Town-Crier Newspaper June 20, 2008

GOP CONGRESSIONAL HOPEFULS SPAR

NEW BIKE TRAILS IN ROYAL PALM

Waste-To-Energy Group Unveils Manure Proposal To Equestrians

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington Energy LLC, the winner of a request for proposals put out in 2006 by Wellington to cure the manure problem stacking up in the village, presented its plan at a meeting at the Players Club Tuesday evening.

The two-year-old company claims it can burn stable refuse and turn it into electricity.

Spor

Local veterinarian Dr. Scott Swerdlin, the president and CEO of Wellington Energy, led the presentation to about 30 interested residents, with a rundown of how and why they got involved and how they arrived at waste-to-energy as the most practical solution. He stressed the need for everyone to be on board for the solution.

“This is going to require a joint effort between the council,

[the] South Florida Water Management [District], Wellington Energy and, most importantly, by the Wellington horsemen. I want to make sure that everybody is in support of this project. What Wellington Energy proposes is a solution which is permanent, green, environmentally sound and cost-effective.”

Swerdlin said he got involved largely because his Palm Beach Equine Clinic, with 318 stalls, is probably the village’s second-largest manure producer behind the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Wellington has been trying to address the manure issue since its incorporation, he said, as it seeks ways to prevent the seepage of phosphorus into its surface water in accordance with Everglades restoration programs.

“Wellington, as many of you know, is in the process of rewriting its best management practices, and they’re going to look for all of our input in trying to attain the best solutions,” he said. “The contractual relationship between [the SFMWD] and the Village of Wellington is that they will correct this and take steps to rewrite its best management practices. Unfortunately it’s not optional — it’s mandatory. The village is being held to correcting its phosphorous problem.”

Researching solutions, Swerdlin said, Wellington Energy determined that composting and anaerobic digestion disposal solutions would be inferior to a waste-to-energy plan.

Composting does not work well because of the shavings mixed in with the manure, which take much longer to break down, he said.

“Composting takes a long

See MANURE, page 2

Draft Wellington Budget Shaves Over $8 Million

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

In its preliminary budget for fiscal year 2009, the Village of Wellington is anticipating a cut of more than $8 million and continued reductions in services and staffing.

The draft budget released June 13 is 7.44 percent smaller than the current year’s $111.27 million to $102.99 million next year. Of that money, $43.43 million will be used for general governmental expenditures, as opposed to $51.53 million during the current year.

The $8 million in lost revenue is due largely to a tax base that shrank over the past year from $7.7 billion to $7.1 billion. According to figures released last month by the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office, Wellington experienced an 8.6 percent reduction in taxable property values since last year.

Village Manager Paul Schofield’s budget statement predicts that the village’s tax base will decline over the next three years to $6.9 billion.

Schofield wrote that continued decreases are anticipated due to foreclosures, short sales and lack of growth. If the tax reform movement continues, he noted, the village will need to eliminate all non-essential services and cut staffing to half its present level. “We may find ourselves unable to afford even police and fire protection,” he wrote.

The preliminary budget keeps the same 2.34 millage rate as the current year, which is less than the state-mandated rollback level. Since future rollback and TRIM (truth in millage) rates will be dependent on the rate adopted for 2008-09, an adopted rate less than the rollback will reduce future years’ allowable rates, according to the report.

The budget statement predicts that the village’s ability to implement new user charges and other revenues might be limited by the state. Rising unemployment, inflation, reduced gas tax revenue and reduction in impact fees as the village reaches buildout will also present hard challenges to the village’s future fiscal strength, Schofield predicted.

The preliminary budget statement was prepared for the Wellington Village Council’s June 25 budget workshop.

Schofield told the Town-Crier Thursday that the report is not intended to be a prediction of dire things to come but a practical statement that the council and village staff can use to make informed decisions for the future.

“Tax reform is a fact of life,” he said. “We have the legislative rollback. We have Amendment 1. They are causing a reduction in what we can assess. Beyond that, Wellington has been hit by a decrease in property values.”

Nevertheless, Schofield said the budget doesn’t propose a millage rate higher than last year’s and holding the line on

the rate involved significant cutbacks, considering last year’s decrease in property value. “There’s a $600 million decrease in assessed value,” he said. “We know we’re going to be working with less money.”

Schofield said some state lawmakers in the most recent legislative session proposed limiting ad valorem tax to 1.35 percent of property value.

“That’s a cut of about half,” Schofield noted. “A Wellington property owner’s average assessment is about 22 or 23 mills, of which 2.34 is Wellington. The other 20 mills is the school district, the county, the water management districts, a whole myriad of things that aren’t the Village of Wellington. We don’t know what’s going to happen with future tax cuts, but we know that next year we’re going to have to work with less money, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

The current political climate makes long-term budgeting difficult, Schofield said. “I don’t know what the budget is going to be, but what I can tell you is that tax reform is going to continue, or at least we believe that it is,” he said.

The village must establish budget figures in order to adopt the TRIM rate on July 8, he said, at which point the village can reduce the rate but not raise it.

For the long range, the village is cutting $50 million to $60 million in capital improvement projects, Schofield said. Village staff positions have been eliminated, beginning with the most expendable, he added.

Meanwhile, the core services of law enforcement and fire-rescue occupy a relatively secure position in the village’s fiscal hierarchy. The village anticipated and budgeted an increase that was included in the most recent Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office budget request, but Schofield warned that severe tax reforms could affect even police services.

“If the legislature actually cuts our millage rate in half, then no services, nothing is untouchable,” he said. “Public safety is pretty much an untouchable service right now, but if we look at drastic reductions in revenue, you can’t pay for what you don’t have money for. We know that in 2012 we are going to be looking at additional reductions beyond what we’re at now. We have eliminated a total of about 40 positions. We’re cutting, we’ve frozen positions, so we’re not going to have to do more layoffs this year, but this is the only year that I can speak to.” Schofield said he respects residents’ desire for tax breaks and said he feels the preliminary budget is realistic, based on the existing political and financial climate.

“The voters want lower taxes and the voters are willing to take lower services that go with it,” he said. “If tax reform continues and we’re working on less, then we’ll adjust it at that time.”

County Keeps Roebuck Road On Five-Year Plan

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Palm Beach County Commission stuck to its guns Tuesday on the westward extension of Roebuck Road, despite pressure from the City of West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach agreed to the extension in 1994 in order to win development approval for homes along Okeechobee Blvd. in what are now the Baywinds, Andros Isle and Riverwalk communities. Residents of those developments, just south of the proposed route of the extension, are now among the most vocal opponents of the extension, citing environmental concerns.

Proponents of the extension say the county needs another

east-west thoroughfare to the western communities in order to reduce gridlock on Okeechobee Blvd., which is projected to remain over capacity despite a current widening project.

Speaking at the commission’s review of the county’s five-year road plan Tuesday, Royal Palm Beach Mayor David Lodwick said Roebuck Road should have been built five or six years ago.

“The need for Roebuck Road is not going to go away,” Lodwick said. “The cost is not going to go down. That’s been proven when we first looked at the cost of building the road when the cost was five or six million, and now the cost is significantly more than that. The residents of the western communities are asking only one thing

today, that we finally honor a 14year-old agreement that allowed the construction along Okeechobee Blvd. to create the CRALLS designation.”

Lodwick charged that the construction of the communities along Okeechobee had destroyed 1,500 acres of wetlands.

“The right of way for the road was already set aside,” he said.

“It’s on two of the three site plans already. The developer already bermed most of the areas in anticipation of the road. The city [of West Palm Beach] staff sat through those meetings along with county staff, along with environmental groups. All the facts were on the table when the deal was done. It’s time to do the planning phase. It’s time to move forward. At $4 a gallon

of gas we’ll do park-and-rides. We’ll do everything else that we need, but it’s not fair for the more than 100,000 residents of the western communities to continue to have to suffer through delay after delay.”

Lodwick said the commissioners had done a good job of finding funding for the road and keeping it in the budget. “We’re here to support that decision and ask that you continue that decision and continue that funding of Roebuck as it is today,” he said. Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Martha Webster reiterated Lodwick’s plea for no more delays on the road. “I’m here again to reinforce that we really need this road,” she said. “It was negotiated. It’s in place asking

for three miles of road that we hope you will continue to move forward with. We need it now. Our residents are sitting in traffic. I am confident we can come up with a good solution, and I’m asking that we solve this and get it moving forward as quickly as possible.”

West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel, who has recently lobbied the county to delay the extension in favor of a hotel for the Palm Beach County Convention Center, said the city made a mistake in 1994. “It was a different day and age, a different paradigm,” Frankel said. “It was something we shouldn’t have agreed to. The communities on Okeechobee Blvd. — Baywinds, Andros

The Village of Royal Palm Beach held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 14 marking the official opening

bicycle trails at Preservation Park. The trails

of the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center between Sparrow

North. Pictured here are Riley and C.J. Valuntas with their dad Rich-

PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Manure What Will It Cost?

continued from page 1 time and in some cases it takes more than a year,” he said.

The volume of more than 3,000 cubic yards of manure and shavings per day from about 9,000 horses during peak season creates massive storage and retention issues, Swerdlin said.

“You cannot let the water that comes from this composting to leach into the Florida Everglades Basin. A hundred days of 3,000 cubic yards a day is a lot of manure,” he said. After composting, about a third of the material remains, which must be disposed of, Swerdlin noted.

Swerdlin said anaerobic digestion requires a high capital outlay and is not cost efficient. A similar program at Palm Meadows in Fort Lauderdale produced less-than-satisfactory results, he said. “The problem is they’re still left with a third of their product and how to dispose of it,” Swerdlin said.

The leftovers are also a nasty cocktail including contaminated wood waste, nitrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide and ammonia that contribute to other pollution issues. “Living next to a digester can be really unpleasant,” Swerdlin said. “I cannot put one close by.”

With fuel at more than $4 per gallon, Swerdlin said the cost of getting the manure to a distant processing plant would be prohibitive. The process is also high maintenance, he said. “First you have to separate the shavings,” he said. “One horse requires 19 feet of digester volume.

“This is 100 32,250-cubicfoot tanks, 18 and a half feet tall by 18 feet in diameter,” he said, referring to research by James Baker of North Carolina State University. However, Swerdlin’s company has been working closely with the village to come up with a solution, he said.

The solution they came up with was to treat the product as an alternative energy source and to be environmentally sound, he said.

The waste-to-energy plant would consume all the horse manure and shavings in Wellington, and with no storage requirement there would be no odor or leaching issues. Operating on a total combustion basis, the only byproduct would be a two percent potash residue suitable for use in fertilizer and for road stabilization, he said.

Michael Virr, president of Spinheat Ltd. of Fairfield, Conn., is Wellington Energy’s engineer. He said the plant would be compact in size, built on about a six-acre site. Virr said his company built a similar privately operated plant near Pittsburgh, Penn. for the state prison system.

Roebuck Stays On Road Plan

continued from page 1 Isles, Riverwalk, the communities that were built as a result of the agreement — are retirement communities. They are not adding to traffic during rush hour. You can go and stand at those gates every single day and you will see that. The fact of the matter is that Okeechobee Blvd. is being widened right now and the traffic that is coming out is from the Groves and The Acreage. The people who moved to The Acreage where they didn’t want to have roads are the people who are coming into town.”

Frankel asked the commission to gauge the effect of widening Okeechobee Blvd. before it moves forward with Roebuck Road, reminding commissioners of Roebuck’s proximity to the city’s water catchment area.

“This is a new day, and what should be at the top of everybody’s list is sustainability, and to build a road in our water preserve we believe is wrong,” she said. “It’s not only the water of 300,000 people, but it’s the home, the natural habitat of species that we share this earth with, wildlife whose lives are put in jeopardy with the presence of cement.”

The environmental movement has come of age since the 1994 agreement, Frankel said.

“With all due respect to Royal Palm Beach, in 1994 nobody talked about global warming,” she said. “Nobody talked about sustainability. Nobody talked about green buildings. Nobody talked about the drought. Our lives have changed. Instead of talking about more roads, let’s talk about $10 per gallon of gasoline. Let’s talk about more car-

Swerdlin and Wellington Energy CFO/COO Michael Fawcett said the plant could be built for about $15 million. The enclosed building would produce no odor, noise or emissions and could burn about 360 tons of manure daily, about the amount generated each day by 9,000 horses at peak season, he said. During peak season the plant would operate in three shifts, and at one shift in the off-season. Electricity generated from the plant would be sold to FPL for about 5.4 cents per kilowatt hour to reduce an industrial revenue bond, which would be necessary, as well as a franchise agreement to guarantee that the company would have a certain flow of manure into the plant. The plant would have two boilers generating three megawatts of electricity. The operation would be low maintenance and largely automatic once it gets started, Swerdlin said. The process is started with oil or natural gas heating a 30-inch bed of sand. Once the sand is heated to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit it can ignite the manure and the burning process can continue on its own, Virr said. “It takes an hour to get it hot and running,” he said. “As it starts to burn, the manure keeps it running.”

The room where the manure is dumped from trucks is under suction so the odor is kept inside the building, Virr said. Swerdlin said several locations have been explored on the periphery of the village’s equestrian overlay including on 50th Street and Flying Cow Road and one site out of village limits, but none specifically had been selected.

Energy production would be the most cost-efficient solution for the village, Swerdlin said. While not as cheap as ignoring the problem, it is necessary if the equestrian industry is to remain in Wellington due to the requirements placed on the village by regulatory agencies.

One attendee asked if the company will control the price charged to horse owners if it has a franchise. Fawcett, also a horseman and a former anti-trust attorney, said the company’s primary intention is to solve the manure problem, not to get a stranglehold on an industry. The franchise held by Wellington Energy would be similar to the cable television franchise and subject to Wellington control, he said.

“Our level of commitment is to make it a cost-effective solution. The reason we seek a flow control ordinance is that we require a secure feed stock,” he said.

Palm Beach Polo CEO Glenn Straub said the waste-to-energy plan looked more reasonable than any other process he had seen. “We want to keep this industry here,” he said. “If you don’t solve the problem, the environmentalists will shut it down.”

pools, maybe electric transportation. Let’s change our thinking to what is a new world right now.”

Commissioner Karen Marcus told Frankel she should make a deeper investment in order to forestall the Roebuck Road extension.

“You and I have talked about electric cars and car pooling,” she said. “People themselves are doing it now because of the cost of gas, but everybody looks at the county for footing that bill. If you don’t want Roebuck Road, we need to do things differently now, and I think one of those things would be buying development rights. There are quite a few acres out there that people are wanting to develop, and if you could buy the development rights as they are priced today, or you could put together a group of folks that are interested in doing it, that’s what I’m looking for from the City of West Palm Beach.”

“What about the $43 million that is stashed away for Roebuck Road?” Frankel asked.

“That is everybody’s money in county dollars that goes to building an infrastructure,” Marcus replied. “You have a particular interest in Roebuck Road, and to me it seems that if you’ve gotten yourself into this agreement that you don’t want to keep now, you’re going to have to buy some of the development rights out there. Take some of those trips off the road that we’ll need Roebuck Road for in the future. I put that on your plate to take back to your commission. If you’re thinking out of the box, I think that’s an option that you need to think about.”

In the end, the commissioners agreed in principle to keep the proposed Roebuck Road extension in the five-year road plan.

RPB Sends State Road 7 Master Plan Objections To County

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council appointed Village Engineer Ray Liggins on Thursday to negotiate with Palm Beach County over a series of objections to a recently drafted State Road 7 corridor master plan. The master plan for the corridor, which stretches from Okeechobee Blvd. to Lantana Road, was prepared by the county with input from surrounding communities in an effort to “maintain adequate mobility” as traffic continues to increase due to development.

Presented with the plan earlier this month, the council raised a series of objections, particularly with the levels of traffic it would tolerate on the heavily used roadway.

While the plan stresses “smart growth” for the future development of property in the corridor that emphasizes joboriented projects instead of single-family housing, it also sets standards for each segment of SR 7 allowing heavier traffic than the county would normally tolerate.

In presenting the village’s official list of objections for council approval Thursday, Village Manager David Farber said the projected traffic levels in the

corridor study were unacceptable.

“They have presumed a worst-case scenario based on the possible zoning for every piece of land along the corridor,” Farber said. “When you do that, assuming the highest densities and greatest use, any plan will fail.”

In line with its objection to the traffic levels on SR 7, the village is seeking to convince the county to change its comprehensive plan in order to build Lyons Road between Forest Hill Blvd. and Lake Worth Road as soon as possible to provide the area with another north-south thoroughfare.

Among its other objections, the village takes the position that adopting the plan would be premature without a formalized consensus among all participating agencies having land-use authority.

Farber also noted that Greenacres, although its closest point to SR 7 is three miles away, is one of the participants in the study while the City of West Palm Beach, whose closest boundary is 50 feet away, is not.

The village also objects to the plan’s requirement that ten percent of residential units along the corridor be reserved as workforce housing when 67 percent of Royal Palm Beach’s housing

already falls into that category. It also objects to the establishment of a special taxing district to fund a community transit or trolley system since the county already has one in place.

The Palm Beach County Planning Commission is scheduled to review the plan on July 11 with the Palm Beach County Commission scheduled to hear it on July 23 for possible transmission to the Florida Department of Community Affairs for state review.

Councilman Matty Mattioli made a motion to approve the objections and name Liggins as negotiator. Councilman David Swift seconded it, and the motion was approved 4-0 with Mayor David Lodwick absent. In other business, the council had its own ideas about proposed artistic improvements to a corner at the intersection of Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards.

The council approved a series of applications concerning a plan to redevelop a former gas station site at the intersection’s northwest corner as a CVS pharmacy, but withheld approval of a proposal for a sculpture representing a family with their pets intended to embellish the site.

Along with a plan to combine the parcel with the larger Village Royale shopping plaza behind

‘They have presumed a worst-case scenario based on the possible zoning for every piece of land along the corridor.’ — Village Manager David Farber

it, 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. In approving the applications

last week, the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission requested the addition of cat and dog figures to the sculpture to give it balance against a nearby utility pole. But council members said Thursday they would prefer a

more two-dimensional sculpture, perhaps an abstract rendering of the village seal. They directed the applicant Architecture Dynamics Inc. to work with village staff on a new design for presentation to the council at their July 17 meeting.

Ten Years Of Service — Vice Mayor Fred Pinto presented employee Sally Yudhishthu of Royal Palm Beach’s Building Department with a ten-year service award on Thursday, saying she had played a vital part in the building of the village.

PHOTO

Manure-To-Energy Solution Less Expensive In The Long Run

If the past few years have seen Americans gradually realize the need to “go green,” this summer’s inflated fuel prices have been a crash course on the subject. Even so, there are still a significant number of skeptics who argue that the cost of investing in renewable energy outweighs the benefits. It’s a debate that isn’t likely to end anytime soon. But the level of concern on both sides of the issue has already resulted in eco-friendly, costeffective innovations, and will continue to do so in the future. It is this example that Wellington should consider when deciding how to handle its horse manure problem. Is the solution to continue hauling it out to wherever there’s space (the cheapest thing to do), or should the village and its equestrian population “pony up” the extra money to ensure the waste is disposed of in an environmentally sound manner? Unless the cost is unaffordable, the latter choice is the correct one.

In 2006, the village issued a request for proposals to find a solution to the problem. The most promising solution came from Wellington Energy LLC — owned by equine veterinarian Scott Swerdlin of the Palm Beach Equine Clinic. The company’s proposal is to convert the waste into renewable energy. In light of federal and state regulations requir-

Inappropriate Speech For Memorial Day

Regarding the Memorial Day tribute given at Veterans Park in Royal Palm Beach, first the good news: the music was excellent, the invocation was stirring, and the acknowledgments and personal greetings were just fine.

Now the bad news: this beautiful morning service was overshadowed, even darkened not only by the immanent threat of rain, but by the long discourse given by a certain gentleman from a veterans’ group who went on and on filling the ears of all of us who had gone there to honor the dead, about a certain church (which does not merit our mentioning) and its members, and their behavior at our beloved service men’s and service women’s funerals. This gentleman gave this so-called church and its members about 15 minutes of importance. He also kept repeating the filthysounding slang word for homosexuals as if he were waving a banner.

Mind you, there were many children present with their families. There were quite a few Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who did not deserve to hear such language on such a solemn occasion. Yes, this church and its members are truly wrong in their actions, and yes, they should be held accountable for their actions, but not on this day and not in that way. All that precious time should have been given to exactly what we had gathered there for, a Memorial Day to honor

those who gave their all for us, it was the least we could have done for them on that day.

I went there with great expectations of a beautiful day of honor, and left with a heavy heart over the babble I had just heard. I hope in the future, someone will make sure that speeches given in front of our children are not going to be full of obscene language and unwarranted opinions.

Ada

L.

Damigos Royal Palm Beach

Wellington Council Hasn’t

Improved

It was interesting to read the article in Tuesday’s local section of the Palm Beach Post titled “Wellington’s Manager Delivers Grim Five-Year Economic Forecast.” It outlined possible cuts in non-essential amenities and, more importantly, possible increases in trash and utility rates for Wellingtonians. Reading between the lines, we all know that the hurricane surcharge will never be reimbursed to us now. Why then are our council members even considering donating village land to Palm Beach Community College? In addition to the loss of the land and all control of its future use, I wonder how much crime, pollution, traffic and expenses the village will incur with the establishment of the college. And this right after reading in last week’s Town-Crier that council members said that in the wake of the collapse of the Cultural Trust of the Palm Beaches, the Village of Wellington will conduct a feasibility study on

ing that the phosphorous imbalance brought on by animal waste and fertilizer be brought under control, this is clearly a good way to move forward on the issue.

But according to Swerdlin, the project requires the support of not just the village but the entire equestrian population as well. This raises the issue of cost. How much would equestrians pay to send their horses’ manure to the approximately $15 million facility? Not as contentious but equally undecided is the location. Placing the facility somewhere along the western edge of the village would be best. No one wants that in their back yard.

Just as the day will come when we can no longer rely on petroleum as an energy source, so too will the day come when Wellington equestrians run out of places to dump manure. This is more than a matter of “sweeping dirt under the carpet” — there are serious consequences to the Everglades. By law, the village will no longer be able to do business as usual. Investing money in a waste-to-energy facility won’t be cheap, but it may be the only real solution. Failure to comply with environmental regulations could end up coming back to haunt Wellington’s equestrian community. And if that happens, it would be the most expensive option of all.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

building an amphitheater itself.

I was hoping the new blood on the council would bring practicality to our government. Take heed, sometimes change is just a word used to incite voters but does not result in improved quality of life.

Mary Di Iulio

Wellington

WPB Candidate

Pays Lip Service

Last night (June 16) my husband and I attended a meeting of the Mid-County Democratic Club. This club’s mission is to represent Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, The Acreage and Loxahatchee Groves in Palm Beach County’s Democratic Party. One of the invited speakers was Gregg Weiss, who is a candidate for the West Palm Beach City Commission. Although we in the western communities do not vote in the West Palm Beach contest, Mr. Weiss asked for our help.

This morning I am following the county commission’s hearings on the long overdue Roebuck Road issue and was incensed to hear Mr. Weiss speak against Roebuck Road! Clearly, his interests lie with his municipality and its leader, not with our issues in the western communities; how hypocritical of him to ask for our help.

Finally, Mr. Weiss had been invited to speak at the club’s meeting by its president, who also lives in West Palm Beach, not the western communities. So I ask you, where do you think his loyalty lies?

Arlene Olinsky Royal Palm Beach

Lox Council, LGWCD Should Work Together

In Loxahatchee Groves we have two boards elected to represent our interests: the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District (which takes care of the roads and the drainage for the area) and the newly formed Loxahatchee Groves Town Council. The money from the citizens and/or landowners goes to both of these entities.

In order for the citizens to get their money’s worth, both of the boards need to work together and serve us. There are individual town council members who have had longstanding personal feuds with the LGWCD. These individual council members had personal issues with the LGWCD even when there were different people on that board and when there was a different [administrator] for the district. Please get over it!

We need to have both parties working together so that our town will work and our money will not be wasted or lost! Thank you to Mayor David Browning and Councilman Dennis Lipp for trying to be peacemakers with the LGWCD; this is forward thinking that may help all of us. As for the others, rise above your ego and do what’s right. Work with these people to get the most for us.

A fellow citizen suggested [in a letter printed in the June 6 Town-Crier] that the town council should just listen to our highly paid attorney. If we wanted to just listen to an attorney we would not have needed to bother with elections for a town council. We could have just hired an attorney and let him/her run the town without any council members. The LGWCD also has an attorney (that we are paying) and he does not always agree with the town attorney. Which one should we listen to? They are both guaranteed a pretty comfortable living at this point!

Darlene Crawford

Loxahatchee Groves

Improve

ITID Retrofits

I am just totally amazed how the Indian Trail Improvement District can waste our tax dollars on retrofitting our roads with their poorly engineered drainage improvements. During

the past few months I have watched the district move onto streets and rape the land of homeowners’ personal property only to be left with a ditch that serves no purpose and is at a slope that is too steep to mow with a riding lawnmower.

If I am not mistaken, an Indian Trail board member recently was quoted saying the current retrofit program was not working. Duh! So then why does the district continue to waste our money? If you want to spend our money, do it on road improvements. Spend some money on some decent stabilized material that won’t turn into slop when rain hits it. If you want to work within easements along our roads, do so by taking out questionable trees that may become roadblocks should we ever have to evacuate the area. Stop taking out our ornamental trees, our improved driveway approaches, etc. What the district is doing has no valid reason. If it does, I challenge you to show me.

I would also ask that if and when the board members are contacted, have the decency to answer your e-mails. You have been voted in to represent us and to look out for our best interest. So far you have done a poor job in my opinion. Patrick Sweet The Acreage

Thanks For The Support

The generosity of the people in The Acreage never stops. On Sunday, May 25, a benefit carwash was held for Billy Cook at Burger King on Seminole Pratt Road in The Acreage. Billy Cook was diagnosed with cancer in early May. The doctors here wanted him to wait, and that wasn’t acceptable, so we went to Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Illinois for a second opinion.

Cheryl and Tom Fragale with the help of Chris Mathews put together a group of local teens and friends to volunteer to wash vehicles. The money was raised to offset the cost of hotels. Cheryl had contacted Burger King and made an arrangements to use their parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. She also arranged for

donations of supplies, and with the help of her husband Tom and Chris Mathews, they put it all together. The volunteers were put together with the help of our daughter Shelby Obermeier and their daughter Ashleigh Fragale. The volunteers were: Anthony Fragale, Dalton Guttridge, Katie Sullivan, Chelsea Mathews, Andrew Harris, Hayden Collier, Scott Collier, Brooke Collier, Austin Perez, Heather Stafford, Cody Eannarino, Jeff Eannarino, Chris Mathews, Cheryl and Tom Fragale, Wade and Coral Collum, Ashleigh and Shelby. We would also like to include a special thank you to our family: John and Martha Hunton, Scott and Crystal Jacobs, and Jeff and Geri Eannarino, Cody, Alexa and Gracie for making sure to bring vehicles and friends to the carwash, and Gene and Diane Cook, who were unable to attend the carwash but contributed by paying for a couple days at the hotel. In addition, thank you to the management of Burger King for allowing the carwash to take place. We are forever grateful to Cheryl, Tom and Chris who went above and beyond all bonds of friendship. They have proven time and time again, friends will always be there for you in your time of need. To the friends and family who came out for the carwash just to give a helping hand or two, for everyone who donated, we again say thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We cannot express just how much this means to both of us. We were at the Cancer Treatment Center of America for three weeks, and your generosity, care and messages made our time away from home easier to handle.

Billy and Pam Cook The Acreage

For The Record The article “CVS Wins Zoning OK For Store At Key RPB Corner” misidentified the location of the site. It is on the northwest corner of the intersection of Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards. The Town-Crier regrets whatever confusion this might have caused.

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

Coates In For District 85 Race, Semande Out At Indian Trail

As the Friday noon deadline clock continued to tick for candidates filing for election, it appeared Wednesday afternoon that many of those expected political wannabes would wait until just before the books closed.

The office of the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections reported no new filings for offices in the western communities, although my sources tell me several more are expected. The filing period began at noon Monday.

In this column last week, I promised a few surprises. I’ll stick by my word:

Unsuccessful Wellington Village Council candidate Howard Coates told me Wednesday that he will run as a Republican for State House in the Wellington-based District 85. Mr. Coates, an attorney, would then face off in November’s general election against one of two Democrats currently vying for the seat: Jeffrey Murphy or the heavily favored Joseph Abruzzo.

Mr. Coates’ entry into the state political arena is a surprise to many. His name was mentioned early on, along with that of Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto. However, Ms. Benacquisto nixed a run for the state house seat orig-

By Don Brown

inally carved out for Wellington. Mr. Coates threw cold water on the idea, too, until GOP operatives convinced him to run and promised financial and other help, my sources say.

Mr. Coates had been considered by some a shoo-in for the upcoming vacancy on the Wellington council after losing a close council race to Councilman Matt Willhite in March. Councilman Bob Margolis’ seat will become vacant because he has filed to run for elections supervisor. By law, he was required to write an irrevocable letter of resignation that will become effective, whether he wins or loses, at the start of the term of the office he is seeking (i.e.: January 2009).

In another race, my sources told me that former

TOWN-CRIER

Pahokee mayor J.P. Sasser was expected to file for the Group 2 seat of the Palm Beach Port Commission, occupied by longtime incumbent George Mastics, a Democrat. But Mr. Sasser, who recently switched his party allegiance from Republican to Democrat, told me Wednesday that he was eyeing the seat, but has decided not to run. Another Democrat, Charles Bantel of West Palm Beach, has filed against Mastics.

Mr. Sasser told me earlier this week that he wanted to see the port’s proposed inland terminal approved to help the economically ailing communities of Pahokee, Belle Glade and South Bay. Although recently defeated as Pahokee’s mayor, he still enjoys considerable support and has many friends in the area. He said he would continue to help land the port project for the Glades. I don’t count Mr. Sasser out in the future. The plain-talking former mayor is well known for his oftenfiery support of the Glades communities. Do I see a county commission run in his future?

For a while, it seemed we were going to be very amused by the District 88 house race, with radio talk show host Dick Farrel (R-West Palm Beach) and the affable Mark Pafford (D-West Palm

Beach) battling it out. However, Mr. Pafford has not yet, as of Wednesday, drawn an opponent in the Democratic primary — and Mr. Farrel has apparently had second thoughts about making the run. Mr. Pafford, who has certainly paid his party dues over the past decade, could end up with an easy ride to Tallahassee. Last week, I told my friends and readers in The Acreage I’d have a surprise for them this week. I was hoping the entire stage would be filled by now, but I’ll stick my neck out anyway. Expect to see Indian Trail Improvement District Supervisor Sandra Love Semande step down after just two years on the board. That would open up Seat 2 for challengers. 2006 ITID hopeful Carlos Enriquez, former president of the Acreage Landowners’Association, has already filed for the seat. And in another surprise, look for former (and pretty much discredited) ITID supervisor Chris Karch to attempt a comeback by filing against Mr. Enriquez. In the only other ITID election, Supervisor Michelle Damone (Seat 4) has already said she would seek re-election. My sources say that political newcomer Barbara Brecker is eying a run against Damone, as is activist Patricia Curry.

Three GOP Congressional Hopefuls Take Aim At Mahoney

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The three Republican candidates seeking the District 16 congressional seat held by Democratic Congressman Tim Mahoney had a lively and energetic debate Wednesday at the Players Club restaurant in Wellington. State Rep. Gayle Harrell (RStuart), Palm Beach Gardens Councilman Hal Valeche and former U.S. Army captain and criminal prosecutor Tom Rooney fielded questions from TownCrier columnist Don Brown, Palm Beach Post political reporter George Bennett and SunSentinel Senior News Editor Doug Lyons as well as moderator Beth Kigel, vice chair of the Palm Beach County Republican Executive Committee.

Kigel asked Rooney what he would do in Congress to address the skyrocketing gas and oil prices. Rooney replied that he was glad to see President George W. Bush and Gov. Charlie Crist support lifting the ban on offshore oil drilling.

Valeche concurred that alternative energies and fuel sources are key to the solution.

“The other thing that nobody talks about is the dollar,” Valeche said. “The reason that nobody talks about it is the dollar has been bleak for the last year. We need a stronger dollar.”

Harrell said she also supports offshore drilling, but that safeguards should be in place and that Florida should get a large slice of the monetary benefits.

“Florida needs to get more of that money, too,” she said. “I would also want us to incentivize individuals who are doing this.”

Bennett asked Valeche if he believes global warming is caused by human activity and what should be done to reduce it.

“My view is that it’s a result of a natural cycle,” Valeche replied. “I don’t think human activity is causing it. But we need to mitigate the effects of global warming without affecting our economy. I don’t think we need to be restricting our economy for something that is in the natural cycle of the Earth.”

Harrell said she is not sure all the scientific data is available.

“I want to make sure that whatever we do it won’t have a major impact on trade,” she said.

Rooney agreed with Harrell and Valeche, and said he didn’t think that meant that they were

“It’s vital that we look domestically at our resources so we can stop being dependent on foreign oil,” he said. “The second part of that is we can build refineries. The third part of the plan is to continue looking at alternative fuels for the future. France has shown us that nuclear energy is very valuable, and it can help reduce our reliance on oil. We also have wind and solar. We have to continue to look toward the future.”

not good stewards of the environment.

Brown asked Harrell what she would do to spark the local, state and national economy, given the downturns in the housing market and other areas. Harrell pointed to the biotech industry and suggested more incentives to support similar businesses and agencies.

Rooney said a keen eye needs to be kept on the rate of foreclosures and their effect on the economy. “We don’t want to bring in more lenders who want to make a quick buck and mortgage brokers who want to flip houses,” Rooney said. “We need to get back to the owner-occupied loans that make this country great with the small banks.”

Valeche said that as someone who helped bring the Scripps Research Institute to Florida, he supports the continued presence of biotech, but added that it is only a small part of the economic picture. He focused on the need to spur on the private market, which would turn the economy around.

“What we need to do here and around the country is to provide economic incentives for business and lower taxes,” Valeche said. “We also need less government regulation to revive our economy.”

Lyons asked about what the candidates would do to help their constituents in the western communities, noting that former congressman Mark Foley, who

Village Offering Beautification Grants

The Village of Wellington strives to keep its land beautiful and is well known for its lush landscapes. Over the past few years, the village has been instrumental in promoting reforestation. To further assist in this effort, the village has modified its Beautiful Wellington matching grant program to encourage neighborhood reforestation. Grants must be awarded prior to construction.

There are two grant amounts available, depending on the size of the proposed enhancement. Applications are available now and must be received by the close of business on Aug. 29. The maximum matching

amount for Tier I grants is $10,000; for Tier II grants, the amount is $40,000.

Matching grants are available for public thoroughfare improvement projects on village thoroughfares; entranceways to various subdivisions and/or other public property; or other property or properties the village has interest in (maintenance easement, landscape easement). The grant funds are for non-commercial purposes and can only be used for beautification improvements. Potential applicants include, but are not limited to, the following: homeowners’ associations, community associations,

held the District 16 seat until forced to resign in scandal, did have a strong record in responding to the needs of his constituents. All three candidates asserted that Mahoney does not have a good track record with his constituents.

civic associations or special districts. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the ability to provide their share of matching funds. These grants require a minimum 50 percent matching funds by applicants. Applicants must match village funding on at least a dollar-for-dollar basis. All potential applicants must attend one of two mandatory pre-application informational meetings. These meetings are scheduled for Thursday, June 26 at 6 p.m. and July 24 at 6 p.m. at the Village Meeting Hall (14000 Greenbriar Blvd.). For questions regarding the grant program, call Sara Hauser or Susan McCown at (561) 791-4003.

“I have heard numerous complaints from people in the district,” Rooney said. “Some people have sent letters over a year ago and received no response. If you asked some of the former staff of Congressman Foley, they all know about it, and it drives them crazy. Congressman Foley had a great track record of turning around a letter of concern within a week or two.”

Harrell agreed and said she

Wellington’s Amateur Radio Operators Prepare For An Emergency June 28-29

Wellington’s Emergency Operations Center and the volunteers from the Wellington Radio Club will participate in an annual preparedness event to help ensure ham radio volunteers are ready to assist their communities in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.

Amateur radio operators from throughout North and South America will put their emergency communication skills to the test when they participate in “Field Day” on June 28 and 29.

“Field Day is an excellent exercise in preparedness, and Wellington values and benefits from the Radio Club’s commitment to preparedness,” Wellington Emergency Management Director John Bonde said.

During that weekend, radio operators set up emergency radio stations and simulate abnor-

mal situations, operating under less-than-optimum conditions using generators and batteries. Using the equipment at Wellington’s EOC, they learn to create communication networks quickly as required when commercial communications systems fail or are overloaded. The radio operators try to contact as many other participating Field Day stations as possible, simulating the sort of fast on-air skills needed to assist local officials and serve agencies during an emergency.

Approximately 30,000 amateur radio operators took part in last year’s event. The Field Day tradition dates back to 1933.

The Wellington Radio Club will be demonstrating amateur radio at Wellington’s Emergency Operations Center at 14001 Pierson Road during the June 28-29 Field Day. A public information table and non-intrusive

tours are always part of Field Day during daylight hours beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday and running to 2 p.m. Sunday. The village and the Wellington Radio Club invite the public to come and see ham radio’s capabilities and the EOC. Today there are nearly 650,000 amateur radio operators in the United States and more than 2.5 million worldwide. For more information, call the Operations Department at (561) 791-4003 or the Wellington Radio Club President Larry Lazar at (561) 385-2986. Visit the Radio Club’s web site at www. qsl.net/k4wrc.

Information on how to become involved in amateur radio is available from ARRL, the national association for amateur radio, by calling (800) 32-NEW HAM. For more information, visit www.arrl.org.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Hal Valeche

Gayle HarrellTom Rooney

Suspect Escapes After Purse Snatch

By Jason Budjinski Town-Crier Staff Report

JUNE 15 — A customer of the Publix supermarket on State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach was the victim of a grand theft last Sunday after an unknown suspect stole her purse. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, the victim was selecting food at the deli counter when she stepped away from her shopping cart, in which her purse was stored. The suspect took the purse and fled the store. He is described as a white male, 5’11” tall and weighing 195 lbs. with black hair. According to the report, the suspect is believed to have been involved with a similar incident at a Costco wholesale store earlier the same day.

• • •

JUNE 8 — A Belle Glade man was arrested Sunday, June 8 and charged with grand theft at the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, 21-year-old Zarrick Grimes was observed over a period of five days stealing cash from the register in the automotive department. The theft totaled $950.

JUNE 11 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to a home in Victoria Groves last Wednesday regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, a washer and dryer were stolen from the house, which previously had been foreclosed. The complainant was notified by a Realtor, who said he had locked all the doors after last showing the house. The deputy noted that there were no signs of forced entry. The washer and dryer are valued at $800 combined. No other items were missing at the time of the report.

dy, he pulled away. Brown was arrested and transported to the county jail.

JUNE 14 — A routine traffic stop in Royal Palm Beach last Saturday resulted in the arrest of a West Palm Beach man. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the RPB substation was on patrol on Okeechobee Blvd. when he observed a Toyota Camry driven by 34-year-old Leonardo Gomez fail to make a complete stop at a stop sign. After Gomez refused to sign a traffic citation, the deputy informed him that he could be arrested for failure to do so. Gomez refused again and was arrested. He was transported to the county jail.

JUNE 14 — An employee of a kiosk in the Mall at Wellington Green called the PBSO last Saturday regarding a theft. According to the complainant, an unknown suspect stole a pair of Versace sunglasses (valued at $420) and Tiffany sunglasses (valued at $480). The suspect is described as a black female, 5’4” tall and weighing 200 lbs., wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans. The case is inactive pending further investigative leads.

JUNE 15 — A Royal Palm Beach man was arrested last Sunday for driving with a suspended license. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the RPB substation observed a Dodge Viper driven by 19-yearold Josh Carlisle traveling 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit on Southern Blvd. just west of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. As the deputy moved behind Carlisle’s vehicle to initiate a traffic stop, it accelerated to more than 100 miles per hour. The deputy followed Carlisle onto State Road 7 and then Pioneer Road, where the traffic stop was made. Carlisle was charged with driving with a suspended license (with knowledge) and cited for improper lane change and traveling 100 mph and 65 mph in a 45-mph zone.

JUNE 12 — Two women were arrested and charged with retail theft last Thursday at the Macy’s department store in the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, a Macy’s loss prevention officer observed 27-year-old Sandy Pivaral and 43-year-old Marlen Garcia, both of West Palm Beach, enter a fitting room with several items of clothing. Garcia handed the items to Pivaral, who placed them in her handbag, according to the report. The pair then left the room and exited the store without paying for the merchandise. They were arrested and transported to the Palm Beach County Jail.

JUNE 18 — A resident of Easthampton Circle called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Wednesday morning regarding an auto burglary. According to the victim, he parked his 1966 Mustang in his driveway at approximately 10:30 p.m. Tuesday. When he returned at 7:30 a.m. the following morning, the victim discovered the car’s doors were open. Missing from inside were the radio faceplate and papers from the glove compartment. There was no damage to the vehicle.

JUNE 14 — A Lake Worth man was arrested in Wellington early last Saturday morning and charged with disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation responded to Pierson Road near Wellington Village Park at 12:20 a.m. regarding a suspicious incident investigation. When he arrived, the deputy observed 18-year-old Kyle Brown yell, block traffic and urinate in the street. According to the report, when the deputy tried to take Brown into custo-

JUNE 18 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched Wednesday to the Nordstrom store in the Mall at Wellington Green regarding a shoplifter. According to a PBSO report, 20-year-old Michael Hunnewell of The Acreage was observed acting suspicious while entering the store. A loss prevention officer saw him select two pieces of jewelry, place them in his pocket and leave the store without paying for them. He was arrested and charged with retail theft.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Alfonso Peterson, a.k.a. Charles Peterson, is a white male, 5’10” tall and weighing 190 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 08/01/ 68. He has scars on his left arm, wrist and hand. Peterson is wanted on the charges of burglary of a structure or conveyance, fraudulent use of a credit card and grand theft. His occupation is unknown. His last known addresses were Kingsbridge Street in Boca Raton and Vinings Circle in Wellington. Peterson is wanted as of 06/19/08. • David Picard is a white male, 6’2” tall and weighing 165 lbs., with blond hair and blue eyes. His date of birth is 03/19/87. Picard is wanted for failure to appear in court and violation of supervised own recognizance on the charges of possession of heroin and driving under the influence. His occupation is unknown. His last known addresses were S. Waterway Drive in Lantana and Pine Needle Drive in Greenacres. Picard is wanted as of 06/ 19/08. 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.

Alfonso Peterson

David Picard

County Official: Organization Is Key To Surviving A Hurricane

By Paul Gaba Town-Crier Staff Report

Life’s certainties in South Florida include death, taxes and hurricane season. Palm Beach County’s top emergency officials addressed the last of these

at County Commissioner Jess Santamaria’s monthly forum Wednesday in the original Wellington Mall. In discussing the 2008 hurricane season, Assistant County Administrator Vince Bonvento

provided information about shelters, response teams and changes in how area, state and federal personnel will assist residents before, during and after a storm.

Bonvento oversees the county’s Public Safety Department, which includes emergency management and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). He said the county’s plan and response team are recognized nationally.

“Now a lot of that is because of some practice two and three years ago,” Bonvento said. “Every time we have a hurricane, we critique our plan, because our plan is a living document and it changes. There’s always something we can do better. So after every hurricane, we bring in all the federal, state and local players, all the organizations that support our plan, and we critique and go over it to find out what we can do better.”

Bonvento said emergency managers have made several adjustments from past practices in the way food, water and ice are — or are not — distributed. Palm Beach County has designated 15 distribution points to help coordinate the distribution of food and water to municipalities, he said. These are in addition to ten community distribution sites in large retirement communities that have their own special needs.

“We went to those communi-

ties and said, ‘we’re going to help you, but you need to help us too,’” Bonvento said. “You need to develop a plan on how to distribute ice, water and meals within your community if we can get that to you quickly.”

In addition, a bulk distribution site is specified for nonprofit organizations such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and United Way.

The South Florida Fairgrounds, once a collective assembly and distribution site, is now designated specifically for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Florida Power & Light, Bonvento said. The county will no longer be using that location as a distribution site.

Bonvento said FEMA has changed its policy and will no longer provide ice. It is now the local government’s responsibility to provide ice, and the county has contracted with an ice supplier in case the need arises, he said. FEMA will reimburse local governments for ice for special care/special needs facilities.

Another major concern Bonvento addressed was area shelters. There are currently 15 shelters in Palm Beach County, including Seminole Ridge and Palm Beach Central high schools. However, there is only one “pet-friendly” shelter, in Boynton Beach, and it is not a school facility.

Bonvento said the county is urging School Superintendent Dr. Art Johnson to allow a reconsideration of using schools as pet-friendly shelters, but the effect of animals on a school’s regular students is a cause of concern. “We have done everything conceivable; there’s just a mindset of how animals in a school will impact them after the school opens back up, things like allergy reactions,” he said.

Bonvento said individuals wishing to stay in a pet-friendly shelter must pre-register because space is limited.

Due to the physical size of Palm Beach County and the complexities of coordinating post-hurricane action due to downed power lines and trees, debris blocking roadways and other related issues, several years ago the county divided its emergency response plan into six geographical operating areas, all of which are coordinated through the EOC.

Bonvento said each area has a designated location — usually a municipal library — as its area headquarters. After a storm, trained staff in each area undertake an assessment of the storm’s impact and area needs. That information is funneled back to the EOC, which can then allocate resources. “They are the eyes and ears within that community,” Bonvento said.

Palm Beach County also has more than 50 community emer-

gency response teams or CERTs, composed of 2,300 trained volunteers who can help with emergency skills before the initial emergency response teams are able to get to the area. The county’s emergency management cycle is divided into five phases — planning, preparation, response, recovery and redevelopment — and has been developed under a “worstcase scenario,” that of Palm Beach County taking a direct hit from a Category 5 hurricane. Bonvento said the state recently conducted a disaster drill in South Florida using such a scenario, and the results were “very frightening.”

“I hope we never have a Category 5,” Bonvento said. “Obviously, it would result in a lot of major structural damage, thousands of homes destroyed. We would probably have a couple more inlets. There’s some question about what would happen to the Town of Palm Beach. It’s really scary, but when we develop our plan, we have to try and develop it with that kind of magnitude of a storm hitting Palm Beach County.” A Category 5 is the most powerful and potentially most dangerous level of hurricane strength, with winds of more than 155 miles per hour.

Bonvento said the county’s executive policy group — composed of leaders from county

Storm Update — Vince Bonvento, director of the Palm Beach County Public Safety Department, speaks about hurricane season to residents at County Commissioner Jess Santamaria’s monthly community forum on Wednesday evening. PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Emma and Collin Sullivan ride through the park on their scooters.

Project Engineer Brett Johnson with girlfriend Meagan and mom Bobbi.

RPB Village Council members David Swift, Martha Webster, Matty Mattioli and David Lodwick with Doug Carranza, Rafael Padilla-Rodriguez and Eric Coleman of the PBSO.

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office COP volunteer Ralph Schuchmann measures youngsters for bike helmets.

COP volunteers with some of the bike helmets they gave away.

Royal Palm Beach Mayor David Lodwick, Project Engineer Brett Johnson, and council members Matty Mattioli, Martha Webster and David Swift join in the ribbon cutting. Alyssa and Amanda Abarca with their bike helmets.

Lox Groves Town Council Votes To Extend Contract With Lobbyist

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council extended its contract for the services of lobbyist Donna Brosemer on Tuesday, at a cost of $10,000.

Faced with a developer-driven proposal to widen its stretch of Southern Blvd., the town contracted Brosemer’s firm Politically Correct last year to represent its case to state and local officials. Although the widening plan has since been dropped, the town also employed Brosemer to work on its behalf to convince Palm Beach County to remove E Road and 140th Avenue North from its list of future major thoroughfares, as well as a proposed connection of the two roads.

The Palm Beach County Commission voted in late April to delete the entire E Road/140th plan and transmit the compre-

hensive plan amendment to the Florida Department of Community Affairs for state review. Brosemer told the council Tuesday that the removal of E Road/140th from the county’s thoroughfare plan will not die until long after the Florida Department of Community Affairs issues its set of objections, recommendations and comments or “ORC report.”

“None of the issues I was called to work on are resolved,” she said. “The bureaucratic process is long and complicated. The DCA has 60 days from the receipt of the transmittal to issue their ORC report, and that’s only the beginning. For the process in November, the county commission will take up the amendment, and they could adopt it, depending on what the ORC report says. That is the point where intervenors might

decide to get involved. We have a lot of work to do in the meantime. We have heard grumblings from those who might consider intervening on that issue.”

Councilman Dr. Bill Louda made a motion to extend Brosemer’s contract, seconded by Vice Mayor Marge Herzog. But Councilman Dennis Lipp said he didn’t see the need to continue with Brosemer, although he praised her past work lobbying for incorporation and other issues as invaluable. Lipp took issue with Brosemer’s assertion that the E Road/140th victory is in jeopardy. “I expect to get the same four votes we got before,” he said. “The dissenting one was Commissioner [Mary] McCarty, but there is no way she would change her mind. I don’t think we need to spend $10,000 of additional money. E and 140th is on cruise

control. I don’t see that we need your excellent services for this.” Herzog disagreed. “I feel it’s such an important issue,” she said. “I would not want to skip a beat and take a chance that it’s on automatic pilot.”

During public comment, C Road resident Cindy Lou Corum said she didn’t think it was wise to spend $10,000 in taxpayer money for a lobbyist.

“Wellington does not have a lobbyist and neither does Tequesta, Palm Springs, Pahokee, Juno Beach or Belle Glade,” Corum said. “I called all of these communities. Many of them are similar to us. None of them has a lobbyist on staff. How does a lobbyist help us with a comprehensive plan? Ms. Brosemer is a nice lady. She already has $10,000 of our tax money. I think we are throwing away 20,000 of our tax dollars.”

Loxahatchee Groves Water

Control District Supervisor John Ryan also thought $20,000 a lot of money to spend. If the town spends that kind of money, he said, it should keep better track of what Brosemer is doing.

“We ought to have specific purposes and projects,” Ryan said. “It says in the staff report that she will give reports about what she’s doing and what she’s done. That’s required of a lobbyist. I think it would be appropriate for her to have specific projects and tell us what she’s involved with rather than pay her a retainer of $2,000 a month.”

Councilman Dave Autrey asked for an opinion from town staff. Town Manager Irv Rosenbaum said the municipality should have a lobbyist interacting with other communities and said that Brosemer has the

knowledge and the relationships, and remains a valuable resource. The town’s staff and council members are also involved in that interaction, he said, but there is only so much they can do. Rosenbaum also noted that newer cities need lobbyists to do some of the intergovernmental work. Older communities often rely more on their own officials to do that. “We need someone to deal with intergovernmental relations,” Rosenbaum said. “This takes a lot of time. You’ve experienced that yourselves as council members. It takes a great deal of time to gather the knowledge and know the political landscape. We are a lean city, and we want to stay a lean city. This is the most cost-effective way to do this.”

The motion passed 4-1 with Lipp opposed.

IITD-County Land Swap Could Pave Way For Acreage-Area Library

By Leonard Wechsler

Town-Crier Staff Report

A Palm Beach County proposal to build an Acreage-area library got a warm reception from the Acreage Landowners’ Association on Tuesday.

The county is eyeing 6.6 acres owned by the Indian Trail Improvement District behind the Publix supermarket at Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and Orange Blvd. as a potential library site, but no longer has the money to purchase land on which to build new branches.

Palm Beach County Library System Director James Callahan told ALA members that if a deal could be finalized for the location, construction of the 30,000-square-foot branch could begin as early as the summer of 2010.

“The costs of building have risen so much that several projects have been cancelled,”

Callahan said. “Money for this branch, however, has been put aside so we can build it. But we only have money for building.”

ITID officials balked at early county suggestions that they donate land for the library, and the county is now discussing the possibility of a land swap, perhaps for the 22 original acres of Acreage Community Park. The county took possession of the park in 2001. Four of the five members of the ITID Board of Supervisors were on hand at Tuesday’s meeting. Supervisor Michelle Damone suggested the county provide even more land. “They are getting some land reverting to them south of the park at 60th Street, by the M Canal,” she said, referring to an easement owned by West Palm Beach. “They don’t even seem to know what to do with it. We could use it to connect our equestrian

trails. That should also be on the table.”

In their presentation, county officials sought input on interpretations of the Acreage Neighborhood Plan, which restricts commercial users to ten percent of land use in any development.

Senior Planner Eric McClellan noted that because ITID received the property as part of the Publix shopping center development deal, some could interpret the library as part of a commercial setting, even though it is not a commercial activity. The combined square footage of the shopping center and library would amount to 11.48 percent, he said.

ALA President Winston Crosbie and other members of the ALA assured the presenters that the commercial use limitation would not apply to a public facility like a library. McClellan also asked if there

would be any objection to a possible variance request to trim the hundred-foot buffer required under code for the east side of the property, which borders agricultural land. “We would not be taking all of the land,” he said, “but we might want to take an extra ten feet or so if it helped make certain all elements were up to code.”

Damone suggested that some of the buffer be left open. “We need a place for people to meet,” she said. “It could become a green market. But we need a space, a nice outdoor meeting space for the district.”

Callahan said her wishes could be accommodated.

In other business, ALA members overwhelmingly voted to oppose a requested county landuse change for a small lot on the southeast corner of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and Okeechobee Blvd. from its current

Rural Residential designation to Commercial Low.

Kieran Kilday of Kilday & Associates told the audience that although his client Omar Shihadeh would like to put up a full convenience store with gas pumps, he was asking only to build a general store.

“The county has already trimmed the size of his lot in order to expand the intersection he’s on,” Kilday said. “And there will be no buildings west of Seminole Pratt Whitney because the county owns it. The homes to the east all have business signs on them and are being used as businesses. And while we would like to cooperate and have a farmer’s market there, the county has very stringent regulations on those, and my client could not meet them.”

Kilday admitted that the new land-use designation would allow gas pumps, but noted that a

limitation on uses could be added when the property comes up for zoning approval.

Crosbie said the Acreage Neighborhood Plan would not allow the creation of a tiny commercial cluster. “I am also concerned about the possibility of a gas station in the future,” he said.

Resident Sharon Waite said she was concerned about the danger a gas station would pose to the area’s wells. “No matter how well it is built,” she said, “who wants to take a chance?” ITID President Mike Erickson said the lot size of just under one acre is very small for a commercial cluster. “Even a cluster of ten acres is small,” he said. “A site like the Publix center was over 20 acres.”

Crosbie announced that future ALA meetings would be held at the ITID offices on Avocado Blvd. The next meeting is scheduled for July 21 at 7 p.m.

Town Council Drops LGWCD Agreement

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council rescinded a yearold interlocal agreement Tuesday between the town and the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District on the funding of road construction, reconstruction and maintenance.

The agreement has been a sticking point in relations between the town and the district.

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, continues to be the actual authority maintaining local roads.

The town has been urging the district to replace the agreement, claiming that both Palm Beach County and the Palm Beach County League of Cities have warned that its language makes the town ineligible to qualify for its share of the money. But last week LGWCD supervisors held off on accepting a new agreement, raising several objections to its terms. Without an agreement in place, the town does not have any legal obligation to give the gas tax money to the LGWCD. The town can accumulate the money in escrow until a new agreement is in place or contract with another entity to maintain roads and fund other road projects.

“Our number-one priority is to get the money to the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District,” Mayor David Browning said at Tuesday’s meeting. “Right now, we have an agreement that does not satisfy the Palm Beach County League of Cities. We cannot jeopardize losing the money for the town and the taxpayers of Loxahatchee Groves.”

Town Attorney David

Tolces said he has been working with the LGWCD attorney on the issues that need to be resolved.

“The goal is to get it done as quickly as possible,” Tolces said. “We will take all your suggestions and work with you all on this to get it resolved.”

Frank Palen of the LGWCD’s law firm Caldwell & Pacetti told the council he was confident that an agreement would be worked out and that the money would be assured, along with questions resolved regarding the maintenance responsibilities.

“There will be no question that the funds would be delivered to the town,” Palen said. “If you take action to repeal the agreement, we have the wording. The league is less concerned with the mechanics of the fund transfer and more concerned with ownership and other similar questions. We discussed such options including an interlocal or permitting. We propose to come back on our side by the end of the week. We want to assure you we are on the same path so that the residents will get the benefits of those funds.”

LGWCD Administrator Clete Saunier concurred with Palen and also said it was never his or the board’s intention to stand in the way.

“Our attorneys are working very closely with Mr. Tolces,” Saunier said. “We have a draft agreement put together we hope to get into everyone’s hands by the end of the week. I don’t want the town to misunderstand my board’s actions as being controversial or in any way causing a conflict. It was a matter of timing. We will work together to the best of our ability to ensure the gas tax monies come to the town.”

Councilman Dr. Bill Louda made a motion to rescind the agreement with the district, which was seconded by Vice

See GAS TAX, page 18

ITID Planners Await Input From New Engineering Firm

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

Anxiously awaiting the input of the district’s new traffic engineer, the Indian Trail Improvement District Planning Committee did what it could to move the road planning process forward Monday.

Operations & Maintenance

Director Terry Narrow presented committee members with updated maps showing the district’s “neighborhood network roads” or main roads, with those paved to county standards differentiated from those that are not. “Keep in mind that not being up to official county standards in terms of asphalt does not mean the roads are not paved,” Narrow said.

Committee Member Bert Shapero asked for a definition of “neighborhood network” roads.

“After a lot of discussion, we decided that it should be the roads that the quarter- and halfmile dirt roads feed into,” Narrow explained. “These are the roads that get most of the traffic.”

Committee Chair Brian Vasser suggested putting the map before the ITID Board of Supervisors. “We should vote to recommend to the board that they accept this as the basic map,” he said. “Then they can use it as a basis for planning which of the roads we want traffic directed to. We can combine it with the traffic study done last year to help us prioritize where we want to calm traffic.”

Vasser summarized the discussion by saying it was clear that everyone on the committee preferred traffic to run most heavily on county roads and that most calming should be focused in the area bordered by 60th Street North, Northlake Blvd., Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and Coconut Blvd. “We need speed humps, four-way stops, and even some traffic circles there,” he said. Narrow said the committee should delay making decisions until it meets with the district’s new traffic engineer, as the annual meeting of the Florida Association of Special Districts the previous week had disrupted the schedules of ITID personnel.

“A few days after the board decided to officially sign Enge-

nuity Inc. in as its engineers, everyone went off to the special districts meeting out of town,” Narrow said. “I didn’t get a chance to ask for the engineer for tonight. He will be at the next meeting on July 21.”

The committee also discussed the need for more traffic calming devices in the district, recognizing the necessity of the engineer’s input. “We know what we’re going to do,” Vasser said. “We can discuss placement and type of device and start creating lists of priorities, but we can’t move forward without the engineer.”

The committee members agreed that four-way stop signs would be effective for many intersections. However, Narrow reminded them that County Engineer George Webb is opposed to placing them at most intersections.

Committee Member Amy Hackney said safety has improved at the intersection of Avocado and Tangerine boulevards since four-way stop signs were installed there a year earlier. “No one has been killed there,” she said. “But Webb, and the others who say no, never come out to the district. If we put signs up, how would they know?”

Narrow replied that it would be better to do things the right way and said having an expert traffic engineer would make it a lot easier to work at traffic calming. Narrow said the district had sent letters to Webb requesting more four-way stop signs for intersections but admitted there had not been any response.

Vasser said that although there are a variety of reasons for wanting calming devices, accidents and speeding cars are the main ones. Narrow agreed that most people who have requested them were concerned about speed.

Committee Member Patricia Curry said the engineer would be necessary to determine whether the traffic circle is the best calming device. “Long straight roads really need something like them instead of just stop signs, which some people ignore,” she said.

Vasser suggested that many drivers simply increase speed between stop signs.

Seminole Ridge High School Bands Keep Busy Through The Summer

By Candace Marchsteiner Town-Crier Staff Report

Storms weren’t the only thing thundering in the western skies last week. The Seminole Ridge High School Winged Regiment competition band and the larger Marching Hawks football band practiced for up to nine hours over five days. Designed to familiarize students with stretching techniques, stamina-building, marching concepts, musical fundamentals and overall band sound, the camp also solidifies friendships and welcomes incoming freshmen. “Early band camp helps us

start the process of becoming ‘one band, one family,’” said Tim Skinner, SRHS director of bands and instrumental music. Competition band involves more difficult music and drum corps-style drills. The select group will compete five times this year. Skinner said students spent three days auditioning and were chosen based on their marching skills, playing ability and how fast they picked up concepts. “Music, marching and attitude were our main considerations,” he said. Skinner said the Marching Hawks spend less time rehearsPHOTOS BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

ing, learn easier drills and do not compete. “Football band is about entertaining the football crowd at games,” he explained. The color guard complements the band with dance routines that incorporate flags, rifles and sabers. Called the Ridge, this group works intensely under the direction of Bradley Watkins and Daniel Helton. Fourteen of the 25 color guard members perform with the competitive band. This year’s theme brings the musical and visual flavor of a gypsy-like carnival, Skinner said. Summer rehearsals resume after the Fourth of July holiday.

Trevor Smith (marimba), Brandon Fuentes (lower end marimba), Lydia Keller (marimba), Eric Reeder (marimba) and Chris Lauterbach (xylophone).

Alto saxophonists Nick Hoffman and Jacob and Daniel Georginow.Trumpet player Zach Brown.

Color guard members Christina Karimi and Tena Perez practice a dance routine.

Bassline members Elizabeth Hautimaki, Cassidy Yerkes and Chauncer Baughman.

Tori Thomas awaits her airborne saber as Cierra Allen tosses her flag.

Brian Clark, Kareem Graham and Elizabeth Hautimaki on the drums.

J’Nae Poe (with the rifle) and Jessica Pickering (with the saber) practice for accuracy in timing.

Community Foundation Scholarships Include Ten Area Students

Marking the 25th year of its scholarship program, the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties has awarded $567,400 in scholarships to 84 Palm Beach and Martin county students. Since the program’s inception, the Community Foundation has presented over $4.5 million to more than 1,200 students in the two-county area.

The foundation’s scholarship committee interviewed qualifying students chosen from more than 800 applications to decide scholarship winners. Scholarships were awarded from 73 separate funds managed by the Community Foundation in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $30,000. The recipients included 10 students from Wellington and Royal Palm Beach.

The scholarship funds, established by contributors throughout Palm Beach and Martin counties, provide opportunities

to graduating seniors and college students with diverse backgrounds and interests to pursue varying areas of study in colleges, universities and technical schools.

The 2008 Scholarship Recipients from Wellington and Royal Palm Beach are as follows:

• Christian Christensen of Wellington received $10,000 from the James H. Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund and will attend the University of Florida.

• Samuel Glucksman of Wellington received $20,000 from the James H. Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund and will attend the University of Florida.

• Karla Clarke of Royal Palm Beach, a graduate of Royal Palm Beach High School, received $2,000 from the Thomas F. Kearney Memorial Scholarship Fund, $6,000 from the Mabry M. Noxon Scholarship Fund, $1,200 from the Kim Love Sar-

tory Scholarship and $1,800 from the Beverly Sommer Scholarship Fund. She will attend the University of Florida.

• Salina Hebert of Royal Palm Beach, a graduate of Royal Palm Beach High School, received $2,000 from the Ingeborg Crede Memorial Scholarship Fund and $10,000 from the Adele Wells Meyer Memorial Scholarship Fund. She will attend the University of West Florida.

• Robert Scranton of Royal Palm Beach, a graduate of Palm Beach Gardens High School, received $2,500 from the Kyle Fredrik Schuemann Scholarship Fund and will attend Palm Beach Community College.

• Sam Hershock of Royal Palm Beach, a graduate of Suncoast High School, received $4,000 from the Weitz Company Scholarship Fund and will attend the University of Florida.

• Corey Shirley of Royal Palm

Beach, a graduate of Royal Palm Beach High School, received $8,000 from the Palm Beach Kennel Club Scholarship Fund and will attend Florida State University.

• John Callovi of Wellington, a graduate of Wellington High School, received $10,000 from the Heather and Patrick Henry Scholarship Fund and will attend Notre Dame.

• Laser Kaplan of Wellington, a graduate of Atlantic High School, received $8,000 from the Palm Beach Kennel Club Scholarship Fund and $2,500 from the David Yanis Scholarship Fund and will attend the University of Florida.

• Olivia Rose Martin of Wellington, a graduate of Wellington High School, received $3,000 from the Mabry M. Noxon Scholarship Fund and $10,000 from the Peter Jay Sharp Foundation Scholarship for Conservation/Environment

Fund. She will attend the University of Florida. Students and their families can find information about these scholarships and others in the foundation’s scholarship directory available in guidance offices at all local high schools in October,

Local Student Participating In National Career Program In Houston

Margaret Lott of Wellington is participating in the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and hosted by the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston and the University of Texas Medical School at Houston.

Lott is among only 80 students enrolled in the six-week academic enrichment program. She will take five core classes, shadow practitioners and absorb the advice of guest speakers to acquire an understanding of career possibilities in the dental and medical fields.

A $1.2 million, four-year grant in 2005 from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

makes the program free of charge to all students.

“The grant is allowing us to move forward with our shared mission to assist rising sophomore and junior students in enhancing their knowledge, skills and attitudes to make them more competitive, improving their chances of becoming successful applicants to either a medical or dental school of their choice,” said Dr. Paula O’Neill, principal investigator for the grant and associate dean for educational research and professional development at the UT Dental Branch.

Dr. Phil Pierpont, associate dean for student affairs at the dental branch; Dr. Andrew

Thompson Gets Juris Doctorate

Aaron Joseph Thompson of Wellington recently received his juris doctorate from Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. Samford graduated 803 seniors from 25 states during May commencement programs. Graduates in Samford’s Beeson School of Divinity received degrees May 6. McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Brock School of Business and Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing seniors graduated May 16. Graduates in the School of the Arts, Howard College of Arts and Sciences, Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education and Professional Studies, and the Cumberland School of Law received degrees May 17. Samford enrolls 4,485 students from more than 40 states and 25 nations in its eight colleges.

Harper, assistant dean for educational programs; and Dr. Judianne Kellaway, assistant dean for admissions at the medical school provide admissions information regarding professional schools to students.

The dental branch and the

medical school collaborate on program management and oversight, partnering with San Jacinto College Southwest on the basic science curriculum. The Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Dental Education Association

DAMONE A QUALIFIER

Thirteen-year-old Marissa Damone of The Acreage recently qualified for Pony Nationals located this year in Lexington, Ky., beginning Aug. 11. Marissa and her pony Pinehurst Quench Your Thyrst will be competing in the Large Green Pony division. Marissa is trained by Sean Jones from Pinehurst Stables in Jupiter. Pictured here is Damone aboard Pinehurst Quench Your Thyrst.

administer the program, which seeks to create a more diverse medical and dental work force. Out of the 80 students, 40 are from out of state and many are under-represented minorities.

The UT Dental Branch and the UT Medical School are two

of the six schools of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, which is part of the University of Texas system. It is a state-supported health institution whose funding is supplemented by grants, patient fees and private philanthropy.

CAR DONATES BOOKS

The Children of the American Revolution recently collected more than 75 books to be donated to the Children’s Home Society of Florida in West Palm Beach. They also held their picnic and new officer installation ceremony at Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton. (Front row, L-R) Courtney Allen-Perrault, 13 of Royal Palm Beach; Keilly Pike, 14 of Wellington; Kaitlin Matyskiel, 13 of Lake Worth; Zoanne Lerner, 9 of North Palm Beach; and Robert Matyskiel, 11 of Lake Worth; (back) April Pearson, 17 of Deerfield Beach; Tyler Smith, 15 of Boca Raton; and Graham Lerner, 15 of North Palm Beach. For more info., call Senior President Martha Pearson at (954) 426-2150.

Scholarship Winners — John Callovi, Olivia Martin, Karla Clarke, Salina Hebert, Corey Shirley, Christian Christensen and Samuel Glucksman.

Wellington Garden Club Members Help Make Homes Habitats

In recognition of National Garden Week June 1-7, the Wellington Garden Club landscaped the recently dedicated Habitat for Humanity home of Valerie Clark in West Palm Beach’s Westgate Village.

Garden Club members installed landscaping at the home constructed by Habitat for Humanity, assisted by volunteers including two teenagers from a co-ed scout troop, several homeowners from the neighborhood and homeowner-to-be Clark.

The club dug gardens around all sides of the house. They planted a small butterfly garden next to the back door in a sunny spot. A larger garden by the front door was planted with mussaenda, shrimp plants, crotons, foxtail ferns and a hibiscus tree. There, the group also installed a drip irrigation system. In other parts of the yard they planted two red maples and a little gem magnolia.

Finally, the entire landscape was fertilized, watered and

mulched. When all the work was done, Clark’s landscaped home looked inviting and ready for its new residents. She said she is looking forward to moving into her new home on Oswego Avenue with her three teenagers this month.

Lisa Statmiller-Ferrano, the Wellington Garden Club’s chair for Habitat landscaping, coordinated the work. Garden Club member and master gardener Linda DeSanti designed the plan and chose the plants. Many other members volunteered to do the dirty work of planting.

The Wellington Garden Club conducted other activities in recognition of National Garden Week, including giving the owners of 11 homes already built in the Westgate area a brightly planted container designed by one of the members to decorate the front porches in the emerging neighborhood. For more information, visit www. habitatpbc.org.

DAR, CAR Participate In Ceremony To Retire Old American Flags

The third annual Flag Day flag retirement ceremony was held on June 14 at Palm Beach Memorial Park in Lantana. The event was sponsored by the memorial park and several local chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution: Spirit of Liberty, Garcilaso de la Vega, Jonathan Dickinson, Palm Beach, Seminole, Henry Morrison Flagler, Estahakee and Lighthouse Point.

The Fifer George Wiessenfels Society, Children of the American Revolution, participated in the ceremony by providing the color guard. The ceremony was led by Annelies Mouring, the Regent’s Council of the Palm Beaches’ president and Spirit of Liberty’s regent. The Star Spangled Banner was led by volunteer and local vocalist Jessica Shirley, and other patriotic songs were preformed by Mary

Allen, regent of Estahakee Chapter and the council vice president.

The group retired a record number of flags. The remains of the flags retired will be placed in an urn and displayed in the cemetery’s crematory garden with a plaque commemorating the event.

Erin Chapin Weber donated the flag of honor in memory of her father, Capt. Alfred Victor

Chapin Jr., an Air Force pilot in the Korean War. He was a Strategic Air Command wing commander, a member of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbird team and a pioneer U-2 pilot. In May 1958, Chapin was awarded the distinguished flying cross for a heroic landing of his U-2 after a catastrophic loss of power. On July 9, 1958, Chapin lost his life when his U-2 crashed over Tucumcari, N.M.

Wellington Garden Club members Linda DeSanti and Pam Schefrin with a red maple.

CAR members who participated during Flag Day.

CAR members serve as the color guard.

Several flags are retired.

An old flag is cut into strips.

Valerie Clark, soon-to-be Habitat homeowner.

John Moser, Ann Cavaleri, Pam Schefrin and Twig Morris.

Vacation Bible School At First Baptist Church

More than 150 children from Royal Palm Beach and surrounding areas took a trip to the islands of Hawaii during Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church of Royal Palm Beach. While the kids never really left the church, the Hawaiian theme was everywhere — from the surfboards and Hawaiian clothes decorating the church walls to the kids all greeting each other with “aloha.” While the kids had fun learning songs and making crafts, they also heard and learned about Jesus. “Our songs were all about praising Jesus and the kids learned to worship in a whole new way,” said VBS music director Rosa Madrigal of Loxahatchee. “We didn’t just worship, we rocked the house.” Under the direction of DeAnne Cinilia and Linda Zaskey, more than 70 church volunteers turned the sanctuary into a Hawaiian island. The volunteers also taught the lessons, prepared the snacks, led the games

and taught the kids the words and hand motions to the songs.

Cinilia, a Royal Palm Beach resident, said the best part of Vacation Bible School for her is when the kids are reached and they make a profession of faith.

“As children they are very open and they ask great questions,” she said. “They make the decision all by themselves to say they understand Jesus is what they want.”

Tony Hoffman, a pastor at First Baptist, said, “it is our hope that First Baptist Church would be a positive influence in the lives of men and women, boys and girls in our community. Vacation Bible School is just a small part of our work toward that goal. If our church could serve you or your family in any way, please stop by our offices or give us a call.”

First Baptist Church of Royal Palm Beach is located at 10701 Okeechobee Blvd. For more information, call (561) 793-2475.

Pianist Copeland Davis To Perform At St. Peter’s

Popular pianist Copeland Davis returns to St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington on Sunday, July 6. He will participate in three worship services, which take place at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Davis’ visit to St. Peter’s is a part of the congregation’s celebration of the Fourth of July weekend. Following the third service, everyone is invited to stay for lunch in Fellowship Hall. The “family-friendly” meal will include hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, chips and soda. There is no cost, but a love offering will be received, with proceeds going to the Carson Ruffa Fund and the St. Peter’s operating budget.

St. Peter’s is located at 12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd. Call Rachel Lever at (561) 793-5712, ext. 21 for information about the services. Call Jennifer Klinkowitz at (561) 795-8908 for information about the lunch.

WHO’S NEW!

Makenzie Dawn Cender

daughter of Blair Colditz and Anthony Cender of Wellington was born on Nov. 8, 2007 at Palms West Hospital. The grandparents are Sheila Butler, Edward Colditz and Toni Cender.

Natalie Marie Simmons daughter of Kathleen and Chris Simmons of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 8.

Natalia Alexandra Bolanos Marr — daughter of Fabrana Patricia Marr and Milton Ricardo Bolanos of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 28. Ryder Slade Fallon — son of Amie and Gary Fallon of Loxahatchee was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 29.

Caelyn Anne Reddoch daughter of Cara and Kevin Reddoch of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 30.

Sabal Grace Hedegard daughter of Dabney and Jason Hedegard of Loxahatchee was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 30.

Alexis Fair — daughter of Jenna and Aaron Fair of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 1. Logan Gordon Latham son of Kara and Robert Latham of Loxahatchee was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 2.

Davis

Jovan Adrian Diaz — son of Amanda Czerwinski and Jovan Diaz of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 2.

Christian Josian Alexander Bood — son of Charisse Simone Quetel and Christopher Alexander Bood of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 3.

Jack Arthur Brock — son of Beth and Nate Brock of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 3.

Makenna Grace Wagner daughter of Stephanie and Jason Wagner of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 6.

Courtney Madison Cangialosi — daughter of Paige and Chris Cangialosi of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 7.

Katelyn Belle VanAmburg — daughter of Christina Head and Neil VanAmburg of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 11.

Maddox Gene Manriquez — son of Jessica and Fred Manriquez of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 12.

Emma Grace Ginther daughter of Melanie and Matthew Ginther of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 15.

Vacation Bible School — (Front row, L-R) Joshua Golden, Caleb Gregory and Angelina Fernandez; (back row) Jamie Gregory and Paulina Hoffman.

Copeland

Local Hadassah Meeting Features Soliloquy On Book Of Ruth

By Candace Marchsteiner Town-Crier Staff Report

Spellbound by Carol Roberts’ soliloquy on the Book of Ruth, local members of Hadassah’s Shulamit Chapter traveled thousands of years back in time as they listened intently to the story of the young, widowed Ruth and her loyalty to her motherin-law Naomi.

Ruth eventually won Naomi’s affections, and God rewarded childless Ruth with a new husband Boaz. Together, they had a son Obed whose grandson was the shepherd and psalmist King David.

The 15-minute interactive story paved the way for conversation as the group also celebrated the Jewish holiday Shavuot,

the commemoration of God’s giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai.

“Carol’s passion and knowledge of the characters left me speechless,” Chapter Vice President of Education and of Programming Helene Schilian said.

“I’m concerned about women’s issues,” Roberts said, “so I like performing stories about biblical women like Ruth.” Roberts, a member of Grace Fellowship Church and an ESE teacher with Palm Beach County, is also a lifetime member of Hadassah, the largest women’s Zionist organization in America. Roberts said her good friend and Hadassah member Roz Jacobs invited her to a chapter pre-

sentation on stock market investment two years ago.

“The members were very welcoming,” she said. “They embraced me right away, and I was drawn by their love, kindness and commitment to family.”

The four-year-old Shulamit Chapter boasts more than 90 members from Wellington to Delray Beach, Chapter President Sandi Gladding said. The women hold general monthly meetings and socials, and serve the community through special projects and philanthropic endeavors focusing primarily on health, education and children’s welfare issues. For more information on membership, call Gladding at (561) 791-8505.

Wellington Garden Club Celebrates National Garden Week

This year the Wellington Garden Club celebrated National Garden Week in a variety of ways. At the May 27 Wellington Village Council meeting, the village recognized the fine work the garden club performs locally by proclaiming June 1-7 National Garden Week in Wellington. The proclamation was presented to the council by Lily Wiggan, a 1982 founding member of the club, and Margaret Kruger, a member since 1985. Continuing in their tradition of serving Habitat for Humanity, the club landscaped a home in the Westgate community and participated in the June 4 dedi-

cation of Cecelia Hogans’ new Habitat home. At this dedication, in honor of National Garden Week, all 11 Habitat homes built in the Westgate neighborhood were given colorful containers planted by Garden Club members. Lisa Stattmiller-Ferrano is chair of Habitat for the Wellington Garden Club.

As a special thank-you to two local businesses and the village for their continuing support, bromeliad plants were presented to Jack Van Dell of Van Dell Jewelers, Riverside Bank Branch Manager Alicia Forster and Wellington Community Programs Manager Barbara Crawford.

A final activity to mark National Garden Week involved nearly 200 elementary school students from four local schools. With a goal of teaching students to appreciate the beauty of gardens, the club asked children in grades kindergarten through five to participate in a garden-coloring competition, organized by Garden Club member Kelly Meyers-Sinett. Each participant was given a picture of the same garden scene to color. All 180 entries were judged on the basis of creativity, use of color, use of the page and eye appeal. Judging the entries were four members of the Garden Club, assisted by 12-year-old Nina Mangiola, a member of the Wellington Art Society’s Youth Program. All winning entries were

on display at the Wellington Community Center during National Garden Week. Winners received ribbons and gift cards to local businesses. They are as follows: Madeline Nahom, first place, kindergarten, Equestrian Trails Elementary School; Breanna Fuda, second place, kindergarten, Equestrian Trails; Justin Sanchez, third place, kindergarten, Equestrian Trails; Madison Kelly, first place, first grade, home school; Kimberly Jaffin, second place, first grade, Equestrian Trails; Madeliene Brewer, third place, first grade, Equestrian Trails; Sabrina Tesalona first place, second grade, IDEAL School; Milan Mistry, second place, second grade, Equestrian Trails; Yazmin Rodriguez, third place, second grade, Equestrian Trails; Skylar Rogalny, first place, third grade, IDEAL School; Madison MacKenzie, second place, third grade, Equestrian Trails; Kailan Brown, third place, third grade, Equestrian Trails; Abby Marcus, first place, fourth grade, Equestrian Trails; Bradley Thomas II, second place, fourth grade, Equestrian Trails; Derek McDonald, third place, fourth grade, Panther Run Elementary School; Kyle Griffin, first place, fifth grade, Equestrian Trails; Vicoya Green, second place, fifth grade, Equestrian Trails; and Malina Morales, third place, fifth grade, Equestrian Trails.

PHOTOS BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

Laura Willems, Carol Roberts, Sandi Gladding, Peggy Kroll, Andrea Cohan, Dulcie Burns, Susan Daniels, Joy Ellen Pitterman, Suzanne Friedman, Moreen Fand, Janis Rosen, Sandra Meister, Helene Schilian, Sheila Mandelbaum and Roz Jacobs.

Carol Roberts as Ruth.

Thank You — Wellington Community Programs Manager Barbara Crawford with a bromeliad presented by the Wellington Garden Club.

Coloring Contest — Some of the first- and second-place entries in the Wellington Garden Club’s coloring contest, which was open to local elementary school students.

LOCAL DEMOCRATS ATTEND JEFFERSON-JACKSON DINNER IN HOLLYWOOD

The 2008 Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, the Florida Democratic Party’s annual fundraising event, was held on Saturday, June 14 at the Westin Diplomat Resort Hotel in Hollywood. Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell was the keynote speaker at the dinner, which featured other Democratic leaders such as Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman; congressmen Ron Klein, Tim Mahoney and Robert Wexler; and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.

NEWS BRIEFS

New Voting Machines At

PBC Boat Show

Palm Beach County’s new optical-scan voting machines are on public display at the Seventh Annual Palm Beach County Boat Show, which opened Thursday at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

Visitors to the boat show will be able to test and interact with the machines, which are expected to be in use during this year’s primary and general elections.

An advantage of these systems is that the voters don’t have to learn to use a voting machine.

Physically able voters can simply use pen and paper to mark their intent.

The Seventh Annual Palm Beach County Boat Show, a nautical extravaganza, runs through Sunday, June 22. Hundreds of boats will drop anchor at the spacious and air conditioned Americraft Expo Center. On display will be boats and vessels with a price range of $15,000 to just under $1 million.

Marine products, fashions, jewelry and nautical services will be on display. Free fishing seminars and demonstrations are to be offered by Outdoor Florida magazine.

At the Florida Fishing Weekly booth, spin the prize wheel with the purchase of a discounted one year subscription and receive a premium with your purchase.

Be sure to check out the 15foot Missy O’Doul’s, completely handmade with recycled and corrugated cardboard boxes! It’s durable and is the creation of Wellington’s Bruce Cook.

The Palm Beach County Boat Show is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults. Children under 12 are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, call (561) 383-7734.

LGLA Will Meet June 26

The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will hold its next meeting on Thurs-

day, June 26 at 7 p.m. inside Classroom 1 at Palms West Hospital.

The guest speaker will be Paul Cummings, who will discuss local hiking trails and share a DVD that will show information about the Florida Scenic Trail.

The trail was started in 1964 by a Miami real estate agent who wanted to find a place to hike without going all the way to the Appalachian Mountains. Find out where the trail passes through our state and other interesting information about Florida greenways. For more information about the LGLA or the June 26 meeting, call Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875.

Cancer Support Group Offered In Lox Groves

Community of Hope Church in Loxahatchee Groves is offering a cancer support group on the first and third Fridays of each month. Meetings will begin at 7 p.m.

The church is located at 14101 Okeechobee Blvd., at the northeast corner of E Road and Okeechobee Blvd. For more information, call (561) 793-8484 or visit www.gocoh.com.

Realtors Host Open House Celebration

The largest open house celebration in Palm Beach County will take place Sunday, June 22, with an additional open house scheduled for Sunday, June 29.

The Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches has teamed up with Comcast Cable and real estate industry leaders to present this open house celebration, a countywide community open house designed to highlight thousands of homes available to today’s consumer.

From Boca Raton to Jupiter, Realtors are ready to commit time and expertise to help everyone who aspires to become a homeowner see that dream come true. For a full list of open

houses, consumers can visit www.home2florida.com where they can search and choose from numerous open houses.

This event will help consumers find that dream home with just one click of the mouse.

The Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches (RAPB) represents more than 9,000 real estate professionals and is dedicated to preserving the vitality of Palm Beach County’s real estate market and private property rights.

P.B. Zoo Bowl-Athon Fundraiser

Join zoo keepers, training staff, education staff, volunteers and docents from the Palm Beach Zoo for this year’s Strike for Conservation BowlAthon fundraiser. The event will take place Saturday, June 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Greenacres Bowl on Lake Worth Road.

Enjoy a fun-filled evening while raising money and aware-

ness for endangered animals worldwide. Bowlers who acquire a minimum of $30 in sponsorships receive complimentary bowling, bowling shoes, pizza, sodas and take-away gifts. Kids under 16 only need $15 in sponsorships to participate. The festive evening will be rounded out by door prizes, hotel stays and airline tickets to the top earners, as well as a special guest appearance by WPEC News 12 anchor Liz Quirantes. Sponsor forms are available by contacting Fundraising Chairman Ivan Heit at (561) 629-8300

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Mid-County Democratic Club members Linda Balogh, Harlan Janowitz and Barbara Magovsky.

Congressman Tim Mahoney and his staff members Sherry McCorkle, Alexis Riordan and Josh Koster.

Congressmen Ron Klein, Tim Mahoney, and Robert Wexler join Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman to watch a taped message from Sen. Barack Obama.

PBCC Seeks Chamber Support For Wellington Campus Proposal

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Proponents of a Palm Beach Community Campus in Wellington were the featured speakers at the monthly Wellington Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday.

Dr. Maria Vallejo, provost of PBCC’s central campus in Lake Worth, was joined by Richard Becker, the school’s vice president of administration and business services. Their presentation featured a video narrated by former Wellington mayor Kathy Foster, a member of the Business, Technology & Education (BTE) Board of the Western Communities. Foster’s organization did much of the background work for the proposal, which would put the college campus on 60 acres of villageowned land along State Road 7 near Pierson Road. The village had been planning to develop the land, known as K-Park, as a recreational park with ball fields.

“We are excited at the prospect and support of residents for the project because Dick Becker and I are both residents of Wellington,” Vallejo told chamber members gathered at the Binks Forest Golf Club. “We do meet and see many of you. Our children were raised here. We go to church here. We spend our money here. We have long-term friends here. We hear from you about the support you are giving this project. So far, this is a win-win for all of us.”

Vallejo said the BTE Board had been working on bringing a college campus to Wellington for more than a year. “Kathy Foster, a member of the committee, took a lead role in it,” Vallejo said. “She felt as a community member that she needed to be involved and mobilize our possibilities for a campus in Wellington.”

Vallejo said the presentation at the luncheon was the same as the one given to the Wellington Village Council last month, created by Foster. However, they were working on a more indepth treatment.

“We will be meeting with the village council at the July 8 meeting,” she said. “We will be giving them a more extensive plan as to how we plan to build out our campus for the next 20 to 25 years. They asked us to really look at what it will look like in five-year intervals so the community will see the growth and how we plan to do this project for you. You are all invited to that meeting and to ask questions.”

In the video presentation, Foster called the 67-acre K-Park property a “field of dreams.” Beyond the immediate economic impact of a multi-million-dollar construction project, she said, the campus would bring many benefits to the community. “Jobs are an area that will show a ma-

GOP Debate

Challenging Mahoney

continued from page 5 said. “Mark did a great job with that. I would continue to do so.” Bennett then asked Harrell to clarify her position on abortion, as she had opposed parental notification in the 1990s but had more recently supported a failed bill requiring abortion seekers to view ultrasounds.

“I supported ultrasounds for women seeking abortion,” Har-

Hurricane County Is Prepared

For A Storm

continued from page 7 government and cities in Palm Beach County — analyzes data, such as computer models, from the National Hurricane Center in the event of an approaching hurricane.

“Based on all that information, we make decisions to shut down the schools, all the county and state facilities; it’s a huge decision to make,” Bonvento said.

Bonvento said the county must monitor and coordinate numerous areas of activity before, during and after a storm. These include the EOC and organizations such as FPL, the military, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the Palm Beach County Health Department and other agencies that provide services for storm recovery.

“We can’t afford to be afraid to make decisions, we can’t afford to be paralyzed in the decision-making process,” Bonvento said. “We need to be able to improvise and make decisions

jor positive impact,” she said. “We envision a campus comparable in size to the Palm Beach Gardens campus, which employs 225 faculty and staff and 144 adjunct faculty members. Many other jobs would be created to support the thousands of people who would attend classes or campus events.”

Foster further described the benefits of a college campus to the host community. “National studies show that each year of college attendance brings an additional five- to eight-percent increase in annual earnings of the students,” she said. “Completion of a two-year degree brings that student an average of 27 percent increase in earning over the high school graduate. A well-educated workforce also brings a better standard of living to a community. One of the first things looked at by potential new employers is the educational attainment of local residents.”

PBCC envisions five buildings for the proposed campus, with a groundbreaking for the first possibly within five months and completed 12 months after that. The campus could offer a range of degree programs such as equine science and applied science, tailored to fit the needs and growth in the western communities.

“A full-service campus in Wellington will have great positive impacts,” Foster said. “Higher educational achievement and enhanced social, cultural and recreational opportunities can be in place for all our residents. It can happen quickly if we start now.”

Becker said he estimated that local students driving to the Lake Worth campus are spending about $1.5 million a year on gasoline, and noted also the time wasted in transit that could be spent in more productive activities. All signs point to a need for a campus in the western communities, he said.

“We determined there is a need in the western communities because that is where our population has been growing,” Becker said. “We got a recommendation from the State Board of Education to build a campus in the western part of Palm Beach County. It has been on our drawing board for several years.”

Wednesday’s luncheon was sponsored by the Wellingtonbased Quantum Group, which provides healthcare management systems. In introducing the company’s senior vice president Pete Martinez, Wellington Chamber President Mike Nelson described the Quantum Group as a key player in Wellington’s economy.

“They have exploded as one of the major employers in Wellington,” Nelson said. “They have chosen to stay in Welling-

rell said. “The women need to understand the implications of what [they are] doing. I have seen young women who have been impregnated by their fathers or stepfathers. I believe there needs to be a judicial bypass.”

Valeche said he is pro-life, and the only possible excuse for an abortion is to protect the life of the mother. Rooney said he is also pro-life and supported the ultrasound proposal. In response to a question about the war in Iraq, all three candidates said that they support

quickly. Our disaster recovery process is a team effort.”

Bonvento said the EOC’s team hunkers down during a storm, ready to take action as soon as it passes.

“When we make the decision to activate the Emergency Operations Center, we have about 150 people in the facility during the actual impact of the hurricane,” he said. “The building is in lockdown. People literally sleep on the floors. We’re there up until the storm hits, and after the storm passes, we have to switch hats and go into recovery mode.”

A critical part of the county’s plan is communicating with media and municipalities, Bonvento said. With nearly 40 municipalities in Palm Beach County, plus a plethora of radio, television, newspaper and Internet media, relaying information is crucial.

The EOC has twice-a-day conference calls with leaders from every city to discuss the situation, and how and when decisions will be made.

The county’s call center is divided into two sections: the resident information center (RIC) and the emergency information center (EIC). The reason for two areas is because of the volume

ton. They are pushing 100 employees, which makes them one of the top five employers in the village. They look for employees that live in Wellington. That is the kind of company that the village really needs to retain.”

Even though a large share of personal salaries go to paying for healthcare, Martinez said the industry is hobbled by inefficiency.

“It is estimated that 30 cents of every healthcare dollar doesn’t go to anything related to care,” Martinez said. “It’s overhead. It’s duplicity of services. It’s waste. Ninety percent of the transactions of the industry are done in paper, fax or by phone. What century are we in? Last year, there were 717 million prescriptions that pharmacies called back to the doctors’ office and said, ‘I can’t read your handwriting.’ It’s a matter of life and death. Last year 197,000 people died because of medical errors.”

The Quantum Group is leading the way in improving the systems that improve the patient’s understanding of his or her care, the doctor-patient relationship and the ability of healthcare professionals to provide care efficiently and accurately. Among its efforts, Quantum is working to see that healthcare records are available on the web and that doctor’s offices and paperwork are managed electronically. Electronic record-keeping will allow better understanding of genetic factors in a person’s health, he said. “We can see the trending in diseases and lifestyle,” Martinez said. “We would see the genomic implications of our lifestyles. What if you could take your own genomic profile and compare it to your medical history and see how your body is reacting to its own architecture? We might be able to predict the future. What if we could tell you that in 3.3 years you could have diabetes, but if you took these steps right now you could postpone it or wash it away? The same technologies that are used by the Wal-Marts of the world in terms of predicative modeling and analysis will be done for the first time in the healthcare industry.”

For more about the Quantum Group, call (561) 798-9800 or visit www.quantumMD.com.

continuing the war and that the current “troop surge.”

“A lot of my cadets that I taught are in the military,” Rooney said. “They are making the Middle East and the world safer. You will see draw-downs in Iraq. You will start to see the American footprint grow smaller. You will see them come home sooner rather than later.”

Harrell said the current war is “a war on terror” which the U.S. cannot afford to lose. She accused Mahoney of playing games with funding the soldiers and that anyone who did that

of calls received by the county before, during and after a storm.

“When we go into an activation, we receive thousands of calls about shelter locations or special transportation, and we handle those calls,” Bonvento said, “But then we start to get calls letting us know power lines are down, stuff like that. So we decided for those kinds of miniemergencies, to divert them to the EIC. It worked very well during Frances and Jeanne, and we’re hoping, obviously, it will continue to work well.”

Bonvento said the National Hurricane Center predicts 15 named storms for 2008, eight of which will be hurricanes and four that will be “intense.” However, Bonvento warned against paying too much attention to predictions.

“In 1992, we had only one hurricane impact Florida, and that was Andrew,” he said. “We tell people they need to have a plan, to be prepared, and not be complacent. If you can be independently self-supporting for three days, that would be great.” Palm Beach County’s Hurricane Survival Guide can be downloaded from the county’s web site at www.pbcgov.com/ hurricane/pdf/hurricane_guide. pdf.

MID-COUNTY DEMS MEET IN ROYAL PALM

The Mid-County Democratic Club held its monthly meeting on Monday, June 16 at Tree’s Wings in Royal Palm Beach. The guest speakers were the candidates for the office of Supervisor of Elections: incumbent Dr. Arthur Anderson, State Rep. Susan Bucher and Wellington Councilman Bob Margolis. Mid-County Democrat Club President Allen Mergaman and Vice President David Schumacher also recognized Bucher, State Rep. Shelley Vana and Margolis for their support and participation in the club. Other speakers at the meeting included Diane Heinz, a candidate for Palm Beach County Property Appraiser, State House District 88 candidate Mark Pafford, West Palm Beach City Commission candidate Gregg Weiss and Joan Joseph, a spokeswoman for Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. For more information about the club, contact Mergaman at (561) 255-0724 or acis714@ yahoo.com.

should not be serving in state or federal office at any level. “You have to realize that this is a global war on terror,” Harrell said. “We cannot lose this war. We have to stick it out, and we need to be there until the end.”

Valeche said the U.S. should stay in Iraq until its work is done.

“We are on the verge of success,” he said. “We are on the verge of having a working democracy in Iraq in the midst of all those enemies. Five or ten

Gas Tax Sides Still Negotiating

continued from page 11 Mayor Marge Herzog. It passed unanimously.

Palm Beach County League of Cities Executive Director Jamie Titcomb said it was never the league’s intention to jeopardize the town’s receipt of the money. “We are the steward of interpreting the legal language that would jeopardize this money,” he said. “I am proud of the way you handled this tonight. I am sure this will be worked out. The league did not come out here to block the gas tax collections. The county approached the league on the issue.”

Titcomb also said he was pleased at the professionalism with which the town leaders are handling themselves. “I am a proud papa,” he said. “I was standing out there watching the town being born, and I am watching a toddler take its first steps. I commend and congratulate you on the work you are doing. You are handling it the way that the work should be done. Vice Mayor Marge Herzog is also on our board of directors. Thank you for lending her to us.”

years from now, when Iraq is an actual democracy, we will have changed the Middle East substantially.”

An audience member asked what the three candidates would do that Mahoney isn’t doing.

“I would never have voted for a pullout date in Iraq,” Valeche replied. “I would not have voted three times to rescind the tax cuts. Our economy in Florida is in a recession and the rest of the country is on the verge of a re-

In other business:

• The council unanimously approved a resolution expressing support for the Nicole Hornstein Act in the Florida Legislature’s 2009 session. Proponents of the measure want a law established that would require equestrians under the age of 16 to wear helmets in public places. The bill is named after a 12year-old Acreage girl who died two years ago as the result of a horse-riding accident.

Both Wellington and the Indian Trail Improvement District have passed measures in support of the proposal. ITID Supervisor Michelle Damone thanked the council Tuesday for their support.

“I want to thank my neighbors for doing this,” she said. “We’re doing something good and right for all the children and equestrians. I love it when we do things right. The members of the Western Communities Council will be looking at this next week.”

• Kathi Francis of Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue spoke to the council about the possibility of Loxahatchee Groves joining the national Firewise Communities program, a multi-agency effort to reduce the threat of wildfires in rural communities. Francis explained the particulars behind the comprehensive program,

cession. The last thing the economy needs is a $7 billion tax increase.”

Rooney said that it concerned him that most of the bills Democrats are pushing were being piggybacked on top of bills supporting war funding.

Harrell said the main issue is tax policy. “[Mahoney] has voted for the largest tax increase in the history of the country,” she said. “We cannot have that. This is going to create huge problems for this country.”

which includes a hazard risk assessment, community mitigation strategies as well as individual homeowner mitigation. Francis also suggested that local students in need of community service hours could be called on to work in neighbors’ yards and clean off roofs and cut vegetation for older residents

Jamie Titcomb of the PBC League of Cities

PBCC Visitors — Wellington Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michela Perillo-Green (left) and President Mike Nelson (right) with Richard Becker and Dr. Maria Vallejo of PBCC.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Pete Martinez of the Quantum Group

State House District 88 candidate Mark Pafford

Joan Joseph talks about Sen. Obama’s campaign.

Schumacher and Mergaman present a plaque to retiring State Rep. Shelley Vana.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Property Appraiser hopeful Diane Heinz.

Mid-County Democratic Club Vice President David Schumacher and President Allen Mergaman recognize Wellington Councilman Bob Margolis.

PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN SOCIETY HOLDS TENTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

The Philippine Summer Festival was held Saturday, June 14 at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Presented by the Philippine-American Society Inc., it was the organization’s tenth annual cultural celebration. County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, a Philippine-American, spoke of the country’s cultural heritage. West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel proclaimed June 14 Philippine Independance Day. In addition, there was a Catholic mass and Santa Cruzan procession, as well as lots of dancing, ethnic food and beverages, and raffle prizes.

Commissioner

and

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

County

Jess Santamaria

members of the Philippine American Society celebrate “a decade of legacy.”

Rae Razon, Joe Bartolome and Leslie Ann Lopez in the Santa Cruzan Procession.

Jelina Ramirez and her attendants during the procession.

Prince Brandon Magtales and Princess Angela Reyes dance the Singkil.

Some of the young performers entertain the audience.

Lenn Beguzman serves Jed Casauay a cup of halo-halo while Christine Guarario looks on.

Bike winner Edrienne Belasco with Louie St. Luis.

Joe Bendito, Lily Marifoque, Christina Regino, Fidel Marifosque and Shirley Bartolome.

Tropical Dream Bouquet’s Marie Odulio with her mother Violetta Bizon.

PALM BEACH CARNIVAL CELEBRATES CARIBBEAN CULTURE AT FAIRGROUNDS

The Palm Beach Carnival, a celebration of South Florida’s Caribbean-American culture, was held at the South Florida Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 14. Events included a traditional carnival parade with more than 20 different masquerade bands, costume competitions, marching band competitions and more. For more info., visit www.wpbcarnival.com or call (561) 309-0620.

FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

JIM BRANDON EQUESTRIAN CENTER HOSTS SUNSHINE PASO FINO SHOW

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Elizabeth Boor and Skye LeConte of the 4-H horse group Fearnley Flickas give out awards.

Benjamin Hernandez of Davie shares his trophy with his daughter Olga.

Edgar Duque of Miami on the prize-winning El Dulcero.

Stephanie LaRicci on her mount.

George Sabates of West Palm Beach, Mario Tano of Ocala and Valeria Buitrago of Miami.

Valeria Buitrago of Miami on her mount.

Darlene Foster of the Coalition for Independent Living Options.

Trinidad and Tobago Consul General Gerard Greene says a few words.Dancer Verona Wynter.

Yolene Lundi, Gayelle Felix and Edwina Smith.

Karen Murth sings “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Sheila Bardo.

Costumed dancers perform in the parade.

Members of Sunshine Paso Fino Organization of Florida competed last weekend at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center with the highest winners earning trophies and ribbons. Equestrians of all ages from Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward counties, and also Ocala and other places competed for trophies and ribbons.

FEATURES

Garage Cleaning In Florida Has Its Own Particular Hazards

Just so you know — I am all proud of myself today for cleaning out the garage. Cleaning out the garage is one of those chores that seems massive at first but isn’t so bad once everything has been offloaded onto the driveway. (That’s a garage cleanout joke. Ha ha. It’s just as massive.) At any rate, the first step in any garage organization is to check the weather report, then cross your fingers and hope those meteorologists know what they’re doing. Because if you thought your garage was a disaster before, imagine it as a mass of sopping-wet items hurriedly dragged back inside. If it rains after your stuff is all spread out on the driveway, your best bet is to drag everything to the curb and leave it there until trash day. For me, however, today dawned bright and sunny which, in Florida-speak, means blisteringly hot and armpit-sweatingly humid — perfect garage

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

cleanout weather. The way I figure it, I’m going to be cranky for most of the process anyway, so I may as well be hot, too. My post-event shower will feel all the nicer.

So. Big sigh and big muscles needed to drag everything outside. Now comes the fun part — fending off yard-salers who quietly cruise up on their bicycles and start going through your stuff

while your back is turned. You’ll be teetering there with a full paint can on your shoulder, balancing precariously on the “Do Not Step” step of a wobbly wooden ladder, when you’ll hear a shout. “How much you want for this banged-up old mower? Does it even run?”

Then you have to climb down and explain how you are not holding a yard sale, but merely cleaning out the garage. The cyclist will then zoom off, terrified that you may ask him to help.

At any rate, once everything is out of the garage and the floor is swept, it’s time to put everything back in place on the shelves. What? No shelves? I never heard of such a thing. Stack crate boxes, put a board across two bricks, do what you have to do, man, you need shelves! My shelves run the entire length of the garage and are home to an array of crate boxes, each labeled “painting

supplies,” “extension cords,” “electrical” or “Deb’s junk,” which probably ought to read “miscellaneous” except that I like “Deb’s junk” better. Finally, it’s time to drag the big stuff back in. Just remember to put Grandma’s sewing machine in the back corner and your husband’s toolbox up front. Otherwise you’re just going to have to do this all over again. Now, step back and take a look. Aren’t we all smiles? Didn’t we do a good job? Isn’t — uh-oh. How did we forget to leave room for the trash container, which is as big as a small shed? Don’t worry! This is why garages include “sides.” Whatever doesn’t fit in there goes “around the side.” Fortunately most garages have two, plus a back. If it won’t fit “around the side,” it goes “back behind” the garage. Done and done. Now go take that shower. Please.

‘Incredible Hulk’ Offers Ever More Mindless Movie Enjoyment

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

The problem with the new movie The Incredible Hulk is that it’s the third-best action film I’ve seen so far this summer. Does that mean it’s bad? Not at all. It was a pretty decent film, but not as much fun as Iron Man or the new Indiana Jones. The real problem is that Hulk is just not very interesting as a character. Tony Stark, the central character of Iron Man, is witty and complicated, and Indy is the master of the cool throw-off line. But the Hulk has very little to say. Superman could do almost anything, but he could also talk, even if he generally was not all that witty. Most of the early superheroes had that problem. Hulk barely speaks. Most moviegoers, if not comic book readers, recognize that the villains are generally more interesting. And in this movie, the villains were woefully bland. A nasty general, the nasty major who is his assistant and a very nasty captain had to serve as the enemy. Of course, Bruce Banner, Hulk’s scientist alter ego, is the central character. One reason I liked the TV series was the way Bill Bixby played him. He was interesting and likable and all he wanted to do was to be left alone so he could find a way to lose the big guy. Edward Norton is not nearly as appealing. Norton cannot be blamed. He is the kind of actor who disappears into each of his roles. Bixby sort of played himself, pushing the nice-guy theme. Norton plays Banner but just does not make the character very interesting. He is believable, and in the long run, who really cares? We do not see

him turn into the Hulk until well into the movie, and there are lots of gags to relieve the boredom (in really good pictures they are used to relieve the tension). Much of the first part of the film is in Portuguese (because it takes place in Brazil), which generally meant that the gags had to be broader. There were a couple of good bits. One had Banner, speaking very poor Portuguese, saying, “don’t make me hungry. You won’t like me hungry,” a play on a classic line from the television series. It got appreciative laughter. And there was a very quick bit on television that showed Bill Bixby. A small cameo later in the movie featured Lou Ferrigno, who played the Hulk in the series.

Liv Tyler as Banner’s girlfriend has relatively little to do except wait for the Hulk to rescue her.

Tim Roth is far better as the nasty captain who keeps getting beaten by the Hulk until he turns into the Abomination.

The movie only works when the Hulk is on the

screen and we see a lot of action. Suddenly everything moves. And of course, the people behind the movie are smart enough to keep things moving and put in a lot of action. There’s a great fight scene in Brazil and another one supposedly on a college campus in Virginia. The really big match between the Hulk and the Abomination is on the streets of New York. Since both characters were computer animation, it would not be out of line to say they did the fight by the numbers. Did I enjoy the movie? Yes. Did the rest of the audience? Almost certainly. There was some applause at the end. Should you see the film? Why not? It is certainly a harmless way of getting through our rainy season. You can get some popcorn and soda and sit back and not have to think very much for a couple of hours. It is fun, something sorely lacking in many recent movies, and is filled with lots of fast-moving

Even Though Barack Has Clinched Nomination, Go Hillary Go

I first heard and read about Hillary Clinton in 1992. Her husband Bill was running for president. (Most folks thought Hillary was running for co-president.) The Democrats put Bill up to run against the original George Bush. At the time, most Dems thought Bush was unbeatable. That’s why Bill got the nod to run. The Dems didn’t want to waste any of their top-shelf contenders. They figured 1996 would be their year. But to almost everyone’s surprise, Bill won the election and became our president. At first I liked Bill. I liked that he was the first president of my own age. No longer did I have to look up to old men running our country.

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

Of course my love affair with Bill lasted only as long as some of Bill’s love affairs. I didn’t like the fact that my commander-in-chief avoided the draft like the plague. When his country called, he refused to raise his right hand and say “I do.” As the years went by, it was starting to become clear that Hillary thought she was co-president. I don’t think she very much liked the title First Lady. One of the first things she tried to do when she set foot in the White House was jam a health plan down the throats of the American people. Lucky for us this plan never saw the light of day. The next big embarrassment for Hillary was when the American public heard about Monica. To this day I am still trying to figure out what the meaning of “is” is. But as the country song goes, Hillary did stand by her man. I don’t know how she did it, but she did. It was at this time I asked my wife if I did

what Bill Clinton did, would she do a Hillary and stand by me? My wife gave me one of her famous looks. A look only she can give. She didn’t have to say a word.

Most folks didn’t know if they should feel sorry for Hillary for standing by her man, or if they should hate her for it. Right then and there I knew that Hillary would be running for president sometime in the future. In my mind, that is the only reason she has stayed by Bill’s side all of these years.

Most women I know would have had a lawyer and been to the courthouse (that is, if they didn’t do a Lorena Bobbit). But Hillary didn’t do that. She was the ever-loving wife of the president. In her mind, she was the president-in-waiting.

When Bill left the White House they moved to the great state of New York, to establish residence so Hillary could start her journey to the White House. In my opinion, she was and still is a carpetbagger. She moved to New York because she figured it to be the easiest place to win a seat in

the U.S. Senate. And, of course, she was correct. The shot at the White House was now ready to blast off.

And blast off it did. All the talking heads and most of the media already had Hillary as the next president.

There was just one problem, named Obama. In her wildest dreams, Hillary never counted on a young man named Obama taking the Democratic nomination away from her. In her mind, this was never supposed to happen, but happen it did.

I must admit that I have gained a lot of respect for Hillary. She fought very hard to the bitter end, for something she wanted very badly. I know she taught me a lot. She taught me how to fight for something I really want.

I also admire Hillary for only suspending her campaign. She did not end her campaign as most people think. A lot of things can happen from now ’til the Democratic National Convention. Stay tuned. You go, girl.

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•

CAMP Jump

to

Adventures in

for

for

and Studio Art Shops for

to

(middle and high school students). An adventure in the visual arts for your young artist! Six sessions now underway. The center is located at 1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 832-1776 or visit www.armoryart.org.

• 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 sessions run now 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.

CONTENTS PREPARED BY THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT

Breakers West Summer Camp

TOWN-CRIER SPORTS & RECREATION

Members Of Local Amateur Team Play For The Love Of Soccer

By Paul Gaba Town-Crier Staff Report

They are college students and professionals from Canada and Jamaica, Ohio and Oklahoma, Wellington and Miami. They travel to Georgia and Puerto Rico, playing arguably the most popular sport in the world.

“They” are the athletes who comprise the adult amateur women’s soccer team Palm Beach United. This is the third year Palm Beach United has been a member team of the Women’s Premier Soccer League, a national league composed of local athletes competing in summer matches.

Coached by Brad Partridge, Palm Beach United enters its Sunday, June 22 home contest against Thomasville, Georgia with a record of 2-1-2, holding on to second place in the league.

The 4:30 p.m. game, which takes place at Palm Beach Central High School, will be the second meeting of the year between the two teams.

Palm Beach United is vying to compete in the WPSL championships at the end of July in California. The team, which uses the fields at Palm Beach

Central for most of its home games, includes three local graduates: 2008 PBCHS grad Kelly Williams and Wellington High School grads Karla Espinoza and Noha Saleh.

The newly graduated Williams said Palm Beach United plays at a formidable level. “This is way higher than what I’m used to,” she said. “The girls are faster and bigger. But I would expect that.”

While admitting the experience has “been hard to adapt to, because all my life the game’s been a little slower than this,” Williams, who will attend the University of North Florida, said she realizes it is a positive thing. “This will help prepare me for the college game,” she said. “It will help me ease my way into that level.”

Team co-captain Melanie Haraldson, one of a handful of original Palm Beach United members still with the team, agreed.

“Every year, we’ve progressively gotten better. We’ve had better players try out, and they’ve been strong players,” Haraldson said. “That’s the way you and your team get better in terms of our statistics and understandings [of the game], and build stronger team chemistry.”

Haraldson, 24, is a Fort Lauderdale resident and a graduate of Lynn University’s business program who currently works in human resources for the Lynn Insurance Group. Despite the fulltime job, she treks to central Palm Beach County for practices three nights a week, as well as weekend competition during the summer. A Canadian by birth, the Calgary native said she would not have it any other way.

“I still have high aspirations and passion for soccer, and it gets stronger every day I play,” she said. “If I didn’t have it in my life, I’d be at a loss. I live for the game. I absolutely love it. There’s nothing that gives me more joy.”

Haraldson’s attitude is not unique.

“At this level, they don’t have to play anymore, so they really want to play,” Partridge said. “This is a group of dedicated players. Some have aspirations of playing for the U.S. national team.” Those aspirations are fueled by the

experiences of team members. Cristina Rodriquez plays for the Puerto Rican national team, while Melissa Chang plays for Jamaica’s national team.

“We’ve had players from Scotland, Canada, Jamaica, all over,” Partridge said.

Last year’s team, for example, included Staci Wilson — a member of the United States’ 1996 gold medal Olympic team.

“This league is a good place for soccer after college, because there’s no professional women’s league right now,” co-captain Stephanie Svoboda said. “We practice three nights a week and travel on weekends. I keep very busy. This is my social life.”

Along with playing soccer, Svoboda — a graduate student at Florida Atlantic University — takes several summer classes toward her exercise science major and serves as a teaching assistant at FAU. This makes for a loaded calendar. But the 22-year-old native of

Euclid, Ohio, said she would not have it any other way.

“I love it, and I wish [the schedule] was longer than two months,” said Svoboda, who plans to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy.

Svoboda’s experience helps guide relatively new inductees to the amateur circuit, players such as Williams and Saleh, a 2007 graduate of Wellington High School. Saleh, a pre-med major at the University of West Florida, said her experiences with the team have been very positive thus far.

“This has been a lot of fun,” Saleh said. “The practices are fun. They’re more ‘soccer’ than ‘fitness;’ you get your fitness out of playing soccer. It’s better than having a coach say, ‘OK, let’s run.’ It’s not like you come out and waste your time — you actually get to do something productive.”

In all, roughly 36 women, most between 18 and 25, tried out for the team this spring. “The league does allow you

to have younger players, so it doesn’t hurt their status to go into college, and we have to be careful not to violate any of the NCAA rules,” Team Manager Dale Sisson said. “The fact that the season gets started around the middle of May gives us a short window of opportunity in which to work, because the young ladies coming to us from Division I [college] programs don’t get released until the first week of May.”

The team also needs to raise money for its travels. Palm Beach United’s $30,000 budget is funded primarily through the corporate sponsorship of Audio Advisors. Partridge said they are still looking for a few more sponsors — especially if the team places first in its region, since that California trip at the end of July would hang in the balance.

For more information about the team, or for sponsorship information, call Partridge at (561) 745-3009 or e-mail partpro@aol.com.

PALM BEACH COUNTY 4-H CLUB HOSTS HORSE DAY AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

Wednesday, June 11 was Horse Day at the South Florida Fairgrounds for the young members of the Palm Beach County 4-H program who participated in a week-long camp. Local horse owners brought Paso Finos, a mustang, a quarter horse, a miniature horse, miniature donkey and baby for the kids, who learned about the different breeds and colors of horses, feeding and nutrition, tips on grooming and care giving, and different tack. The children took turns riding the horses in the ring.

David Gomes and Poppy take Maya Alfel for a ride while Ruth Phillips looks on.

Angie Machler, Maya Drummond and Kelsy Hiscock with Gypsy.

Sandra Schluter with mini donkey Tinkerbell and her nine-month-old baby Petunia.

Elaine Andrews trots around the ring on her Mustang K.C.

David Gomes shows the kids how to make a horseshoe and fit his Paso Fino horse Poppy.

Martha Webster gives Ruth Phillips a T-shirt and thanks for volunteering Ruth’s grandson Spenser Gamble of Loxahatchee.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Palm Beach United Head Coach Brad Partridge instructs players during practice.

Soccer Drill — Palm Beach United soccer players work on a drill during practice Tuesday. The team uses the fields at Palm Beach Central High School for most of its home games.

Gigi gives Kelsey Smith a ride. David Gomes and Ed Schluter of Loxahatchee with Martha Webster.

Ruth Phillips of Loxahatchee Groves with Gypsy, a Paso Fino.

(center) with top dressage rider Anky van Grunsven (right) and her husband and coach Sjef Janssen (left).

The Palm Beach Pride 12-U travel softball team won its second consecutive championship at the Rachel Hurley Memorial Jupiter Father’s Day Classic held June 13-15. Once again, the team went undefeated the entire weekend in both seeding and tournament play. The Pride came from behind in both the semifinal and championship games by never giving up. They defeated the Jupiter Seahawks 4-3, Miami Stingrays 64 and Palm Beach Gardens Gators 11-10 to win the championship. Pictured here are (front row, L-R) Katrina Polcari, Courtney Erwin, Sara Dickerman, Abby Earley and Tara Nelson; (second row) Veronica Terrero, Rebecca Gomez, Amanda Blanchard, Katelyn Lindsay, Madison Kiper and Sydney Sokolsky; (back row) coaches Andy Erwin, Al Blanchard, Kory Kiper and Neal Dickerman. Not pictured: Sabrina Fields and Emily Rose.

New Exquis World Dressage Masters Will Kick Off At 2009 WEF In Wellington

Organizers of the Exquis World Dressage Masters — a bold new four-nation, three-year transatlantic dressage series — recently announced that it will launch in 2009 with total prize money of at least $460,000 a year. Wellington will be the first city to host the 2009 series with prize money of at least $115,000 during Equestrian Sport Productions’ Winter Equestrian Festival at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Jan. 7 through March 29, 2009. Equestrian Sport Productions is working with the U.S. Equestrian Federation and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) to determine the specific format and dates.

The schedule for the three years of World Dressage Masters is Wellington during WEF; Munich, Germany in May; Cannes, France in June; and

Arezzo, Italy in September. The initiative for the series came from equestrian innovator Exquis, international sports marketing agency SportBizz of the Netherlands and Equestrian Sport Productions of Wellington.

“Our vision in creating one of the world’s finest facilities for horse shows was to be a stage for premier international events,” Equestrian Sport Productions Chief Executive Officer Mark Bellissimo said. “The World Dressage Masters event is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the highest quality dressage to stimulate the popularity of this Olympic sport in the USA and around the world. We welcome the World Dressage Masters event and are happy to make it the success it deserves.”

The World Dressage Masters

Tyler DiFiore and Joey Staats were recently named to Ken Chertow’s 2008 Academic All-American Team. Ken Chertow was 1988 U.S. Olympian who now dedicates his time to teach young people the sport of wrestling. Chertow’s Academic AllAmerican program recognizes campers who excel both on and off the mats. The boys were two of eight young men chosen from over 150 Florida wrestlers. DiFiore, who just completed the third grade at Pierce Hammock Elementary School, and Staats, who just completed the fourth grade at Royal Palm Elementary School, were awarded the honor while attending Chertow’s camp in Deland. On hand for the award ceremony was the boys’ local coach Barry Staats. Both the boys wrestle as part of the PAL Gator wrestling program. “It is great to see boys whose hard work in the classroom and on the wrestling mats is recognized on the national level,” coach Staats said. “We are very proud of them.” Pictured here are Tyler DiFiore and Joey Staats with coaches Ken Chertow and Barry Staats.

concept was developed jointly with the FEI and is being tested at the $154,000 CDI 5* in Cannes this month. Among the competitors committed to the series is the world’s top dressage rider, Anky van Grunsven of the Netherlands, who rode IPS Painted Black to victory in the grand prix in Cannes.

A cooperation agreement was signed last week by World Dressage Masters CEO Anthony M. Kies, ESP Executive Vice President Michael Stone, Pferd International President Dr. Erich Herrgen, SEPA President François Bourey and Jump Italia President Ita Marzotto.

“For World Dressage Masters to be successful, you have to innovate and work together with parties that share the same vision,” Kies said. “Together with Mark Bellissimo, who has been

a big promoter of the concept from the start, sports marketing agency SportBizz and four wonderful events, we will try to make a difference.”

“World Dressage Masters has all the ingredients to be successful,” van Grunsven said. “This new concept really caters to the needs of the riders. I will definitely schedule all the events in 2009.”

Details of the series are still being worked on, Stone said, but the aim is to invite the top ten dressage riders in the world as well as a number of other riders to make up a grand prix field of 16 to 18 riders. Half of those riders will advance to the grand prix special and the other half to the musical freestyle. For more information about Equestrian Sport Productions, visit www.equestriansport.com.

The Palm Beach Wicked Pride 12-A softball team, based at Okeeheelee Park, recently played in the USSSA Elite Fastpitch Tournament held in Sebastian. The tournament invited the top teams from throughout Florida to compete against each other. Led by dominating pitching, outstanding offense and impenetrable defense, the Wicked Pride went undefeated and ended with a 5-0 record and the Elite Championship. With this win, the Wicked Pride move to number two in the state and 15th in the nation. The team will play in several local tournaments and then travel to Orlando to play in the Fast Nationals July 13-19 to try to win a national title when they compete against top teams from all over the country. Wicked Pride players include Maddie Hir, Celine Besman, Sara Vasquez, Rissy Mangini, Sarah Good, Michele May, Kristen Garceau, Haily Stroempl, Jenni Giantonio, Michaela Sihler and Jillian Lilly. Hir, Besman, Mangini and Stroempl were named to the All-Elite Team. Palm Beach Wicked Pride coaches are Dave Hir, Matt Besman, Dave May, Mike Good and Bill Kimble.

World Class Dressage — Equestrian Sport Productions Executive Vice President Michael Stone

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, June 21

• The Seventh Annual Palm Beach County Boat Show will continue Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22 at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.). Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 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) 793-0333.

• The Maltz Jupiter Theatre will hold auditions for Palm Beach Idol, the county’s original talent search, on 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 Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Drop-in Story Time for ages two and up on Saturdays, June 21 and 28 at 11 a.m. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Wellington Aquatic Complex (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will show the movie 27 Dresses on Saturday, June 21 as part of Dive-In Movie Night. The entrance fee to the pool is $5 per person or $15 for a family of four. The movie begins at 8 p.m. Spectators are urged to bring floats or noodles to relax on while viewing the movie. For more info., call (561) 753-2484, ext. 2836.

• The Studio Theatre of Wellington (11320 Fortune Circle, G-7) will present a performance of the improve 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

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will continue Summer Story Times for ages nine months to five years Mondays, June 23 through Aug. 1. Call (561) 7906030 for more info.

• 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.

Tuesday, June 24

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Craft Club: Paper Crafting” on Tuesday, June 24 at 3 p.m. for ages nine through 12. Paper is a wonderful crafting material; discover interesting new ways to use it. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6070.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Teen Writing Workshop for ages 12 through 17 on Tuesday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m.

Do you like writing stories, poetry, plays or fan fiction? Bring a sample of your work to share with fellow writers. Enjoy snacks, constructive comments and do a few writing exercises. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6070.

• The Royal Palm Beach Community Band will host a free concert series beginning Saturday, June 24, followed by a show on Tuesday, July 29, before wrapping up the summer on Tuesday, Sept. 2. All concerts will be held at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). Refreshments will be served. For more info., call (561) 790-5149. Wednesday, June 25

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Poetry Discussion Group for adults on Wednesday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m. Engage in a provocative discussion of several published poems. Pick up copies at the information desk. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6070.

• The Wellington Jewish Community Center (13889 Wellington Trace) will hold a Big Time Boxing Academy on Wednesday, June 25 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. for ages 11 and up. All participants must be accompanied with a parent. Professional boxer Jameel “Big

Time” McCline will demonstrate confidence building and non-contact exercises for tweens and teens along with a parent. Come early for an autograph-signing session. The fee is $5. For more info., call (561) 253-6030.

Thursday, June 26

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Teen Game Night” for ages 12 through 17 on Thursday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m. Join library staff for Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero and snacks. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6070.

Friday, June 27

• The Maltz Jupiter Theatre Conservatory of Performing Arts (COPA) Summer Conservatory students will present their rendition of the Broadway hit 42nd Street Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 28. 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 box office, at www.jupiter theatre.org, or by calling (561) 575-2223 or (800) 445-1666. The theater is located at 1001 E. Indiantown Road and State Road A1A in Jupiter.

Saturday, June 28

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will lead a Bird Walk on Saturday, June 28 at the Green Cay Wetlands (12800 Hagen Ranch Road). Hikers will meet at the entrance to the nature center at 7 a.m. Admission is free. For more info., call Sherry at (561) 963-9906.

• Palm Beach County amateur radio operators will work around the clock June 28 and 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 Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station at the corner of Okeechobee Blvd. and D Road in Loxahatchee Groves. Setup time begins at 2 p.m. June 28. The public is invited. For more info., call Rob Pease at (561) 3589999.

Sunday, 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., donating 100 percent of the proceeds from all haircuts, color and spa services to Hospice of Palm Beach County. In the western communities, Pizzazz is located in the original Wellington Mall (12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., 561-798-1100) and the Kobosko’s Crossing shopping plaza (9112 Forest Hill Blvd., 561-793-7373).

Monday, June 30

• The Democratic Professionals Council will host Congressman Robert Wexler at a luncheon Monday, June 30 at the Marriott CityPlace (1001 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). A networking reception will begin at noon, followed by a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $35 per person in advance or $40 at the door. For additional info., e-mail Michelle McGovern at michelle @democraticprofessionals council.org.

Friday, July 4

• 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 Aquatic Complex (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a patriotic pool party. The “Family Fourth Celebration” will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). The day’s events will conclude with a fireworks extravaganza at 9 p.m. at Village Park. For more information, call (561) 7914005.

• Start your Fourth of July celebrations with the Village of Royal Palm Beach at the annual Firecracker Golf Tournament held at the Links at Madison Green. A shotgun start at 8 a.m. will be followed by a barbecue luncheon at the Madison Green clubhouse, with longest drive, closest to the pin and other contests held throughout the morning to ensure a great time. Register now with a foursome for $240 or as an individual for $60. Applications are available at the RPB Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way), the RPB Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane) or the Links at Madison Green clubhouse (2001 Crestwood Blvd. North). For more info., call (561) 790-5149. 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.

Red,WhiteandBlueFishingTournament LakesideChallenger.Registrationbeginsat7:00AM.

FirecrackerGolfTournamentatMadisonGreen

Shotgunstartat8:00AM,scrambleformat,contests andBBQLunchtofollowthetournament.

Thecostis$240.00afoursomeandpre-registrationisrequired andacceptedattheRecreationorCulturalCenter.

Firecracker3on3BasketballTournament attheRecreationCenter

Double-eliminationformatbeginsat9:00AMand pre-registrationisrequiredandaccepted attheRecreationCenter.Fee:$50.00perteam.

Business Space For Sale Or Lease At Palms West Industrial Park

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

The Palms West Industrial Park in Royal Palm Beach has a lot to offer potential tenants.

“We’ve got 80,000 square feet of space,” manager Justin Bates said. “And we’re new. We built the park in late 2006, so everything is really new. Why not move into a really new place?”

The park, located behind the Al Packer West Ford dealership on Southern Blvd., has 40 bays ranging in size from 1,000 to 10,000 square feet for purchase or lease. “We can give you just a shell so that you can put in whatever you want, or we can actually build a complete office for you,” Bates said. “Almost everyone asks us to put in a bathroom. Every bay, of course, has plumbing and electrical connections. Many of our customers ask for air conditioning, and we can do that.”

Bates said the park’s owners are able to provide their expertise about setting up a business in the western communities.

“We know a lot of the businesses around here,” he said. “If people need special equipment, we know who to call. We feel that part of our job is to help our clients succeed. Some of our cus-

tomers only want shells, and others want a turnkey operation — and we make sure they get what they want.”

Bates said the park has a manager on hand almost all of the time. “We’ve helped out a lot of our people,” he said. “Often we can fix something, and if we can’t do it, we know someone who can.”

Bates noted that the park’s setting near Southern Blvd. offers a great location without the premium price. “Because we are not right on the big road, our rates are lower, but within a minute or two you can be at State Road 7 going east or over to Royal Palm Beach going west,” he said. “This is one of the really great locations for businesses. We’re quiet right here, but our clients can move around the county fast.”

Bates noted that the Palms West Industrial Park has good connections with a local bank.

“We’ve been able to help potential customers get financing,” he said. “That allows them to get started quickly.”

The day the Town-Crier visited, partner Jeff Hogue was discussing terms with a potential customer. Hogue was able to discuss arranging financing, get-

‘Some of our customers only want shells, and others want a turnkey operation — and we make sure they get what they want.’ —

Justin Bates

ting necessary permits and having the man set up by the next day.

“We move fast because we have the connections,” Bates said. “We get financing for our clients on very good terms, usually better than they could do on their own. We all work together. Even better, we already have permits for many of the spaces, which means the paperwork is very simple.”

The park is zoned for industrial uses with one of its buildings also zoned to allow automotive work. “We have special drains on the floor to retain chemicals there, and everything flows into a skimmer. We have several good-sized businesses already here that really use that zoning,” Bates said. “Many industrial parks don’t have that. There’s virtually nothing that a company is not able to do under our zoning.”

Over 75 percent of the park has already been sold or leased. “But we have some very good bays left,” Bates said. “So far most of our clients have been successful.”

Bates invited anyone interested in buying or leasing a bay to visit. “Walk around and talk to our clients here,” he said. “We’ve worked hard to make sure that our clients are happy.”

Palms West Industrial Park is located on 105th Street North in Royal Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 722-1194.

PHOTO BY LEONARD WECHSLER/TOWN-CRIER

Business Park — Palms West Industrial Park Manager Justin Bates stands in front of the park, located behind the Al Packer West Ford dealership on Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach.

Open House June 28 At Vibe Fitness Studio

Vibe Fitness Studio in Wellington will hold an open house/ customer appreciation event on Saturday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event will feature free training sessions, food donated by local restaurants, vendors offering a variety of products (clothing, jewelry, supplements) and a contest awarding a free month-long membership to the client who brings in the most guests. Vibe uses a machine called the Power Plate, which cuts down exercise time from

two hours a day, five days a week to 30 minutes a day, three days a week. It uses the principles of acceleration training to stimulate the body’s natural response to vibration. Other services Vibe offers include kickboxing, free-weight training, and elliptical and treadmill machines.

Vibe Fitness Studio is located in the Wellington Reserve at 1039 State Road 7, Suite 102. For more information, call (866) 927-8423 or visit www.vibe fitness.net.

Braga McDonald’s Crew Member Of The Year

Some say he’s one in a million. Actually, it’s one in 36,135. That’s the top position held by Josef Braga, a Wellington McDonald’s employee named Crew Member of the Year for the State of Florida.

Braga, a 23-year-old crew member at the McDonald’s restaurant at 1470 Greenview Shores Blvd., started working at the restaurant three years ago. He is the “top gun” in the grill area, tasked with orienting and helping all new hires, and has become a chief motivator of the 50-member staff.

The statewide honor was based on his contribution to the business, including criteria such as demonstrating exceptional customer service, compliments received from customers and coworkers, and his leadership at the restaurant and in the community.

McDonald’s owner Melton Management nominated Braga, who received the honor at a regional meeting recently. “Josef consistently goes beyond his job description to make a real difference,” said Mark Watson, a partner in Melton Management. “He’s a great communicator and puts those skills to work in every aspect of his job. He consistently makes the extra effort.”

Braga will be honored by the Wellington Village Council during its June 24 meeting.

The 23-year-old Wellington resident and 2003 Wellington High School graduate credits his ability to communicate in large part for his success. He also hones that skill with his hobby, Japanese-style cartoon art.

“I love my job, and I enjoy working here,” Braga said. “I try to insert that enthusiasm and a dose of inspiration into my work with my fellow crew members and customers and keep everyone informed.”

Last year, as the restaurant was completing a makeover, Braga authored lively countdown memos to the crew on the progress and plans for the grand re-opening. He also keeps up with birthdays and special community events and makes the crew aware of them.

Braga’s manager, Mary Allen, describes him as “a true ambassador” for the restaurant.

“He enjoys introducing himself to customers and has an amazing ability to recall their names and preferences when they return days or even weeks later,” she said. “Our daily customers ask for him if he isn’t

here because he takes the time to get to know them personally.”

Here’s one example: Braga affectionately dubbed one lunch customer with a regular order as the “Salad Lady.” He calls for her special-order salad the moment he sees her coming.

Braga said that he sees great potential in remaining with McDonald’s and taking advantage of the many growth opportunities the company offers.

“Long-term I want to start my own business,” he said. “For now, I see there is great opportunity in managing at McDonald’s.”

Bobcat North American Road Tour Stops In West Palm Beach

As part of the year-long 50th anniversary celebration of the Bobcat loader, a traveling historical exhibit is visiting 23 Bobcat dealers in the United States and Canada. The “Bobcat 50 Years Unleashed North American Road Tour” stopped at Bobcat of Palm Beach on Tuesday, June 3.

Guests who visited Bobcat of Palm Beach viewed an exhibit with an overview of Bobcat history, several early Bobcat loaders and a collection of Bobcat memorabilia from the last 50 years. Attendees viewed demonstrations showing Bobcat equipment and the numerous applications the equipment can perform when used with Bobcat attachments.

These demonstrations culminated with a performance of the Bobcat Square Dance, a choreographed routine featuring four

Bobcat skid-steer loaders dancing like a group of human square dancers. Equipment operators were able to test their skill on Bobcat equipment through a variety of competitions during the Bobcat Rodeo. Ten attendees were selected as finalists for the Great Road Tour Giveaway. At the end of the road tour, finalists from each dealership will be included in a national drawing. The winner of the Great Road Tour Giveaway will receive one of two $50,000 contractor equipment packages. The finalists included Jay Vertucci, Joe Bricketto, Gustave Janssen, Ricky Moxley, Bert Holden, Joe Scotten, Paul Gurdak, Paul Hackl, Martin Valasquez, and Pedro and Daisy Torres.

Attendees also participated in BobCare clinics — seminars explaining Bobcat equipment maintenance practices. In 1958, a company from

North Dakota forged a partnership with two blacksmith-inventor brothers and built a machine that changed the way people worked. Melroe Manufacturing Company purchased the rights to an innovative machine designed by Cyril and Louis Keller.

The first Melroe Self-Propelled Loader was a threewheeled, front-end loader that was the precursor to the skidsteer loader in 1960 and the Bobcat brand two years later.

Throughout 2008, Bobcat Company will commemorate the partnership between the Melroe brothers and the Keller brothers, and the little loader that started the compact equipment industry 50 years ago.

For 50 years, the Bobcat Company has unleashed ways to work better, smarter and faster. During 2008, the company is celebrating the 50th an-

niversary of Bobcat compact equipment, which began with the Melroe three-wheeled front-end loader. That machine evolved into the Bobcat skidsteer loader and spawned the modern compact equipment industry. Today, Bobcat continues to lead the world in the design, manufacture and distribution of compact equipment.

The Bobcat Company, headquartered in West Fargo, N.D., is part of Doosan Infracore International (DII), a U.S.-based subsidiary of Doosan Infracore, a global manufacturer of construction equipment.

Bobcat of Palm Beach is located at 5731 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach. and can be reached by phone at (561) 6899880. More information about the dealership can also be found at www.bobcatofpalmbeach. com.

Josef Braga

Some of the machines inside the Vibe Fitness studio.

A performance of the Bobcat Square Dance.

Southern Pool Plasterers: The Right Materials And Experience

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

Southern Pool Plasterers has a very limited mission: to make certain that when a pool is plastered, it is done perfectly.

“We make certain our crew is there on time, and we make certain the work is done right,” owner Kim Allert said. “This is a woman-owned business, and you can bet I also make sure that everything is cleaned up. We even make certain that our truck leaves no oil on the road in front of a house.”

Allert’s crew chief Omar Hernandez, or “Omar the Magnificent” as Allert likes to call him, has been with company since it was founded seven years ago. Hernandez leads a crew of five people who each know their task.

“All the members of the crew have been around for at least a couple of years,” Hernandez said. “Any time we have a new member, he starts as the outside guy, mixing the plaster and bringing it to the pool. It takes months before I let him actually work on a pool. The people who actually work on the pool have all been working for a long period of time.”

At a job site in Wellington, Hernandez noted the sponges on the bottom of the crew’s shoes when going into the pool.

“That’s the kind of care we take,” Hernandez said. “When we first put the wet plaster on, we need to walk through it on cleats. But as it hardens, we take good care to make sure we don’t do anything that would leave marks. Everything has to be perfect. That’s my job. A good job is not enough. We want a perfect one.”

Allert noted that her crew, even in the middle of their work, had not made a mess.

“When they finish, there won’t be any plaster around, and even the hose will be clean,” she said.

Allert said her company’s base in Loxahatchee Groves offers an advantage to customers in the western communities.

Many pool owners choose to re-plaster their pools after a certain number of years, Allert noted.

“The chemicals in most pools can do damage,” she explained. “Most people who have older pools used some chemicals that did damage if they were used over and over. We’ve learned a lot about how to treat pools better in the past few years, but the damage was done.”

Salesman Gavin Guy said some customers simply want to change the look of their pool.

“Many people like to use Diamond Brite, one of the nicest new coverings,” he said. “Those are blends of selected quartz aggregates and fortified white cement, which is ideal for new or re-finished swimming pools. There are a variety of different colors. It’s more durable than regular cement.”

Allert said her company also works with contractors building new pools. “Getting the surface just right is absolutely vital,” she said. “They call us to come by and make certain that part of the job is right.”

People are turning their pool areas into home entertainment centers, Allert said.

“As people add spa sections and waterfalls to their pools, they bring more friends over to enjoy them,” she said. “And they want their pools and decks to be perfect. We want them to be satisfied. And I check every job.”

Allert has been a member of the Florida Swimming Pool Association for years and is on its board of directors. “This is an important group,” she said. “We want to make sure that swimming pools, which are a staple of life in Florida, are as well made and as safe as possible. People use them all year round here.”

Allert said her crew’s experience is the best reason to use her company.

“I work hard to keep my employees happy,” she said. “They have been working for us for years and they know how to do it right.”

For more information about Southern Pool Plasterers, call (561) 722-7690.

“If you don’t like it, you know where we are,” she said. “Also, we collect our money after we’re done. We don’t ask for any deposits in advance. We have to make sure things are perfect.”

A Solid Foundation — Kim Allert, Gavin Guy and Mary McNall of Southern Pool Plasterers watch their crew at work on a pool in Wellington.

PHOTO BY LEONARD WECHSLER/TOWN-CRIER

Renee And Bill Anderson Join Coldwell Banker’s Office In Wellington

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate recently announced that Renee and Bill Anderson, an experienced Realtor team formerly with Keller Williams Realty, have joined the company’s Wellington office.

According to Renee Anderson, “Bill and I chose Coldwell Banker for its brand recognition, marketing tools and enormous international presence.” Residents of the Wellington area for five years, the Andersons specialize in residential, luxury and second home property sales.

“We are very happy to welcome Renee and Bill to our team,” said Charlie Kohlhepp, branch manager of the Wellington office. “They have an ideal combination of real es-

tate experience, knowledge of the area and commitment to superior customer service that leads to making customers for life.”

Renee and Bill Anderson may be reached at the Wellington office at (561) 793-3400.

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate is the leading real estate brokerage company in Florida, serving Central Florida, Palm Beach, Sarasota Bay, Southeast Florida, Southwest Florida and Tampa Bay.

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate is part of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company. NRT, a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, operates Realogy’s company-owned real estate brokerage offices.

American Business Women’s Association

The Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will host its monthly meeting on Wednesday, July 9 at the PGA DoubleTree Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens. Networking will take place from 6 to 6:30 p.m.; dinner and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. The featured speaker will be Paul Erdek of www.florida gardener.com. He will discuss the topic “Gardening in Florida.” The cost is $30 for members and non-members. Guests are welcome.

To make reservations, or for more information, call Dee Weber at (561) 626-2027.

The DoubleTree Hotel is located at 4431 PGA Blvd. For directions to the hotel, call (561) 622-2260.

The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professional through leadership, education, networking, support and national recognition. For more information on the American Business Women’s Association, call Chapter President Janice Kuhns at (561) 7479118.

PALMS WEST CHAMBER WELCOMES

The Palms West Chamber of Commerce ambassadors recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Balmore House Adult Family Care Home located at 12137 86th Road N. in The Acreage. Owner Fae Smith, a registered nurse, has provided exceptional caring for adults and aging individuals in semi-private and private rooms. Services provided at Balmore House Adult Family Care Home include personal daily assistance, meals, utilities, 24-hour registered nurses and educational programs. Laundry and weekly housekeeping are all included. For more information about the Balmore House Adult Family Care, call (561) 644-7753 or e-mail smithfae @yahoo.com. For more information about the chamber call (561) 790-6200. Pictured here are Palms West Chamber of Commerce Membership Director Debi Leed, Maggie Zeller, Eric Gordon, Balmore owner Fae Smith, Director of Operations Tania Cohen, Director of Community Relations David Cohen and Keith Jordano.

Bored This Summer? Host A Lia Sophia Jewelry Show

The bond between a mother and daughter is precious. And with Lia Sophia, that bond can be even more precious, in terms of jewelry, that is.

For mothers looking for a fun way to spend time with their daughters over the summer break, Wellington-area Lia Sophia advisor Sylvia Schaefer suggests they host a Lia Sophia jewelry show together. Schaefer said it offers a fun and exciting way to shop and mingle with friends — mother-daughter style.

“With so many busy schedules, it’s often hard for mothers to find the time to spend with family. However, hosting a jewelry show together is the perfect

opportunity to get in that quality time that is so essential,” Schaefer said. “This builds on the Lia Sophia mission — to connect women to their dreams, while still providing them with flexible schedules, giving them more time for all the important things in life.”

Lia Sophia is a fashion jewelry company that offers a wide array of selections through in-home demonstrations. According to Schaefer, Lia Sophia is committed to connect women to their dreams, from obtaining trendy jewelry to offering advisors, hostesses and customers an extensive line of high-quality products and an unparalleled

opportunity to own their own business.

With the colorful array of selections of earrings, necklaces and bracelets available in the Lia Sophia spring/summer 2008 catalog, Schaefer said mothers and daughters will enjoy spending time with their friends and shopping through the assortment of pieces.

“For most women, fashion is always a great conversation starter,” Schaefer said. “For myself, to work with jewelry is a plus, but it’s an added bonus to be a part of a company that offers a fun experience and the opportunity to increase my earnings. Others can also embark on this opportunity

simply by entering the world of fashion through our jewelry shows. They will have the time of their lives.”

Lia Sophia is a unique direct-selling opportunity offering fashion jewelry through personalized inhome demonstrations. The company’s goal is to improve the lifestyles of its advisors, hostesses and customers with products and opportunities.

For more information about Lia Sophia, or to find out how you and your daughter can host a Lia Sophia jewelry show, visit www.liasophia. com/sylviaschaefer. To contact the company, call (800) 4873323.

Yearwood, Coldwater Creek Partner For Fundraiser

Imagine beginning a journey that ends with a cure for breast cancer.

That’s the inspiration behind women’s apparel retailer Coldwater Creek’s new Susan G. Komen fundraiser “Share Your Journey... for the Cure,” an engaging viral fundraising program launched in joint effort with country music star Trisha Yearwood, author of Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen and passionate breast health advocate.

“I’ve walked 60 miles in the breast cancer three-day event to help find a cure, but the real journey has just begun,” Yearwood

said of her support of the fundraiser.

“We’re so excited to have Trisha Yearwood support our program,” said Jane Doherty, store manager of the Coldwater Creek location in Wellington. “She’s as passionate as we are in our desire to not only raise awareness, but also to raise funds for the South Florida affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. We invite all who live in the Wellington area to join with us in spreading the hope for a cure and enjoy the fun of watching your donations grow for our community!”

To start your journey, pick up

a donation card at Coldwater Creek in the Mall at Wellington Green or visit www.coldwater creek.com/journey. After making a donation online, everyone will receive a referrer ID and email to pass on to friends, family and coworkers, breast cancer survivors and co-survivors, inspiring additional donations along the way. Passing it on to others is the key to success, and what a thrill it is to watch your donations grow. Imagine... if eight people pass it on to eight people and they pass it on to eight people, what a powerful way to share the message and make a real difference.

No purchase is necessary to activate the card, and the minimum donation amount is just $1. As a National Series Sponsor, Coldwater Creek supports both the national and local affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Coldwater Creek has donated more than $4.6 million to Komen.

Coldwater Creek’s involvement includes participation in over 100 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure events, the Share the Hope gift cards sales program and the Share the Promise bracelet sales. For more information, call (561) 514-1357.

Bill Anderson Renee Anderson

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

HORIZON ROOFING QUALITY WORK & SERVICE — Free estimates, reliable & on time. No Deposits. Pay upon completion, residential, commercial, reroofing, repairs, credit cards accepted. 561-842-6120. Lic.#CCC1328598

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

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 TUTORING IN YOUR HOME • All Subjects • Pre K- Adult • Home school • SAT/ACT/FCAT Test Prep • Study Skills ** FCAT SPECIAL ** CLUBZTUTORING.COM 333-1980 America’s Largest In-Home Tutoring Co. TUTORING SERVICES AVAILABLERecent WHS graduate available for English, Math and French Tutoring Assistance - Reasonable rates upon request. Call Fabrice, (561) 798-9995

PAPERHANGING & PAINTING

AT DAY CAMP IN LOXAHATCHEE - work with kids and horses 14 and up only. Community Service hours & riding time. Lifeguard needed for Summer Camp, July 7 - Aug. 1. Easy job. 561-7922666. Weekend Call Coordinator Busy Real Estate office in Wellington is in search of a front desk person to handle busy phones and provide showing instructions along with other light duty administrative skills. Candidate must have computer & phone skills, be responsible, and friendly. Prior front desk real estate experience a plus. Please email resume or work history to Sbianco@kw.com PILATES INSTRUCTORS NEEDED — will train. 561-784-3828

HOUSECLEANING - Mature lady, needed for Friday Mornings each week. Experience & references required. 561795-7552. PROFESSIONAL BODY GUARDS NEEDED - Free training. Free Travel. $300-$800 per day. No Experience Needed. No Felonies. 866-271-7779

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