provide better traffic flow. Greene said the
that there’s a lot of folks who have run a business, especially a small business as their occupation,” he said.
With the state looking at a $4 billion to $6 billion shortfall next year, Rooney said he can find ways to cut.
“You’re talking about cutting more programs and figuring out ways to cut costs, and I think that perspective can be brought to government,” he said.
Rooney said recent developments in his life, including the election of his younger brother Tom Rooney (R-District 16) to Congress, gave him confidence to run for office.
“I jokingly tell people that if he can do it, anybody can do it,” Rooney said. “I honestly do feel Tom’s doing a good job, but it’s something I’ve been thinking about all my life. I’ve been very
“The most notable argument will probably be over the sheriff’s budget,” Weisman said, noting that the cuts the sheriff is advocating are sensitive areas, such as the Eagle Academy, a drug treatment facility and parks police. “I thought at one point the board would try to restore some of that money. That is no longer the case. I think that’s going to go through.”
Weisman said another $50 million would need to be cut to keep the tax rate the same, adding that he had prepared options for the commissioners to consid-
village would have to go through the county and have a warrant study done to get a light put in.
The project is set to begin as early as Monday, Greene said. At press time, the village was waiting for a schedule from H&J Contracting so it could issue a notice to proceed. “Ideally we’ll begin the first week in August,” he said.
The project is expected to take about nine months, which would put its end date in April, but Greene said all major work is scheduled to be complete before
fortunate. I know the term is overused, but I want to give back and get involved with my community at a higher level.”
Rooney said he is concerned about education, the environment, oil spills and immigration, but his main focus that he feels he can help address is diversifying the Florida economic model, which he said is off to a good start in District 83 with the developing biotech firms.
“If we can sow the seeds with biotech, it can actually get us a leg up on other states and as a global economy, position us well into the future,” he said.
As a resident of Ibis, Rooney said he identifies with the issues of The Acreage. He noted that he and his brother met with a group of Acreage mothers concerning the cancer scare there. “I don’t have any clear-cut answers, but I
er, including closing swimming pools and reducing lifeguard services.
Other alternatives include rate increases for Palm Tran, a plan that is not popular because it affects the poor and disabled, he said, as well as computer support and portions of Channel 20.
“We propose cutting that back to only carry the county commission meetings,” Weisman said. “Those are the kind of cuts we need. We’ve cut our budget so much there’s nothing else left that really doesn’t hurt.”
the end of the year.
“We’re very cognizant of the equestrian season,” he said. “Most of the work that we anticipate should be done within the calendar year. Our hope is that the majority of what’s left before the equestrian season picks up consists of minor things like landscaping.”
Originally the village budgeted $5.1 million for the project, but H&J Contracting bid approximately $2.8 million. The extra money will go toward ad-
will definitely be there to listen to what they are saying and deal with as many agencies as they are dealing with,” he said.
Rooney graduated from Clemson University with a degree in political science, went on to Villanova University School of Law for his juris doctor and then earned his master’s of business administration degree from Lehigh University. He and his wife, Patti, have four children. They are members of St. Ignatius Loyola Cathedral in Palm Beach Gardens.
Rooney is the managing director and president for Rooney’s Public House and Rooney’s AllIn Sports Bar as well as president of the Palm Beach Kennel Club.
He is a governing board member for South Florida Water Management District and director and cochairman of the not-for-profit
ditional landscaping and irrigation that the village had bid as an alternate plan, Greene said.
“If the money was in our budget, we planned to do additional landscaping,” he said. “I’m pleased to say that because of the price we received from the low bidder, we’re going to do additional landscaping throughout the entire median. In addition to a new roadway, we’re going to see a more aesthetically enhanced landscape throughout the entire corridor.”
Rooney’s Golf Foundation Inc. He has also been involved with a long list of area nonprofits, chambers of commerce and other community groups.
Francisco Rodriguez did not answer inquiries for an interview. According to his web site, he was born in West Palm Beach and grew up in Palm Beach Gardens, where he attended Jupiter Christian School. After attaining a degree in biology from Pensacola Christian College, he returned to Palm Beach and married wife Stacy. They live in Jupiter and are expecting a daughter. Rodriguez is the manager of science and research at a vitamin supplement company in West Palm Beach. He also teaches classes on the U.S. Constitution as part of his involvement with the Constitution Committee of the United States.
Peter Burkert with his daughters Emily and Lesley. John and Gwynne Chesher with Peter Burkert.Diana Demerest, Peter Burkert and Barbara Magovsky.
Scott Peterich of the Division of Forestry. PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER
Director of Development Maureen Gross holds the door for Mike Nelson and former Wellington mayor Kathy Foster.
Chamber staff members stand in front of the new building.
Bobby Bradley congratulates Ron Gillette as he receives his free air conditioning system.
Get Specialized Feed Deliveries From Circle 8
It would be hard to find a smaller, more personal feed store than Circle 8. The business pleases its customers by catering to them individually. Barbara Kalchik runs Circle 8 from a tiny 6-by-8-foot shed in the front yard of her home in The Acreage. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 21
Vinceremos Concludes Its Summer Sessions
Recently, the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center successfully completed four weeks of summer camp sessions in conjunction with seven weeks of riding lessons at the Loxahatchee Groves facility. The camp sessions started on June 7 and ran through July 2. Page 35
A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION
Business
Sign Up Today For Fall Classes At Dance Theatre At Wellington Green
The Dance Theatre at Wellington Green, located in Wellington Green Square at 10620 W. Forest Hill Blvd., has quickly established itself as a top, highquality dance facility in the western communities. With three locations in Broward County, the Wellington studio has already received accolades, winning “best of” awards in its category for the past two years. Page 29
Spor ts
Summer Basketball Camp Concludes In RPB
The Royal Palm Beach High School boys varsity basketball team held its final session of summer basketball camp at Royal Palm Beach High School from July 26-29 inside the school’s gymnasium. Campers learned proper techniques for dribbling, shooting, blocking and playing the game. Page 33
Get Specialized Deliveries From Acreage-Based Circle 8
It would be hard to find a smaller, more personal feed store than Circle 8. The business pleases its customers by catering to them individually, and is a true family concern.
Barbara Kalchik runs Circle 8 from a tiny 6-by-8-foot shed in the front yard of her home in The Acreage. There is a small air conditioner on the back wall, over the window. Her desk, computer and two filing cabinets take up at least half of the space. The other half has enough space to stand and look at the shelves, which hold a few necessities: ointments, liniments, fly spray, salt bricks, Epsom salts, fly paper, horse treats and copies of this year’s Barn Book. Some lead shanks and halters hang on hooks on the opposite wall, and that’s about it.
But the store isn’t about people walking in and browsing; it’s about delivering feed, hay and the occasional emergency supply.
“We started this business six years ago,” Kalchik said. “Mark and Candy Goreg owned and operated the Mill, a feed store in Wellington, which blended their own mixes of feed. We were buying our feed from them and became friends. When they sold out and moved to South Carolina, we bought their business — the clientele, stock and some equipment, but not the building. We were selling out of our garage before we got the shed.”
When Kalchik and her husband Danny began, they didn’t have money to advertise, so they decided to have a yard/barn sale to lure potential customers. They sold household items and some extra horse tack, and Susan the Saddle Diva, a friend and neighbor, set up some of her saddles for sale to round things
Tales From The Trails
By Ellen Rosenberg
out. People came, and eventually the business grew, mostly through word of mouth.
Circle 8 sells Walpole Feed, which arrives fresh each week, a few different kinds of hay, shavings and a limited amount of horse paraphernalia. It is not a store as much as it is a feed delivery business.
“We have close to 150 customers,” Barbara said. “It fluctuates with the seasons — more in the winter, less in the summer. We have some polo players, some show barns, a few rescue operations, but mostly it’s backyard horse owners.”
The Kalchiks are vigilant about the hay, which is housed in a tractor trailer parked across from the shed. They stock an orchard grass/alfalfa mix that comes from South Dakota, and a couple of Tifton hays grown in Florida. They also have large hay rolls, good for supplementing poor pasture.
“We’re very picky about the hay we sell,” Barbara said. “We won’t sell anything that’s garbage or full of thick stems. We guarantee everything we sell. If someone gets a bad or moldy bale, we’ll swap it out. We keep our hay dealers very busy, and only order enough to cover what we sell each week, so hay is
never sitting around and getting old or dusty. We try to keep our business really honest, and offer quality goods at reasonable prices.”
In addition to a variety of horse feeds, they carry ratios for cattle, rabbits, goats, ostriches, chickens, pigs, deer and an all-purpose feed. They also have hay cubes, bran and beet pulp. They deliver Monday through Saturday. Danny and their son Daniel handle the deliveries. Barbara mans the phone. The customers range from Boynton Beach to Indiantown. Barbara has six children and five horses. Between taking care of her family, her home and the business, things can get “a little chaotic.” But she smiles when she says it.
Circle 8 sponsors a few classes at local shows and also sponsored Kim Hall, a member of the Spur of the Moment drill team, to go to the state competition. Barbara said it was a nice way to give back to the community.
“I’d have to say we’ve been really blessed,” she said. “Our customers are more like friends. We treat them with respect and honesty, and there’s a nice camaraderie. Some just stop by to gab. We really cater to our customers and try to be flexible.”
“I love doing business with Barbara,” said Linda Renna of The Acreage. “I was their very first customer. I was with the Mill, and then transitioned to Circle 8. I enjoy being with a small, family-owned business, and I especially rely on Barbara’s nutritional advice. I have two horses of my own and board two others, and they’re all very healthy horses. I also take in occasional rescues, and Barbara helps me put weight on them before I find them homes.
I’ve also raised a foal, and Barbara was great in helping me select a progression of feeds to raise her. She’s three now, happy and round.” “They’re awesome,” said Alexandra David of Loxahatchee, another customer. “They bring everything when they say they will, and if we need something in an emergency, they bring it right over. I train dressage horses and hunter ponies, and a lot of my customers now use Circle 8 as well. Barbara and Dan are absolutely wonderful people. That says it all.” For information, call Circle 8 Feeds at (561) 753-1184.
Barbara Kalchik stands near Circle 8’s trailer in the front yard of her home in The Acreage.
Producing An Online TV Show Is Not As Easy As It Looks
OK now, this is trouble.
I don’t know if you’ve gotten the memo, but The Town-Crier has gone high-tech on me, posting the paper online at www. gotowncrier.com and hosting chat rooms, guest books, videos, photo slide shows and even a TV station.
Yes, you heard me — TV. Our little community paper has gone worldwide by starting up a web TV show, available anytime of the day or night via your computer at www.tcin.tv (not “.com”).
So there are some wonderful things planned for this station (or maybe it’s called a “site”) but, in the meantime, the bosses have asked me to talk a little bit about antiques. This seems an odd request for a humor writer but somehow, over the years, I have ended up leading a dual life as both writer and antiques mall owner and they know this.
My ego being what it is, I pounced upon this opportunity with nary a thought as to how much preparation it takes to talk for an hour
‘Salt’
Deborah
Welky
is The Sonic BOOMER
— or even a half-hour. It takes a lot of preparation.
I decided to start with a segment about old toys because I love them and, therefore, have “samples” conveniently scattered throughout my home. No big deal to gather them up, right?
Ha! The night of the show, I took my tin sand toys, windup cars, cast-iron stagecoach, wicker doll carriage and some inherently dangerous games from the 1950s and researched them online before plopping them into a box. That took four hours.
Then I decided I needed an interesting backdrop, so my husband Mark had to disassemble a solid oak library card catalog and shove it into the car, together with a few more “set” pieces that I thought would add interest. A green tablecloth was added, but that had to be ironed first, as did a pair of slacks and three blouses (because I had no idea what the camera would prefer).
At the last minute, I ran a comb through my hair, pasting everything down with hairspray, which I never use and, as it turned out, makes me cough. Then I had to put in some eye drops because my eyes were all red from coughing. Then I had to redo my makeup because the eye drops had run down my face. Then I was ready. (Being a girl is a neverending cycle of fun.)
When we arrived, Mark and I unloaded everything and set it up, and I diddled with the arrangement of my toys for 15 minutes until I could reach almost everything from a sitting position.
Then the producer told me what to do and, more importantly, what not to do, which made me nervous because not only is this show broadcast live, but it can be viewed from anywhere at any time and will be circling the globe in invisible rays of potential embarrassment for millennia to come.
No pressure.
Cut to post-production, the show is over. I have insulted a nationality, thumped the table repeatedly with my note cards, dropped a metal bucket onto the floor and rattled on about my toys for 56 minutes nonstop. The producer is delighted. Online chats have produced good “reviews.” I need a glass of wine.
Now that it’s over and nothing blew up, I invite you to watch at www.tcin.tv. And, if antiques are in your blood, maybe I could interview you for the show some Sunday evening at 10.
I’m just asking.
Because I can’t go on like this, alone, forever.
Is A Decent Action Film Carried By Angelina Jolie
Salt is a fast-moving action flick that works because it does not try to be more than it is.
Since most action films focus almost solely on computer-generated effects that turn heroes into superheroes, it is actually a relief that we have a movie where the lead, Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie), actually is a human. That is, a human with an enormous talent for controlled violence, but a human nonetheless.
The film, which interestingly enough was designed for Tom Cruise, details the travails and exploits of a CIA agent accused by a Russian walk-in, a defector who walks into CIA headquarters with a story of being a Russian spy who intends to kill the president of Russia in New York City and thus set off a major war. While the idea that people at the CIA or Homeland Security would actually simply accept his word, particularly after he murders several of them in an elevator and escapes, seems ludicrous, except for the fact that similar situations (without the killing to escape) actually have happened.
Most of the film after that point (about 10 to 15 minutes in) is a chase, as Salt warns the
‘I’ On CULTURE
By Leonard Wechsler
Americans that someone wants to kill the Russian. They prefer to chase her down, and Jolie does a lot a car and truck jumping to avoid them before scenes in New York and Washington, where a series of confrontations take place. And, boy, are there a lot of scenes with guns firing and people being karatechopped.
The acting is as good as it has to be. Liev Schreiber, as Jolie’s stolid boss who demonstrates extreme loyalty, proves as usual to be a strong supporting player, with several layers of emotion revealed. Daniel Olbrychski as Col. Orlov, the accuser and master manipulator, also is strong. Most of the rest of the cast is fine, although demands on them seem to consist mainly of dying well. They, how-
ever, do provide a fine political backdrop to the action, a way to make the mayhem going on seem absolutely vital. Hunt Block as the U.S. president manages a couple of very effective lines that establish the character far more than most manage during the course of the film.
Jolie is, of course, the center of everything. As an action heroine, she comes off really tough. Perhaps looking tough and not glamorous is a great stretch for her, but she does it well. Her scenes with her spider-studying husband (August Diehl) are her weakest; the relationship, which in many ways is at the center of a complex bit of plotting, never seems to come alive. She remains tough and solid all the way through.
I particularly liked the gritty nonstop action. Once things started moving, there was very little downtime. Salt kept moving, kept defending herself (by killing people right and left), and was actually wounded. Not having a rash of computer-generated effects kept the movie on firm ground. There are explosions and some really wild stunts. But they were real. Jolie did not fly, did not use super forces. She could have been everywoman, if ev-
erywoman was gorgeous, could shoot brilliantly, do karate like a master and work through any kind of trouble.
There are all sorts of twists and turns in the plots; betrayals on all sides. The holes inside the plot are huge, but the action is so fast you only think about it as you talk about the film afterward. Things seem to start one way, then move to almost the opposite, and then back again. Is Salt really a Russian spy? Has she been falsely accused by a master manipulator? Does her story about wanting to check on her husband ring true? Are the Americans who are supposed to defend against her totally incompetent? All of those questions move to the fore.
These kinds of questions really can keep you at the edge of the seat. For probably the first time this summer, every one of the people in the movie-going group we went with actually liked the picture. Although only one person actually said it was an excellent film, everyone else said it was good value for the money.
All in all, this is a solid action movie, a good summer film in a summer where there has been remarkably little excellence.
Palm Beach Skate Zone To Host Breast Cancer Benefit Aug. 7
A fundraiser titled “Skate with Stars” is planned as part of the Summer Sizzler Skating Show to be held Saturday, Aug. 7 from 4:10 to 5:10 p.m. at the Palm Beach Skate Zone. The event is open to the public and will benefit Pennies in Action (PIA) breast cancer vaccine research.
Local breast cancer patient Melissa Nicholas has teamed up with Shelley Dodt, a breast cancer survivor and director of the Florida Chapter of PIA, to organize and raise money for Pennies in Action. Since being diagnosed with breast cancer this past March, Nicholas has been on a mission to inspire others while fighting the disease. Since the passing of news anchor Kristin Hoke of Channel 25, Nicholas is now even more intent on her mission.
Nicholas, 44, took up skating just four years ago with her 10-year-old daughter MacKenzie. Now she is training for the U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships. Currently receiving chemotherapy, Nicholas plans to skate with her daughter in the event.
Nicholas was introduced to Dodt through her skating coach Samantha de Laski, who had attended a previous Pennies in Action event. Dodt, a recipient of the breast cancer vaccine herself and local to South Florida, received six shots in six weeks and found that she was cancer free. The vaccine however comes with a large price tag of $83,000 and all cancers are not treated through it.
The Pennies in Action organization directly funds cancer vaccine research at the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania under the direction of Dr. Brian Czerniecki and his research team. Czerniecki receives National Institute of Health support but it falls $14,000 short per patient, and Pennies in Action helps to close that gap. Right now, the current trial is for the breast cancer diagnosis of DCIS/Her2/neu. Next year the vaccine trial is being expanded to include this diagnosis along with invasive breast cancer. These types of diagnoses are very common breast cancers, so it has the potential to help a lot of women.
“I want to do my part to help the next generation be rid of this awful, physically maiming, life-threatening disease,” Nicholas said.
“I found out about Pennies in Action, founded by Olympic skating coach and breast can-
cer survivor Uschi Keszler. My love of skating led me to this organization, and I thought it was a perfect partnership to raise money for a great cause that is going to positively touch so many lives, including mine.”
Skate with the Stars will precede the Skate Zone’s Summer Sizzler Skating Show that starts at 6 p.m. Admission to Skate with Stars and an auction event is just $5 per person (adults and children) and includes a skate rental. Admission for the Summer Sizzler Skating Show is $10 for balcony seating and $20 for ice seating. The Palm Beach Skate Zone is located on Lake Worth Road just west of Florida’s Turnpike. Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis by calling the Palm Beach Skate Zone at (561) 963-5900.
Annual Bon Festival Returns On Aug. 14 To The Morikami
The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach will host its annual Bon Festival on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 4 to 9 p.m.
Now in its 33rd year, the popular event — inspired by Japan’s three-day Obon holiday honoring the spirits — packs all of the celebration’s excitement into one fun-filled evening. Bon follows the Obon holiday’s tradition of remembering ancestors and thanking them for the living’s quality of life with cultural activities, entertainment and food, as well as a sea of illuminated lanterns and fireworks.
When night falls, patrons pay homage to those who have passed on by floating individually decorated candlelit lanterns on Morikami Pond, a traditional Japanese ceremony known as Toro Nagashi. The lights created by the floating lanterns signify the guidance of departed souls back to where they came after their brief visit. There will be limited lanterns available for $10 each, and they will be sold on a firstcome, first-served basis.
Bon highlights include:
• Taiko drum performances by Fushu Daiko
• Traditional Japanese folk dancing
• The floating of lighted lanterns across Morikami Pond
• A fireworks display
• A street fair with games and shop stalls
• American and Japanese cuisine
• Japanese beer and sake
There are several changes for this year’s festival. First, it will be extended one hour, beginning at 4 p.m., instead of 5 p.m. Pre-sale, discounted tickets can be purchased online and printed at home for faster entry. In addition, there will be more ticket booths, so lines will be shorter, and the viewing area has been revamped for the fireworks display, giving guests twice as much space to see the finale.
The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach (off Jog Road, between Clint Moore Road and Linton Blvd.). The museum and gardens will be closed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in preparation for the festival on the day of the event.
Advance tickets are available through Friday, Aug. 13 at www.morikami.org/bon.
The cost is $12 for adults, $5 for children ages 4 to 17, and admission is free for museum members and children 3 and under. On the day of the event, tickets cost $15 for adults, $6 for ages 4 to 17, and admission is free for museum members and children 3 and under. For additional information about the 2010 Bon Festival, call the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens at (561) 495-0233.
WPB Antiques Festival Aug. 7-8 At South Florida Fairgrounds
Having gotten off to a strong start with its newly inaugurated summer shows held July 3-4, the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival returns Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 7 and 8 to the South Florida Fairgrounds
After not knowing what to expect, festival owners Kay and Bill Puchstein happily noted that attendance was the best since the March show, and dealers fared well with merchandise sales. “Who said a summer show in Florida wouldn’t work?” Kay asked.
The Puchsteins have announced a change to the popular early buyers admission program that should be received very well. For the Aug. 7-8 festival, the early buyers admission will be reduced from $25 to $10, which will be good for admission on both days of the festival. Early buyer admission times will change from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday to 9
to 10 a.m. The remaining shows this season are scheduled for Sept. 4-5 and Oct. 23 featuring reduced booth rent. Some dealer space is still available for the summer.
One of the dealer booths that has been a fixture at the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival for many years is that operated by Gladys and John Ezzo. The Ezzos have been in the same location for more than 20 years, specializing in higher-end artifacts in the area of art glass with selections of Lalique, Galle and LeGras from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Ezzos also carry a variety of Tiffany bronze with a concentration of desk sets and dresser items. But the real eye opener in the booth is the sign that relates to silver plate. John offers a re-silvering and silver plating service that is utilized by dealers and retail customers alike who need to “freshen up” a silver item, but he does not re-silver mirrors.
John said this stops the most customers initially because re-silvering is a hard-to-find service. In addition to highend art glass, the Ezzo booth displays a fine selection of jadeite and unusual kitchen artifacts and other useful items. Ezzo also offers an authentication service for the many repeat customers who seek his advice about the authenticity of items they have or are interested in acquiring.
Summer show hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7 and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8. Adult daily admission is $7 ($6 for seniors) with a $1 discount coupon for adult admission available at www. wpbaf.com. Anyone under 16 is admitted free. There is no charge for parking.
For more information, contact the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival at (941) 6977475 or info@wpbaf.com. Visit www.wpbaf.com for a discount admission ticket.
Fushu Daiko drummers.
Traditional Japanese dancers perform.
The Ezzo booth at the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival displays 400 to 500 items of art glass, art, jadeite and bronze.
Sign Up Today For Fall Classes At Dance Theatre At Wellington Green
The Dance Theatre at Wellington Green, located in Wellington Green Square at 10620 W. Forest Hill Blvd., has quickly established itself as a top, high-quality dance facility in the western communities. With three locations in Broward County, the Wellington studio has already received accolades, winning “best of” awards in its category for the past two years.
Owner and director of curriculum Michelle Gerlick said it’s a combination of things that make Dance Theatre the “best choice for dancers and parents alike.”
“First, we build beautiful new state-of-theart facilities in locations that are safe, clean and convenient for parents,” she said. “Then, we hire only the best certified dance and acro instructors in the business, and maintain a work environment that makes them want to stay year after year to provide our students with stability in their training. Finally, and most importantly, we treat each child who walks through our doors as if they were our very own.”
With four schools, more than 2,000 students each year, and nearly two decades serving South Florida already under its belt, Dance Theatre seems to be getting stronger each and every year. It continues to attract dancers of every age, skill and ambition level, and has garnered a reputation for excellence throughout the local dance community. Gerlick estimates that nearly 50,000 families have attended Dance Theatre throughout its tenure — and “50,000 moms can’t be wrong,” she said.
For Gerlick, her vocation is more than a job; it runs in the family. Her mother Joan was a Rockette, a June Taylor dancer and half of a performance duo, along with her father Bob, that thrilled audiences the world over, working with the likes of Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney and the Smothers Brothers.
Gerlick spent nearly every day of her youth inside her parents’ dance schools, the Academy of Ballet Arts, practicing and perfecting
her craft. She then proceeded to earn both a degree in dance from Ohio State University and a degree in elementary education from Nova Southeastern University. Gerlick then embarked upon a professional career that included performing as a Miami Heat dancer for the NBA, a fly girl on the Fox series In Living Color, and an NFL Super Bowl choreographer and dancer.
Dance Theatre offers a truly comprehensive program in which dancers ages two and a half through adult, and in skill levels from beginner through advanced, can take classes in every possible discipline, including the basics such as ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, contemporary, acrobatics and pointe. Students can learn specialty classes as well, including strength and flexibility, leaps and turns, and more. Combination classes are also offered. These provide young dancers with a wellrounded foundation for their dance training. In addition, dancers who excel and aspire to become dance professionals may join the elite competitive group Team DTX, with which they can travel to local, regional and national conventions, honing their skills against the best from other schools. Team DTX recently returned from the Platinum Dance Nationals in Panama City, Fla., where, in addition to dozens of platinum scores (the highest given), they walked off with the Top Junior Solo, Top Junior Duo, Miss Junior Platinum and Overall Platinum Power Award for their musical theater production of Cabaret. Dance Theatre at Wellington Green is located between Pei Wei and Fresh Market. For more information about joining the Dance Theatre family, call the studio at (561) 7844401. All messages will be returned promptly. Students may also register for fall classes at any time by visiting the Dance Theatre web site at www.dancetheatre.net, where they can view the fall schedules and fill out a registration form. Classes fill quickly, so sign up today!
The Dance Theatre at Wellington Green facility is located in Wellington Green Square between Pei Wei and Fresh Market.
Gonzalez Promoted To VP Of Medical Affairs At Hospice
Hospice of Palm Beach County has announced that Dr. Faustino Gonzalez has been promoted to vice president of medical affairs.
Gonzalez, whose specialties are internal medicine and palliative medicine, has been with the organization since 2001. He has served as both associate medical director and access medical director. A Wellington resident, Gonzalez has been integral in creating access for all races and ethnicities, especially the Hispanic community.
“Dr. Gonzalez is an incredible example of someone who lives and breathes our vision of caring for everyone who needs and wants our
services,” said Dave Fielding, president and CEO of Hospice of Palm Beach County. “This new role will provide him an even greater opportunity to share his knowledge, as well as his compassionate care approach with our team of physicians and the thousands of patients and families we serve each year.”
Gonzalez attended Colgate University in New York, the College of the City of New York, and the Universidad Central del este in San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic. He is certified by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, the American Board of Internal Medicine, the
ABIM Subspecialty in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and was recently awarded the degree of fellow by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Hospice of Palm Beach County, a not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to meeting every need of patients and families faced with advanced illness. The organization offers a comprehensive range of programs and services, from nationally recognized hospice care to music therapy, massage and lossspecific healing services. Full bereavement support is offered to hospice families and to anyone in the community in need.
Care is provided wherever the patient is — the home, skilled nursing or assisted-living facility, hospital or hospice-care center, including the C.W. Gerstenberg Hospice Center, the Jay Robert Lauer Hospice and Palliative Care Center at JFK Medical Center, the Bethesda Memorial Hospice and Palliative Care Center at Bethesda Memorial Hospital, and the Hospice and Palliative Care Centers at Delray Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center.
For more information, call (561) 848-5200 or visit the Hospice web site at www.hpbc.com.
Closing Deadline Extended For Homebuyer Credit Purchases
Eligible taxpayers who contracted to buy a home, qualifying for the first-time homebuyer credit before the end of April, now have until Thursday, Sept. 30 to close the deal, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
The Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act of 2010 extended the closing deadline from June 30 to Sept. 30 for any eligible homebuyer who entered into a binding
purchase contract on or before April 30 to close on the purchase of the home on or before June 30.
The IRS reminds taxpayers that special filing and documentation requirements apply to anyone claiming the homebuyer credit. To avoid refund delays, those who entered into a purchase contract on or before April 30, but closed after that date, should attach to their return a copy of the pages from the signed
contract showing all parties’ names and signatures if required by local law, the property address, the purchase price, and the date of the contract.
Besides filling out Form 5405, First-Time Homebuyer Credit and Repayment of the Credit, all eligible homebuyers must also include with their return one of the following documents:
• A copy of the settlement state-
ment showing all parties’ names and signatures if required by local law, property address, sales price, and date of purchase. Normally, this is the properly executed Form HUD1, Settlement Statement.
• For mobile home purchasers who are unable to get a settlement statement, a copy of the executed retail sales contract showing all parties’ names and signatures, property address, purchase price
and date of purchase.
• For a newly constructed home where a settlement statement is not available, a copy of the certificate of occupancy showing the owner’s name, property address and date of the certificate.
More details on claiming the credit can be found in the instructions to Form 5405, as well as on the First-Time Homebuyer Credit page at www.irs.gov.
Dr. Faustino Gonzalez
Caridad Center Names Caroline Moran To Board Of Directors
Wellington equestrian Caroline Moran has been named to the board of directors of the Caridad Center, a comprehensive medical and dental clinic that provides vital health services to more than 24,000 uninsured Palm Beach County residents.
In making the announcement, Caridad Board President and cofounder Constance Berry said Moran, a partner in Wellington Equestrian Partners, brings a new voice to the organization. “Caroline has come to the board as a partner with a commitment to help the underserved in Palm Beach County,” Berry said.
Located in Boynton Beach and operating solely with the support and dedication of over 500 volun-
teers, the not-for-profit Caridad Center is funded by generous individuals and organizations in the community.
Now one of the largest free clinics in Florida, the services provided at the Caridad Center are saving millions of dollars in uncompensated hospital care for the taxpayers of Palm Beach County.
Caridad opened its doors in 1989 by founders Caridad Asensio and Berry, to help low-income, working poor families. Originally focused on simply providing the bare necessities, such as food, clothing and safe housing to those in need, the Caridad Center’s commitment has not wavered. Keeping pace with the area’s growth, the Caridad Cen-
ter fills in the gaps of health and social services to the community, significantly reducing the number of patients who use area hospital emergency rooms because they have nowhere else to go.
“Caridad is a caring organization that is wholly dedicated to providing the highest level of healthcare to adults and children in need,” Moran said. “Everything that Caridad does comes straight from the heart. It’s refreshing to me to see the dedication of staff and volunteers who in so many ways show they love what they do. That is what makes Caridad stand out to me.”
For more information about the Caridad Center, visit www.caridad. org.
CredAbility’s Tips For Raising Financially Responsible Children
While most people will agree that financially responsible children are likely to become financially responsible adults, when it comes to teaching children about money, many parents are not sure where and when to begin. CredAbility offers tips to help parents get started.
“The best lessons are taught early,” said Jessica Cecere, regional president of CredAbility, formerly
the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. “It is important to remember, though, that kids will learn most about how they handle money from what they see you do.”
The first step in raising financially responsible children is to assess your own money management skills. Do you pay your credit card bills in full each month? Do you
save up for things you really want or just charge it and pay for it later? Do you have a spending plan? Do you know where your money goes each month? Making changes in your own spending and savings behavior will not only help you as you talk to your children about money, but will improve your financial outlook as well. If you need help getting started, consider taking a free
online webinar “Where Do I Want to Be in Five Years” at www. credability.org/education.
Important points include starting early, talking about money with your children, offering an allowance, helping them set and achieve goals, and letting them learn from mistakes.
CredAbility is accredited by the Council on Accreditation and is a
member of the Better Business Bureau and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. Governed by a community-based board of directors, CredAbility is funded by creditors, clients, contributors and grants from foundations, businesses and government agencies.
CredAbility provides 24/7 service by phone at (800) 251-2227 and online at www.credability.org.
Caroline Moran, new Caridad Center board member and partner in Wellington Equestrian Partners.
FINAL WEEK OF SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMP CONCLUDES AT RPBHS
The Royal Palm Beach High School boys varsity basketball team held its final session of summer basketball camp at Royal Palm Beach High School from July 26-29 inside the school’s gymnasium. Campers learned proper techniques for dribbling, shooting, blocking and playing the game. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
Barncord Wins Medal At Special Olympics Summer Games
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
Acreage resident and Special Olympics athlete Joey Barncord took home the bronze medal for Team Florida in the 100-meter race at the National Special Olympics Summer Games held last week in Lincoln, Neb.
Barncord, 15, ran a time of 23.04 seconds in the race, securing a place on the podium and the bronze medal. He also ran the 200-meter race
and finished in 49.05 seconds to take fourth place overall.
To make the national championship, each athlete must advance out of county competition to area competition and then state competition. Each athlete is grouped according to his or her abilities and advances through a randomized draw from his or her group, a measure to ensure a level playing field and equal opportunity for athletes of all abilities.
Barncord took silver and bronze
this year in the 100- and 200-meter races at the state summer games held at Walt Disney World in Orlando.
For more than 40 years, the Special Olympics has provided training and competition in an Olympic-like setting for people with intellectual disabilities. Participants can compete in a wide variety of sports, from track and field to equestrian and water sports.
Barncord began competing in the
Special Olympics three years ago through Western Pines Middle School.
Barncord currently competes in both the 100- and 200-meter races and in bowling. Next year he will attend Royal Palm Beach High School where he plans to continue to compete.
For more information about the Special Olympics, visit Special Olympics Palm Beach County at www.sopbc.com.
Joey Barncord
Jordan Khan practices shooting while Markee Jensen instructs.
Ozzie Jimenez lines up his shot.
Richie Cotromano looks to pass.
Adam Morales runs with the ball.
Mario Coello keeps his eye on the basket.
Maverik Davies dribbles between his legs.
Ryan Moore takes a shot.
Charlie Brown tries to block Ozzie Jimenez.
Vinceremos Finishes Successful Summer Session
Recently, the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center successfully completed four weeks of summer camp sessions in conjunction with seven weeks of riding lessons at the Loxahatchee Groves facility.
The camp sessions started on June 7 and ran through July 2, while the regular summer session lessons included 35 riders per week.
Many riders were able to achieve different milestones during the summer sessions, helping Vinceremos achieve its goal to turn disability into ability.
With the help of instructor Brenda Wells and horse Belle, one young rider was able to learn to hold her head up without letting it drop to her chest. The student’s parents are so pleased with her progress that they will be bringing her three times a week for lessons in the fall. This particular rider has severe physical impairments and must receive many different types of therapies.
“Her parents tell us she is always excited to come to Vinceremos to ride, and she sure shows that excitement with a huge smile on her face throughout the whole lesson,” Vinceremos Therapeutic
Riding Center Executive Director Ruth Menor said.
Instructor Maurette Hanson and horse Tommy have helped a rider reach his summer session goal of being able to transition into a canter successfully. Because of Hanson and Tommy’s assistance, the student was able to achieve this goal during his last lesson of this year’s summer session. The volunteers and staff at Vinceremos are excited to continue to watch his progress.
The volunteers and staff have worked diligently through the heat of the summer to keep the barn running smoothly and have a successful summer session. Vinceremos salutes its students, volunteers, staff and horses for all their hard work this summer. The special work of Vinceremos would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of so many.
The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center is a nonprofit organization based in Loxahatchee Groves that provides recreational and therapeutic riding instruction to people of all ages with varying developmental, physical and psychological disabilities.
The organization, founded in 1982, assists more than 350 adults
SRHS To Host Girls Volleyball Tryouts Aug. 9
Seminole Ridge High School girls volleyball tryouts will begin Monday, Aug. 9 at 3 p.m. in the school gymnasium.
Students must have physical exams and eligibility forms completed prior to trying out. Eligibility forms can be printed from the school’s sports web site at www. c2cschools.com/seminoleridge. For more information, call the SRHS athletic office at (561) 422-2611.
In other Seminole Ridge sports news, the school will hold its annual mandatory sports orientation night Thursday, Aug. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m., with food and refreshments. Seminole Ridge coaches will meet with all athletes interested in playing sports this fall, winter and spring.
and children every year, helping them gain a sense of accomplishment, greater independence, and a higher quality of life. Vinceremos has received a “Premier Accreditation” rating from the North
American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).
For additional information about the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, visit www. vinceremos.com.
Physical exams (which are necessary for tryouts) will be offered for $20, with a notary on hand to complete eligibility forms. In addition, the Seminole Ridge Athletics Booster Club will offer memberships, spirit wear and memorabilia.
Students must attend this event if they intend to play for Seminole Ridge this year. Parents are welcome as well.
Volunteers guide students on horseback at Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee Groves.
Ayres Represents U.S. In Football
Wellington High School senior Cory Ayres, along with other athletes from across the nation, was selected by 365Sports.org to represent the United States for an international football tournament in Australia.
Ayres and the other high school players were chosen because of their athletic abilities, academic achievements and leadership skills. The program encompassed an intense training camp with professional coaches. Three consecutive football
games were played and won without allowing a single touchdown. The United States team was proud to bring home the Trans Australia Pacific Cup.
Ayres was selected as one of four captains to represent the United States team, for which he played center; this is also his position on the Wellington Wolverines.
Ayres toured Sydney and Cairns, including Australia’s rain forest and the Great Barrier Reef. For more info., visit www.365sports.org.
Area Golfers Compete In Optimist Junior Golf Championships
Competition was so close at the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships that three of the six age divisions ended with suddendeath playoffs Monday, July 26 on the courses of PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens.
The tournament included three golfers from Wellington: Kaely Krayeski (girls 1011) with a score of 90-87-85 — 262, Carl Chidambaram (boys 12-13) with a score of 76-78-77 — 231 and Mary Janiga (girls 12-13) with a score of 85-79-81 — 245.
Scores, photos, news stories and tee times are updated daily throughout the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships. Results are available under the tournament’s information on the Optimist web site at www. optimist.org/golf.
Wellington Swimmers Excel In Junior Olympics
Wellington Swimmers turned in outstanding swims at the recent Junior Olympics Championships. The team had 19 swimmers competing in Plantation at the USA Swimming Florida Gold Coast Junior Olympic Championships.
“We had a very successful meet. Our swimmers all trained very hard and had goals in mind at every practice session,” head coach Rich Whalen said. “We had a long winter and still have a very strong age group team, and our 11-12 boys had the most finalists across the age groups. The girls team had great swims across all age groups as well.”
Tanner Fuller and Cody Cline competed in seven individual events each, and between the two, they reached the finals for a combined 11 events. Fuller defended his gold medal in the 400 individual medley, with a personal best time of 5:48.80. He had won the short course ti-
tle for the 400 IM at the USA Swimming Junior Olympics in March. He finished the meet strong with two personal best medals in the 200 IM and 200 fly and a bronze medal in the 100 meter fly. Cline made four personal best times on his way to four topsix finishes in the meet in the 50 and 100 fly and 50 and 100 back.
For the girls, Lacy Phillips and Summer Ryder had stellar performances. Phillips finished the meet with seven personal best times and a two top-10 finishes, leading the team in 11-12 girls age group.
Phillips has five years of competitive experience under her belt, and her coaches say she had some really impressive swims this season and should be primed for the upcoming fall season. “I have worked hard all season, listened to my coaches, and I was really confident that I can final in my events,” she said.
Summer Ryder the 10-U age group had seven person-
al best times and reached the finals in two events the 50 and 100 back.
Emily Deem, a 13-year-old swimmer from Royal Palm Beach, made it to the finals as well in the 400 IM and 200 fly. She has been swimming since July 2005. “This girl is a true competitor. She always works hard and wants to win, be it practice, meet or whatever she does,” Whalen said. Deem thanked her coaches. “The coaches have taught me that hard work and perseverance and commitment pays off; the harder I work, the better I swim, and the faster I get,” Deem said.
The team will have swimmers attending the Florida Gold Coast Senior Championships in Coral Springs, and Tanner Fuller is set to represent the Gold Coast in the USA Swimming Zone Championship in Georgia. For more information on the Wellington Swim Team, visit its web site at www. wellingtonswimming.com.
Cory Ayres
• ACADEMY FOR CHILD ENRICHMENT — In the heart of Royal Palm Beach, the Academy for Child Enrichment offers free VPK. Infants through after school day and night care, 6:30 a.m.midnight, Monday through Friday. Meals included. Se habla Español. Special rates for fall registration. Visit www.smallworldpbc.com for more info. The academy is located at 700 Camellia Dr., RPB. Phone: (561) 798-3458. Fax: (561) 793-6995.
• ALL-STAR KIDS — Every parent wants a safe, clean and caring childcare center for their child. At All-Star Kids, they address all of your child’s needs in a fun and loving environment. Small classes with caring, certified teachers, giving your child the attention they need to be successful. The children are exposed to a wide range of experiences to foster an excellent learning environment. All-Star Kids offers programs for children six weeks old to pre-K as well as after school. Visit All-Star Kids to see this wonderful school in action — they would love to meet you and your child! All-Star Kids is located at 14390 Orange Blvd., Loxahatchee. For more info., call (561) 792-5440.
• LOXAHATCHEE COUNTRY PRESCHOOL — Loxahatchee Country Preschool at 16245 Okeechobee Blvd. has been serving the area for over 20 years. It is Apple and Gold Seal accredited. Owners Anita and Frank Rizzo purchased the school in 1998. They introduced educational diversity into the curriculum. The school tuition includes Spanish lessons, gymnastics, computer and swimming lessons. Their method of self-paced discovery recognizes that all children do not mature and develop at the same rate. They strive to achieve a feeling of selfesteem through personal discovery and accomplishment. The non-sectarian philosophy promotes social development through understanding diversity and appreciation of cultural differences. Snacks are included in the tuition price. For more info., call (561) 790-1780.
• MOVEMENT ARTS DANCE ACADEMY — Movement Arts will be holding two auditions for their new dance company. The auditions will be on Saturday, July 17 with an additional audition on Saturday, Aug. 21. The company will be for students ages 6 and up who are interested in competing and performing at local events. The studio is also currently accepting registration for the 2010-11 school year. Movement Arts offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hiphop, baton twirling, boys-only classes, and more for students age 2 through adult. For more information on auditions or classes, call the studio at (561) 792-9757. More information about the studio can be found at www.movementartsdanceacademy.com.
• NOAH’S ARK — Noah’s Ark is located on Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves. They offer free VPK. Low rates and special registration for fall. They offer care for infants and preschool children as well as after-school care. Se habla Español. Noah’s Ark is conveniently located at 14563 Okeechobee Blvd. between Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves elementary schools. Call (561) 753-6624 for more info.
• SACRED HEART SCHOOL — Sacred Heart is committed to cultivating the intellectual, creative, social, moral and spiritual needs of each student. They provide students with an environment that will challenge and encourage them to reach their potential, preparing them for the competitive nature of the world. Sacred Heart’s basketball, soccer and softball teams consistently rank in the top three in the league; the marching, concert and jazz bands have taken top honors locally and in statewide competitions; their Odyssey of the Mind teams have placed in the top five at the state level. Sacred Heart School will prepare your child for life… with love! For more info., call (561) 582-2242 or visit www.sacredheartschoollakeworth.com.
• ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL — St. David’s is a small Christian school located at the northwest corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace. Their mission is to minister to each child and family by providing an environment of love, security, belonging and learning. They are committed to low student-teacher ratios (kindergarten and first grade never have more than 12 students per teacher). A combination of the A Beka and Creative curriculum is used for all students ages 2½ through first grade. The combined curriculum allows for teaming through student play and exploration, along with the use of workbooks and teacher-guided activities. Visit www.stdavidsepiscopal.com or call (561) 793-1272 for more info.
• TEMPLE BETH TORAH PRESCHOOL — A quality educational foundation is the basis for future academic success. If your child is between 15 months and kindergarten, Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool is Wellington’s oldest and most respected preschool. Your child will enjoy a variety of activities that will make them smile, while promoting learning and social development. Activities include reading and writing skills, computation skills, gymnastics, computers, foreign language, and art and music appreciation. The school also features a state-of-the-art playground. All of this is available in a secure, loving and nurturing environment. Gold Seal, NAEYC-accredited program with full-time and part-time programs. Now enrolling for preschool 2010-11. VPK is available. For more info., contact Sandy at (561) 7932649 or psdirector@templebethtorah.net.
• TEMPLE BETH ZION PRESCHOOL AND RELIGIOUS SCHOOL — At Temple Beth Zion’s preschool, children of all faiths learn and play together in a loving, nurturing learning environment. The school is Apple accredited school using the Creative Curriculum program. The school is accepting applications for ages 2 through 5. They offer free VPK classes that have no hidden fees or required extra hours. Ask about the “Mommy & Me” program. “My First Jewish Experience” and “More Jewish Experience” (ages 5-6 & 6-7) is a fun Montessori-style experience including art, music, holidays, prayers and customs. For more information, call (561) 798-3737 (preschool) or (561) 798-8888. Visit www.templebethzion.net for details.
• THE KING’S ACADEMY — The King’s Academy is a private, non-profit, college-preparatory, interdenominational Christian school. Located on a beautiful 60-acre campus, the school community consists of grades K-4 through 12. The academic program is designed to challenge motivated students of good moral character who are in the middle to upper range of academic ability. Honors and Advanced Placement classes are available for all students in preparing for college-level work. Students may participate in a multitude of clubs, athletic and fine arts programs. For more information, visit www.TKA.net or call (561) 686-4244, ext. 335.
• THE SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE MUSEUM — The South Florida Science Museum reaches more than 55,000 students each year through educational programs at the museum and outreach to local schools. Programs explore all fields of science and are aligned with the Sunshine State Standards. These programs are adapted to reach students in many different learning environments, including public and private schools, out-of-school time, scout troops and other community organizations. For more info., call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsm.org.
• WELLINGTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL — Established in 1981, Wellington Christian School is celebrating 30 years of educational excellence. WCS offers preschool through high school (PK3-12th grade). Wellington Christian School’s award-winning curriculum has set the path for students to be successful with 98 percent of graduates attending colleges and universities all over the country. The mission of Wellington Christian School is to impact the world by educating students in a Christ-centered, loving atmosphere that pursues spiritual and academic excellence. WCS is accredited by SACS and CSF and provides a low faculty-to-student ratio, a college preparatory academic program, interscholastic and intramural athletics, and fine arts programs. Call (561) 793-1017 or visit www.wellingtonchristian.org for more info.
COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR
Saturday, July 31
• Florida Fashion and Kidz Korner TV will host the second annual Florida Industry Network Event on Saturday, July 31 at Studio D114 (9250 Belvedere Road, Royal Palm Beach). Attendees will include actors, directors, producers, music artists, models, comedians, designers, boutiques, models, photographers and other entertainment industry insiders. Tickets cost $20 or $10 with a donation to Haiti Children Relief. For more info., call Gene Rouzzoe at (321) 208-5880 or e-mail studiod114@gmail.com.
• Bass Fishing Kids Inc. and Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation will host a Parent and Child Team Bass Fishing Tournament on Saturday, July 31 at the Smythe Pavilion in John Prince Park (4759 S. Congress Ave., Lake Worth). The tournament will take place from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. with a hot dog barbecue after the tournament. The registration fee is $20 per team. Fishing will be from land and no live bait will be permitted. For more info., visit www.bass fishingkids.com or call (561) 966-7048.
• The Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) will feature “Jurassic Peek” for all ages on Saturday, July 31 at 11 a.m. Meet Florida reptiles and amphibians up close. The cost is $3. Call (561) 2331400 to RSVP.
• The Wellington Colts 14-U travel baseball team will hold Baseball Tryouts on Saturday, July 31 at 11 a.m. at Olympia Field 7 (9830 Pierson Road). Call (561) 385-1152 or e-mail jennpz1@comcast.net for more info.
• The Clematis District in West Palm Beach will host “Splash Saturday” on Saturday, July 31 from noon to 2 p.m. Enjoy free arts and crafts, games and activities with the whole family before cooling off in the fountain. Splash Saturday is held every Saturday at Centennial Square. For more info., call (561) 822-1515 or visit www. wpb.org.
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Scrapbooking for the Family” on Saturday, July 31 at 2:30 p.m. for ages 5 and up. Bring pictures or memorabilia and preserve your memories by learning new techniques and creating your own designs. Basic supplies will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register
• Respectable Street’s Anniversary Block Party will take place on Saturday, July 31 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at participating venues on the 500 block of Clematis Street.
Enjoy live music, vendors and more. The event is free and open to the public. For more info., call (561) 832-9999 or visit www.respectablestreet.com.
• The Maltz Jupiter Theatre Conservatory of Performing Arts (1001 East Indiantown Road, Jupiter) will present Seussical Jr. on Saturday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m. featuring students in grades three through five. Call (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre. org for more info.
• The Dave Matthews Band will perform Saturday, July 31 at Cruzan Amphitheater at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Call (561) 795-8883 for more info.
Sunday, Aug. 1
• The First Seventh-Day Adventist Church of West Palm Beach (6300 Summit Blvd.) will host its third annual Back-to-School Festival on Sunday, Aug. 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is open to the public and features free backpacks and school supplies, free school physicals, free haircuts, games, music and food for all attendees while supplies last. For more info., call (561) 689-5444 or e-mail firstsdawpb@yahoo. com.
Monday, Aug. 2
• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hold its monthly meeting Monday, Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Okeeheelee Nature Center in Okeeheelee Park (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.). The program will feature “Wildflowers along the Trail.” Call Sherry at (561) 963-9906 for more info.
Tuesday, Aug. 3
• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Ahoy There, Matey!” on Tuesday, Aug. 3 at 2 p.m. for ages 6 to 9. Watch the movie Treasure Planet, play a pirate game and make a pirate craft. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Bookmaking: Snack Box Book” for age 10 and up on Tuesdays, Aug. 3 and 10 at 4 p.m. Create a book from your favorite “recycled” snack boxes. Boxes will be supplied, or you can bring a favorite empty one. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Anime Grab Bag” for ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday, Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Pocky will be provided. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.
• The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet Tuesday, Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. at
COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR
CALENDAR, continued from page 40 the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 793-2418 or visit www.loxahatcheegroves. org for more info.
• The Museum of Lifestyle and Fashion History in the Boynton Beach Mall (801 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach) will host the exhibit “Lilly” starting Tuesday, Aug. 3 and running through May 2011. The exhibit features vintage Lilly Pulitzer fashions. Call (561)-243-2662 or visit www.mlfhmuseum. org for more info.
Wednesday, Aug. 4
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Once Upon a Time: Cinderella” for children of all ages on Wednesday, Aug. 4 at 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “You Wouldn’t Want to… Be in the First Submarine!” for age 9 and up on Wednesday, Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Hear about the true but sometimes scary events in history you’ll be glad you weren’t a part of. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.
Thursday, Aug. 5
• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach) will feature “Five Senses Story Time” on Thursday, Aug. 5 at 11 a.m. for ages 2 and 3. How do we use our eyes, ears, nose, mouth and hands to explore the world? Read stories about the five senses, sing songs and make a craft. Call (561) 790-6030 to preregister.
• The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Thursday, Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). For more info., call (561) 790-5100 or visit www.royalpalmbeach.com.
Friday, Aug. 6
• “Art Rocks,” an exploration of the many ways music and the visual arts intertwine, will be featured Friday, Aug. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Cooperative Gallery (605 Lake Ave., Lake Worth). The exhibit will be on display Aug. 6-20. All attendees at the Aug. 6 event are invited to pick up a drum and create their own music. For more info., call (215) 205-9441. Saturday, Aug. 7
• The second annual Soldier Festival to benefit Forgotten Soldiers Outreach will be held Saturday, Aug. 7 at Bru’s Room Sports Grill (1333 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach). Car wash hours will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All other activities will start at 5
p.m. There will be kids’ activities, guest bartenders, music, a silent auction and raffles. Tickets will be available for $25 pre-sale or $30 at the door, which includes one drink, balloon tree prize and a surf ’n’ turf dinner. For info., visit www.forgottensoldiers.org.
• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will hold a meeting of the Teen Advisory Posse (TAP) for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, Aug. 7 at 2:30 p.m. Find out what’s coming and share your ideas for future teen programs. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.
• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Wii Gaming for Teens” on Saturday, Aug. 7 at 3 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Play games on the Wii and enjoy snacks. Call (561) 790-6030 to preregister.
Monday, Aug. 9
• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon on Monday, Aug. 9 at 11:30 a.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). Call Anitra Harmon at (561) 7906200 or e-mail anitra@palmswest.com for more info.
• Free Cholesterol and Diabetes Screenings will be offered Monday, Aug. 9 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Winn-Dixie pharmacy (5042 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road). No appointments are necessary. For more info., call Cholestcheck at (800) 713-3301.
• The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Supervisors will meet Monday, Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the LGWCD office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 7930884 or visit www.lgwcd.org for more info. Tuesday, Aug. 10
• The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). For more info., call (561) 7914000 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.
Thursday, Aug. 12
• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host a Candidates Forum with the candidates for the Palm Beach County School Board in districts 2, 3 and 6 on Thursday, Aug. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call Tracey Benson at (561) 7906200 or e-mail tracey@palmswest.com for more info.
Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. Email: news@gotowncrier.com.
CHRISTY’S NY CHEESECAKE NEEDS MORE HELP! — FT Counter position. Experienced only. 5:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Drug Testing. 561-795-3244
VOLUNTEER AT AN ANIMAL
SANCTUARY HORSE FARM - 14 + up, community Service. 792-2666
TEACHERS/TUTORS P/T
Flexible Hrs. Great Pay. MATH • STUDY SKILLS SAT/ACT Certification/Experience Required Fax: 828-8128
Email:tutorking@wpb3331980.com
DENTAL ASSISTANT - Wellington upscale dental office, 2 Saturdays per month a requirement, must have experience and expanded duties certificate, excellent pay and benefits. Please call 561 204 4494 and fax resume to 561 204 2840.
DENTAL OFFICE ASSISTANT
MANAGER — Minimum two years dental experience, two Saturdays per month required, must have knowledge of PPO dental insurance, breakdowns and verification. Excellent pay and benefits. Please call 561 204 4494 and fax resume to 561 204 2840.
Legal Notice No. 532
Notice Under Fictitious Name
Florida Statute 865.09 Public notice is hereby given that the undersigned desires to engage in business under the fictitious name of:
JANET L. BRODEK
DBA ANNE MACKENZIE Located at: 8967 INDIAN RIVER RUN BOYTON BEACH, FL 33472 County of Palm Beach, Florida and intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations State of Florida,forthwith
JANET BRODEK
Publish :Town-Crier Newspapers Date: 07-30-10
TOWNHOME FOR RENT — 2/2
2 car garage. Lakefront seasonal or annual lease.No Pets 561-6442019
4 BEDROOM 2/1 BATH POOL HOME ON CANAL — in Sugar Pond Manor $2,200/mo. First and security,available immediately 561389-9826.
BEAUTIFUL APT FOR RENT —
in Delray Beach 1 bedroom 2 bath, condo near beach, shopping. all appliances,w/d. asking 800 monthly. Call 516-935-3541 over 55 cmty.
Legal Notice No. 533
Notice Under Fictitious Name
Florida Statute 865.09 Public notice is hereby given that the undersigned desires to engage in business under the fictitious name of:
MICHAEL D. DITTERLINE
DBA JMD FUN SPONGE Located at: 8321 DOMMICA PLACE WELLINGTON, FL 33414
County of Palm Beach, Florida and intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations State of Florida,forthwith
MICHAEL D. DITTERLINE
Publish :Town-Crier Newspapers Date: 07-30-10
CUTE, CUDDLY ALPACAS — 2 young males - $1,800 for pair. 561792-2666. Easy to care for and fun to have
PERSIAN KITTENS CFA REGISTERED — have had all shots and FL Health Certificate black female and blue M&F. 8 weeks old will be ready second week of August. Reserve your choice now. 561-6844589 (1111641)
ROOMMATE WANTED — Female seeking female roommate to share furnished single family waterfront home in nice Wellington neighborhood. All utilities included plus, directTV & Internet. $750 per month. References & stable employment required. For more information call 561-385-5199
LAND FOR SALE IN OKEECHOBEE — 5 to 10 Acres gated EQUESTRIAN Million dollar neighborhood. Paved roads, riding,trails, pasture & trees. www.sundancetrailsranch.com starting 59K with owner financing 863-697-7547
HOUSECLEANING —Reliable with long term clients. Over 12 yesr experience. Ref. available. Karen 561632-2271
RESIDENTIAL HOUSE CLEANING — call for a free estimate, responsible, reliable, 20 yrs experience. No job too big or too small. 561-351-0904
MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support &troubleshooting www.mobiletec.net. 561-248-2611
D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3339433 or Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach We accept major credit cards.
DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates. A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716
STAFF PLUS — Looking to fill full and p/t positions in customer service. For info 1-888-333-9903
JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. —Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted
KRAMER REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING — FAST • FAIR • FRIENDLY SERVICE Commercial/ Residential. New installation and repair. CAC 1816299 561-902-7497
A/C SALES & SERVICE — New, used, scratch & dent. If you used anyone but Glover’s A/C, you probably paid too much! U10163. 7937388
EAST COAST AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. — Service • Sales • Repairs • Installation ALL MAKES & MODELS. Call us before you replace you’re A/C Unit! FREE 2nd Opinion. 561-4782662. Credit Cards Accepted.
J.C. TEETS & CO. — Concierge Accounting. discreet, confidential, individualized service to manage all of your personalized financial needs.Visit us at www.jcteets.com or call 561-632-0635
FAMILY CHILDCARE — available in my Acreage home. Affordable rates.References available. Licensed. Call 561-795-0740
HOME TURF — Lawn maintenance, landscape, irrigation, tree removal, hurricane prep, stump grinding, HOA/POA specialists. www.hometurfservice.com 561333-5989 No Obligation FREE QUOTE.
TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS CALL 793-3576 TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE.
MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS Air Quality Testing, leak detection. US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811
RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior, Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102
JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473
COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/Exterior, residential painting, over 20 years exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident
LICENSED PLUMBER - Beat any legitimate estimate. A/C service lowest price. Complete service, new construction, replacement. CFC1426242 CAC058610 Bonded & Insured. 561-601-6458
POOL PLAS TERING AND RESURFACING — Lic. U19996. 561722-7690.
IMPRESS CONSTRUCTION CORPORATON — All phases of General Construction Robert Betancourt 561-722-7681 CGC1512363
THE MASTER HANDYMAN — no job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers Tom (954) 444-3178
BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC. — REMODEL & REPAIRS Interior Trim, crown molding, rotttenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets/ countertops,wood flooring. Bonded Ins.U#19699 791-9900 628-9215
ANMAR CO .—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528
HOME INSPECTIONS — Mold inpections, air quality testing, US Building Inspectors mention this ad $20.00 Off. 561-784-8811
the Western Communities for 24
Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/rCavanagh
ELITE POOL SERVICE — You dealt with the rest now deal with the best.” All maintenance & repairs, salt chlorinators, heaters, leak detection. 561-791-5073
J&B PRESSURE CLEANING
Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Call Butch 309-6975
MINOR ROOF REPAIRS — Roof painting.Carpentry.Lic. #U13677.967-5580.
HORIZON ROOFING QUALITY WORK & SERVICE — Free estimates, No Deposits. Pay upon completion, res/comm.reroofing, repairs, credit cards accepted. 561-842-6120 or 561-784-8072 Lic.#CCC1328598
ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.
ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207
SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600
JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 798-3132.
ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western
