Town-Crier Newspaper June 13, 2008

YOUNG RIDERS MUST WEAR HELMETS

FAMILY FUN DAY FOR CARSON

and family friend Caitlin Brown make and sell bracelets. STORY & PHOTOS, PAGE 5

Less Preserve Space, More Signs At Wellington Green

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

A little less green space and a few more signs are apparently in the future of the land surrounding the Mall at Wellington Green.

Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board recommended approval last week of combined development order and master plan amendments for the 466.3-acre Wellington Green property that would reorganize signage conditions for the property as well as remove a wetland preserve, relocate a lake and provide additional roadway access. The development received

Green on June 2. Page 37

approval from the South Florida Water Management District to remove the 0.9-acre preserve, located near the southeast corner of the mall property, based on “cash out toward offsite mitigation,” according to the staff report, which notes that the mall intends to build a new access point to the property in that area. The relocation of the lake is tied to the development of the Devonshire senior housing facility on the southern side of the mall. But the bulk of the board’s discussion on June 5 involved revamping the signage rules on the various Wellington Green parcels. Planning & Zoning Manager David Flinchum ex-

plained that the development is seeking to establish some consistency with its signage conditions, but the proposed guidelines would open the door to more signs for tenants along State Road 7 and Forest Hill Blvd.

“The request that you have tonight is to allow other tenants to have freestanding signs,” Flinchum said. “You have four right now: Bucca, Bank of America, BP and the shared signs. Fuddruckers, Applebee’s, Walgreens, Olive Garden and Smokey Bones came in recently and asked for access from the hospital entrance. Both Chili’s

See PZA BOARD, page 20

With Trust Gone, Wellington Might Build Amphitheater

By Ron Bukley and Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

In the wake of the collapse of the Cultural Trust of the Palm Beaches, the Village of Wellington will conduct a feasibility study on building an amphitheater itself, council members said this week.

On Tuesday, the council reviewed a June 6 letter from Dick Palenschat, one of the last remaining members of the financially troubled trust’s board of directors, asking the village to take back the ten-acre civic site west of the Mall at Wellington Green it had leased to the trust at $1 a year.

In his letter, Palenschat sounded the Cultural Trust’s swan song, noting, “Many dedicated volunteers have worked tirelessly to realize the mission of the trust in order to improve the quality of life in Wellington.”

However, he noted, “recent events... have placed this organization in a dire financial position.”

The council voted Tuesday to amend the agreement with the trust to call for surrender of the land and termination of the lease, and also voted to accept the remainder of the $1 million that Palm Beach County extended to pay for an amphitheater proposed for the site and move ahead with a study on building the venue, either there or elsewhere.

On Thursday, Village Manager Paul Schofield told the TownCrier the remaining portion of the grant is still available for construction of an amphitheater, which potentially could be placed at the Wellington Community Center.

“When I talked to the council Tuesday night about surrendering the property, one of the things we discussed was a conversation I had with Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Director Dennis Eshleman and with Commissioner [Jess] Santamaria about the possibility of the village accepting the balance of the grant, which is a little over $820,000, and then us constructing that facility ourselves,” Schofield said.

But in these times of tightening budgets, Schofield said, the council is concerned with the cost of maintaining such a facility. “The council seemed to be supportive of the idea, but they wanted to know before they made a commitment what the annual maintenance and longterm costs would be.”

Schofield, an experienced planner, said every million dollars spent on capital improvement generates $90,000 to $100,000 in annual maintenance costs.

“Depending on where you build it, you can reduce those maintenance costs to some extent,” he said. “For instance, if it’s at the Wellington Community Center, we’re already maintaining the grass, plus the parking is already there and it’s being maintained. It would be less

than for a stand-alone facility, but they did ask to see what those numbers would be, so we’re putting those together right now.”

On Thursday, Councilman Matt Willhite reiterated his concerns about the long-term aspects of maintaining such a facility.

“Obviously, there’s a need for cultural activities and a gathering place for cultural activities,” he said. “My concern was with the long-term effects of budget cuts, whether we have the money to maintain the facility. The county is not going to continue to give us money to maintain it. There have been questions raised about our ability to maintain our park and recreation facilities. We can’t afford to build it if we can’t afford to maintain it.”

The village must carefully consider its ongoing expenses once the financial boost from the county is spent, Willhite said.

“We don’t have it budgeted because it is something new to us, so we would have to start putting it in the budget,” he said. “We’re already cutting our capital projects, yet we’re going to build another one. So, we have to get a cost estimate to build it first of all.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto agreed with Willhite and suggested that council seek ways for the facility to pay for itself, through programming or by contracting the facility out.

On Thursday, Schofield noted that a county-imposed January 2009 deadline on spending the grant money, inherited from the Cultural Trust, means the village must move quickly. The urgency probably rules out the possibility of planning the amphitheater as part of a proposal for a Palm Beach Community College campus on the village’s 63-acre K-Park site on State Road 7, he said.

“Palm Beach Community College has been one of things discussed, but the grant money has to be spent and the PBCC campus is about three years away,” he said.

Willhite said village staff is seeking word from the county on what stage of completion is necessary to meet the deadline. “How far does it have to be? That’s what Mr. Schofield is trying to find out,” he said.

Schofield said Palenschat’s letter surrendering the property would be largely sufficient in its reversion to the village, but the village might find it has some legal matters to resolve, involving debts accumulated by the Cultural Trust.

“One of the things that we want to know is what other things are we looking at that we’re potentially going to have to deal with, such as suppliers that have not been paid who think they have some right to the property,” Schofield said. The council is expected to further discuss the amphitheater at its June 24 meeting.

CVS Wins Zoning OK For Store At Key RPB Corner

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval Tuesday of plans to build a CVS Pharmacy at the southwest corner of Okeechobee and Royal Palm Beach boulevards, where a gas station operated until 2005.

The commissioners approved a series of applications concerning the project, the most significant of which is a site plan modification that would combine the one-acre parcel with the larger Village Royale shopping plaza behind it to create a Planned Commercial Development or PCD.

In April, the commissioners postponed approval of the project after raising several objections to the plans.

“Your plans were close to the biggest mess we ever saw,”

Commissioner Jackie Larson recalled.

But members of the commission were generally satisfied with the latest revisions. “It looks like you went down the list of every criticism we had and made provisions to change it,”

Chairman Richard Durr Jr. said. “I’m pleased to see how well you listened, since some of the problems have been particularly difficult for this corner.”

Neal Schofel, president of applicant Architecture Dynamics Inc., told the commissioners that he and his colleagues had reviewed video of the previous meeting to make certain they had addressed their concerns as completely as possible.

Besides the site plan modification, the applicant also won approval for special-exception uses for the PCD and for a “drugstore or pharmacy, with

drive-through,” as well as architectural and landscape approval, a landscape waiver and three variances. The waiver is for a portion of the required 25-foot landscape buffer along Okeechobee Blvd. because the existing buffer narrows at one point to only ten feet. The variances seek relief from a village requirement that 25 percent of the development area be a pervious surface (only 21.5 percent of the site is pervious) and to reduce the number of required loading zones. The last variance request regards village requirements that the rear of the center be given the same architectural treatment as the front, and that the pharmacy loading zone be screened with an eightfoot wing wall. The applicant argued that the rear of the center is not readily visible and that the wing wall would obstruct

access to a dumpster of an adjacent restaurant. Commissioner Darrell Lange said he was disappointed that the design separated the pharmacy from the corner with some parking spaces. “I would have liked the location for this to have been close to the corner the way we have it on the southwest corner of the intersection,” he said.

RPB Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin noted that moving the store would have violated several of the village’s codes. “We can not go in and ask people to apply for variances,” he said, “and they would have needed one.”

The village is also requiring the developer to provide an “architectural focal point” at the corner, envisioned as a sculpture that resembles the figures of a family group that appear on the village seal.

Durr and Commissioner Leonard Urban asked if it would be possible to move a couple of the parking spots located right against the corner to provide more room for the sculpture. After some discussion with his engineers, Schofel suggested shifting the lines of parking spots approximately five feet away from the corner on both the southern and eastern edges of the lot, which he said would add about 200 square feet to the corner area without losing any parking spots.

Viewing a drawing of the sculpture, Larson noted that an existing concrete utility pole at the corner would overwhelm the figures and unbalance the group, which are all on one side of the pole because they are holding hands. Erwin replied that it was very

St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington erupted with activity last Saturday for Family Fun Day,

event benefiting one of its own. Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in April, 11-year-old

Carson Ruffa is playing to win just like

PHOTO BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

The Rotary Club of Wellington held its 2008 awards banquet and induction of officers last Friday night at the Mayacoo Lakes Country Club. Shown here, President Dr. Farokh Jiveh (left) presented several Rotarians with service awards before passing the gavel to his successor, Don Gross (right). MORE PHOTOS,

Abruzzo Seeking Wellington-Area State House Seat

By Ron Bukley

Town-Crier Staff Report

Democrat Joseph Abruzzo has filed as a candidate for the open District 85 seat in the Florida House of Representatives, and the Wellington resident said that if elected, he would set up his local office in the village.

District 85 includes all of Wellington and parts Loxahatchee Groves and The Acreage, as well as several communities toward the coast.

Abruzzo has received the endorsement of the district’s current representative, State Rep. Shelley Vana (D-Lantana). Instead of standing for re-election, Vana is seeking the District 3 seat on the Palm Beach County Commission, currently held by governor-appointed Robert Kanjian.

“I’m not term-limited, but issues like education are still important to me,” Vana told the Town-Crier. “I’m confident he’ll do a good job representing the folks of District 85,” she said of Abruzzo.

State Sen. Dave Aronberg (DGreenacres), who has also endorsed Abruzzo, spoke enthusiastically about him.

“Joe is a very good friend, and I think he will be an outstanding legislator,” he told the TownCrier Wednesday. “He works really hard. He’s committed to our district and to our country. The only time he’s out of our district is when he’s on active Coast Guard duty.”

Abruzzo also claims endorsements from Democratic state representatives Kelly Skidmore (District 90), Richard Machek (District 78) and Maria Sachs (District 86). Although Abruzzo has never held public office, he ran unsuccessfully in the 2006 Democratic primary in District 86, losing to Sachs in a four-way race.

Aronberg said he and Abruzzo became friends when they met on the campaign circuit.

“He’s such a likable guy,” Aronberg said. “He’s easy to like, and even former political opponents endorse him.”

served on the Boca Raton Educational Advisory Board. Abruzzo is vice president of business development with Gateway Marketing International, according to his Palms West Chamber of Commerce profile, where he serves as a trustee. He is also a member of the Palm Beach County Commission’s Consumer Affairs Hearing Board.

“I have been involved in the community since I moved here,” he told the Town-Crier Wednesday. “I have spent almost my entire adult life in Palm Beach County.”

The Olympia resident said he moved to Wellington because he fell in love with the community.

“My good friend Dave Aronberg lives nearby in Greenacres,” he said, “so it seemed like a wonderful place, and I felt that this was the right place for me.” Abruzzo said he has worked hard to build trust in his community. “It’s really about relationships and being trustworthy and being out in the community,” he said. “Earning the trust and respect of people allows you to gather support when you decide to run.”

Abruzzo said he decided to run for the District 85 seat in November after Vana told him she would seek the county commission seat.

Democrat Jeffrey Murphy of Lake Worth has also filed to run for the District 85 seat. He did not return a Wednesday call seeking an interview.

Murphy ran against Vana in the 2006 primary, taking 24 percent of the vote. “He ran in the primary, but it was not much of a challenge,” Vana recalled. No Republican challengers had filed for the position as of Wednesday, according to the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections web site. Filing for the position closes at noon Friday, June 20.

The 27-year-old Abruzzo said he is enjoying support because he has been active in the Wellington community since he moved here in 2007. Before that, he lived in Boca Raton, where he had been since 1999. He moved to Florida from Chicago to attend Lynn University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in international communications with a minor in international business and is working on a master’s degree in international communications. He was elected student body president at Lynn in his junior year. He also

CVS Store At Old RPB Gas Station

continued from page 1 unlikely that Florida Power & Light would remove the pole. Larson suggested adding the figures of a couple of pets to the empty side of the pole. “It would balance the other statues and it would please all the pet lovers in the village,” she said. “We could have a dog and a cat.”

The commissioners voted unanimously to recommend approval of the applications with several conditions, including providing a brushed metallic finish to the sculpture as well as footlighting and the addition of the cat and dog figures. Also included were conditions on the shift in the rows of parking and for vine-planted trellises in the landscaping.

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council is schedule to review the applications on Thursday, June 19.

In other business, the commissioners were not so generous with a signage request for a new restaurant in the Village Center Shops at Crestwood and Forest Hill boulevards, denying architectural approval for the Black Canyon Grill to deviate from the property’s master sign plan.

“Before I decided to run, I met with community leaders through [Wellington Councilman Bob] Margolis,” Abruzzo said. “He had a meeting at his home. Besides Councilman Margolis, the rest of the participants were residents from the neighborhood. Before I ran, I really wanted to feel that the people who had been living there for quite a long time felt comfortable with me, and it was a very positive meeting. With Shelley confirming that she would back me for State House District 85, I decided to run.”

Abruzzo is also active with the Democratic Executive Committee as a member of the legislative committee and a member of the Mid-County Democratic Club. He is endorsed by Palm Beach County Biz Pac as well as the AFL-CIO.

“I have been able to bridge the gap of what some people would call two sides of the aisle, which is, if I am fortunate enough to serve, that’s what I plan to be, somebody who can be trusted and respected by both sides of the aisle,” he said.

Restaurant owner Andy Fox, whose establishment is opening in the space once occupied by Woody’s Bar-B-Q, said he wanted his sign to have black letters rather than the red of the other tenants, both for prominence and to reflect the business name.

Durr said that the building itself had a different set of criteria for signage than the rest of the center. Erwin confirmed that, pointing out that each of the buildings in the plaza had its own plan.

Lange made a motion to deny permission, which was seconded by Urban. The motion passed with Commissioner John Frontroth Jr. joining Lange and Urban in the majority. Durr and Larson dissented. However, the commissioners did grant architectural approval for a master sign plan for the new Royal Office Park on State Road 7. Erwin said the sign plan complies with village codes. Commission members said they liked the backlighting from LED lights on the monument sign at the front of the development and suggested using the same equipment for individual tenant signage. Ken Tuma of Urban Design Studios said the project had not yet moved far enough to plan for that, but he thought it would be acceptable.

Joseph Abruzzo

Wellington Mandates Helmet Use For Young Horse Riders

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Village Council passed an ordinance Tuesday requiring young equestrians to wear helmets when riding in public places, in line with a proposal for a similar statewide law.

State legislators tried but failed this year to win passage of the “Nicole Hornstein Act,” which would require riders under the age of 16 to wear a helmet when using public trails and roads, but supporters of the bill vow to try again. The bill is named after a 12-year-old Acreage girl who died two years ago as the result of a horse-riding accident.

Last month, the council pondered over whether to put their support behind the effort by passing a resolution making helmets compulsory in the village, or through a resolution that would only voice support for a statewide law. The council directed village staff to bring back versions of both for consideration.

On Tuesday, Mayor Darell Bowen and Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto said they supported an ordinance, and the other council members said they too would support an ordinance. Benacquisto made a motion to approve the ordinance, which was seconded by Councilman Bob Margolis. Council members will review the ordinance a second time at their June 24 meeting.

The council invited Gary Hornstein, Nicole’s father, to say a few words Tuesday. He said he was happy to see the council support an ordinance in memory of his daughter and said he had fought a hard battle in Tallahassee to get a law passed. Hornstein said he and his family want to prevent other families from going through the anguish they had experienced, and credited his surviving family members for providing strong support when he considered giving up his campaign for the law. Bowen said the council would do everything possible to help get the law passed, and that he hoped that municipalities approving ordinances at the local level would convince state legislators to pass the measure. “I hope the state will spur this on,” he said.

In other business:

• The council voted to scrap a charter review committee intended to propose changes to Wellington’s municipal charter in favor of a broad public input process.

The village’s charter lays the foundation for the level of services the municipality provides to residents, and Bowen has criticized the potential politicization of a review committee whose members included former mayor Tom Wenham, although the committee had yet to meet.

On Tuesday, Bowen suggested rescinding the council’s

adoption of the charter review committee in favor of posting the charter online for public review, with a public hearing in the fall.

“Let everyone speak on it before we make a final determination on what items should be put on a ballot,” he said.

Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore made the motion, which was seconded by Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto. It passed unanimously.

• In a recap of the most recent legislative session, State Rep. Shelley Vana (D-District 85) told the council the State Legislature’s budget cuts would be felt keenly at the local level.

“I know that many of you have been following what is going on in Tallahassee,” she said, “and you will be dealing with the results of what we did during the session. I voted against the budget. I didn’t think the priorities were in order. I know that Wellington is a very pro-education community. Certainly, your schools are topnotch. We cut education drastically.”

Vana, who is declining to run for another term in favor of a try for a Palm Beach County Commission seat, warned that further budget cuts could be expected when the legislators reconvene.

“We got an update recently saying the economic outlook is still not good, so many of my colleagues will likely be returning to the legislature,” she said.

“I think they will be going back up to cut the budget one more time after the elections in November.”

• Although a Solid Waste Authority official said that local recycling practices are developing well, the council expressed the need for more effort.

John Archambo, director of the SWA’s Customer Information Services, was invited in the wake of a presentation on recycling by Suncoast High School students last month. Archambo assured the council there have been huge increases in recycling within the village this year compared to last year, and said his personnel are continuing to work with businesses and residents to make sure the amount keeps increasing.

“The village does a great job as we work together to improve and increase recycling through Palm Beach County,” Archambo said. “On the commercial side, we continue to work with the village. We have public drop-offs for small business. We go around and make sure they are continuing to get filled up. We are looking at a new landfill. Thanks to the recycling and the commitment of recycling, we have saved 12 years on our current one. We are looking at adding another waste-to-energy facility in the future. Sometimes we get wrapped up in what we do and don’t say ‘thank you’ to our partners. We look forward to continuing to work with you.”

State Rep. Shelley Vana during her council presentation.

There’s More Than Just The Presidential Race On The Ballot

Now that the primary season is over, the national media will put its focus daily on the two major party candidates running for president of the United States. Each day will bring a new issue or controversy. You can expect side-by-side photos of Democratic candidate Sen. Barack Obama and his Republican rival Sen. John McCain just about every time you tune in to one of the national networks or 24-hour news channels. However, while selecting the next president will be at the top of the Nov. 4 ballot, there are many more items to be decided.

The fall election cycle will come into clearer focus over the next week. The deadline to file for a number of state and local offices is noon on Friday, June 20. These offices run the gamut from Palm Beach County sheriff to Indian Trail Improvement District supervisor. From four seats on the Palm Beach County Commission and the Palm Beach County School Board, to a number of open State House seats, a flurry of candidates will soon kick their campaigns into high gear in advance of a primary election on Aug. 26. It is crucial to educate yourself on the many different candidates, some of whom wield significant power over our daily lives. This year, however, learning about the candidates

Love It... And Leave It Alone!

In February 1973, my wife and I drove north from our home in Pompano Beach, looking for a desired place to live. Royal Palm Beach had two model homes on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. at Southern Blvd., and Wellington was just starting to develop. Loxahatchee Groves was our choice because of the country style of living.

We drove to Military Trail and Southern Blvd. to get groceries. The county put in Okeechobee Blvd. over the objections of the citizens. Now we have placed our trust in a council and mayor to maintain our country style of living. But it happens that Big Brother is moving in, looking over our shoulder, and telling us what to do and how to live.

Dear councilmen and mayor, place a little confidence in your citizens and their desires; they placed their confidence in you when they voted for incorporation.

A few years back the Loxahatchee Groves area had an 18inch rainfall, the D Road Canal overflowed its banks at 21st Road North and D Road. The water ran down D Road and across Okeechobee Blvd. Two thirds of my 15 acres was under water, caused by an earthen blockage in the canal just north of Okeechobee Blvd. I asked Mr. Sam Edwards, who was a supervisor at the time, if the blockage could be removed. He said he would take care of it. I’m still waiting. On Nov. 8, 2007, I called the office of water management, at the request of the fire department, and asked for the “Dead End” sign that is lying on the canal bank at 21st Street and D Road to be reposted along with the street sign. I was advised it would be taken

care of. I’m still waiting.

But things are changing. They chased the children out of the field where they were safe from traffic, having a good time in an old mud hole, and into the arms of some waiting club where they can possibly learn the art of burglarizing homes, how to hotwire vehicles or possibly enjoy the art of popping pills or sniffing dope.

Then we also took care of a nasty little flea market on Okeechobee Blvd. where they used to congregate for three or four hours on Saturday morning to meet and greet old friends and reminisce.

Last but not least, we have the four-laning of Okeechobee Blvd. No one likes heavy traffic, but let’s face it folks, the road will be four-laned, like it or not. So why not try for a sensible traffic artery that will be a complement to the city, rather than a fast, cheap four-lane speedway — a traffic artery with egress and ingress lanes at the main intersections, so you can enter or transgress the road without placing your life in your hands.

Work with the county, not against them. You can catch more flies with sugar than with vinegar. I wonder how long it will be before they tell us what color and when to paint our houses and how often we must mow our grass.

As for higher taxes, don’t worry; with the high prices of attorneys and consolidation firms and high-salaried personnel (some of which we don’t even need), the money has to come from somewhere. Welcome to the club.

Wouldn’t it be nice to sit in your front yard and enjoy the nice country air without some of these low fliers going down the road at 40 or 50 miles per hour to see how large a dust cloud they can raise, or look out and

is only one part of the education process — the other part is the voting method itself. The touch-screen voting machines Palm Beach County has used since 2002 have been replaced by optical-scan machines, which require voters to draw lines connecting the ends of arrows that point to the candidates’ names. And that’s only the first step. After that, the voter must feed the ballot into the optical scanner, which checks for errors, printing out a description of any problems it finds.

Of course, before you can even get in line to vote, you must be registered. For those planning to vote in the primary election on Aug. 26, the deadline is July 28; the deadline for the Nov. 4 general election is Oct. 6. And if you’ve long pondered a life of community service, now might be a great time to get involved. Some of those up for re-election have not yet drawn challengers — and our democracy can only get stronger when there are more choices on the ballot.

For more information about registering to vote or becoming a candidate, call the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office at (561) 656-6200 or visit www.pbcelections. org.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

see some child or person riding along the west side of our canals on a bridle path on their horse safely and not having to compete with these low fliers for space?

No, I don’t own a horse — just dreaming of country style living. Think about it, elected officials. We were thinking about it when we voted for incorporation.

Henry T. Greenwood

Loxahatchee Groves

Way To Go, Hillary!

Not in my lifetime did I think America would have a female presidential candidate, talk less of a black presidential candidate. Witnessing these past primary elections has been a bittersweet experience as I am defined by both individuals; however, it is exhilarating to have lived to see history in the making by these phenomenal individuals in their own right.

Hillary [Clinton] just did not put 18 million cracks in that formidable glass ceiling with her bid for the highest office in the country; she punched a mighty hole through it for the next female presidential candidate to emerge victorious. She made history not because of Bill Clinton, but because she stood as a force that is resilient, determined and in command. She played hardball where males were the only players in the past, opening the gate of the club for women coming after her to go through. Not to recognize what she has done for American women at home and abroad is to deny history in itself. She has made me a believer in America’s determination to have change take place. So Hillary, you are a phenomenal woman!

Tinu Peña Royal Palm Beach

Trampling On Our Rights

It is a sad day when I see our residents being suppressed by county and Indian Trail Improvement District manipulation where each entity is acting as masters who rule with tyranny over our residents. They mock our legal rights and heap indignity on our burdened backs with impunity. They frown upon our happy rural life and, under a muck of exploitation, take what they can use even if it means ruining our quite peaceful way of living. They are acting as though they are waging war against us in as many ways and manners as they can. They adopt hostile land use measures or support land use changes against our wishes, and yet will still seek to be in office year after year. With this in mind, the residents of The Acreage, Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves hereby seek the immutable truth where the conscious law of the soul should dictate the morality which should define all commissioners’ duties to our fellow man. Never again should the interests of the many be sacrificed for the needs of the few. No more will there be territorial aggrandizement at the expense of justice due. History has easily discerned what is righteous and what man’s rights are as a man. Instead of behaving as they are, they should study this history and enact parameters that do not dissolve one individual’s rights nor subvert the others’ rights over another’s. Why do our commissioners enact such irrational predatory policy decisions irrespective of our wishes? The answer is easy, the power of a few is determining the destiny and happiness of all of us. Instead of hurting us by the

systematic confiscation of existing land use rights (utility easements), and increased density (overlays), they should be in search of common sense and common justice. Instead, I see a spirit of hostile interference in the measures they are enacting that are against our wishes. Furthermore, to validate their sense of entitlement and righteousness, our commissioners and the ITID hide behind self-serving studies whose findings started with somebody’s lie meant to benefit the few over the needs of many. By enacting these measures, who does this benefit, folks? I know, but do you? Who were major contributors to their campaigns and are they benefiting? I know, but do you? Rest assured that this article will be met with the opposition of the greedy. Their words will be flowery and full of righteous indignation. You will want to believe it. You will not want to believe that those you elected into office to protect your rights are corroding them instead. The words they will use to sway you from common sense will be grand in scope, and they will spew forth eloquently to validate these corruptive and corrosive influences. But I say this to all of the ITID and Palm Beach County commissioners: you are quite certain about a lot of things and you are also quite wrong about a lot of them, too. The last

time I looked, this is still a government by the people and for the people. We once stood against taxation without representation. It looks as though we will need to stand against it again.

Barbara

Brecker The Acreage

Groves Must Work Together

A resident submitted a letter to the editor last week regarding the current dispute between the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council and the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District. The spat is over the wording in the joint interlocal agreement for receiving the gas tax monies due our community from Palm Beach County. Although our town charter clearly states the LGWCD shall operate independent of the town, it is clear that some council members want to use the gas tax money as leverage to gain control over the LGWCD. They want to micromanage how and where the gas tax monies allotted to the district are spent, with the ultimate goal toward preventing OGEM road improvements for our letter roads. I find this to be an inappropriate agenda, because according to the survey done a few years back by the LGWCD, the majority of residents were in

See LETTERS, page 20

SEND IN YOUR LETTERS

The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words). Submit letters, with contact name, address, and telephone number (anonymous letters will not be published), to The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to (561) 793-6090 ; or you can e-mail them to letters@goTownCrier.com

Palm Beach County’s Fall Election Season Takes Center Stage

Yes, I know — by now you’ve probably had politics up to your neck. However, you must admit that it was amusing to watch senators Clinton and Obama bobbing and weaving in what we thought might become politics’ never ending story. Now that both the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates have emerged, it’s time to turn our attention to our own local political landscape.

Wellington has the opportunity to grab two prominent offices this election season — the supervisor of elections post and the state legislature’s District 85 seat. Councilman Bob Margolis is vying with term-limited State Rep. Susan Bucher to depose embattled election czar Dr. Arthur Anderson. And Wellington resident Joseph Abruzzo is seeking the legislative seat being vacated by Shelley Vana, who has her eye on a county commission post.

While Mr. Margolis has gotten off to a slow start, he has scheduled his campaign kickoff party for June 19 at 7 p.m. at the Players Club in Wellington. He has already missed two debates attended by both of his opponents. The smart money is staying away from incumbent Dr. Anderson, who isn’t given much of a chance to win a second term in the office after a tenure that featured far more election-day glitches (although less headline grabbing) than his predecessor Theresa LePore. Even now the office is gearing up for a new paper-ballot voting system that must seem like a bad dream for the incumbent.

While quiet, Mr. Margolis has been busy behind the scenes shoring up financial support and friends. My coastal sources tell me the prominent political action group BizPac will soon announce that organization’s support for his candidacy. Sources also tell me he will be endorsed by the Palm Beach County Voters’ Coalition. While they are staying mum on the subject, Mr. Margolis has

Point of View...

By Don Brown

also gathered considerable support among prominent Republicans. While the election supervisor’s office is a nonpartisan position, all three of the current candidates are Democrats.

Ms. Bucher, meanwhile, is having trouble shaking the impression that she is much too partisan even for her own Democratic Party. Mr. Margolis, on the other hand, has never run a partisan campaign because the Wellington council he has served on for two terms is nonpartisan. He also is seen as “tasteful” to both parties. Still, Mr. Margolis has his work cut out for him in getting the name recognition already enjoyed by both his opponents.

Mr. Abruzzo, a Democrat, has the opportunity to finally deliver the District 85 house seat to Wellington. The irony is that the district was actually carved out several years ago as a Republican seat specifically for Wellington Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore. However, Ms. Vana apparently didn’t get the memo back when she first ran in 2002.

Like Mr. Margolis, Mr. Abruzzo also enjoys serious landed-gentry Republican support. Thus far, Mr. Abruzzo has one announced primary opponent, Jeffrey Murphy of Lake Worth, who earlier made an unsuccessful run against Ms. Vana. He has not yet drawn a Republican challenger — a surprise in a seat considered one of the few tossup districts in state. Mr. Abruzzo has been hard at work gathering local support for his campaign.

TOWN-CRIER

He too has the support of BizPac. He is also being endorsed by the Palm Beach County Firefighters/Paramedics, AFL-CIO, Ms. Vana and State Sen. Dave Aronberg.

None of the state, county or special district candidates are safe yet. The official filing period opens at noon June 16 and closes at noon June 20. The primary election will be held on Aug. 26 and the general election on Nov. 4. Republican State Sen. Jeff Atwater (District 25) of Palm Beach Gardens thus far has no Republican primary challengers. His top challenger will be former senator and failed attorney general hopeful Walter “Skip” Campbell of Fort Lauderdale. Democratic State Sen. Dave Aronberg (District 27) of Greenacres hasn’t picked up any primary challengers yet, but Republican rabble-rouser Ed Heeney of Boynton Beach has signed on to meet him in November.

In the state house District 83 seat, Republican incumbent Carl Domino of Jupiter will face John “Woody” Woodraska in the primary. Democrats Rick Ford of West Palm Beach and Bryan Miller of Jupiter will also meet in the primary. Ford nearly unseated Domino two years ago in a district Democrats until then had written off as a lost cause. District 84 incumbent Priscilla Taylor of Riviera Beach, a Democrat, thus far has no opposition.

For the District 88 legislative seat vacated by term-limited Ms. Bucher, two familiar names will be on the ballot: Democrat operative Mark Pafford and Republican talk show host Dick Farrel, both of West Palm Beach. They are joined by Constitution Party candidate Justin Honaker of West Palm Beach. Most recently, both Mr. Farrel and Mr. Pafford were among a gaggle of candidates vying for the District 6 County Commission seat in the 2006 primary election. Neither made it past the primary. Democrat Jess Santamaria eventually won the seat. Pafford, by the way,

has long been eyeing a state house seat. He lost the 2002 primary election to Vana. Is this his year? Perhaps, but with the always-amusing Farrel on the ballot, it may not be close, but it will be entertaining.

Incumbent two-term Palm Beach County School Board Member Dr. Monroe Benaim of Jupiter has two opponents this far in his bid to keep the District 1 seat. They are Kelly Sturmthal, also of Jupiter, and Jonathan Williams of Loxahatchee. Mr. Benaim’s district includes the northern half of The Acreage. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw appears to be cruising to an easy re-election victory. Two opponents who filed papers to run against him have both dropped out. Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock, a Democrat, likewise appears to be cruising to an easy victory with no opponents thus far. And Tax Collector Anne Gannon, who won a two-year term in a 2006 special election, has only token opposition in Gabriel Johnson, a Libertarian Party candidate from Riviera Beach.

In a race that is near and dear to my heart, three Republicans have lined up to face District 16 congressional incumbent Tim Mahoney (D-Palm Beach Gardens). They are State Rep. Gayle Harrell of Stuart, businessman Thomas Rooney of Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens Councilman Hal Valeche. The three Republicans will face off at a Wellington candidates forum this Wednesday, June 18 at the Players Club beginning at 7 p.m. I will be among the panelists asking the candidates questions. My readers may join in by sending e-mail questions to me via the Town-Crier at news@ gotowncrier.com. Put “Question for Don Brown” in the subject line. I’ll have more on electioneering in the western communities next week. Hint: some surprises on the upcoming Indian Trail Improvement District election.

St. Peter’s ‘Family Fun Day’ Benefits Young Athlete With Cancer

By Candace Marchsteiner Town-Crier Staff Report

St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington erupted with activity Saturday for Family Fun Day, an event benefiting one of its own. Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in April, 11-year-old athlete Carson Ruffa is playing to win just like he does in football, soccer and basketball.

More than 500 people enjoyed the carnival atmosphere that extended from the parking lot into the school’s air-conditioned gymnasium. Some were from Carson’s extended family wearing yellow lanyard IDs, some were fellow athletes or classmates, and some didn’t know Carson at all.

Carson’s grandmother Laura Kelly brought two of her fellow “prayer warriors,” co-workers and teachers from Okeeheelee Middle School where the art teacher designed a “Fighting for Carson” T-shirt. Sales at the school alone reached $3,400. “There’s no doubt in my mind that boy’s gonna walk out of the hospital and his oncologist is going to say he’s completely healed,” Kelly said.

Cousin Evan Courtney rallied his jazz combo from Jupiter High School to provide entertainment. “I didn’t think this could happen to my family, but it can happen to anyone,” he said. “I’m pretty sure I’m going to be a lot happier with what I have.”

Lexi Dubois was selling premade and custom bracelets at prices from $3 to $10 with beads donated by her parents and grandmother. “I’m Carson’s cousin’s cousin, so I’m kind of a cousin,” she said. “I’ve raised $450 so far by selling mainly to friends at school and my mom’s customers.”

Marco Antonacci plays basketball with Carson and endured target practice in the dunk tank. “I’m helping out for Carson,” he said, spitting out water. “He’s a fun kid and a good kid, and he needs our help.”

Eight-year-old Anthony Limauro aced a few throws at the Football Frenzy booth. “I don’t know Carson, but I’ve been praying for him that he could feel better,” he said. Despite Carson’s absence at the four-hour event, people

laughed and played and talked with optimism and affection as a slideshow of memories ran on a movie screen. “I’m blessed because my little boy is going to get better,” Carson’s father John Ruffa said.

With Carson in the hospital finishing his third of four rounds of a five-day dose of chemotherapy, Ruffa shared the results of his son’s fight like a proud dad providing instant replay. “The largest tumor is now 40 percent of what it was when he was diagnosed,” he said. “His lungs are completely clear of cancer. There’s no congestion of cancer around the lymph nodes anymore. The blood clot where a tumor was pushing against a major artery is all cleared up, and there’s no sign of cardiac distress. I feel absolutely blessed.”

Carson’s mother Jennifer Ruffa called the Family Fun Day event “a beautiful distraction.”

The family’s ordeal began March when Carson came down with a cold. By early April, the cold lingered, he was easily winded, had no appetite, lost eight pounds and ran a constant low-grade fever. Her pediatrician prescribed an inhaler for exercise-induced asthma, but also suggested an x-ray “just to be sure.” That night the family was told to get to Palms West Hospital immediately, and within hours, they knew that Carson had some form of cancer. It wouldn’t have a name until six days later: mediastinal germ cell carcinoma. Treatment started the next day.

Chemotherapy lowers the body’s ability to fight off infection, so Carson is temporarily out of the social circuit, but was able to finish his schoolwork and complete fifth grade at Royal Palm Beach’s Southwide Academy, a small Christian school. “Carson has always been an active, athletic child. He views this as a ‘total inconvenience’ and says he doesn’t have time for cancer,” Jennifer Ruffa said. “When we told him what needed to be done he said, ‘just bring it on.’ That’s been his attitude.”

Jennifer Klinkowitz, a cheering coach with church’s basketball league and a mother of two, said she felt compelled to help after she heard Carson’s story.

“I just planted a seed and others helped me grow it,” she said.

The Family Fun Day coordinating team assembled volunteers who ran a rock climb, inflatable slide, bounce house, bake sale, silent auction, carnival games, crafts, raffles, blood drive, lunch counter and more. Earlier in the week, the planning team presented Carson, a diehard University of Florida Gator fan, with an embossed Gator football and a real 2003 season jersey bearing his own number 25 and his name. “He loved the shirt, but he couldn’t get over the football,” Klinkowitz said.

To ease nausea and dehydration following each round of chemotherapy, Carson takes more than $2,000 worth of medication that is not covered by his insurance. His care and out-ofpocket expenses will go on for years, so fundraising events continue.

On Sunday, July 6, St. Peter’s is featuring renowned local jazz

pianist Copeland Davis at morning services followed by a noon meal of hot dogs and hamburgers in the school gym. The community is welcome to attend services and the luncheon. Meals are free, but “love offerings” for Carson will be accepted. An excess of items from the Family Fun Day’s silent auction will be raffled off as well.

Klinkowitz added that if anyone books a Spa Escape Party and mentions Carson’s name, all profits from product sales will go directly to the Ruffa family to help with ongoing medical expenses. Up to 15 women can be pampered from head to toe with spa products. Book this “great girls’ night out” by calling Klinkowitz at (561) 7958908.

On behalf of the family, St. Peter’s is accepting donations to the Carson Ruffa Fund. Checks can be mailed to the church at 12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414.

PHOTOS BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

Carson’s grandfather Domenic Ruffa, cousin Nicole Vazquez, grandmother Elaine Ruffa and (standing) aunt Jackie Kekacs guard the bake sale items.

The Jupiter High School jazz combo (L-R): Evan Courtney (Carson’s cousin), Joshua Dworning, Stephen Smith and Adam Merkt.

Carson with his dad John and grandfather Domenic.

Carson’s parents John and Jennifer Ruffa.

Jessica Rodriguez and Danielle Brennan make sand art.

PHOTO COURTESY RUFFA FAMILY

Thefts Reported In Wellington And Royal Palm Beach

By Jason Budjinski Town-Crier Staff Report

JUNE 7 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach responded last Saturday to the intersection of Meadowlark Drive and Royal Palm Beach Blvd. regarding a reckless driver. According to a PBSO report, the deputy observed the vehicle, driven by 20year-old Victor Rosado of RPB, drive off the road and onto a grassy swale. After conducting a traffic stop and having Rosado perform roadside sobriety tasks, the deputy placed him under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.

JUNE 10 — A resident of Torrington Avenue called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, at sometime between 8:45 p.m. on Monday and 5 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s red Toyota 4Runner, which was parked in the driveway, and stole a brief-case containing a Dell laptop computer worth more than $2,000 and belonging to the Village of Wellington. The victim discovered the theft when he arrived for work at 6 a.m. There were no witnesses or other evidence at the time of the report. The case is inactive pending further investigative leads.

JUNE 10 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to the Applebee’s restaurant on Forest Hill Blvd. on Tuesday in response to a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked his 1994 Infiniti at approximately 8:30 a.m. When he returned approximately eight hours later, the victim discovered the vehicle was missing and there was broken glass in its place. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JUNE 10 — A man was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol Tuesday night in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the RPB substation responded to the intersection of Southern and Royal Palm Beach boulevards as a backup unit to a traffic stop. Upon arrival the deputy made contact with the driver, 50-yearold Jose Porro of Wellington, who told the deputy his business card was his driver’s license. According to the report, Porro was unable to maintain his balance or perform roadside tasks. He was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail.

JUNE 11 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road on Wednesday afternoon regarding a shoplifter. According to a PBSO report, a store security officer observed 30-year-old Kenneth Petrescu of Dania Beach conceal ponchos inside a backpack he purchased from the store. Petrescu was arrested and charged with petit theft. The ponchos were returned to the store.

JUNE 11 — A routine traffic stop in Wellington led to a drug arrest on Wednesday. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from

the Wellington substation pulled over 29-year-old Allen Cox at the intersection of Forest Hill Blvd. and Country Club Drive for failing to stop at a stop sign. A search of Cox’s vehicle revealed 4.5 grams of marijuana. Cox was also charged with driving with a suspended license. He was transported to the county jail.

JUNE 11 — A man was arrested and charged with retail theft Wednesday at the WalMart Supercenter in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, a store security officer witnessed 26-year-old Jerry Brooks conceal several items valued at $114.97 and exit the store without paying for them. Brooks was apprehended outside the store and taken to the loss prevention office. He was later arrested and transported to the county jail.

JUNE 11 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched Wednesday night to the parking lot of the Southern Center at the intersection of State Road 7 and Southern Blvd. in response to a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked his vehicle at approximately 8:45 p.m. and returned an hour later and discovered that his credit card and $50 cash had been stolen. There was no sign of forced entry to the vehicle, according to the report, and the victim said he left the vehicle locked.

JUNE 11 — A woman was arrested Wednesday after being caught shoplifting at the WalMart Supercenter in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, a store security officer observed 18-year-old Katelyn Hagopian of Wellington select several items from the craft department and conceal them in her purse. Hagopian then continued toward the men’s department, where she selected a pair of swim trunks and concealed them in her purse, according to the report. After passing all points of sale without paying for the merchandise, Hagopian was apprehended and escorted to the loss prevention office. She was arrested without incident and taken to the county jail.

JUNE 11 — A man was arrested for drug possession Wednesday night following a traffic stop on State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the RPB substation was heading northbound on SR 7 when he observed a truck driven by 37-year-old Jason Ferrando traveling at a high rate of speed. The deputy recorded Ferrando driving 62 miles per hour in a 45-mile-per-hour zone. According to the report, the deputy smelled burned marijuana emanating from Ferrando’s truck. After gaining consent to search Ferrando and his vehicle, the deputy discovered a metal pill container in Ferrando’s right front pocket. The 35 pills found inside the container later tested positive as oxycodone. The deputy also found several burnt joints in the ashtray and a plastic bag containing approximately 30 grams of marijuana. Ferrando was transported to the county jail.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Nicolas Mateo is a white male, 5’3” tall and weighing 140 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 01/20/88. Mateo is wanted on the charge of murder in the second degree. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was Fleming Avenue in Greenacres. Mateo is wanted as of 06/ 12/08. • Nikkita Stewart, a.k.a. Nikkita Briddell, is a black female, 5’6” tall and weighing 200 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Her date of birth is 05/16/ 78. Stewart is wanted on the felony charge of public assistance fraud and the traffic charge of attaching a license plate not assigned. Her occupation is unknown. Her last known address was Folkestone Circle in Wellington. Stewart is wanted as of 06/12/08. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc. com.

Nicolas Mateo

Nikkita Stewart

Three Arrested For March 30 Robbery

JUNE 10 — Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office robbery detectives and Florida Department of Law Enforcement special agents arrested three men Tuesday in connection with a March 30 armed robbery in Wellington.

The arrestees — all 18 years old — are Emmanuel Alexis of North Miami Beach, Jahson Rayon Linton of Boynton Beach and Clinton Ellington Jr. of Miami. All three were charged with armed robbery and aggravated battery with a firearm, and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail.

The investigation began two months ago after two victims told PBSO deputies they were robbed at gunpoint in a residential development in Wellington after returning from the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, where they won $24,657 in a poker tournament. Agents and PBSO detectives believe that the robbers and their accomplices had been watching

the pair while they played in the poker tournament. After the two victims received their winning payouts from the casino, they were escorted to their vehicles by casino security personnel. Investigators believe the suspects then followed the two victims as they headed north toward Palm Beach County.

According to detectives, the victims were first confronted by the gunmen after they were cut off by the armed driver near the intersection of Wellington Trace and Forest Hill Blvd. The victims told authorities that the driver and another man, who were wearing ski masks, jumped out of their vehicle and pointed handguns at the victims, who were still in their car. When the victim who was driving saw one of the gunmen point a weapon at his head, he ducked, heard a shot fired and hit his gas pedal, driving around the two armed robbers, he told investigators. The gunmen then followed the victims into a residential devel-

opment as both victims fled from their vehicle and tried to hide.

The gunmen reportedly confronted one of the victims and demanded his winnings. The victim handed over more than $3,000 to the two attackers. The other victim’s tournament winnings were still in the vehicle, authorities said. The gunmen searched that vehicle, took approximately $19,000 and then fled. After the robbery was reported to investigators, authorities used surveillance footage and other investigative methods to identify the suspects in the armed robbery.

Once the possible suspects were identified, authorities obtained arrest warrants and search warrants for their residences. During the execution of the search warrants, investigators seized several items that will be examined for any possible connection to the armed robbery. The investigation is continuing.

Santamaria’s Monthly Forum Set For June 18

County Commissioner Jess Santamaria will host his monthly community forum on Wednesday, June 18 at the original Wellington Mall at the corner of Wellington Trace and Forest Hill Blvd. The forum will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. in the mall’s center court.

Invited speakers include Assistant County Administrator Vince Bonvento, director of Palm Beach County Public Safety, and attorneys Neal Taslitz, Malcolm Harrison, James Bonfiglio and Louis Silber. There is no cost to attend.

For more information about the June 18 forum, call Santamaria’s office at (561) 355-6300.

PBC Budget Documents Now Available Online

The Fiscal Year 2009 budget process for Palm Beach County government is moving into the public workshop phase. The Board of County Commissioners has scheduled a workshop on Wednesday, June 18 beginning at 9:30 a.m. to officially receive the tentative 2009 budget. The workshop will be continued to the following day if necessary, beginning at 2 p.m. The workshop will be held in the Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers, sixth floor of the County Governmental Center, 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach.

All documentation the commissioners are using to make their decisions is available for review at www.pbcgov.com. Just click on the “FY-2009 Budget” link. There you will find the workshop agenda, an overview of the proposed 2009 budget, line item expenditures and revenues by departments and fund names, and previous years’ budgets.

The workshop will be carried live on PBC-TV cable Channel 20 and streamed live at www.pbcgov.com. Another workshop has been scheduled for July 14 at 9:30 a.m. for additional discussion of the tentative budget.

In September, two public hearings will be held for preliminary and final adoption of the 2009 budget.

June 20 Grand Opening For EcoCentre

A “vine-cutting” ceremony will be held Friday, June 20 for EcoCentre, the Living Building, in Lake Worth. When it opens, EcoCentre will be Florida’s first office building of its kind — a 33,000-gross-square-foot, fourstory structure incorporating natural “living” systems and “green” technologies designed to save energy, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and water consumption, and create an overall healthier environment.

EcoCentre is called a “living” building because the building is its own ecosystem — all of its living systems, its occupants, plants and micro-organisms, in-

teract with all of its non-living physical features. The result is a holistically designed structure that is a self-sustaining eco-environment — a tranquil workplace offering its occupants a peaceful and soothing respite from the hectic pace of a busy law firm.

The project is registered with the Green Building Council and is seeking Gold L.E.E.D. certification, a procedure demonstrating that the project has been planned, designed and completed with a primary goal of environmental enhancement. The building will contain, among other things, “a living machine” — a technological innovation which allows for the on-site purification and recycling of water. The building will be topped by a “living roof” or “roof park,” which will mimic a miniature wetland project. It will not only provide for greenery, plants, trees and a lawn on the rooftop, but will be integrated into the building’s water system and environmental life cycle.

EcoCentre, the Living Building, will save approximately 200,000 gallons of water a year, reducing its impact on the city’s water infrastructure by recycling water from lavatories and showers, capturing and storing rainwater, using water-efficient plumbing fixtures and condensate capture from the air conditioning system.

The June 20 grand opening event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. EcoCentre is located at 1005 Lake Ave. in Lake Worth. For more information, visit www. romanolitigation.com.

Emmanuel AlexisClinton Ellington Jr.Jahson Rayon Linton

Groves Town And District Remain At Odds Over Agreement

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Supervisors stopped short of approving a new interlocal agreement with the Town of Loxahatchee Groves Monday that would clear the way for the town to claim its share of state gas tax revenues.

The town wants the district to toss out a similar year-old agreement in favor of the new one on the grounds that the first agreement’s language makes the town ineligible to claim the money. Among other changes, a draft version of the new agreement deletes language stating that the district “owns, operates and maintains the public roads within the town.”

As a municipality, Loxahatchee Groves is eligible to receive a share of gas tax money collected in Palm Beach County, to be spent maintaining public roadways. But the LGWCD, whose boundaries are nearly equivalent to the town’s, contin-

ues to be the actual authority maintaining local roads. Gas tax revenue figured heavily in discussions between the supervisors and home-rule proponents prior to the town’s incorporation, and suspicions persist on the LGWCD board that some members of the town council aim to ultimately end the district’s existence as an independent entity.

The town argues that the old interlocal agreement was flawed because according to state statutes, municipalities have original jurisdiction over roads within their boundaries “to regulate, warn or guide traffic,” which the town views as extending to maintenance as well. Noting that officials from Palm Beach County and the Palm Beach County League of Cities had pointed out the problem, Town Attorney David Tolces told the LGWCD board Monday that he had League of Cities attorney Trela White review the new agreement, and she raised no issues about it.

“I have had several conversations with Ms. White, so when this lane milage comes up for certification, there can’t be any questions raised,” Tolces said. “I also have had several conversations with David Hardin, who serves as the transportation chairman of the League of Cities. He’s confident that based on his legal counsel’s advice, everything will move smoothly and the town will qualify for the funding in the subsequent year. The funds will move to the town, and the funds will be distributed in accordance with the state statutes.”

LGWCD Chairman David DeMarois noted that the issue of jurisdiction would need resolution beyond the limits of the agreement. “The question of jurisdiction is a good one,” he said. “We can continue to have this discussion over the next weeks and months. The more important and immediate issue is qualifying and getting the gas tax monies and how that can be appropriated for the town.”

But Supervisor John Ryan took issue with a new clause in the draft agreement binding the district to spend the revenues according to a town-provided annual expenditure plan. In one of several e-mails to LGWCD Administrator Clete Saunier included in the item agenda packet, Ryan charged that a “a threeperson majority of the town council wants to control the district’s road decisions and related expenditures” and that the town is pressuring the district either to approve a flawed agreement or otherwise appear uncooperative.

Ryan also charged that the town is flouting its own charter, which recognizes the separate statutory authority of the district and called for a memorandum of understanding to accompany a mutually approved interlocal agreement, warning that any misunderstandings left unresolved would unquestionably grow into larger problems.

Saunier said resolving the issue of jurisdiction would require

further discussion between the town and the district. “It is my opinion that this would require a workshop of both the town council and the board of supervisors,” he said, “and we can have the town and our legal council work toward a draft agreement or a memo of understanding about the responsibility of ownership versus the responsibility of traffic control and other issues.”

Tolces urged the board to go ahead and sign off on the agreement, noting that the town must have its paperwork in order by the end of the month to qualify for the revenue and that the town council was expecting to approve the document on June 17.

But LGWCD Vice Chair Don Widing made a motion to defer approval of the agreement pending further discussion, seconded by Supervisor Ron Jarriel.

Widing said he was confident that the concerns on both sides could be worked out. “It might be another delay,” he said. “You have two great legal minds. I

have equal confidence in both law firms. We have two great legal teams. It’s not fair to either of our administrators, both the town administrator and our administrator. They need to know clearly how this process will work. I applaud Mr. DeMarois’s and Mr. Ryan’s efforts. I think we need to approach this for the long term.” The board approved the motion 4-0 with Supervisor Robert Snowball absent. On Wednesday, DeMarois said no date had yet been set for a joint workshop. He also noted that beyond the claims of the town, he had not been provided any official documentation from the league or the county spelling out the problems in the district’s existing agreement. Such a measure would do much to improve the trust between the supervisors and the town, he said. “If someone is on the upand-up,” he said, “it makes sense that they would provide something in writing, instead of just he said, she said.”

New Signs Will Identify The Acreage As ‘Equestrian Community’

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

The Indian Trail Improvement District’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee spent the bulk of its meeting Monday discussing proper placement of six new signs identifying The Acreage as an equestrian community and urging drivers to use caution.

Chris Kooienga suggested posting signs at Orange Grove, Persimmon and Tangerine boulevards, just west of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. “These are main entrances to the district and they are district roads, not county roads where we would have to negotiate placement,” she said. Looking over a large map of district roads, several commit-

tee members suggested placing signs on Coconut Blvd. and Northlake Blvd., but Parks Director Tim Wojnar noted that those are county roads.

Helmut Schmitt suggested a sign at Mandarin Blvd. and 60th Street North. “We used to have a sign there,” he said. “I adopted it a few years ago, but it blew away in one of the hurricanes.

There are a lot of riders there and too many cars. That would be a good spot.”

Several committee members wanted signs on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. Although Wojnar noted that it is a county road, several people suggested signs just off the road itself.

Committee Chair Celeste Hathhorn suggested posting a sign on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road at the first canal crossing north of Southern Blvd. “We own an easement there,” she pointed out. “And that’s another main entrance into the community.”

The committee members decided to recommend placing signs at the Orange Grove, Persimmon, Tangerine, Mandarin

and Seminole Pratt locations, keeping a sixth in reserve. In other business, Wojnar told the committee the

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Rep. Mahoney To P.W. Chamber: Time To End Politics As Usual

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Congressman Tim Mahoney, who is looking to defend his seat against a strong Republican challenger later this year, described his constituency as a representative slice of Florida.

Speaking at the Palms West Chamber of Commerce business luncheon Monday, Mahoney described his District 16, which includes parts of the western communities but stretches into the Treasure Coast, across the north side of Lake Okeechobee and on to the west coast of the peninsula, as a cross-section of the state.

“I am the only congressman who represents all of Florida,” Mahoney said. “I have the wealthiest communities in the state, such as Jupiter Island, and I have the people living in the poorest communities, such as Moore Haven and Glades County. I have the fastest-growing county, which is St. Lucie County, and Charlotte County, which has the highest number of retirees per capita.”

Mahoney said he didn’t think he had to tell anyone in the room that Florida is in an economic recession, and he pledged to do all he can to avoid a full-scale depression. Voters are concerned because average family incomes are down, while homeowner insurance rates, property taxes, gasoline and healthcare costs are rising, he said.

“You have seen this play out in the campaigns,” Mahoney said. “One of the candidates likes to talk about ‘change.’ Americans like change when they feel they have been shortchanged. Another candidate is talking about ‘straight talk.’ The American people want straight talk. They don’t want rhetoric. They want solutions. The American dream is in peril. The American people are tired of partisan politics. They want people who are serious about coming up with real solutions.”

Mahoney said he is more concerned with results than party labels, and wants his actions to show it. Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain has not been totally supportive of the catastrophic homeowner insurance proposal Mahoney and Congressman Ron Klein are sponsoring, he said, but they sat

down with him and attempted to get him on the same page. Through the bill, Mahoney said he hopes homeowners across the nation will see dramatic cuts in their insurance rates in the near future. “We don’t have to wait until the election to make this happen and get results,” he said.

As a longtime entrepreneur and businessman, Mahoney also said he supported legislation that would provide tax cuts to small businesses and also action that would cut down on frivolous lawsuits. Meanwhile, Floridians are feeling the effects of foreclosure levels and the downturn in the economy. He pledged to try his hardest to bring more money to the district and relieve the Palm Beach County Commission of the necessity of increasing property taxes.

“Floridians have not gotten their fair share,” Mahoney said. “I don’t consider road widening for hurricanes a pork project. I don’t consider expanding runways a pork project. These are dollars we need in our infrastructure so local businesses can grow. We need to increase the money in the federal budget that takes care of our seniors. These are the kind of things that your elected officials can do for you.”

Mahoney wrapped up his comments by praising American servicemen and women serving overseas. “This is the only campaign thought I need to leave you with,” he said. “We need to dedicate this election to those men and women who believe in this country. They believe in this country, and we need to support them and give them the political leadership they deserve. We have to stop partisanship. We

have to come together as a country.”

Tuesday’s luncheon, which took place at the Outback Steakhouse in Royal Palm Beach, was sponsored by Oasis Outsourcing, a professional management firm responsible for professional outsourcing, human resources, payroll processing and other services.

Larry Dorion, director of sales training for Oasis Outsourcing, at the company’s West Palm Beach office, said his firm takes on those nightmare tasks so the people who run businesses can continue doing what they enjoy the most: pursuing their dreams.

“If you think about it, the employees are the greatest asset we have,” Dorion said. “When you think about taking all the un-fun stuff off your plate, we can do it. The payroll taxes, the human resources and all the things that create headaches for business owners, we do. Our job is to allow you to go back to doing what you do best. Our fun stuff is your un-fun stuff. Our target client is someone who’s sick of all the headaches, and you can go back to do what you do best.”

For more information about Oasis Outsourcing, call (866) AT-OASIS or (800) 286-2747 or visit www.oasisadvantage.com.

Oasis Outsourcing is located at 2054 Vista Parkway, Suite 300 in West Palm Beach.

The chamber’s next business luncheon on July 14 will feature legislative candidates and take place at the South Florida Fairgrounds. For more information about the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, call (561) 7906200 or visit www.palmswest. com.

795-1404

year.

accepts the 2008 Business of the Year Award, which honors companies with gross sales exceeding $2 million. WRMC has belonged to the chamber for the past 22 years and is the largest private employer in the western communities, with more than 800 employees.

John

Chamber Presi-

presents

Garcia of Insurance for You with the 2008 Small Business of the Year Award, which is awarded to businesses whose gross sales are less than $2 million. A chamber member for more than ten years, Garcia served eight years on the board of directors and as president in 2006. Garcia was instrumental in the creation of the chamber’s SalsaFest event.

Congressman Tim Mahoney Larry Dorion of Oasis Outsourcing

Businesses Of The Year — At Monday’s luncheon, the Palms West Chamber of Commerce honored its businesses of the

(Above) Wellington Regional Medical Center CEO Kevin DiLallo

(Left)

dent

Spillane

Silvia

Groves Supervisors Postpone Vote On Assessment Hike

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Supervisors held off Monday on approving a maintenance assessment increase for residents in the coming fiscal year.

LGWCD Administrator Clete Saunier presented a budget that included an increase of $10.45 per acre, or 7.6 percent over the existing assessment rate of $137.95 per acre, which he said would be necessary to maintain current levels of service, but noted that an accurate projection of gas tax revenues would not be available until July 1.

Saunier noted that while assessment rates have remained basically flat for several years, the new budget reflects the impact of skyrocketing gasoline and equipment costs and the loss of some funding sources, such as county commission discretionary funds.

Saunier said that his budget attempts to simply maintain current service levels, with the addition of one new project. He noted that gas tax revenue would provide only about 33 percent of the district’s historic revenues from outside sources.

“This reduction is significant,” Saunier said. “It is the primary reason that the rate needs to increase to make sure that the services are maintained. The board also adopted a threephased program for D Road Canal. The first phase, involving the survey, is done and the second phase will be dredging the canal and cleaning it out and building the canal. That is the only additional project.”

Supervisor John Ryan said that in reviewing the budget he noted that key increases were related to fuel costs, with road rock being another significant expenditure, and wages, workers’ compensation and insurance also among big-ticket items to be expected from a government agency.

“I feel we are holding the line as much as we can,” Ryan said. “cost squeeze as everyone else. That seems to be inescapable when you consider insurance rates and some of the other basic matters.”

Vice Chair Don Widing said he was worried about the district’s low reserve of about eight percent, which would be problematic in the event of a hurricane or other emergency.

Widing said he would be more comfortable with an increase in the three to five percent range, and asked if the residents would accept a lower level of service on the roads and canals.

Saunier replied that the district personnel might be able to grade a little less, but he didn’t think that would have a huge impact on cutting the budget, as most of the increases involve base rock and fuel. Saunier said the district could defer the D Road Canal project for another year to lower expenses.

“From October of 2006 to now, the fuel costs have gone up 100 percent,” Saunier said. “The base rock has gone up 100 percent. It is likely they will go up another 33 percent. If you wanted to cut the budget, you would have to defer another year’s canal maintenance on D Road Canal.”

Supervisor Ron Jarriel said he would choose to defer the D Road Canal project over an assessment increase. He also noted that unchecked fuel cost increases could cripple the nation.

“If I had to pick, I would choose cutting the D Road canal,” Jarriel said. “I told everyone in the past years, I have fought against assessment increases. The fuel costs will kill the country. If the politicians won’t do something about it, it will go down the ladder to the people who buy the vegetables.” During public comment, E Road resident Bill Gurney said he saw a lot of services outlined in the budget benefiting individual property owners rather than the community as a whole. “These charts assumed that all the services were needed, and they weren’t,” Gurney said. “Once you add the wants and desires, you have to find the

money to do them. If we don’t have the money coming in from outside, the landowners would have to foot the bill. The gas tax money is a windfall. Now you want the gas tax money, and you want an additional ten dollars per acre. That’s outrageous.”

Since the fuel costs were driving the discussion, Loxahatchee Groves resident Paul Coleman suggested the district look to other ways to grade the roads. He also said he didn’t think he should have to pay for grading any road other than the one on which he lives. As for D Road Canal, he said, he didn’t mind waiting another year for it to be cleaned out.

“I know the canal needs to be cleaned out, but I have never seen it cleaned out,” Coleman said. “I think we can go another year. I also don’t care if the dirt roads are dirt. I think there are many ways we can maintain the roads. We are pushing dirt from one side to another.”

Equestrian Chris Gilman said the timing was bad for a tax increase due both to a difficult economic situation and unstable relations between the town and the district. “I think we are putting the cart before the horse,” he said. “I think we have to see what will become of the contentious relationship between the two agencies before you raise the taxes. I think we should table this and revisit it next year.”

Saunier said that with increasing traffic, the level of service for roads needs to stay the same or they would become undriveable.

“Whatever was done 10 to 15 years ago is not sufficient to maintain the roads,” Saunier said. “This is what we need to do if we want to continue to provide the level of services. If you don’t want to do D Road, we can do some adjustments.”

After some further public comments, the supervisors asked Saunier and LGWCD Attorney Mary Viator how long they could defer the issue.

Viator said the board must set its preliminary rate by its July 14 meeting, after which it can be lowered but not increased.

“We still have the right to come down,” she said. “You actually have until Sept. 15.”

Saunier concurred with Viator, but also said he wanted the supervisors to talk with him after the LGWCD annual meeting at the end of the month.

“I would like some direction so I will come back to you after the annual meeting, after meeting with each of you to discuss with you some realistic numbers,” he said.

By consensus, the board deferred the item.

In other business:

• The supervisors directed Saunier to proceed with the implementation of the process for approval of a water control plan for a proposed unit of development, in answer to difficulties concerning a failed culvert on D Road serving four properties.

Supervisor Ron Jarriel made a motion for approval for the process to proceed, which was seconded by Ryan. It passed 4-0 with Supervisor Robert Snowball absent.

• The supervisors approved a resolution supporting the continuation of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to the Beeline Highway. Jarriel made a motion for approval, which was seconded by Ryan. It passed 4-0.

• The supervisors approved an amended interlocal agreement with Palm Beach County providing $60,000 for the acquisition of a water truck to maintain district shellrock roads, and a resolution approving the purchase and payment process for the truck. Widing made a motion for approval, which was seconded Jarriel. It passed 4-0.

• The supervisors approved a related resolution allowing the district to enter into a lease purchase agreement with Daimler Chrysler Financial for the acquisition of the new truck. The lease purchase agreement will finance the $53,935 balance of the purchase price over 48 months at an annual interest rate of 4.76 percent. Widing made a motion for approval, which was seconded by Jarriel. It passed 40.

‘From October 2006 to now, the fuel costs have gone up 100 percent. The base rock has gone up 100 percent. It is likely they will go up another 33 percent.’

— Clete Saunier

FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF EARL HEBERT ATTEND BENEFIT AT

A fundraiser was held Sunday, June 8 at Backstreets Bar & Grill in Wellington Plaza to benefit Earl Hebert, a Wellington man who was struck by a car on April 23 and sustained a traumatic brain injury. Hot dogs, chili, potato salad, coleslaw, beer, wine and soda were served, and the event also featured live entertainment, a silent auction and raffle. Proceeds raised, including tips, were donated to the Earl Hebert Fund.

PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTOS BY CAROL

Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto with son Austin and daughter Gabriella, their friends John and Isabelle Kelly, and Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore with his wife Marie.

Hebert family members gather for a group photo.

Barbara Russell and Donna Lieberman.

Matt Schaffer, Charlie Johnson, Fred Volpe and Bill Donnelly.

Brian McLaughlin, Jim Barnes and John Bonde.

Backstreets owner Jim Reid says a few words.

Christine Kirkman serves up hot dogs.

Gigi and Tania Allard with Barbara Justin. Wellington Councilman Bob Margolis and his wife Linda. Alan Shay and Joey George perform.

Representatives from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office fitted dozens of students at H.L. Johnson Elementary School with free bike helmets on Friday, June 6. It is the law for all individuals under the age of 16 to wear a helmet when riding a bike. PBSO District 9 in the Village of Royal Palm Beach is proactive in the effort and works with area schools throughout the year. Shown here, Deputy Butch Waller fits a helmet for an H.L. Johnson student.

Poinciana Day School International Buffet

Fourth-grade students at Poinciana Day School in West Palm Beach have been learning about countries around the world during their social studies classes. The finale of the unit was an international buffet. Each student brought in food typical of the country that they researched to share with the class. Many

students researched recipes and prepared their own international dishes. The foods represented countries on six continents and included Argentina, Germany, Australia, Kenya, China, India, Austria and Mexico. For more information about Poinciana Day School, call (561) 655-7323 or visit www. poincianadayschool.org.

WES Walkathon Raises More Than $35,000

Another successful walkathon fundraiser was held recently at Wellington Elementary School, raising more than $35,000. The Hineman family has been the walkathon’s highest earning family for the past five years. The event is Welling-

ton Elementary School’s major fundraiser. The theme was

“Caution: Wildcats Under Construction” because several new buildings are being built. Money will be used for classroom supplies, computer equipment, sports equipment and books.

HAPPENINGS AT BINKS FOREST ELEMENTARY

Binks Forest Elementary School wound down the school year with several events recently. (Clockwise from right) Second graders and teachers Kathy Zinger and Michelle Oh enjoy a break from the PTA Walk-athon held at the school last week, which raised $10,000 needed to resurface the physical education area; Binks Forest PTA board members celebrate the end of the year during a luncheon at the school held for all the PTA volunteers; and Binks Forest PTA President Kim Sundook with PTA Volunteer of the Year Elvera Rigolo.

(Front row, L-R) Ian Pearson, Gisele Poitras, Ashley Goldman, Connor Sullivan and Mikayla Hineman; (second row) Jeffrey Goldman, Ashley Klinkowitz, Gabe Hineman, Colby Sullivan and Michael Goldman; (back) Principal Michael Borowski.

Students Mikayla and Gabe Hineman with Principal Michael Borowski.

Buffet Day — Tova Jeske of Wellington, Paola Cortez Rojas of Royal Palm Beach and Amar Maharaj of West Palm Beach partake of the international buffet.

Crestwood’s Seventh Graders Celebrate End Of The School Year

The seventh-grade Pirates team at Crestwood Middle School spent Friday, June 6 celebrating the end of the school year at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center.

Students enjoyed a bagel and cream cheese breakfast thanks to Panera Bread. They enjoyed a slide presentation that featured the past year’s Pirate highlights, including Oktoberfest, Metric Olympics, Holidays around the World, Crestival, Is-

lands of Adventure, Pi Day and a science lab on the moon’s cycles. Metric Olympics awards in gold, silver and bronze were given to the top three participants of the events. Oscar Award winners were revealed in various categories. Lunch was provided by Papa John’s Pizza in Royal Palm Beach. After dancing and yearbook signing, all students finished the day with ice cream treats.

Poinciana Day School Holds Its End-Of-Year Awards Ceremony

Poinciana Day School finished the school year with a final awards ceremony and yearbook distribution.

The yearbook, created and produced by the eighth-grade class, was dedicated to middle school social studies teacher and sports and fitness instructor Darcie Mulay, who is also the advisor for the Safety Patrol and Student Council, and oversees the yearbook production. Ms. Mulay was presented with an autographed copy of the yearbook by the eighth graders, and she read a poem the students wrote in her honor. Assistant head of school and middle school language arts teacher Grace Lipman was also presented a special yearbook to mark her retirement after 35 years of teaching.

Fourth- through eighth-grade students having an “A” average for the year in all subjects and

scoring above the 85th percentile on their standardized test scores received special awards including the Presidential Academic Award.

Fourth graders were Maeve A’Hearn of West Palm Beach, Blake Clement of Lake Worth, Julianna Cooper of West Palm Beach, Amar Maharaj of West Palm Beach and Kaitlyn Rivers of Lake Worth.

Sixth graders were Carli Bryan of West Palm Beach, Shelley Martin of Royal Palm Beach and Atlantis, Josh Thaw of Palm Beach Gardens and Alden Thompson of Singer Island and Juno Beach.

Fifth grader Matthew Ridgway of Lantana, seventh grader Sarah Templin of West Palm Beach and eighth grader Michelle Martin of Royal Palm Beach and Atlantis also received the award.

Sports Awards Winners — (L-R) Lavinia Gladstone of Palm Beach for Most Improved Player in soccer, Naomi Cortez Rojas of Royal Palm Beach for Most Improved Player in basketball, Shelley Martin of Royal Palm Beach and Atlantis for Most Improved Player in flag football, and Maeve A’Hearn of West Palm Beach with the Shooting Star Award for outstanding sportsmanship and leadership skills.

Technology Awards Winners — (L-R) Shelbie Heisler of West Palm Beach, Michelle Martin of Royal Palm Beach and Atlantis, Gabriel Mangione of Lantana, Zachary Campbell of Wellington, Gabe Klein of West Palm Beach and Sarah Templin of West Palm Beach were finalists in the technology presentations. Special award winners were Templin for Best Presentation, Martin for Best Photography, and Mangione for Best Overall Marketing Plan and Presentation.

Staff members get into the spirit of the celebration.Seventh graders enjoy bagels and punch.

Classmates ham it up at the party.Oscar Awards are given to some students.Gold medal winners.

and

Aronberg Rocks At Café

State Sen. Dave Aronberg joined Wellington musician Matt Auerbach on stage at Village Walk Café on Saturday, May 31 to play and sing some songs.

ing

by

and

Auerbach is a resident of VillageWalk and plays regularly at the café, located inside the development near Forest Hill Blvd. east of State Road 7.

Aronberg was invited to play guitar as a special guest and mingle with the residents. He played a few songs on his own, includ-

Daniel Harris Graduates From United States Naval Academy

Marine Corps Cadet Daniel E. Harris, brother of Brittany Thiel of West Palm Beach, recently graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

Harris is a 2004 graduate of Royal Palm Beach High School. Harris completed four years of intensive academic, physical and professional military training to receive a bachelor’s of science degree.

The mission of the United States Naval Academy is to develop its midshipmen morally, mentally and physically in order to prepare combat leaders of

character for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Considered one of the top institutions in the country, the U.S. Naval Academy was founded in 1845. Of its 60,000 alumni, Naval Academy graduates include 4,000 admirals and generals, one president, 200 members of Congress, three governors, 73 Medal of Honor winners, one Nobel Prize winner and 40 astronauts. The Naval Academy currently has more than 4,000 students who comprise the Brigade of Midshipmen and come from every state in the union. Each year, nearly 15,000 young men and women apply, but fewer than 1,300 are accepted.

Thomas Wade Of Wellington Graduates Boston College

Thomas Wade of Wellington has graduated from Boston College with a bachelor’s of arts degree from the university’s College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in economics.

More than 3,300 undergraduate and graduate students received degrees at the university’s 132nd commencement exercises, held on May 19 in Alumni Stadium on the Boston College campus in Chestnut Hill, Mass.

The 2008 commencement speaker was Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough, whose most recent book, 1776, is a New York Times bestseller in both hardcover and paperback, with more than three million copies in print. His previous work, John Adams, remains one of the most critically acclaimed and widely read American biographies of all time. McCullough received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree at the ceremony.

Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1863, Boston College today is one of the foremost Catholic universities in the United States, with an enrollment of approximately 14,500 undergraduate and graduate students drawn from 50 states and 85 countries. It also is one of the nation’s most selective universities, with more than 30,000 applications for its 2,250-member freshman class received this year. Its faculty of eminent scholars is dedicated to teaching, both at the undergraduate level and in its nationally noted graduate programs in education, law, management, nursing and social work. Though it has grown in size, stature and diversity, the college remains focused on its founding Jesuit mission to offer students a transforming educational experience, help them develop both intellect and character, and encourage them to lead lives of faith, integrity and service to others.

Blackwood Earns Faculty Honors

Glenn Blackwood of Wellington earned faculty honors for the 2008 spring semester at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Undergraduate students earning a 4.0 academic average for the semester gain this distinction.

The Georgia Institute of Technology, also known as Georgia Tech, is one of the nation’s leading research universities, providing a focused, technologically based education to more than 18,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Georgia Tech has many nationally recognized pro-

grams, all top-ranked by peers and publications alike, and is ranked in the nation’s top ten public universities by U.S. News & World Report As a leading technological university, Georgia Tech has more than 100 interdisciplinary research centers operating through the colleges of architecture, computing, management, engineering, sciences and the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts that contribute vital research and innovation to America’s government, industry and business.

PBSO Hosting Sea Cadets Camp

Navy Sea Cadets from around the country from ages 13 to 16 are participating in a two-week program that began June 8 at Eagle Academy in Belle Glade. In addition to learning military procedures, the Sea Cadets will be participating in drill and ceremony, physical fitness training, boater safety and firearms training. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Eagle Academy challenges teens ages 13 through 16, not only through military style training and exercises, but also in discipline, selfrespect, education, physical fitness and life skills development. The program is designed to help teens focus on self-esteem and personal growth. After comple-

tion of the residential program, the graduates will enter into a mentoring program structured to build a trusting relationship between the graduate and a dedicated member of the sheriff’s office.

For details on the partnership between the Sea Cadets and the sheriff’s office, call PBSO Capt. Ed Jablonski at (561) 992-1096 or Navy Sea Cadets Lt. Dick Lawrence of Loxahatchee at (561) 603-8047. The Eagle Academy is currently accepting applications for the next company, which begins on Aug. 17. For application information, visit the sheriff’s office web site at www.pbso.org or call the Eagle Academy directly at (561) 992-1071.

Guitar Guys — Matt Auerbach

State Sen. Dave Aronberg.

“Closer to Fine”

the Indigo Girls. He

Auerbach jammed on “Rockin’ in the Free World” by Neil Young, which Aronberg sang, as well the old blues chestnut “Hoochie Coochie Man.”

per-

included juggler Andy Duncan, political candidates

ward Lynch and Joseph Abruzzo, Ralph Jimenez, and Luke Hoffman and Abby Westmark of the band One Moment Please.

The MOMS Club of Wellington held its end of the year brunch and officer installation on June 1. The MOMS Club is a non-profit support group for stay-athome mothers that provides play groups, field trips, holiday parties and service projects. Pictured are past officers, seated (L-R) Jen Sherry, Katie Baliban, Melissa Mondello and Carol Rhodes; new officers, standing Amy Robbert, Karen Anthony, Brandi Ellerton, Thursa Weil and Robin Huebner.

Bridget Eurich, Dale Wingate Marry

Bridget Eurich and Dale Wingate were married April 5 in a destination wedding at the Aventura Spa Palace in Riviera Maya, Mexico, outside of Cancun. The wedding was held in a beautiful gazebo on the beach with 26 guests in attendance. Both Bridget and Dale grew up in Wellington. Bridget attended Wellington High School and graduated from Florida Atlantic University majoring in finance. Dale attended the King’s Academy and graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a major in professional aeronautics. Bridget is the daughter of Don and Joanne Eurich of Wellington, and Dale is the son of Larry and Pam Wingate, also of Wellington.

Bridget is a business analyst for a Fortune 500 company and Dale is a business owner in the construction industry. They reside in Lake Worth.

Jimmy Adam Chamu son of Maria Alvarez-Ortega and Gilberto Chamu of Lake Worth was born at Palms West Hospital on May 21. Steven Hernandez — son of Maritza and Samuel Hernandez Jr. of Lake Worth was born at Palms West Hospital on May 22.

Delilah Jade Gay — daughter of Autumn and Adam Gay of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on May 23. Louis Gomez — son of Erin and Louis Thomas Gomez of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on May 24.

WHO’S NEW!

Carly McKenzie Hulbert daughter of Jennifer Knopf and Jason Hulbert of Lake Worth was born at Palms West Hospital on May 28. Jacob Lee Lawson-Madrigal — son of Donette Lawson and Joseph Madrigal of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on May 30.

Jakaleb Rashad-Marquis Macklongs — son of Sheanitha McBryde and Jatavious Macklongs of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on May 30.

Tyron Jayden David— son of Melin and Kean Obenson

David of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on May 31.

Lourdes Jolie Brodeur daughter of Ayana Pineiro and Christopher Brodeur of Wellington was born at Palms West Hospital on June 2. Connor Price — son of Jennifer and Jeffery Goodale of Wellington was born at Palms West Hospital on June 3. Alexandra Rae Bouhadir — daughter of Brittany Rae Lindsay and Spencer Bouhadir of Wellington was born at Palms West Hospital on June 4.

Loxahatchee Man Graduates From U.S. Military Academy

Matthew Joseph Hernandez, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hernandez of Loxahatchee, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on May 31. Hernandez graduated from Wellington High School in 2004. While at West Point, he concentrated his studies in foreign area studies, focusing on Latin America. While at the academy he played football, was named Best Squad Leader during Cadet Basic Training in 2006 and made the dean’s list three times, including his last semester. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry.

For his first assignment Hernandez will remain at West Point as a graduate assistant working with the Army Football Team on the defensive coaching staff. He will then move on to Fort Benning, Ga. for Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC II & III), Airborne and Ranger School.

The mission of the academy is “to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of duty, honor, country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the United States Army.”

Six-year-old Aihber Waseem Khan of Wellington was a winner in the 14th Annual National Young Writers & Illustrators Contest 2008. Khan is a student at Binks Forest Elementary School.

Students were recognized on Friday, May 30 at the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum in Boynton Beach, arranged by WXEL and presented by Director of Community Affairs Marlene Figueroa. Contest sponsors included the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, Country Inns & Suites and Bank Atlantic.

Winners received certificates of achievement signed by LeVar Burton, the host of the PBS children’s program Reading Rainbow

Other prizes were Reading Rainbow backpacks filled with educational material.

Second Lt. Matthew Joseph Hernandez

Binks Student Aihber Khan Wins Art Award

Aihber Waseem Khan receives her certificate.

Bridget and Dale Wingate

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office held its Second Annual Bicycle Giveaway on Wednesday, June 11 at its headquarters in West Palm Beach. Twenty-eight students from various schools throughout Palm Beach County were chosen to receive the bikes by PBSO school crossing guards. The students were selected for displaying exceptional personal conduct and compliance with the crossing guards throughout the school year.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Kisha Paul of Indian Pines Elementary School gets her bike and helmet.

Miguel Volasquez of Meadow Park Elementary School gets his helmet and bike.

Sabrina Martin of Jaega Middle School with crossing guard LaShonda Prichard and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

Alma Rodriguez of Forest Hill Elementary School.

Adrian Mullings of Indian Pines Elementary School and his family with Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and crossing guards from the school.

Mary Dubuisson of Meadow Park Elementary School receives her bike helmet.

Gavin Wilson of Forest Hill Elementary School.

Maltz Jupiter Theatre COPA Students Present ‘42nd Street’

Fourth Of July Events In Wellington

The Village of Wellington will present an exciting patriotic lineup for the entire family on Friday, July 4. From noon to 5 p.m., the Wellington Aquatics Complex (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a patriotic pool party. Families of all ages can enjoy an afternoon of music, games, giveaways and more. Regular pool entrance fees apply.

A

“Family Fourth Celebration” will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). Enjoy traditional games, inflatable rides, face painting, prizes and fun food for purchase. There will be live musical performances by Bob Hoose and his orchestra. Free shuttle transportation service will be available from the Palm Tran bus stop at the Mall at Wellington Green. An unlimited inflatable rides bracelet will be available for $5.

The day’s events will conclude with a fireworks extravaganza at 9 p.m. at Village Park. Visible from Village Park and surrounding areas, this spectacular display by Zambelli Fireworks International is sure to please the entire family. Music will be broadcast at Village Park to add an extra level of entertainment.

The village would like to remind everyone that no personal fireworks, alcoholic beverages or pets are allowed in Village

Park. For more information about Wellington’s Fourth of July activities, call Village Park at (561) 791-4005.

Wellington Programs For All Ages

The Wellington Parks & Recreation Department has announced exciting programs for both the young and the young at heart.

From toddlers to teens, keep your children active by choosing from a variety of classes and camps available at the Wellington Community Center. One of the new classes this summer will be Charlene Shaw’s dance and movement class called “Rising Stars,” which is geared toward children with special needs. Other types of programs include ballet dancing, hip-hop dancing, tumbling, cheerleading, acting, audition and art programs. The Amazing Mr. A. and Leo Parry will also return this summer to keep everyone on the edge of their seats during the weekly Camp Entertainment shows. These shows are great for large groups or small families. When signing up your children, be sure to register yourself for one of the adult programs including yoga, pilates, yogilates, intermediate Italian lessons or the brand new “Almighty Salsa” program with Debbie Otero. For detailed program information, times and dates, visit www.ci.wellington.fl.us or call

Julie Strow at (561) 753-5262. When registering for the first time, register in person at one of these convenient locations: Wellington Aquatic Complex, Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) or Village Park gymnasium (11700 Pierson Road). Register online at www.rec.ci.wellington.fl.us with your household ID number. Please note that pre-registration for large groups is required for Camp Entertainment.

Amateur Radio Club Field Day

Palm Beach County amateur radio operators will work around the clock next weekend, June 28-29, to set up field radio communications stations, get on the air and contact thousands of other operators in the U.S. and Canada as part of participation in the American Radio Relay League’s Field Day. Palms West ARC’s Field Day operations will be at the Division of Forestry’s Fire Tower on D Road in Loxahatchee Groves. Setup begins 2 p.m. June 28. The public is invited. For more info., call Rob Pease at (561) 358-9999.

Sem Ridge News

Blood Drive A Success Seminole Ridge High School’s May 30 blood drive, the final drive of the school year, saw the Hawks donate 92 units of blood.

“This means 276 lives saved,” said National Honor Society sponsor Shawna Ahmad. “Our drives this year couldn’t have

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre Conservatory of Performing Arts (COPA) Summer Conservatory students will present their rendition of the Broadway smash hit 42nd Street Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 28.

Fifty students enrolled in the Senior Conservatory (ages 13 to 20) will act, sing, dance, work as stagehands, and help direct and produce this worldfamous musical.

42nd Street is a jazzy tribute to the joys of Broadway. The Great White Way’s most brilliant director, Julian Marsh, is preparing for his biggest show yet, Pretty Lady, set dur-

been accomplished without staff and student support of this cause.”

Hawk Artist Wins Foundation Award — SRHS junior Justin Akers has won a $50 cash prize from the Brian Ayers Memorial Art Foundation in Boone, N.C. His mixed-media entry Unused Idea was selected out of more than 100 entries.

HealthMiles

Launches At WRMC June 18

Humana and Virgin are bringing HealthMiles to Palm Beach County, a first-of-its-kind consumer health rewards program that rewards employees for getting active and leading healthier lifestyles.

On Wednesday, June 18 at 10:30 a.m., Humana and Virgin will formally launch HealthMiles at Wellington Regional Medical Center, the first major employer in the county that is offering the wellness program for its workers.

Humana’s wellness and clinical research studies have shown that unhealthy lifestyles and inactivity are costly for employers, consumers and insurers in terms of higher absenteeism, reduced productivity and, of course, increased medical and healthcare expenses.

HealthMiles is designed to motivate consumers to take a more active role in their own health, while seeking to reduce long-term health care costs. Members earn reward miles for

ing the depths of the Great Depression. He is faced with one obstacle after another, especially when his leading lady breaks her ankle at the last minute. Of course, the understudy is pushed unexpectedly onto center stage and becomes a surprise star on opening night.

The Summer Conservatory’s 42nd Street is directed by COPA voice instructor Craig Wich, musically directed by the Eastman School of Music’s Betty Saunders and choreographed by world-famous choreographer and summer conservatory instructor Ron DeJesus. DeJesus is a ballet

exercising, tracking their health measurements and achieving their health and fitness goals. Miles can be redeemed for various products and services offered by more than 40 national retailers.

Members track their activity by using the GoZone pedometer, which records their steps, calories and distance, and through the HealthZone health kiosk, which takes members’ key body measurements, such as blood pressure, body fat and weight.

Additions To The Kravis Center’s Summer Lineup

The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach has announced the addition of three new shows to its current season.

Among the exciting offerings are the “Fab Four Beatles Tribute” on July 17, followed by “Memories of Palisades Park” on Aug. 8 and the “’80s Regeneration Tour” on Aug. 31. With amazing attention to detail, the stars of the “Fab Four Beatles Tribute” replicate the famous Liverpool sound and look with all the charm and youthful wit that made the Beatles a household name. The Fab Four appear at 8 p.m. on July 17. Tickets cost $15 to $70.

Return to the days of doo-wop with “Memories of Palisades Park” starring Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon, who made “Palisades Park” a hit in 1962.

master and choreographer for Twyla Tharp Productions. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on both evenings. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students under 18, and are available at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre box office, online at www. jupiter theatre.org, or by calling (561) 575-2223 or (800) 445-1666. The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is a 550-seat, nonprofit community-based regional theater in the former Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre. The theater is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres. It is located at 1001 E. Indiantown Road and State Road A1A in Jupiter.

Joining Cannon will be Jay Siegel and the Tokens, best known for “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”; Jay Traynor, who hit the charts with “She Cried”; and Shirley Alston Reeves of the Shirelles, the first major female vocal group of the rock ’n’ roll era with a string of hits that included “Baby It’s You,” “Mama Said,” “Foolish Little Girl,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “Soldier Boy.” The show takes place at 8 p.m. on Aug. 8. Tickets cost $15 to $70. Together for the first time live and in concert on one stage, 1980s pop icons 10,000 Maniacs, ABC, Missing Persons, Naked Eyes and Tommy Tutone will be featured in this summer’s hit-filled inaugural version of the “’80s Regeneration Tour” that arrives at the Kravis Center at 7 p.m. on Aug. 31. “When Smokey Sings, “Always Something There to Remind Me” and “867-5309/Jenny”are just some of the megahits that will be thrilling fans and regenerating those feel-good ’80s memories. Tickets cost $20 to $75. All performances will take place in the Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. Concert Hall. Tickets are on sale at the Kravis Center box office, located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, by calling (561) 832-7469 or online at www.kravis.org.

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

Senior Conservatory dancers Kelsie Fore, Brianna Scully, Jen Jacoby and Katie Lefkowitz.

Equestrian Committee Seeks Better Communication Lines With Council

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Members of the Wellington Equestrian Committee shared their concerns with members of the Wellington Village Council on Wednesday in a joint meeting intended for new and old members of both bodies to learn how they work together.

In attendance from the council were Mayor Darell Bowen, Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore, Councilman Bob Margolis and Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto. Scott Swerdlin, a new member of the committee, said he was concerned about an ongoing traffic problem in the southern portions of Wellington. “We have a traffic problem in Wellington,” Swerdlin said. “What have we thought about doing?”

Committee Member Brad Scherer agreed that traffic is a major issue and said it had come up several times since the Equestrian Committee had been established in 1996. “At virtually every meeting the issue of Pierson Road and South Shore has been a topic,” said Scherer, who asked how a question, resolution or a request gets to the council level.

Priore said the usual method was for the committee liaison to get the issue placed on a council agenda. After that, it would go back to the committee for further review.

Benacquisto suggested the

committee establish goals for the next 12 to 18 months and send any pressing matters to staff members, who would forward them to the council. Benacquisto said she would like to sit down with the committee again at some point in the future to see how the work plan is going, and if any other additional issues had been generated.

Committee Chair Don Dufresne commented on a helmet ordinance approved at the council meeting Tuesday night (see related story, page 3) on which the Equestrian Committee had no say. “An ordinance is moving forward for helmet safety for young riders that never came before us,” Dufresne said. “This committee’s position regarding rider safety is within our mission statement. I was a bit surprised. We never had any indication that it was on your agenda.”

Dufresne further said he hoped the chain of movement between the committee and the council could be faster. He added that it seems that some of the recommendations coming from the committee fall on deaf ears.

“This is a direct component of what we do,” Dufresne said.

“Sometimes the issues of signalization and staffing at South Shore and Pierson seem to have fallen on deaf ears. The message we get is our opinion doesn’t matter on equestrian safety. That’s the wrong message to send.”

Benacquisto said it was never the intention of the council to damage its relationship with the committee and that it should be included in the education campaign about the helmet ordinance. “I would respectfully say we thought we had to take action,” said Benacquisto, who championed the helmet ordinance. “We will have to undertake an education campaign.”

Bowen said the council felt it was important to address the issue, and they did not want to do anything to slow it down. He said he anticipated hearing similar statements from other committees, and that the intention of the joint meetings is to improve the lines of communication.

“That is part of the reason why we are here tonight,” Bowen said. “We want to have better communication. We need to have communication with everyone. I’m sure other committees will say the same things to us. We want to improve the communication.”

Committee Vice Chair Mike Whitlow asked about the budgetary impacts of the coming year and how that could affect the Equestrian Committee in terms of what it could and could not ask for.

Village Manager Paul Schofield said financial cuts would not likely affect equestrian funds. He said he had already reduced some of his overall budget estimates by $4.5 million.

“We are expecting additional cuts,” Schofield said. “We are not taking anything out of the equestrian funds. I am not going to propose a budget that will materially impact the Equestrian Preserve Area. If there is a committee recommendation, it will get to us. In relation to how you function as a committee, budgetary problems don’t impact what we expect you to do.”

Benacquisto suggested someone from the committee speak at a council meeting about some of the more pressing financial issues. Some committee members asked about the equestrian element of the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR), which is a mandatory report submitted every seven years to the state.

Community Development Director Marty Hodgkins said it was up to the committee what types of changes and recommendations it wants to make. The committee could make recommendations, including crossing guards, in the EAR.

“It is being sent to the DCA and will come back,” Hodgkins said. “We are looking to see what kind of concerns and input they have. You may be amending the equestrian element of the comprehensive plan. You could be adding new policies, goals and objectives. Obviously, it will come back to the committee for review and approval.”

CANDIDATES SPEAK AT VOTERS COALITION MEETING

The monthly meeting of the Voters Coalition of Palm Beach County at the South County Civic Center in Delray Beach on Thursday, June 5 featured incumbents and challengers for various state and local offices. The speakers included Palm Beach County Property Appraiser candidates State Rep. Richard Machek, Diane Heinz and incumbent Gary Nikolits; County Commission District 3 incumbent Bob Kanjian and hopeful State Rep. Shelley Vana; Supervisor of Elections incumbent Dr. Arthur Anderson and challenger State Rep. Susan Bucher. State Attorney hopeful Mike McAuliffe and District 16 congressional hopeful State Rep. Gayle Harrell also spoke, along with PBC Tax Collector Anne Gannon.

Letters continued from page 4 favor of road stabilization. Why should a few councilpersons’ personal preferences overrule what the majority of residents have already stated they want? Maybe a new survey should be done to take the pulse of the community once again on the road issue?

The letter writer seemed to fault Mayor Dave Browning for not playing hardball with the LGWCD. I find this ludicrous as it seems quite clear that Mayor Browning (and one other councilman) are the only voices of reason in this brouhaha. Our mayor has repeatedly tried to guide the direction of the council toward mutual cooperation with the LGWCD, instead of encouraging conflict. This is the sensible approach. Do our residents really want to foot dual bills for the lawyers on both sides to battle each other? I, for one, wish we had more level-

Wellington To Begin Road Resurfacing Work June 16

As part of its capital maintenance and capital improvement program, the Village of Wellington will begin resurfacing projects on portions of its roads starting Monday, June 16. Work will begin on the following roads on June 16, and all work is expected to be completed by June 25:

• Binks Forest Drive between Aero Club Drive and Southern Blvd.

• The intersection of Binks Forest Drive and Aero Club Drive

• Aero Club Drive between

PZA Board Signs Near The Mall

continued from page 1 and Macaroni Grill will have an individual sign.”

Flinchum added that the development’s Multiple Use Planned Development (MUPD) F, the area currently under construction at the southeastern corner of the property, could potentially have three single-tenant signs in addition to four tenantshared signs.

Commission District 3 incumbent

headed council members like Mayor Browning. The source of much of this angst comes from a small but vocal contingent of residents, egged on by certain council members, who seem to have this “us against them” mentality. It is the town against the LGWCD, or the dirt-roads-forever group against the pro-pavers, or the equestrians versus the nurseries, etc. All of this is counterproductive and divisive, and doesn’t serve to benefit any of our Groves residents. What is does serve to do is whip up frenzy to build up a little power base of sorts for a few of our new “politicians.” After all, nothing unites people like a common enemy. Unfortunately, we did indeed elect this group. But we are only as good as our leaders — and our voters should keep that in mind come next election. Cindy Lou Corum Loxahatchee Groves

Signs Committee Meeting

continued from page 1

an easement where the property owners were to have developed a waiting area for equestrians and cyclists crossing Northlake. While no waiting area was ever built, Wojnar said they are looking for the actual documentation.

“They are going through their notes to find out where any setbacks are as well as conservation easements,” he said. “Right now they’re just keeping exotics out. They just don’t remember details, but they have said they are willing to look.”

ITID President Mike Erickson, who sat in on the meeting, said he expects things will work out because property owners are

seeking approval for a development plan for the Northlake Blvd. corridor.

“Just remember that this won’t happen overnight,” he warned. “It will take a few months because it is part of that corridor plan.”

Wojnar also noted that he sent three e-mails to the county’s traffic department about the crosswalk button at Grapeview and Northlake boulevards but received no response. The button does not trip the signal on weekends because the lights are flashing continuously.

Hathhorn also said the Grapeview Blvd. street sign is very hard to see, creating another safety hazard by giving short notice to drivers looking to turn onto the road.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for July 14 at 7 p.m.

Binks Forest Drive and Cedar Bluff Place. The roads will not be closed to traffic. However, traffic will be directed to one lane periodically and motorists can expect minor inconvenience and some delays. Although the project is scheduled to commence on June 16 with a completion date of June 25, adverse weather conditions may have an affect on the schedule.

For more information regarding this project, call Wellington Roads Supervisor Dennis Flaherty at (561) 791-4003.

now, and the potential of nine on the perimeter.”

Jennifer Vale of Land Design South, representing Wellington Green owner Brefrank Inc., said the development would like consideration for three additional perimeter signs, mostly along Forest Hill Blvd. and State Road 7, and that the focus should not be on the interior signs. The applicant would also support the imposition of a condition requiring that signs be separated by 200 feet, she said.

Flinchum and Community Development Director Marty Hodgkins said previous sign approval requests from mall tenants might have been reviewed in light of three separate documents: the development order, the overall master signage plan or the land development regulations. Changes in village staff also exacerbated the situation, he noted, because different staff members would provide differing guidelines as to suitability of signage.

“In the last count I did, there had been about another 20 signs that could be approved as a part of the mall,” Hodgkins said. “I don’t know why there is a disconnect. At some point, it may have depended upon which document had been reviewed when the sign permit came in. I’m not trying to excuse what happened. There was a great deal of confusion back several years ago.”

PZA Board Member Alan Johnson said he was not so much concerned with internal signs on the mall property but the ones on the roads. Approval of the signage conditions might set a bad precedent, he said.

“Somehow or another, four standalone signs were approved and they were not part of the original concept,” Johnson said. “Is there a precedent to what we are facing? Can we not just admit the mistake and move on? I am more concerned about the signage on the roads than the internal signs. Internal signs are expected in a lot of situations. How many external signs that you have that are standalone signs would trouble me. Each standalone tenant would want one.”

PZA Board Member Yvonne Selof said she was also concerned about an excessive proliferation of signs along the corridor.

“The tenants entitled to the signs already have the best exposure,” she said. “They worked with the Architectural Review Board and pushed for the maximum amount of lighting, height and size. The tenants inside are not so visible. We’re going to be littering State Road 7 and Forest Hill Blvd. with these signs. It’s not necessary.”

PZA Board Chairman Steve Delai concurred and asked for a staff recommendation. “Let’s assume the developer put them up under good faith, and they were allowed, and staff approved them,” he said. “If we were to stop and look back, what would we like to have happen at the mall? Do we want to bless what’s there and move on? Do we want to take what they have done and expand on it and make it look nicer? What is staff recommending? If you had a clean slate to do it all over again, what would you do, and what do you want it to look like?”

Flinchum responded by telling the board the decision was theirs, but he did support letting the four existing signs remain, as it would cause damage and aggravation to try to remove them.

“You have to look at the potential for everyone who meets the same criteria,” Flinchum said.

“If you approve it for the guy down the street, I might feel I am entitled to the same consideration. That is why we kept the change. There are four signs

Johnson made a motion to recommend approval of the resolution with the conditions intact but to drop the language regarding the signage. That motion failed for lack of a second.

PZA Board Member Carmine Priore III made a motion to approve the resolution approving all the proposed signs, and also including the condition of a separation of 200 feet. The approval would give the applicant the potential for nine more signs, but the applicant would still have to sort out the exact number with staff. That motion passed 4-1 with Johnson opposed. In other business, the PZA Board also approved a comprehensive plan amendment that would allow congregate living facilities along State Road 7 to a maximum height of 72 feet instead of the village’s 35-foot height limit. The amendment would also allow a 25 percent “density bonus” for such facilities to encourage their development.

The change was requested by Sunrise Senior Living, a nationwide senior housing development company that is purchasing 5.3 acres on the southwest corner of Pierson Road and State Road 7 from the village for a congregate living facility. Vale, representing Sunrise, noted that studies have demonstrated demand for more congregate living facilities in Palm Beach County and Wellington particularly. She also noted that such facilities have very little impact on public schools and traffic.

PZA Board Member Morley Alperstein said he remembered that Sunrise had initially pitched to the Wellington Village Council a mansion-sized building two to three stories tall, and said he was worried that the applicant would now seek a building of five or six stories.

Aimee Carlson, also representing Sunrise, said the company was far from finalizing details such as building design.

“We are conducting our due diligence,” Carlson said. “We have to do our comprehensive plan amendment in order to get things done in time. There is such a long process before this is approved. I would love to be here with a site plan to show you. We are not at that point because of the lengthy process. Once we have that information, we will be back for the zoning approval and the master plan approval. We don’t have that information here.”

During the public comment, Wellington Chamber of Commerce President Mike Nelson urged the board to approve the request.

“I want to encourage you to put as many units as you can legally put on one of these sites,” he said. “The more units you can comfortably put on a piece of property the less it will cost for people to live there. Land is more expensive now. By the time you build it, and get the infrastructure, they will no longer be affordable. Seventy-two feet is not a big building. I encourage you to do whatever you can to allow Sunrise to build that project.”

PZA Board Vice Chair Eugene DiFonte made a motion to approve the comprehensive plan changes, seconded by PZA Board Member Craig Bachove. It passed unanimously.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

County

Bob Kanjian.

State Attorney hopeful Mike McAuliffe.

State Rep. Richard Machek, a candidate for property appraiser.

Incumbent Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits.

‘AN EVENING WITH COPELAND DAVIS’ RAISES MONEY FOR MBSK TRUST

My Brother’s/Sister’s Keeper Charitable Trust hosted “A Memorable Evening with Copeland Davis and Friends” on Sunday, June 8 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The event featured live music and delicious dining, as well as silent, live and Chinese auctions, all of which raised money for the charitable trust. Local restaurants donated food and drinks, and students from Palm Beach Central High School volunteered to help with the auction.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Anita Foster and Jasmine Velez with PBCHS volunteers Jessica Rodriguez and Sarah Sohn.

Eric Gordon was the high bidder on a heated seat massager.

Pianist Copeland Davis backs guest singer Anne-Lynn Gross, a.k.a. “the Singing Auctioneer,” of Maryland.

Debbie Plaxen signs up for a silent auction item while husband Mark looks on.

Mace Horoff, Barry and Phyllis Manning, Copeland and Mary Davis, C.J. Horoff and Ben Boynton.

Cheryl Grudin and Gary Blavat share a dance.

Susan Giddings won this Smiles by Jiveh basket during the silent auction.

Marjorie Aiken takes her baskets home.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw with Maureen and Donald Gross (left) and Betty Buglio (right). Each will get the chance to be “sheriff for a day.”

PBCHS students Vincent Laureano, Deidre Kruzanowski and Erica Zahornacky volunteer to carry Rita Chouinard’s gift baskets.

Copeland Davis with friends Darrell Lacy, Tom West and Jeff Chafin.

WELLINGTON ROTARY CLUB AWARDS BANQUET

Dr. Farokh Jiveh and Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore flank Frank Gladney Award recipient Barry Manning.

Susan Odell, Judy Tannenhill and Debbie Sanacore.

Dr. Wes Boughner toasts the Peace Pole.

Juan Ortega and Farokh Jiveh presented Karen Hardin with the Paul Harris Award.

Raul and Betty De La Rua with Jhaleh and Dr. Farokh Jiveh.

Susan Giddings is honored with the Rotarian of the Year award by Dr. Farokh Jiveh.

Past president Mark McLean says a few words while Janixx Parisi, District Governor Phil Lustig and Barry Manning look on.

Terri Wescott receives recognition for Dedication to Service from Phil Lustig.

Carl and Ronda Rosenberg. Laura and Stan Jaffe.

Lew Blatte and Mattie Lolavar.

Incoming Rotary Club President Don Gross addresses his fellow Rotarians.

FEATURES

Sibling’s Torture Methods Are Now Cherished Recollections

Growing up in Wisconsin, The Basement loomed large as a problem for little children. It was dark and dank and gloomy. It was also common knowledge to be the hiding place for the boogeyman and a host of other monsters that hung out down there until bedtime. (Then they stealthily made their way into the kids’ rooms where they lay in wait under the bed or inside the closet.)

My mother knew the problem we children had with The Basement and used this to her advantage — storing all the soda pop and cookies down there and probably our birthday presents, too. It was also the unspoken duty of the older children to trap the younger children down there whenever possible. As the eldest, I should’ve had first dibs on terror, but of course I only remember myself as a saintly protector of the little ones, cer-

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

tainly not mean or hurtful in any way.

My brother Jim, on the other hand, reigned supreme as the second-born. He would lure our littlest sister and brother down there with tales of a lost puppy or some such rot, leading them down there to show them “the poor little guy.” The stairs to the basement practically dead-ended into a wall and, once you made that turn to either the left or

the right, you had to cross yards of concrete — in the dark! — before you could reach up and pull the string to light the bare bulb that illuminated the place. This was no problem for Jimmy, but the littlest Welkys couldn’t even reach the string. So once downstairs, they were more or less at his mercy.

You’d hear them asking, “where is the puppy, Jimmy?” and then he’d yell, “in your dreams!” and bolt up the stairs two at a time while they did their frantic best to keep up. It was hopeless, of course, and the whole house would hear them on the other side of the door, wailing their brains out while Jim held it shut with all his might. If the light switch had been installed in the hallway instead of the stairwell, I’m sure he would’ve fluttered it to look like lightning. (I only say “he” because I certainly would never have thought of

doing such a thing.) Eventually, my mother would yell at Jim to release the door and Pamela or Davey would stumble out, near hysterics. You’d think that after a few years, they’d know better to go down there, but if it wasn’t a puppy, it was “wait ’til you see what I found under the workbench!” or “didn’t you say your Barbie doll was missing a purse?” or “Mom asked you to help me bring up a couple packages of cookies.” They say age spots are usually created years in advance — in our youth — by too much exposure to the elements. I wonder if the same holds true for heart attacks and stroke. Will Pam or Dave be going about their business one day and be struck down by a heart attack that had its roots in their “lost puppy” experience at age eight? Gosh, I hope not — I think even Jim has come to love the little buggers.

Don’t Expect Political Correctness In Sandler’s ‘Zohan’ Movie

Adam Sandler’s new movie You Don’t Mess With the Zohan, easily one of the worst-titled movies ever, surprised me by providing a lot of laughs about conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians. Anyone who goes to a Sandler movie expecting a high-class exercise will be shocked at the low bawdy humor he uses to poke fun at just those things everyone is scared to discuss in films.

Sandler did not just miss the memo circulating around Hollywood that Muslims may only be portrayed as peace-loving folk preyed on by evil Americans, he took it and made it into a paper airplane. His characters are stereotypical, to put it mildly, although somehow he makes them lovable.

How do you make a Palestinian arch-terrorist and an Israeli arch-counterterrorist lovable? How about each having secret dreams. Sandler’s Zohan, who has a fascination with hairstyles from 1981, wants to be a hairdresser. John Turturro as “the Phantom” wants to open a men’s shoe store. Zohan fakes his death and goes to New York to

‘I’

On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

style hair under the name of Scrappy Coco at the salon of a beautiful Palestinian. The salon, naturally, is located on a street seemingly made up solely of Israeli and Arab expatriates who quarrel regularly unless they start discussing women. The quarrel about politics switches a beat when Scrappy discusses having sex with the first lady, and the men forget politics to discuss the legs, etc. of Sen. Clinton, Mrs. Obama and others — it’s very funny.

The humor is gross and bawdy. Sandler stuffs the front of his pants, flounces around and has sex with a huge line of older women who are de-

lighted to be styled and then “nailed.” This is not high comedy.

One of the best lines in the movie comes when an Arab complains that everyone in America hates all the Arabs. An Israeli looks at him and says, “they hate us just as much because they think we’re you.”

Of course, Sandler is politically correct enough to have the real villain be an American businessman who hates all of them and uses white extremists to burn down their neighborhood while both Arabs and Israelis are at an international Hacky Sack match where it seems all of them can truly worship Mariah Carey together. She did not do much in her cameo, but I have to say she was a good sport.

The cast is uniformly good. Sandler, looking far more buff than ever, leads the merry band. Turturro seems to have a ball as the terrorist, who on his reputation for having killed the Zohan is able to quickly build a huge restaurant chain and take more than 20 wives, all of whom he seems to sleep with at once. Emmanuelle Chriqui is very

decorative and Lainie Kazan an absolute hoot as one of Scrappy Coco’s older suitors.

The gags are funny. Even during stretches of what should have been straight action, there were usually one or more good jokes.

Sandler’s humor does not go for the jugular. Mel Brooks would have made sure to offend as many people and groups as he could with absolutely no mercy. Sandler tries to find decency in everyone (except maybe the racists and businessmen). People get tossed around, go flying here there and everywhere but no one gets killed.

Sandler has a trusting view of the world. He wants peace and tries so hard to convince the audience that everyone can live together that the last part of the movie loses the tough grain of the beginning.

On the other hand, I would be glad to contribute to a fund that would take the top terrorists and counter-terrorists and help them set up shops instead of killing each other. Too bad that part of the story is pure fantasy.

June Is A Month Of Several Significant Anniversaries For Me

This month I celebrate the anniversary of three very important events that have had a very large impact on my life. I can’t believe 40 years ago I left the very beautiful country of South Vietnam (no, I haven’t been back). After spending a year of my life (a year lost in my opinion), both the Army and I agreed it was time for me to come back to “the world.”

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

The second event was getting discharged from the Army two days after my arrival at Ft. Lewis. The first sergeant told me the Army would not discharge me until I got a haircut and signed some paperwork. I asked him why I should get a haircut if I was leaving the Army. His answer was, “because I told you to get a haircut.”

I told him I would think about it. The paperwork he wanted me to sign was an affidavit saying I would never tell anyone what the Army taught me in nuclear weapons school about how to assemble a nuclear round that could be fired from an eight-inch artillery gun.

So while boarding the military charter plane for the ride home, I tried to give it the once-over to look for any cracks. When we took off, all the guys on the plane started to clap and cheer — that is, everyone except me. Many hours later we made it to Alaska to refuel. To my surprise we were all still alive. The next stop was Washington State, and of course we were all still alive.

I can honestly say that during the entire year I was in Vietnam I wasn’t scared or felt at any time that I would die. I knew I would survive (what does a 19-year-old kid know?). I lived through the Tet Offensive of 1968, and many other experiences that were just as undesirable. The only thing that kept bothering me in Vietnam was a dream I had over a hundred times during my tour. It just kept playing in my head like an endless loop. The dream kept telling me not to worry about my time in Vietnam. The dream told me I would survive and leave for home, but also suggested the plane would crash and burn and there would be no survivors.

I told the first sergeant I really didn’t remember anything the Army had taught me and that I would not sign the paperwork or get a haircut (hey — I am from Brooklyn). I wasn’t going to let a sergeant push me around my last day in the Army... wrong again. This standoff lasted for two days. When I saw

all my friends going home while I was still in the Army, I decided to tell the first sergeant I would get a haircut and sign the paperwork. The very next day I had a brand-new uniform, haircut and discharge papers in my hand. I was finally on my way home. I am happy to report that on the sixhour flight home, the plane did not crash. You can’t always believe your dreams. The third June event happened 39 years ago — I became a New York City police officer. I must admit there were many days on this job that I was scared (I was older and wiser than when I was in the Army). But it was a job I loved, and to this day I still miss being “on the job” in the NYPD. Well, at least I have the memories to relive for the rest of my life.

P.S. Jack Lucas died last week at the age of 80. For those who don’t know, Jack Lucas was the youngest person to ever receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. He was all of 17. R.I.P., Jack.

The Down the Street Bead Show took place Friday through Sunday, June 6-8 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Present at the show was Ingrid Webster of the Wellington-based Love & Peace Project, which is building the “Neverending Necklace” to be exhibited throughout the country and abroad. For more info., visit www.thedownthestreetbeadshow.com.

PALMS WEST HOSPITAL, LOCAL BUSINESSES HOLD POKER RUN TO BENEFIT LITTLE SMILES

Employees from Palms West Hospital partnered with local businesses to hold a Motorcycle Poker Run on Sunday, June 8 to raise money for Little Smiles. The run started at 10 a.m. at Iron Eagle Motorcycles in West Palm Beach. From there the route went to Palms West Hospital, J&S Fish Camp, Down Low Pub and Nothin’ Fancy. Prizes were awarded for the best poker hands. For more information about Little Smiles, visit www.littlesmiles.org.

Ingrid Webster of the Love & Peace Project of Wellington.

Cyndi Cason browses through the Beads in Vogue booth.

Susan Ivy and Julia Weatherspoon.

Buarim Kamkuntod and Mark O’Quinn at their Simply Sterling booth.

George Chen shows Tahitian black pearls to Ellen Dressler of Boca Raton.

Saundra Kline and her daughter Wendy Chercass look for turquoise at the Gems by Juls booth.

Felicia Tucker and her dad Stan before the ride.

Brittany Burge, Jay Southworth, Jimmy Duemig, Amanda Arnold, Nate Lebebvre and Carol Mathews of Wellington. Cary Haerlin, Jeff Adler and Dr. Shane Robinson.

SUMMER FUN FOR EVERYONE

Breakers West Summer Camp 2008

Calling all campers for a summer of a lifetime. Sports-minded, adventure-seeking, nature-loving kids will find something for everyone at Breakers West, where there is fun for all and all for fun.

Daily Golf, Tennis & Swimming Instruction

Field Trips • Basketball • Arts & Crafts • Soccer Magic Shows Cooking Classes Wildlife Demonstrations Science Projects

Friday’s Famous Family Cookout And Much More…

Weekly sessions available through August 15, 2008

For campers ages 5 – 14 8:45 a.m. –3:00 p.m.

For more information or to register, please call 561.653.6333

• PLANET KIDS — Planet Kids is family-owned and operated with trained, experienced counselors all with First Aid/CPR training. The camp has the coolest playground in town, continual learning programs in house, exciting field trips three days per week, hands-on science, educational outings, scrapbooking, cooking, swimming, roller skating, bowling, wildlife sanctuary visit, Jungle Queen cruise and more. Two separate camps are offered: Junior camp for ages 2 to 5 years and Super camp for ages 5 to 12 years. Planet Kids is open daily from 6:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., Monday through Friday at five convenient locations. See our ad for locations and phone numbers.

• CASPEREY STABLES HORSE CAMP — Casperey Stables is a small, fun-filled day camp for children ages seven to 14. With four riding opportunities each day, arts & crafts and outdoor games, our campers find little time to be bored. Our low counselor/child ratio ensures your child will receive individual attention. There are camp sessions for spring and winter school breaks, and during the summer, each two-week session has a theme, such as Indian Days, Circus Days and Medieval Days. We have a weekly swim party and end each session with a horse show and family barbecue. Call soon — this small, quality program fills quickly! To learn more about our camp, located at 2330 D Road in Loxahatchee Groves, call us at (561) 792-4990 or visit www.caspereystables.com.

• RAVENWOOD RIDING ACADEMY — Ravenwood Riding Academy has been located in Wellington for 20 years. Proprietor and instructor Judie Jenner has been professionally involved with horses for over 30 years. Learn to ride at Camp Giddy-Up! Meet new friends and have fun all summer long learning about horses. The summer program consists of weekly sessions from June through August for children six years and up, with a focus on fun, and an emphasis on safety. Lessons daily, groups are limited to 10 to 12 campers per week and grouped by skill level. All riding equipment and safety stirrups are provided. The program features demonstrations with veterinarians, blacksmiths and equine dentists. Call (561) 793-4109 to register today. Hurry, sessions fill up quickly.

• VILLARI’S SUMMER CAMP — For the first time in 25 years, Villari’s of Wellington is pleased to announce a full-day, nine-week summer camp. After years of research and preparation, we have decided it is time to offer a camp tailored to developing the mental as well as physical skills of your child. Through stretching, strengthening and balancing the bodies and minds of our children, we open a world less intimidating, more interesting and less confusing to them. Let your child experience a summer full of fun, fitness and friends. Call (561) 792-1100 for more info.

• XTREME TAE KWON DO SUMMER CAMP Join us again for a funfilled summer camp for children ages four to 14. We offer physical and mental fitness and ways to improve your child’s balance and coordination while learning self defense. We also enjoy arts and crafts, and field trips to movies and gymnastics. Come and experience the best summer camp in the west. Two sessions will be offered: Session I from June 9 to June 20 and Session II from July 7 to July 18. Register before the end of April and receive an Xtreme T-shirt. Space is limited; register today. In-

structor is child CPR and heartsaver AED certified. Located at 12799 W.Forest Hill Blvd. inside Ultima Fitness. Call (561) 795-2823 for more information.

• FUTURE STARS BASKETBALL CAMP — Held in the Palm Beach Central High School gymnasium, Future Stars is a fun and instructional basketball camp for boys and girls ages six to 17 of all ability levels featuring basketball drills, competitions and games. Campers are grouped by age and ability. All campers will receive a camp T-shirt. Awards will be presented the last afternoon of camp for team winners, competition winners and special recognition. The instructional staff is comprised of high school coaches who are teachers. Lunch may be bought or brought. There will be three weekly session available running from June 16 through July 3. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Call (561) 4003397 for camp information and registration.

• ARMORY ART CENTER GET CREATIVE SUMMER ART CAMP Jump Start for ages five to seven; Adventures in Art for ages eight to 11; and Studio Art Shops for teens (middle and high school students). An adventure in the visual arts for your young artist! Six sessions starting June 9. The center is located at 1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 832-1776 or visit www.armoryart.org.

• TUTORING CLUB OF WELLINGTON Tutoring Club of Wellington can make a difference! Tutoring Club helps students become more knowledgeable and successful in school. Our educational programs help students raise test scores, grades and attitudes toward education. We offer a well-rounded process that is proven to work well not only with students, but also with parents, teachers and the community. Helping students take a triumphant step in their educational future is our numberone goal. Summer camp registration is June 2 and June 12. For more information, call directors Gale Nelson and Jeff Santoloci at Tutoring Club of Wellington at (561) 784-4434.

• IBIS FARM Now located in Little Ranches, Wellington Summer Camp at Ibis Farm starts July 7 for ages six and up. Instructors and owners Lauren Briggs, Monique Loehrer and Melody Shapiro have over 30 years in the industry and are on the “A” Circuit. It’s a great way for kids to get involved with animals and meet new friends! Daily riding, horsemanship, arts & crafts, games and a horse show every Friday afternoon. Camps run from Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring lunch and plenty of drinks. Call (561) 616-7246 for more information.

• LA HACIENDA SHOW STABLES — Make this summer one to remember and join LaHacienda Show Stables for lots of fun riding, playing with horses, swimming and other activities that are part in its riding camp. The program is open to children ages six to 15 and runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Extended care is available. For more information, call (561) 422-8863 or visit www.lahacienda showstables.com.

C SHARP’S SCHOOL OF ROCK — C Sharp will be jamin’ Monday through Thursday during the summer. Our two-week camp includes introduction to guitar, drums, piano and singing. Students will be exposed to the fundamentals and will collaborate, write and perform with other students. Camp runs June 9 through Aug. 15 for ages seven to 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. or 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Come and visit us for all your music needs at 13860 Wellington Trace, Suite 20 in the Courtyard Shops. For more info., call (561) 795-2585.

• KEVIN PERKINS GOLF ACADEMY — Kevin Perkins, PGA Master Professional, was the director of golf at the world-renowned Champions Gate Golf Resort in Orlando, international headquarters for the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. Perkins was the 92nd PGA Professional to achieve the elite “Master” PGA professional ranking among 22,000 PGA members. For more information, call Kevin at (561) 301-3783.

TOWN-CRIER SPORTS & RECREATION

Emerald Cove Awards Ceremony Honors Student Athletes

By Candace Marchsteiner Town-Crier Staff Report

Mighty Pirate athletes from Emerald Cove Middle School in Wellington accepted kudos at a June 3 awards ceremony for students and families. Athletic Director Brian Tilley served as master of ceremonies.

Team coaches recognized athletes from every sport throughout the school’s inaugural academic year. Most teams struggled, but coaches commended players for their perseverance and character. “Hopefully they learned how to be dedicated,” said boys basketball coach Matt Morgan, encouraging students to find success with good grades and “the right attitude.” Girls basketball coach Roderick King said players gained something that can’t be reflected in numbers. “We played as a team; we came together as a family,” he said.

But the undefeated girls soccer team and regional championship girls track and field team drew the loudest applause.

Under the guidance of coaches Brian Allen and Lou Todaro, the girls soccer team sailed through a perfect 10-0 season, winning the title of division champs. “This season was unbelievable,” said Allen, adding that the Lady Pirates scored 42 goals while allowing their opponents only two. As he introduced each player to the audience, Allen noted something memorable about each of them.

Girls track and field was the last team presentation. “I’ve got 11 years doing this so far, and this is one I will always, always remember,” coach Brenda Trimble said of the phenomenal season. Each athlete improved in one if not all of their events. The team captured the western regional track and field championship with the next closest

competitor 59 points behind. Named Most Valuable Player for the team, Nikki Smith accumulated several awards, including regional and county champ in the 100-meter hurdles, regional champ in the long jump and third place in the county for the long jump.

Smith and her teammates Ashley Jones, Amy Groover and Brittany Gardener were regional champions and third place for the county in the 4x400 relay. In the 4x100 relay, they took seventh place in the county. Other notable players include Phelan Johnson, regional champ and third place for the county in the mile run; Raylynn Malec, regional champ and county runner-up in the 800-meter run; and regional runnersup Anike Wint in the long jump, Erika Megrath in the mile run and Ashley Jones in the 400-meter run.

Principal Dr. Nancy Lucas ended the evening with special individual recognition and trophies. Pirate mascot Javaris Reddick accepted the Mighty Pirate Award. “You’re famous now and will undoubtedly be later,” Tilley told him.

Scholar Athletes of the Year Phelan Johnson and Sean Murray show prowess athletically and academically with 3.7 grade point averages. Athletes of the Year Amy Groover and Jean “Junior” Clement were honored for playing multiple sports, some simultaneously, and reflecting a “positive image on the field and in the classroom.” Tilley said of Clement, “I’m proud of the person he’s become and proud of the person he will be.”

Commending students for their hard work and commitment, Lucas added that to be successful, “talent is not enough.” Coaches bade an affectionate farewell to the eighth-graders.

“Whatever you do in sports or in life, I know you’ll be successful,” Tilley said.

BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

Summer Basketball Camp At Seminole Ridge High School

By Lisa Keeney Town-Crier Staff Report

Young basketball players gathered this week to improve their offensive and defensive skills at the first of two summer basketball camps hosted in the Seminole Ridge High School gymnasium.

SRHS head basketball coach Jason Pitman leads the camps with the assistance of current and former members of the varsity team in an effort to raise money for the Hawks squad to attend a camp of their own this summer at Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach.

The first camp ran from June 9-12. Coach Pitman is already looking forward to the next camp, which runs July 21-24. Basketball players ages six to 10 are invited to attend the morning session from 9 a.m. to noon. Three-hour sessions are open in the afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. to players 11 to 14 years old. The cost for each basketball camper is $50. In addition to honing their skills, each camper receives a T-shirt and a participation certificate. For more information, or to register for the upcoming camp, call Pitman at (561) 422-2603.

Campers hold basketballs above their heads as they listen to the rules of the next drill.

PHOTOS

PHOTOS BY

Principal Dr. Nancy Lucas presents Jean “Junior” Clement a trophy for Athlete of the Year.

Makeisha Lucien accepts the Soccer MVP award from Coach Brian Allen.

Scholar Athlete of the Year Sean Murray with Dr. Lucas.

Amy Groover was honored as Athlete of the Year.

Scholar Athlete of the Year Phelan Johnson accepts her trophy from Dr. Lucas.

The Emerald Cove Middle School girls track and field team. PHOTO COURTESY BRENDA TRIMBLE

PHOTO COURTESY BRENDA TRIMBLE

Girls track and field champion Nikki Smith practices hurdles.

SRHS Head Basketball Coach Jason Pitman gathers campers at half court.

Coach Jason Pitman explains the next drill.

On Sunday, June 1, Binks Forest Golf Club hosted its first Par 3 Jamboree Golf Tournament. The tournament raised money for the Binks Forest Elementary School PTA. A total of 65 players participated in the tournament, followed by a barbecue dinner. Players ranged in age from four to 13 years old. William Stanley won the three-hole tournament with a score of even par. John Paul George finished in second place with a score of one over par, and Austin Benacquisto took third place with a score of two over par. Barrett Travis won the junior putting contest with six points. A check for $500 was presented to the PTA. Shown above, Par 3 Champion William Stanley replaces the flagstick while runner-up John Paul George walks with his father Derek as his caddy.

WELLINGTON WILD PLACES SECOND AT TOURNAMENT JAMBOREE

The Wellington Wild 10-U Red team took second place in the Elite Invitational Tournament on June 6-7 in Sebastian. Eight of the top fast-pitch softball teams in the State of Florida were invited to compete for the invitation-only Elite title. In the double-elimination bracket, the Wild defeated the West Boynton Lady Bandits 4-1, the Diamond Dusters 4-2 and the Jacksonville Players 4-3 with the strong pitching by Britney Schmidt, clutch hitting, and execution of the short game in key situations. The girls lost to the Coral Springs Panthers in the championship game 6-0. Leah Heysler, Megan Granitto, Britney Schmidt and Kelsey Lay were selected to the all-tournament team. Pictured here are (front row): Coach Chris Pancione, Coach Tina Heysler, Manager Jenny Schmidt and Coach Tracey Lay; (second row) Lianna Mullins, Kelsey Lay, Katie Wolpert and Kenzie McMullan; (back row) Jessica Onega, Jordan Ray, Toni Pancione, Megan Granitto, Emilee Quesada, Britney Schmidt and Leah Heysler.

WLMS Team Wins PBC Boys Volleyball Championship

County Champions — The Wellington Landings Middle School boys volleyball team (front row, L-R): David Prieto (team manager), Tyrell Searcy, David Koos and Scott Meskin; (back row) manager Alahna Kessler, coach Maureen Witkowski, Teddy Thomas, Nate Arvan, Ben Silverman, Michael Bauman, Marco Forgione, Lucas Michaels, manager Gabby Sehres, Michael Morosco and coach Mitch Silverman.

After finishing the regular season 10-0, the Wellington Landings Middle School boys volleyball team earned the home court advantage throughout the playoffs and a bye in the first round of the playoffs. In the second round, Wellington Landings met Independence Middle School. WLMS won the first game 25-22 behind the serving and setting of Ben Silverman and the hitting of Michael Morosco. After falling behind 2417 in the second game, Lucas Michaels had seven straight service points to tie the game at 24. WLMS finally won by a 30-28 score. The next opponent was Watson B. Duncan Middle School. WLMS had strong hitting by David Koos, Michael Bauman, Marco Forgione and Tyrell Searcy, and solid passing by Nate Arvan to win the games 2519 and 25-18.

The county finals pitted Wellington Landings against Boca Raton Middle School for the third year in a row. WLMS used the potent combination of solid passing by Michaels and Forgione, steady setting by Silverman and accurate hitting by Morosco, Searcy, and Koos to once again claim the county championship. The final score of 25-16, 25-19 did not accurately reflect the great effort of the Boca Raton players who played hard to the last whistle.

Considering Wellington Landings had only two returning members from last year’s county champions — Silverman and Teddy Thomas — coaches Maureen Witkowski and Mitch Silverman are especially proud of this group, which finished the season 13-0. This is the third straight Palm Beach County Boys Volleyball Championship for WLMS.

Wellington Wild 10-U Blue Excel At Lake Lytal Classic

The Wellington Wild 10-U Blue softball team recently had a breakout weekend at the Lake Lytal Classic, making it to their first-ever championship game after beating the second-seeded team by a score of 9-1. The Wild came out ahead of the first seeded team in the championship game and maintained a lead through three innings before falling behind.

The weekend was full of amazing performances. The team saw amazing pitching and catching from Brennan Cain, Kaylin Kramer, Kaleigh Decker and Mary Rodriguez. Kramer was injured several times throughout the tournament but hung tough while catching all

RPB Man Wins Golf Tourney

Alan Morin of Royal Palm Beach birdied the second extra hole last Friday to win a Minor League Golf Tour event on the Estate course at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens. Morin outlasted Adam Hanson of Hoffman, Minn., after they tied at five under par 67. They halved the first playoff hole with par fours, and Morin sank a 12-footer on the second moments after Hanson missed

day Sunday and nearly hit a home run in the semifinal game. Cain pitched two complete games last Sunday with amazing results. Cathy Vega, Alyssa Corneille and Kaleigh Decker were unstoppable fielders, letting nothing get by them. The Wild girls also saw some awesome hitting by Julia Piteo, Mary Rodriguez and Taylor Marcus, who hit a triple. Bases were blazing as they were being run by Annie Skivington, Mckayla Hir and Caitlin Rolston, who several times had to be a courtesy runner for injured players. Rolston also gave an all-star performance in center field with some ESPNworthy catches.

a putt on a similar line from just a few inches farther away. In regulation, each made five birdies. It was Morin’s second MLGT title following a win on Oct. 16, 2006 at Martin Downs in Palm City. He earned $650 from the $3,360 purse; Hanson earned $475. The tournament was the 59th of the year and 357th since the MLGT began in August 2004. It drew 32 entries. For information about the Minor League Golf Tour, or to enter, visit www.minorleaguegolf.com.

Yard Sale For Wellington Wave June 14

The Wellington Wave U-16 boys soccer team is celebrating the success of a great year, pulling off back-to-back state championships. This was not an easy feat and the team did not take the task lightly. This year, as defending champions, every team was gunning for the Wave, and they had to fight for every win.

Coached by Patrick Zoete, the team accomplished their primary goal of repeating as state champs and look forward to proudly representing Florida in the Southern Regionals June 20-25 in Raleigh, N.C. A yard sale to benefit the team will be held Saturday, June 14 at 2270 Wellington Drive, behind the Fuddruckers restaurant near the Mall at Wellington Green. The sale will start at 7:30 a.m. and last until everything is gone. For more information, email servellon5@hotmail.com.

Runners Up — The Wellington Wild 10-U Blue softball team and their coaches celebrate after the Lake Lytal Classic.

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, June 14

• The Village of Royal Palm Beach will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official opening of the new OffRoad Bicycle Trails at Preservation Park on Saturday, June 14 at 9 a.m. The trails are located just south of the RPB Recreation Center on Sweet Bay Lane between Sparrow Drive and Park Road North. They consist of a two-thirdsmile perimeter trail for more casual riding and a one-mile interior trail that has more than 30 optional trail features to challenge off-road bicycling skills. Also available are a picnic pavilion with barbecue grill and a canoe/kayak launch. For more info, call (561) 7905100.

• The Philippine Summer Festival will be held Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.) in the Expo West. Admission is $3, children under 12 free. Parking is free. For more info., call (561) 793-0333.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host the Family Summer Reading Program kickoff party “Tale Twisters” on Saturday, June 14 at 10:30 a.m. Children in grades pre-K and up help to create “tales” and wear “twisted” balloon costumes to tell stories featuring underwater marine life made from balloons. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6030.

• Forgotten Soldiers Outreach will present Flag Day/ U.S. Army Birthday Ceremony at South Florida VA National Cemetery (6501 S. State Road 7, Lake Worth, one mile south of Lantana Road) on Saturday, June 14 at 11 a.m. For more info., visit www.forgotten soldiers.org or call Mary Ann Hedrick, events manager at (561) 369-2933 or (561) 5863592.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Drop-in Story Times” for ages two and up on Saturdays, June 14, 21 and 28 at 11 a.m. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Palm Beach Carnival a celebration of South Florida’s Caribbean-American culture, will be held at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.) on Saturday, June 14 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Events will include a traditional carnival parade with more than 20 different masquerade bands, costume and marching band competition, and more. For more info., visit www.wpb carnival.com or call (561) 3090620.

• Local band Rumour Hazit will perform as part of the Wellington Parks & Recreation Department’s Outdoor Concert Series on Saturday, June 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. on the front field of the Wellington Community Center. Admission and parking are free. There will be food and refreshments available for purchase. For more info., call the Wellington Community Center at (561) 7532484.

Sunday, June 15

• The Studio Theatre of Wellington (11320 Fortune Circle, G-7) will hold audition workshops on Sunday, June 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for fourth and seventh graders hoping to get into the School of the Arts. Mark Andrew Fetterly will assist youngsters in prepare in a number of areas. The cost is $89. For more information, call Paula Sackett at (561) 2044100.

Monday, June 16

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will continue Summer Story Times for ages nine months to five years Mondays, June 16 through Aug. 1. Call (561) 7906030 for more info.

Tuesday, June 17

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Craft Club: Yarn Buddies” on Tuesday, June 17 at 3 p.m. for ages nine through 12. Create a new buddy with yarn, paper and a few other materials. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6070.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Anime Grab Bag on Tuesday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12 through 17. Stop by for some popcorn and get a sneak peek at some of the coolest new anime titles. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6070.

Wednesday, June 18

• The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will hold a luncheon Wednesday, June 18 at noon at the Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington). Featured speaker Dr. Maria Vallejo of Palm Beach Community College will discuss plans for a Wellington campus. The cost is $15 for

chamber members in advance, $20 for members at the door and $25 for non-members. Call (561) 792-6525 for reservations. For more info., visit www.wellingtonchamber. com.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host an After-Hours Business Mixer on Wednesday, June 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Shane’s Rib Shack (11051 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach). For more info., call (561) 7906200 or visit www.palms west.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold a Film Discussion Group for adults on Wednesday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. Did No Country for Old Men leave you craving a conversation about the film’s meaning and impact? See the film and then join your neighbors for a lively discussion led by Sara Harris. To preregister, call (561) 790-6070. Thursday, June 19

• The Seventh Annual Palm Beach County Boat Show will be held at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.) Thursday through Sunday, June 19-22 at the Americraft Expo Center. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children under 12. For more information, call (561) 7930333.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Worst Case Scenario” for ages 12 through 17 on Thursday, June 19 at 6:30 p.m. Do you have what it takes to survive? Compete in the game Worst Case Scenario. Enjoy snacks and try to win a prize. To pre-register, call (561) 7906030.

• The Palm Beach Community College chapter of the National Council on Black American Affairs will hold its Fifth Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Thursday, June 19 at 7 p.m. at the World Famous Restaurant (415 Norwood Road, West Palm Beach). The event is free and open to the public, and will include storytelling and African dance performances by local group Sol Griots, a voter registration drive and drawings for prizes. For more info., call (561) 8683025.

Friday, June 20

• The annual James Ryan Rivera Muscular Dystrophy Golf Tournament will be held Friday, June 20 at the Links at Madison Green in Royal Palm Beach. Registration begins at 7 a.m. with a shotgun start 8:30 a.m. The tournament will include contests for putting, hole in one and closest to the pin, as well as team awards, a luncheon buffet, door prizes and a raffle. For more info., call Dawn Dallin at (561) 3095864 or visit home.james riverabenefit.com.

Saturday, June 21

• The Maltz Jupiter Theatre will hold auditions for Palm Beach Idol, the county’s original talent search, Saturday, June 21 from noon to 8 p.m. by appointment only. Palm Beach Idol auditions are open to all ages. Singers, dancers, ventriloquists, musicians, actors, etc. are encouraged to audition for a chance to win cash prizes in three age categories: three to 12, 13 to 20, and 21 and over. Call Rachel at (561) 743-2666, ext. 120 for an appointment.

• The Studio Theatre of Wellington (11320 Fortune Circle, G-7) will present a performance of the improv group Long Story Short on Saturday, June 21 at 8 p.m. The troupe will perform a night of improv comedy games based on audience suggestions and input. Tickets cost $10. Seating is limited. RSVP by calling (561) 204-4100.

Sunday, June 22

• Author Kimberly Wilson will visit Moksha Yoga Studio (3340 Fairlane Farms Road, Suite 5, Wellington) on Sunday, June 22 for a book signing and yoga workshop. Wilson’s book Hip Tranquil Chick: A Guide to Life on and off the Yoga Mat serves as a mentor to college girls and launched the Tranquil Space Foundation. The day’s events will also include yoga workshops. For more info., call (561) 427-1767.

Monday, June 23

• New Beginnings Chapel will hold its Vacation Bible School “Power Lab for Children” June 23-27 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. each evening. Register online at www.nbchapel.com. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 7936090. E-mail: news@gotown crier.com.

Wellington Dentist Dr. Sam Sadati Earns Accredited Fellow Status

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

In May, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry awarded Wellington dentist Dr. Sam Sadati accredited fellow status, an elite status held by only 39 dentists in the world.

The AACD offers advanced credentialing programs for dentists and lab technicians. To become accredited, academy members must undergo written and oral exams and submit five clinical cases for evaluation. But to reach accredited fellowship status requires a good deal more effort, Sadati said.

“There is no formal test for becoming an accredited fellow, which is a higher standard,” Sadati told the Town-Crier Tuesday. “You submit 50 cases for independent review in a specialty area. I specialized in porcelain and composite veneers. The composite veneers are sculpted right on to the remaining tooth in the office. I also submitted work demonstrating the repair of fractured and missing teeth in the front of the mouth.”

Sadati, the AACD’s only accredited fellow in South Florida, said patients should be very careful in choosing a cosmetic dentist.

“Because cosmetic dentistry is not an officially recognized specialty the way orthodontics is, anyone just graduating from dental school can claim to be a cosmetic dentist,” he said. “You see signs saying ‘cosmetic and family dentistry’ in a lot of shopping centers. But the top experts in the world have not evaluated most of those dentists. They can

take courses, and there are a lot of them given by top professionals, but there is no test at the end.”

The AACD includes more than 8,000 cosmetic dental professionals in 70 countries, offering educational programs and working toward the creation of professional criteria for cosmetic dentistry. “If you want a lot of great information about cosmetic dentistry, go to their web site at www.aacd.com,” Sadati said. “They have an enormous amount of information about new procedures.”

Sadati noted that he gained recognition in the industry magazine Dental Economics by winning the award for the best dental office design in 2005. “We have a great office here,” he said. “We can make a patient’s visit very comfortable. But I feel a lot more pride in the recognition that I am one of only 39 dentists in the world with the accredited fellow ranking by my fellow specialists.”

Sadati said his philosophy is to make a visit to the dentist as pleasurable as possible.

“Pain and fear should not exist,” he said. “We used to aim to make visits as painless as possible. Now we can go a lot further because the center does not focus on volume dentistry but personalized care. We know every one of our guests because we deliberately handle only a small number each day. When guests come in, everybody on staff greets them because everybody knows them. We treat them as guests, not patients.”

Sadati said he and his staff get

to know their patients’ preferences. “We have personalized music and DVDs,” he said. “If someone is coming for a followup visit, we ask what kind of music or video they want and we order it for them. We have massage pads on our chairs and we use aromatherapy and paraffin hand wax treatments to relax our patients along with warm scented towels and a variety of drinks and cookies fresh-baked daily.”

The Sadati Center for Aesthetic Dentistry uses the latest digital technology that allows accelerated in-office whitening, a computerized anesthetic delivery system that many guests report is painless, specialized planning software that projects what the tooth will look like when finished, Diagnodent equipment that detects decay beneath the surface, and a variety of other devices that demonstrate the newest trends in cosmetic dentistry.

“One of the hardest things to do now is keep up with the rapid change in techniques and technology,” Sadati said. “I don’t practice today the way I did two years ago. We have made enormous strides in our work with new advances coming out all the time. Our guests appreciate five-star service, and we provide it.”

The Sadati Center for Aesthetic Dentistry is located in the Pointe at Wellington Green at 10140 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 140 and is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (561) 753-8484 or visit www.floridassmiles.com.

Accredited Fellow — Dr. Sam Sadati (second from left) receives fellow accreditation from American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Accredited Fellow Credentialing Chairman Dr. Brian LeSage, AACD President Laura Kelly and AACD Director Dr. Wes Urich.

More than 200 friends of the Arc of Palm Beach County contributed more than $112,000 to benefit programs and services for people with developmental disabilities at the Golden Anniversary Dream Gala. The Dream Gala was held on May 17 at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach.

“For 50 years, the Arc of Palm Beach County has provided services, advocacy and education to children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families,” the Arc Executive Director Michael Papa said. “These funds will go a long way toward enabling us to make a difference in the lives of the 2,250 persons served by the Arc.” The Arc’s Dream Gala celebrated the organization’s first half-century. Guests enjoyed cocktails, fine dining and dancing to the music of the Feeder Band. Recognized at the event was Mary Courim, the recipient of the first annual Joyce W. Laird Community Leadership Award. The award honored Courim who, with her late husband Jim, has been engaged in more than 10 years of involvement and support of the Arc’s vital services.

WPEC News 12 anchor turned Education Network onair personality Alan Gerstel was the event’s master of ceremonies.

Highlighting the gala was the Arc Dream Home Drawing, the drawing of a mountain-view home located in Hayesville, N.C. and valued at $229,000.

Michele Poole, the Arc’s immediate past president, organized

Emily Pantelidas, Alan Gerstel and Michele Poole call the winner of the Arc Dream Home.

and sponsored the drawing. Poole and WPEC News 12 anchor Emily Pantelidas drew the winning ticket, which was held by Anna Gerzon of Old Westbury, N.Y. “When they called me and told me I’d won, I was in such shock that they had to repeat it to me three or four times,” Gerzon said. “I couldn’t believe it; it was such a surprise.” The Dream Gala committee included Honorary Chair Joyce Laird, Margarita Abrishami, Mya Breman, Alane Foster, Ronni Gerstel, Karen Gunther,

Linda Houston, Camille Lewis, Amanda and Paulette Papa, Michele Poole, Mary Beth Slane, Lucy Spears, and Dan and Pat Terracino.

Dream Gala sponsors included AmCOMP Inc., Genuine Parts Company, Wachovia Wealth Management, Donna and Robert Lloyd-George, Lucy and Patrick Spears, Robert B. Campbell and BBC International, Kilday and Associates Landscape Architects Inc., Templeton and Company, TransAmerica Printing, the Boris Family, Betty and Buz DiVosta, GEO Care

Inc., Jack Langdon, the Sandquist Family, Diana and Frank Speight, and VIVE magazine.

Dream Home Drawing sponsors included Michele and Rodney Poole, North Ridge Electric, the Gardens Mall, Cosmo and Company, Howard Alan Events, Katherine McNeill, Merchant Transport, CityPlace, the Palm Beach Post, Riverside Bank and WPEC TV 12.

For more information on the Arc of Palm Beach County, visit www.arcpbc.org or call (561) 842-3213.

Spending Long Hours Outdoors Increases The Risk Of Skin Cancer

Sports and other outdoor activities are daily events for children attending camp. But if children are not properly protected, the time they spend outdoors can lead to painful sunburns, premature aging and skin cancer.

“Just one blistering sunburn in childhood can double the risk of developing melanoma later in life,” said Dr. Perry Robins, president of the Skin Cancer Foundation. “That risk can be vastly reduced by following some simple sun safe-

ty guidelines.”

To keep children protected from the harmful rays while at camp, the foundation recommends training children in sun safety. UV protection should be a regular part of the lessons learned at home and at school. Kids should be well versed about the dangers of the sun and how to protect against them. Here are a few lessons to review before sending campers off this summer. Instruct children how to apply sunscreen before going

outside. An SPF 15+ sunscreen (water-resistant formulas are especially good) needs to be used regularly. Teach children to apply one ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to all exposed areas, 30 minutes before outdoor activities, and reapply every two hours and right after swimming or heavy sweating. Remember to tell kids not to forget those hard to miss spots, such as the back of ears and neck as well as the tops of feet and hands. Cover up with sun-protective clothing. Ideal

sun-safe clothing includes long-sleeved shirts, long pants and a wide-brimmed hat. But since campers typically wear only T-shirts and shorts, they should take some extra precautions:

• Wear T-shirts with a dense weave in dark or bright colors;

• Wear at least a baseball cap;

• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses;

• Wear long shorts; and

• Apply an SPF 15+ sunscreen to all exposed areas.

Encourage kids to seek the shade when outdoors. While large shade trees provide some protection, tell children to find a pavilion where they can seek shade during outdoor activities. Ideally, most activities should be scheduled for early morning or late afternoon since UV is most intense from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. With proper guidance, children can learn to protect themselves and enjoy summer fun without sacrificing the health of their skin.

The first organization in the U.S committed to educating the public and medical professionals about sun safety, the Skin Cancer Foundation is still the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. For more information, visit www.skincancer.org.

Arc President Debra Ruedisili with her husband Todd.

Michele Poole, Joyce W. Laird and Mary Courim. PHOTOS COURTESY PAULETTE MARTIN AND AMY MARTIN

OsteoArthritis Centers Of America Opens Prototype Office In Wellington

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

OsteoArthritis Centers of America, which offers a new minimally invasive program of treatment for arthritis of the knees, opened its prototype office in the Pointe at Wellington Green on June 2. Although the center treats many forms of arthritis and other musculoskeletal ailments, OsteoArthritis Centers of America specializes in the treatment of osteoarthritis with special focus on the knees, degenerative joint disease and musculoskeletal pain.

“We have board-certified physicians and physical therapists that are experts in this field,” spokesperson Charmaine Simms said. “Our tagline for all of our information is ‘freedom from pain, freedom to live and freedom to enjoy life.’”

Simms noted that arthritis is the number-one disability in the United States, affecting more than 100 million people. About 27 million of those arthritis sufferers have osteoarthritis. The top cause of osteoarthritis is aging, the second is weight and lack of exercise, and third is injury to the knees, hips, shoulders or back. Genetics are also a factor, she said.

The treatment at OsteoArthritis Centers of America consists of five injections, one a week for five weeks, with physical therapy three times a week. The medicine used is Hyalgan, or hyaluronic acid, a viscous material naturally present in the human body. The medicine is derived from rooster combs, so the only people who cannot receive the medication are those who are allergic to poultry, Simms said.

The OsteoArthritis Centers treatment was developed by doctors John Vick of St. Louis and Mark Lee of South Carolina, and Simms said the two perfected a regime of injections and therapy that yielded an 86-percent success rate.

“A lot of people do Hyalgan injections. A lot of people use physical therapy,” Simms said. “But what makes our program a specialty is that over the past seven years it has been done in about 110 centers across the country. It’s the specific algorithm that the two doctors put together — when to do the injections, when to do the physical therapy and exactly what kind of physical therapy to do. This is the recipe; this is what works. This is what has an 86 percent positive outcome.”

The benefits of treatment typically last six to eight months but can be repeated again and again, she said.

OsteoArthritis Centers of America physician Dr. Amy Liu is a physiatrist, certified to treat any kind of musculoskeletal condition. Trained in Rochester, N.Y. at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Liu practiced in Indianapolis for seven years, treating hundreds of osteoarthritis patients, Simms said. The success rate of the system drew Liu to join the OsteoArthritis Centers of America team, Simms said. “Lots of people do injections in the knee. Lots of people use the same medication we have chosen to use. Lots of people do physical therapy, but she does the injections under a fluoroscope, which is a real-time X-ray. She uses a dye, which insures that she can see that the medication goes directly into the intra-articular space, so she is sure that it has gotten into the exact spot that it needs to go.”

Physical therapist Jim Doherty, who has a master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, has been practicing for a decade, specializing in orthopedic therapy.

“Both he and Dr. Liu are highly skilled at dealing with musculo-skeletal conditions and osteoarthritis,” Simms said. “Dr. Liu believes it’s important to

‘This is the first OsteoArthritis Center of America. This is the prototype... The plan is to have these centers nationwide, and this will be the training ground.’

— Charmaine Simms

maintain communication daily about each patient between herself and the physical therapist. That’s part of what makes the program so special, because they monitor the progress of each patient and monitor the outcome.”

The center focuses on the knees primarily because osteoarthritis of the knees is the number-one type of osteoarthritis, Simms said. Also, the medication injected into the joint is approved for the knees by the FDA, although she anticipates approval for treatment of shoulders and hips before long.

The Wellington location will serve as a pilot for other locations to follow, Simms said. “Basically, this is the first OsteoArthritis Center of America,” she said. “This is the prototype. There are two companies that joined together to create this recipe, this branding of the OA Centers of America. Their plan is to have these centers nationwide, and this will be the training ground.”

The firm chose Wellington because the area has a high concentration of the typical age group that suffers from osteoarthritis, she said.

“In this area, we are planning to open one more center, possibly two, before we move on to another area,” she said. “The response has been tremendous. We have joined with the Arthritis Foundation in West Palm Beach. They are having a huge arthritis walk on Nov. 8, which we are sponsoring. We give our patients the opportunity to support the Arthritis Foundation, and we are trying to create community awareness about osteoarthritis in particular.”

A May 29 seminar at Binks Forest Country Club attracted 89 people, of whom 67 are candidates for treatment and 41 actually scheduled appointments, Simms said. Another seminar is set for July 10 at the Jewish Community Center in Boynton Beach.

OsteoArthritis Centers of America is located in the Pointe at Wellington Green at 10220 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 140 and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (561) 753-5610 or visit www. oacenters.com.

Treating Arthritis — (Above) Physical therapist Jim Doherty and Osteoarthritis Centers of America spokesperson Charmaine Simms. (Below) Dr. Amy Liu and X-ray technician Melanie Hintz inside one of the exam rooms.

PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

PBCC’s Dr. Vallejo To Speak At Wellington Chamber Luncheon

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce recently announced that Dr. Maria M. Vallejo of Palm Beach Community College will be the featured speaker during a luncheon on Wednesday, June 18 at the Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington).

The luncheon is being sponsored by the Wellington-based Quantum Group Inc. In September 1999, Vallejo assumed the top position at Palm Beach Community College’s Lake Worth campus, where she is now the chief executive officer for the largest and longest-established campus.

The 114-acre, 51-building complex at Lake Worth offers associate’s degree programs, professional certificates, apprenticeship programs and courses for lifelong learning and career enhancement. PBCC’s Lake Worth campus has served the central

Palm Beach County area for nearly 75 years.

A passionate educator and an energetic servant leader, Vallejo’s mission is to “facilitate collaboration among diverse groups so that we may all reach our full potential.”

Vallejo will present PBCC’s plan to bring Wellington opportunities for both two- and four-year college degrees, courses of studies specifically designed for Wellington needs, sports fields built and maintained by PBCC for the use of all in Wellington, a long-sought-after cultural facility, seniors programs and the important social impact of having higher education in a community.

“The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is excited about the possibility of a campus of Palm Beach Community College being built in Wellington,” Chamber President Mike Nelson said. “The chamber feels

strongly, as we have expressed in our position statement, that a college or university campus would be one of the best economic generators that Wellington businesses could have.”

Speaking on behalf of the Quantum Group will be Senior Vice President and Chief Technology & Innovations Officer Pete Martinez. Martinez leads the technology and innovation efforts for the Quantum Group.

An entrepreneurial leader in the healthcare industry, Martinez has created a strong portfolio of innovative business, process and technology to propel the advancement of patient care into the 21st Century.

Martinez joined Quantum after a 32-year career with IBM, retiring as vice president of global business services and senior location executive for IBM South Florida. Martinez specializes in leading service business-

PALMS WEST CHAMBER WELCOMES RITA’S WATER ICE TO ROYAL PALM

The Palms West Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for Rita’s Water Ice in Royal Palm Beach. Rita’s offers Italian ice that is fat-free, cholesterol-free, trans-fat free and made fresh with real fruit every day; a sugar-free version is available as well. Also on the menu are Rita’s signature Misto shakes, creamy frozen custard, gelati, Blendinis, the Ritaccino and the Slenderita. Rita’s Water Ice is located in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping center at 11071 Southern Blvd., Suite 130. For more information, call (561) 795-4333 or visit www.ritasice.com. Pictured here are owners Randy and Chad Nitzky and staff with Palms West Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.

es and consulting to major international enterprises and executives in the areas of business strategy, governance and technology.

“The Wellington Chamber is honored to have two of Palm Beach County’s most distinguished professionals at this informative event,” Chamber Executive Director Michela Perillo-Green said. “Both organizations have demonstrated strong leadership roles in the growth of our western communities and particularly Wellington; we could not be more pleased than to offer our members the opportunity to hear from them.”

The luncheon begins at noon. The cost is $15 for chamber members in advance, $20 for members at the door and $25 for non-members. Call (561) 792-6525 for reservations.

For more information about the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, visit www.wellingtonchamber.com. Dr. Maria

Pizzazz Gives Back Day June 29

Pizzazz Hair Design will hold its annual Pizzazz Gives Back Day on Sunday, June 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Abacoa Plaza, Kobosko’s Crossing, Village Commons and Wellington Mall locations, donating 100 percent of the proceeds from all haircuts, color and spa services to Hospice of Palm Beach County.

Pizzazz Hair Design owner Dennis Marquez is proud to give back to the community he loves and to a cause that has special meaning to many of his team members. “Through Pizzazz

Gives Back Day, each and every one of us, including team members, loyal clients and members of the community, have an opportunity to do something special and make a difference in the lives of others,” he said.

To help Pizzazz Give Back, call one of the following locations today to make an appointment: Pizzazz in the original Wellington Mall (12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) at (561) 7981100; Pizzazz in the Kobosko’s Crossing shopping plaza (9112 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) at

Web Site Helps Monitor Health Records

Increasingly, the personal health record (PHR) is gaining greater attention from consumers who want to manage their health and make better healthcare-related decisions. Relaunched earlier this year, myPHR.com is completely devoted to promoting healthcare consumer involvement. And Wellington-based health record consultant Sallee Silverman is available to assist those in the western communities who would like to learn more.

MyPHR.com, sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), offers patients a comprehensive menu of peer-

reviewed PHR information and a step-by-step guide for creating a PHR with forms in English and Spanish. This user-friendly web site allows visitors to explore resources, benefits and products that are available to establish a PHR — without commercial distraction. The site is especially valuable to maturing adults, family caregivers, parents raising children and individuals managing chronic conditions — people who often interface with the healthcare system and have a more urgent need to coordinate information across caregivers. “Visitors to myPHR.com will

find improved, streamlined resources with editable forms, detailed information on security and privacy rights, and a guided tour to help consumers learn more about how health information is collected and disseminated,” AHIMA Chief Executive Officer Linda Kloss said. Other features available on myPHR.com include an online newsroom, new media player with video of personal health testimonials, a glossary of terms and additional resources. To contact Silverman, call (561) 795-6527 or e-mail sallee70@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.ahima. org.

M. Vallejo

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! Lic.#9001390. 798-3132.

ROLL DOWN SHUTTERS — Accordion shutters, storm panels and rolling shutters...prices that can’t be beat. All shutters Systems, Inc. 863-0955

AFFORDABLE HURRICANE PRO-

TECTION — 2 - 4 wks. Installed Guaranteed! 10% deposit . Will get you started. All products, Dade County approved. We manufacture our own product. 561-568-6099, 772-342-8705 Lic. & Ins. CGC 1511213 SALES, SERVICE AND INSTALLATION FOR ALL TYPES — Windows, doors, accordion & panel shutters. Impact glass. USA IMPACT WINDOWS & DOORS. 561-502-1518

HURRICANE PROTECTION — Accordian & Bahama Shutters, impact doors & windows, sales, service & installation financing available. RAINGUARD,Inc. 561-969-9005 Lic. Bonded. Ins. U15212. Owner/Installer. PANELS PLUS, LLC. - Aluminum, Steel, Accordian, Lexan. All Dade County Approved. Do-it-Yourself or installation available. 561-722-8343. Lic. & Ins.

AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC - Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-9646004 Lic. #U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990 ONE-ON-ONE

No. U14736. 798-8978. BD JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. ––– Interior/Exterior, artistic faux finishing, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair, & roof painting/cleaning. Free est. Call 798-4964. Lic.#U18473 LET US AD A LITTLE COLOR TO YOUR LIFE — Residential/Commercial. Licensed • Bonded • Insured. Owner/Operator. Ask for Paul 561-3098290. COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/ Exterior, residential painting, over 20 years exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free estimates - Insured. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident. PAINTING — HOME PAINTING Interior – Exterior. $1290 +tax up to 2500 sq. ft. (walls area) 561-674HOME(4663) J&C’s Faux Painting Service, Inc. Lic./Ins. U14092 CREATIVE PAINTING SYSTEMS, INC. — Interior • Exterior • Residential Specialists. WE DELIVER WHAT WE PROMISE. All work guaranteed. FREE ESTIMATES. Family owned & Operated. Over 23 years experience. License #U-18337 • Bonded • Insured Owner/Operator George Born. 561686-6701

TROPICAL ISLAND POOLS, INC. — Pool Maintenance, repairs, automatic pool cleaners, Salt Generators, Specializing in LEAK DETECTION. Tipoolsinc.com ONE CALL DOES IT ALL. 561-685-4172 561-795-0476. Since 1975

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.Call Butch 561-309-6975 BD LARRY'S PRESSURE CLEANINGRoofs-Homes, Driveways, fences, patios, pavers cleaned & sealed. Residential/Commercial. Exempt from water Restriction. 561-797-4737

PRIMROSE PROPERTY MANAGMENT FULL SERVICE RESIDENTIAL HOME CARE Weekly inspections, repairs, & maintenance. Monthly reports, Reasonable rates. 561-602-6857or email primrosepm123@aol.com

FUND YOUR OWN REVERSE MORTGAGE. SAVE YOUR HOME - & get paid to help others do the same. We can now assist people under 62 years of age. Madelyn 561-422-2910

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS – Roof painting. Carpentry. License #U13677. 9675580. BD SHAKE ROOF SPECIALISTS –– New roofs, repairs, preservation. License #CC025465. Shake Masters, Shake Chem. Members of Shake Bureau. 439-6668 BD ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763. BD ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC-0067207 GARABAR, INC. ROOFING & GENERAL CONSTRUCTION — 561-3376798 www.garabar.com Lic. #CGC 1510976 CCC1327252. “Deal” Direct withowner. Please see our display ad* Major credit cards accepted. Fast Free Estimates. Insurance claim specialists. IDEAL ROOFING SYSTEMS Residential • Commercial • Licensed Bonded • Insured. New Construction Reroofs • Repairs • Roof Tile • Shingles Metal Roofs • Flat Decks • MaintenanceContracts info@idealroofingsystems.com. Palm Beach/Broward Office: 561753-7663 Fax: 561-753-7696. St. Lucie/Indian River. Office: 772-2886440. Fax: 772-287-9008. 11101 S. Crown Way #6, Wellington, FL 33414. Lic. #CCC1326453 QUALITY WORK & SERVICE - Free estimates, reliable & on time. No Deposits. Pay upon completion, residential, commercial, reroofing, repairs, credit cards accepted. 561-842-6120. Lic.#CGC 1325633

pantry and

$1200./month, unfurnished; $1500./

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(561) 7227195. WELLINGTON BEAUTIFUL FARM - 1 bedroom 1 bath furnished utilities in-