Town-Crier Newspaper June 26, 2009

To

102 YEARS YOUNG!

Gertrude Wollner Kraft of Loxahatchee turned 102 years old on June 19, celebrating with family and friends at a party hosted by her granddaughter Linda Burton. A lifetime baseball fan, Kraft spends her days on the back porch doing crossword puzzles and word searches followed by her evening ritual of watching her favorite television show, Everybody Loves Raymond, and playing cards with Burton’s family. Pictured above, Kraft celebrates with her family members. STORY & PHOTOS, PAGE 9

Wildlife Officials Cut Short Bear’s Wellington Vacation

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Lake Park. Page 5

Three Area High Schools See Grades Dip In State Report Three high schools serving the western communities dropped a letter grade this year, according to the annual school grades released last week by the Florida Department of Education. Page 7

Wellington Library Celebrates The County’s Centennial

The Wellington library featured a presentation by “Centennial Sue” on Monday. Ages five and up celebrated Palm Beach County’s birthday with a trip back 100 years hosted by turn-of-the-century schoolteacher Centennial Sue (a.k.a. Suzy Hammer). Page 10

A 310-pound black bear that wandered through Wellington this week is being relocated to Osceola National Forest in northern Florida, according to state wildlife officials.

The bear, spotted several times since Sunday in the Aero Club and Binks Forest areas of northwestern Wellington, was immobilized by a tranquilizer dart on Wednesday after wildlife officials found it near Southern Blvd. south of Palms West Hospital.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission officers discovered the bear had previously been captured in Weston on May 31, then tagged and released in Collier County 100 miles from Wellington, according to Fish & Wildlife information officer Gabriella Ferraro.

On Tuesday, wildlife officers set up a baited bear trap made from a length of metal drainpipe, which failed to attract the bear. David Hitzig, executive director of the

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, said the bear was found the next day making itself at home in a spot along Southern Blvd. near the C-51 Canal.

“That area between two cypress trees had saw palmetto, coco plum, strangler fig, sabal palm and grapevines,” Hitzig said during a Wednesday press conference. “He had his own little hotel room.”

While the bear seemed interested in staying put, the location offered challenges to those tasked with removing it.

“We were faced with some tough issues,” Hitzig said. “We had a canal on one side and Southern Blvd. on the other. At one point it decided to come up to the guard rail.”

Ferraro said that was when wildlife officers decided to tranquilize it.

“That became a safety issue for the motorists and for the bear,” she told the TownCrier Thursday. “At one point it was ready to go over the guard rail.”

Hitzig said he came within

eight to 12 feet of the bear at about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday to get a good shot with a tranquilizer dart gun. “The tiniest leaf can turn the dart,” he explained.

They were also concerned that the tranquilized bear might go into the canal, Hitzig said. Bears are good swimmers but can drown if tranquilized. Wildlife officers had a helicopter in the air to track it if it bolted and a boat in the canal in case they had to pull it out of the water.

Five wildlife officials lifted the bear into the trap and cooled it down with bags of ice.

Ferraro thanked Wellington residents who had cooperated with wildlife officials by taking their garbage cans, pet food and bird feeders indoors.

“We are pleased that this bear did not run into trouble with residents of Wellington,” she said. “A bear that doesn’t have any food will likely move on. It was a good thing that there were no negative encounters with humans or any property damage.”

PHOTO BY RON

Wellington OKs New, Pro-Business Zoning Category

By Mark Lioi Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Village Council approved a pair of measures Tuesday designed to make the village a more inviting presence for medium and large businesses with high-paying jobs.

One ordinance creates a new “flexible use” zoning classification aimed at attracting clean industrial activity, while the other establishes an expedited permitting process for businesses looking to expand or set up in the village bringing increased employment opportunities.

The new zoning classification, called “Flexible Use Zoning Employment Center,” does away with two previous classifications, “Light Industrial District” and “Planned Industrial Park District,” Planner Bill Nemser told the council.

“This is designed essentially to be a portable economic development plan to encourage location of new businesses here and relocation of existing businesses into the village,” he said.

The new classification would be compatible with the village’s Medical Commercial, Mixed Use, Industrial and Community Commercial land-use designations.

Village staff members have proposed the rezoning of the village’s two existing industrial parks, Wellington Commerce Park East and West off Pierson Road, to the new classification.

Viola Sanchez, a representative of the parks’ parent company PS Business Parks, told the council the commerce parks are currently suf-

fering a vacancy rate of 16 percent and are seeking more flexibility.

“This would just offer us a little bit more of an alternative and options,” she said. “It will help us short-term, but I think long-term it will allow me to continue to build a well diversified tenant base that will survive through these economic ups and downs.”

The staff report suggested that the new classification would create sustainable new employment centers bringing new jobs into the village, but not necessarily more residents or retail centers. Besides bolstering the village’s tax base, the zoning would also ease traffic pressures by offering workers a local commute.

But Councilman Howard Coates took issue with a table of permitted and conditional uses for the zoning, such as car washes and contractors’ storage yards. He said he was not so concerned about the existing commerce parks as much as the potential for such uses cropping up in other areas of the village if more properties win the zoning classification.

“Once a piece of property has its classification, if it’s a permitted use, it is much more difficult to stop the property owner from utilizing the property,” he said.

While other council members suggested combing through the list of uses before the ordinance gets its second and final approval, Councilman Matt Willhite said he would rather see it tabled until such issues are resolved.

“Even though you may not

See FLEX USE, page 18

Folke Peterson Shutting Down

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

After months of hanging on by a thread, the Folke Peterson Wildlife Sanctuary will close next month due to lack of funds, Executive Director Heather Landstrom said this week.

Before closing its doors, the five-year-old non-profit organization must release or move more than 350 injured and displaced native Florida wildlife, Landstrom said.

“If their rehab is close to complete, we will try to get them released back into the ecosystem,” Landstrom told the Town-Crier on Thursday.

“Those that still need time will go to other licensed rehab facilities.”

About 50 animals that can’t be released due to the extent of their injuries will go to other wildlife centers, nature centers, zoos or museums that have the appropriate licenses and use them in educational programs, Landstrom added.

Landstrom and her 16 staff members at the Wellingtonarea sanctuary are now

scrambling for new jobs, preferably in the wildlife rehabilitation field.

“We have veterinary technicians that assist our consulting veterinarian and also do treatments, and our wildlife care manager is not only a vet tech, she is also a licensed rehabilitator,” said Landstrom, who specializes in management of non-profit organizations.

“I’m primarily a fundraiser,” said Landstrom, who explained that the center is funded primarily through foundation grants, which have decreased dramatically due to the economic downturn. Falling investment values have left many foundations with less to give. The money the center has left will allow it to care for and move the animals over the next four weeks.

“We have enough money left that will allow us to continue to care for the animals that are still here during the time that it’s going to take to transfer them all out,” Landstrom said. “While they are

See WILDLIFE, page 18

RPB To Seek Public Input On Madrid Connection

been contacting the village.

about 12,200 vehicles a day.

18

gather data on the impact of opening the connection between the extension and the La Mancha neighborhood. Mayor David Lodwick raised the question at the council meeting because residents both for and against the opening have

It extends from Okeechobee Blvd. to Orange Grove and Persimmon boulevards, giving residents of The Acreage an alternative to using Royal Palm Beach Blvd. County engineers included an intersection at Madrid. Completing the connection would only require laying several feet of asphalt and removing an existing traffic barrier.

While the council has taken a consistent wait-and-see approach to allowing the connection, Lodwick said the time could be right for a review of the situation.

swer, but we promised we would listen to the residents,” Lodwick said. “A couple of La Mancha residents that I’ve known a long time are asking when it is even going to be talked about, and I think that’s a fair question to be asked.”

“I guess we’ve all seen some e-mails coming and going, but I’ve talked to maybe half a dozen residents sort of questioning when are we going to start discussion, meetings, a survey, whatever we are going to do to find out what our residents want or don’t want done with that connection,” Lodwick said. “We have said consistently in the past we are going to allow the road to be open for a period of time so that traffic can settle in.” Lodwick said the new road, which was opened by the county in April, carries See MADRID, page

“I don’t know the right an-

Councilman David Swift, who lives in La Mancha, said many of his neighbors are dead set against the connection. “That area was never planned to have a major road connection,” he said. “People who live at that connection will be severely impacted in terms of the price of their house. I see it creating all

kinds of problems in the area.” Swift said he is concerned about drivers cutting through and making northbound traffic heavier on La Mancha Avenue. Some La Mancha residents want to make better time coming and going from their neighborhood, but Swift said they could be served by adjusting the traffic signal timing at Ponce de Leon Street and Okeechobee Blvd. He said the traffic at that intersection has dropped significantly since the extension opened, and suggested de-

CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

Bear Caught — The tranquilized black bear, being kept cool by bags of ice, lies in a trap before being relocated to the Osceola National Forest.

BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington JCC Branch Closing, But Programs Will Continue

By Mark Lioi Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington branch of the Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches is closing its doors at the end of the month but is not going away.

Representatives of the branch said this week that the JCC would continue to offer programs and organize events in the western communities in partnership with local synagogues and other community organizations.

The JCC opened its Wellington location in a 3,600square-foot storefront in the Wellington Marketplace shopping plaza in October 2006, providing educational and cultural activities for both children and adults.

It was the third location for the Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches, after the Kaplan branch on Military Trail in West Palm Beach and the Hochman branch on Jog Road in Boynton Beach, both with amenities like classrooms and fitness centers.

Neil Jacobson serves as treasurer on the JCC’s board of directors and also chairs the Wellington JCC’s Operations Committee. A Wellington resident, he said the Wellington branch operated a bit differently than the first two locations.

“Because we were a storefront and we did not have a gym, obviously, we did not have preschool, we did not have a camp, membership would have not worked at this facility,” he said. “It was more of a programming location. We weren’t really soliciting membership, we weren’t even charging for membership; we were putting on events, and you pay as you go. For instance, the Hanukkah party — I believe this year’s Hanukkah party was $18 per family. We couldn’t justify membership out here

without having those other benefits.”

Jacobson said the JCC’s Boynton branch is thriving, but the West Palm Beach branch, in operation for two decades, is discontinuing many of its services and programs due to a dwindling Jewish population in the city. But with a strong Jewish presence in Palm Beach Gardens, the JCC is on track to open a new location at Downtown at the Gardens in an existing storefront this fall, much like the Wellington branch has operated.

The decision to shut down the West Palm Beach and Wellington locations was taken late last year as a response to the struggling economy, Jacobson said.

“Every organization — I don’t care if it’s a JCC, a synagogue, other types of religious organizations, other civic organizations — everyone is feeling the pinch of the economy today,” he said. “I don’t think we’re going to see the economy get better anytime real soon, and I think it’s important for organizations to work together in order to cut expenses, and it’s just huge — to run even a small facility like the one in Wellington was a lot of expense, but to run a JCC such as the one in West Palm, expenses are huge and very tough to justify.”

Jacobson said the retooling of the JCC’s Wellington presence is not such a cause for anguish, as the new approach will forge stronger ties with local synagogues.

“For instance, we currently are holding summer camp at Temple Beth Zion, which is over in Royal Palm Beach, so we actually have Camp Shalom Jr. being held there, and this is the first year we’ve held camp in the western communities,” he said. “So even without having a facili-

See JCC, page 18

Thumbs Up For Outdoor Seating At Southern Palm

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of an application Tuesday that will more than triple outdoor seating allowed for restaurants in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping center.

Joni Brinkman of Urban Design Kilday Studios, agent for the center’s owner, said her client is requesting an additional 6,780 square feet of outdoor seating at the 54acre center that would bring total outdoor seating to 10,000 square feet. Brinkman said the center, which opened in 2006 at the northwest corner of Southern Blvd. and Lamstein Lane, has become increasingly popular, with anchor stores that include Costco, Marshalls and Stein Mart.

The center provides six outparcel food establishments including Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Outback Steakhouse, which have outdoor seating, Brinkman said. It was originally approved for 3,220 square feet of outdoor dining area as part of the site plan to serve the freestanding restaurants.

“The reason we’re here before you tonight is partly based on the success of the center,” Brinkman said.

“What has happened is the center’s success has attracted a lot of inline restaurants, which also need to provide some outdoor seating, and it’s a critical component of these smaller restaurants. Actually, they are competing with some of the larger restaurants on the site.”

The smaller establishments include Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Rita’s Ice, Nestle Tollhouse Café, Foster’s Grille and Hurricane Grill & Wings.

The applicant is asking for variances, including that the parking requirement of 1,791 spaces be reduced to 1,765 with the provision that employees will be required to park in the north area of the

site where there are 52 parking spaces not counted in the provided parking for the center. The applicant also requests that an eight-foot requirement for clear walking space be reduced to five feet on “end-cap” establishments such as Starbucks where there is a low amount of walking traffic. The applicant also asks that a requirement for railing or screening separating outdoor tables from the walkway be eliminated.

“The applicants have agreed they will monitor the tables to see that the eightfoot pathway remains clear,” Brinkman said.

Further, the shopping center owners want to eliminate a requirement that outdoor furniture be stored inside at night, with the condition that furniture will be brought in during hurricane warnings. “This is burdensome on the tenants, especially the freestanding tenants where they have a fairly significant amount of outdoor seating,” Brinkman said, noting that village staff had recommended that in the future, furniture be considered for consistency of design. “We are certainly in agreement with that.” Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin said village staff had recommended approval of the application, including the variances, and commented that some of the inline restaurants had already put in outdoor seating.

Commission Chair Jackie Larson said she was concerned about the eight-foot clear ways with no railing.

“I see it being lost very easily once these tables and chairs become occupied,” she said.

Erwin said it would become a code enforcement issue if the tables start to creep.

“These property owners are very involved, and they work with code enforcement and staff quite regularly,” he said. Senior Planner Bradford

See SEATING, page 18

‘SUMMER SOLSTICE’ BENEFITS THE MARSHALL EDUCATIONAL FUND

“A Summer Solstice Celebration,” a fundraiser to benefit the Arthur R. Marshall Educational Fund, was held last Friday at 33480 Bar & Grill in West Palm Beach. Artist Bruce Helander unveiled his special collage that evening. In addition, John and Nancy Marshall introduced the 2009 summer interns. For more info., call (561) 805-TREE or email plantcypress@aol.com.

WEST PALM BEACH CARNIVAL RETURNS TO THE FAIRGROUNDS

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Jen Scoz, Laura Lueckenhoff and Maureen Conte.

Bruce Helander, Nancy Marshall, Paul Fisher and John Marshall.Bruce Helander unveils his collage.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

The second annual West Palm Beach Carnival took place last Saturday at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Presented by the Palm Beach County Multicultural Organization, a portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the Palm Beach School of Autism.

Doshynko Sullivan and Verona Wynter of the Fun Generation Costume Band. Kevin Forbes and Sarah Taylor.

The Junkanoo Sensation dancers.

OUR OPINION

Be Safe On The Fourth: Take Part In The Community Events

The coming Independence Day holiday is our annual reminder of how fortunate we are to live in the United States of America, and the countdown to this year’s celebrations has already begun. And because Fourth of July activities often include fireworks and other potential hazards, now is the time to heed the warnings that come along with this time of year.

Every year, the Fourth of July holiday leads to many injuries and some deaths associated with improper use of fireworks. In Florida, fireworks exist in a gray area of the law. They are easy to obtain, but not exactly legal to set off — and extremely dangerous in the wrong hands. The bottom line is that fireworks belong with the professionals.

The problems with fireworks are compounded by the fact that we live in an area with many horses, and horses (and other animals, for that matter) do not mix well with fireworks. Horses can be easily spooked, which may cause them to bolt from their stalls or paddocks. While many horse owners sedate their steeds in anticipation of the holiday, the onus is on those setting off fireworks to be mindful of their neighbors, four-legged and twolegged. Following a New Year’s Eve incident in which a rare parrot thrashed itself to death possibly because of a private fireworks display, the Town of Loxahatchee Groves began looking into the idea of banning the sale and

Unhappy With Golf Course Ordinance

The Wellington Village Council unanimously approved a new noise ordinance, on second reading, at their June 23 meeting.

Henceforward, beginning at 6 a.m. every morning of the year, golf courses may operate heavy machinery as close as 20 feet or less (in some cases) to a residence. The noise level of the machinery can be unlimited. For any person who lives next to a golf course, and who likes to sleep until sunrise, that sleep can be interrupted by anywhere from a half an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the time of year. That is, there is never a day that the sun rises before 6:30 a.m. and it rises as late as 7:30 a.m.

The council could have known this fact if they had cared to learn it. In any event, they knew that there were complaints, but made absolutely no effort to do anything about them. They completely abandoned ordinary citizens and voted to reward golf course owners. By their own reckoning, golf courses may be able to make as much as $27,000 a week more under the new ordinance as opposed to the old one. While the council was made aware that there is machinery available that makes far less noise than that which the courses now use, they made no change in the ordinance that might require the courses to spend any of that potential $27,000 a week on lowering noise levels. Some members of council decided that the only reason there were complaints was because of a sour-grapes at-

titude on the part of residents living next to the Wanderers Club. They totally disregarded the fact that Wanderers initiated a much more aggressive maintenance effort than the old Wellington Club used. I suppose it was a convenient way for the council to vote for the course owners rather than consider ordinary citizens’ concerns. The council also turned a blind eye (or perhaps deaf ear) to actual noise measurements that were made by me. When I offered to verify those measurements, there was no response from any council member. Again, if they were verified, the council would have had to admit that the noise wasn’t truly as low as staff’s flawed measurements indicated. This time, only residents next to golf courses are adversely affected by council’s choosing commerce rather than citizen quality of life. What about the next change in an ordinance that is requested by commercial interests? That one might affect you.

Phil Sexton Wellington Fireworks Are For The Fourth

Why are we listening to fireworks and firecrackers in June? I understand it is good, clean, harmless fun to most. But to those with small children needing to sleep or with pets that are afraid of the noise, it isn’t harmless fun. Please be considerate. Before you or your children light the next match, think of your neighbors. Save the celebration for July 4 and then put them away.

Mandy Burkart Wellington

use of fireworks. While that will take some time, and would require state action, the town approved the short-term measures of placing signs to warn against fireworks use and hiring extra deputies to enforce existing laws.

The best idea for celebrating Independence Day is attending one of several public festivities hosted by local governments.

Several events are planned in Wellington to celebrate the Fourth of July. From noon to 5 p.m., there’s the Patriotic Pool Party at the Aquatics Complex (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Beginning at 6 p.m., Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) will host the Family Fourth Celebration. This will include inflatable rides, face painting and a live performance by local band Rumour Hazit. The evening will conclude at 9:15 p.m. with a fireworks extravaganza by Zambelli Fireworks.

Royal Palm Beach will celebrate the Fourth of July by taking part in the Star Spangled Spectacular beginning at 4 p.m. at the Cruzan Amphitheatre at the South Florida Fairgrounds. It will feature games and entertainment, and will be followed by a fireworks display.

Instead of taking the risk of staging your own fireworks display, take the time to celebrate the Fourth of July with the community — it’s safe, legal and more kind to the animals.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Kudos On RPB’s 50th Anniversary

Congratulations on a job well done to the Village of Royal Palm Beach staff for putting on a memorable, successful and fun-filled 50th anniversary celebration. The festivity provided an array of activities that allowed residents of all ages and stages to enjoy. From fireworks, to cookoffs and pie-eating contests, we were given the opportunity to celebrate the simple things in life as a community.

Today, just like back then, the simple part of life was spending time with friends and neighbors where alcohol was not required to be on the guest list. Our children were able to enjoy a celebration without the pressures from beer advertisers or those of their misguided peers. Who could have known back then that the citizens of Palm Beach County would pay $223 million a year for the consequences related to underage drinking? No, we could have never known. But aren’t you proud to live in a town that can throw a spectacular bash while supporting our teens staying alcoholfree?

Alexa Lee Royal Palm Beach

Ministry: Inmates Need Rehabilitation

I read your article about the recognition of community and civic organizations that have been contributing to the community of Royal Palm Beach for the past 50 years. I would like to let it be known

there is at least one more group of volunteers that have organized for a very noble purpose.

At the Cross Inc. (ATC) was established in October 2007 as a Christian-based non-profit organization to help inmates become successful when they are released. Many inmates are incarcerated as a result of acts they have committed while addicted to drugs or alcohol. ATC is a prison ministry that provides substance-abuse training in state prisons in Palm Beach County. The ministry also provides Bible studies and self-improvement courses to inmates.

ATC assists inmates who have demonstrated a willingness to improve themselves during their incarceration. When an inmate is released, they are given one set of donated civilian clothing, if any is available. They are given a bus ticket to a destination within Florida. Some inmates receive $100 when released, if specific conditions are met. Many inmates are discharged with only a prison ID and no money. Statistics show that over 60 percent of all Florida felons are from South Florida. Additionally, over 40 percent of all inmates commit new felonies within three years of their release, and many more return to prison for probation violations.

If an inmate is released from prison without a family to return to, the current system is designed for failure. The primary advocate in the prison system to assist an inmate in successfully transitioning back into society is the chaplain. Last year, a report developed by the State of Florida indicated that the presence of chaplains at state correctional institutions sub-

OPINION

stantially contributed to the success of the inmates. Due to budget cuts this year, almost 60 percent of the chaplain positions were eliminated. Glades Correctional Institute only has one full-time chaplain to work with inmates at Glades Correctional Institute, Glades Work Camp, Sago Palms Work Camp, Loxahatchee Road Prison, West Palm Beach Work Release and Atlantic Work Release. There are over 1,650 prisoners supported by one chaplain.

Earlier this month, Glades Correctional Institute was rededicated as a character- and faith-based institution. The chaplain must now coordinate the activities of men of many faiths. ATC provides volunteer assistant chaplains, instructors and other assistance to support the chaplains’ efforts. Additionally, ATC is working with Prison Fellowship, Kairos International, local churches, other counties and other ministries to provide assistance to help inmates successfully transition back into society. ATC does not debate the guilt or innocence of these inmates. They have been convicted and sentenced. We do not provide “handouts” but rather assistance to those inmates who have proven through their actions that they are changing their lives. ATC works with selected inmates that are being released to help them find housing, employment, medical/dental services, prescription needs, psy-

chological services, transportation, clothing and tools for employment.

This is the Christian thing to do, but it is also economically sound. There are over 100,000 prisoners in Florida prisons today. The state spends over $52 per inmate each day, or almost $19,000 per year, for incarceration. The budget for the Florida Department of Corrections is $2.3 billion a year. The costs are escalating as a result of stiffer penalties under the “10-20-Life” law and the legislative mandate that all prisoners serve at least 85 percent of their sentence. The Florida prison system is the third largest in the United States, and the population is increasing at over 3,000 inmates each year.

ATC supports “getting tough on crime,” but we also believe in providing resources to help inmates to be successful when they are released. All ATC members are volunteers and all donations are used to specifically benefit inmates. There are many positions within the ministry that do not require interfacing directly with the inmates. If you would like to volunteer to assist the ministry or make a contribution, you can contact us by mail (At the Cross Inc., P.O. Box 372, Loxahatchee, FL 33470) or office phone (561-793-9119), cell phone (561-281-3761), fax (561-790-2264) or online (www.atthecrossinc.org). Raquel J. Lim, Secretary At the Cross Inc.

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

1927 Was An Amazing Year – And Far Different From Today

I came across a small

“memory book” my grandson Ben gave me, featuring the year 1927. Let me tell you, it was an interesting year.

Jog your memory with the average income — it was $2,400. A new car cost $495, and a loaf of bread was nine cents! This was the year

Madrid Public Input Invited

continued from page 1 creasing the red light time for drivers entering Okeechobee there.

“We’re all sitting there, and there’s nobody coming down Okeechobee,” Swift said. Swift said the village had received 11 e-mails on the connection, not enough justification to raise the question.

“It makes no sense to me,” he said. “This council has been working for 15 years on controlling traffic on La Mancha Avenue, and on Ponce de Leon, we’ve had a death there. We spent, I think,

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

George C. Scott, Sidney Poitier and tennis champ Althea Gibson were born. It was also

$130,000 per intersection for traffic calming. To open up that thing is crazy to me.”

Lodwick said he has encountered a diversity of opinion. “You saw the first two emails, the first one said it was crazy to open it, and the second one sent less than an hour later said it was crazy if we don’t,” he said. “I’m not saying what should be done. I’m just saying that at some point I’m interested in seeing what the council feels about gathering opinion.”

Vice Mayor Matty Mattioli said some in La Mancha are adamantly opposed to the connection. “When that road was designed, that connection was never supposed to be there,” he said. “How it got there, I don’t know. If they had blocked it off when they

the year the first talking movie came out (The Jazz Singer) and the song I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover was popular.

Calvin Coolidge was president in 1927, and Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs, which remained the Major League Baseball record for several decades. The average price of

built the road, we probably wouldn’t have this discussion here today.”

Village Manager David Farber said the council had previously acknowledged that the connection option should remain available, but their prime responsibility is to protect the community.

Councilman Fred Pinto said he would take no position until he gets more information.

“I don’t have enough input from the citizens on this subject,” he said. “I, too, have spoken with citizens, and the ratio of citizens who live closer to that intersection have indicated they would really prefer it not happen, but it’s not going to be the end of world if it were to happen. There are citizens farther away who feel

a new house was $7,692, while a gallon of milk cost 12 cents and gold was $20.67 per ounce. The Indianapolis 500 boasted a winning speed of 97.54 miles per hour. The New York Yankees won the World Series, and Gene Tunney beat Jack Dempsey to become heavyweight champion of the world.

they can get home ten minutes faster.”

Pinto questioned whether the Madrid Street connection would invite more out-oftown traffic to La Mancha. “We have this notion that there are going to be people using that as a pass-through to get through the town,” he said. “I would like to get some more realistic data whether that is a reality, or if it’s a false assumption. I think we have to provide that information to the citizens. We have to separate the fact from the fiction.”

Council members discussed mailing a questionnaire to residents, but Councilwoman Martha Webster said she would rather meet face-to-face with people who want to express their opinion.

The Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) was established in 1927. Mae West was fined $500 for “sexy acting,” and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was 175.

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter was born that year, along with actors Peter Falk and Roger Moore, and singer Patti Page. Believe this: the 15 millionth Ford Model-T rolled off the assembly line, Charles Lindbergh flew the Atlantic solo, and London and San Francisco were linked for the first time by telephone. And, not surprisingly, life expectancy was 54.1 years. Thanks, Ben. It was fun traveling down memory lane.

“I have seen more for this opening than opposed at this point,” Webster said. “I feel that a mailer is a skewed evaluation. Someone could fill out two or three of them; you don’t know where it’s coming from. I would rather have the opportunity to have everyone made aware that we’re going talk about it, so people on both sides of the issue can come in and discuss it.”

Lodwick said he would also like to see how traffic counts have changed on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. since the extension opened.

“We did that before the opening; we can run another set of studies to tell us how much that has dropped,” he said. “Certainly if the desire is to set a date, we can do that.

If we’re going to listen, let’s listen to everybody’s opinion.”

Lodwick said the council would also need to know more about the possible modification of traffic signal timing at Ponce de Leon and Okeechobee and a projection of traffic volume in the La Mancha neighborhood with the connection open. “We don’t want to schedule that kind of meeting with the residents if it’s a worthless meeting,” Lodwick said. “We want to be able to have answers for them and make a presentation.”

The council directed staff to update them at their July 16 meeting, when they would determine a date to invite public input.

Local Youngsters Star In Production Of ‘Willy Wonka Jr.’

By Candace Marchsteiner

Town-Crier Staff Report

Five local student thespians will join a cast of 18 additional summer drama campers this weekend to put on the show Willy Wonka Jr. at the Mos’Art Theatre & Coffee House in Lake Park.

Seasoned actress and director Marla Gideos of Wellington leads the troupe, along with stage manager John Constanzo of Boynton Beach, musical director Mark Fetterly of Lake Worth and choreographer Gregg Maliff of Lake Worth. Maliff also plays the lead role of Willie Wonka.

Lainie Shearouse, 13, plays Mrs. Bucket, Charlie’s mother. Shearouse is an eighth grader in the theater program at the Bak Middle School of the Arts. She is the daughter of Bill and Stacy Shearouse of Wellington and Gary and Anne Dillard of Alabama. For the past five years, Shearouse performed regularly in two annual shows and acted in Gideos’ yearly Halloween haunted house.

An aspiring actress, Shearouse called Gideos an important role model. “Marla’s shows always turn out perfect,” she said. “Not only

does she direct and cast well, she pushes kids in the right direction to make them work hard and perform their best.”

School friends from H.L. Johnson Elementary School, incoming fourth graders Claire Oberlin and Emily Winkler, joined Victoria Vera, a fourth grader at New Horizons Elementary School playing multiple roles as Oompa Loompas, Candy Kids and squirrels. Oberlin is the daughter of Leah and Erik Oberlin of Loxahatchee. Wonka is her fourth summer show. “It’s a lot of fun! I don’t have to be me,” Oberlin said. “I get to be another character who is sometimes really fun, weird or cool.”

Her friend Winkler agreed, but said she also likes making new friends. “I get to meet new people,” Winkler said. “It’s fun hanging out with the girl Oompa Loompas to talk and play hide-and-seek backstage.”

Winkler is the only child of Bert and Michelle Winkler.

“This experience allows [Emily] to be creative outside of academics. I think it’s a good confidence-builder,” Michelle added.

The daughter of Richard and Karem Vera of Royal

Palm Beach, Victoria Vera said it’s the audience response and challenge of playing a character that makes her love performing. “It’s hard, but it’s fun to be someone else,” she said.

Sixth grader Jeremy Frances of Wellington also played an Oompa Loompa and a Candy Kid, but was a squirrel puppeteer as well. The son of Jonathan and Dana Frances, Jeremy hopes to be a movie actor someday. For Gideos, drama camps are a family affair. Her husband Chris designs and paints most of the sets. Their two children often perform or fill in wherever needed. For Gideos, directing is a matter of the heart more than anything. “I like to give kids a chance,” she said. “They come from a variety of backgrounds and challenges and learn to be so good to each other.”

Willy Wonka Jr. opened Wednesday and continues through Saturday, June 27. The Mos’Art Theatre is located at 700 Park Avenue in Lake Park. For tickets, call (561) 337-6763 or visit the theater’s web site at www. mosarttheatre.com.

For more information on drama camps hosted by Gideos, call (561) 436-3322.

PHOTOS BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

Claire Oberlin as a Candy Kid.The Oompa Loompas.

Victoria Vera and Emily Winkler sing a song.

Claire Oberlin and Victoria Vera as squirrels. Lainie Shearouse as Mrs. Bucket.

(Front, L-R) Claire Oberlin and Emily Winkler; (back) Jeremy Frances, Lainie Shearouse, Marla Gideos and Victoria Vera.

Lainie Shearouse (center) sings about hope.

Home, Vehicle Burglaries In RPB And Wellington

By Kristina Webb Town-Crier Staff Report

JUNE 11 — A Wellington man was arrested for possession of cocaine following a traffic stop in Royal Palm Beach on June 11. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, 18year-old Bernardo Lacosta was pulled over by two deputies from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach for running a stop sign. When the deputies approached Lacosta and asked for his driver’s license, Lacosta was shaking so badly that he was almost unable to retrieve his driver’s license. According to the report, one of the deputies noticed that Lacosta was crying and asked him if he had any illegal drugs inside the car. Lacosta told the deputies there was cocaine between the front seat and the console. The deputies removed Lacosta from his Suzuki, placed him into handcuffs and found three one-inch-by-one-inch clear plastic baggies containing a white powder that tested positive for cocaine. Lacosta was placed under arrest and transported to the Palm Beach County Jail, and his Suzuki was towed.

JUNE 12 — A Tennessee man was arrested for shoplifting on Friday, June 12 at the Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, 34-year-old John Reed was approached by security as he attempted to leave the store with a Lincoln Electric Pro MIG welder worth $699 that he did not pay for. A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach arrested Reed for shoplifting and transported him to the county jail.

JUNE 22 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched Monday to investigate graffiti on the west perimeter wall of the Wellington Shores development. According to a PBSO report, a resident of the neighborhood called to report the graffiti, which was an anti-Semitic comment, a swastika and a phallic symbol. The deputy took photographs of the graffiti, which were placed into evidence.

JUNE 23 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home in the Olympia development on Tuesday in reference to a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between noon and 10 p.m. on Monday, someone broke into the house by prying open a sliding glass door. A Dell laptop computer and an iPod were stolen from the master bedroom. In addition, a hat that did not belong to any residents of the home was found on a bed and placed into evidence. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JUNE 22 — A West Palm Beach woman was arrested Tuesday at the Macy’s department store in the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, 19-year-old Cindy Jeanlouis was stopped by a store security officer as she attempted to leave without paying for 16 items valued at a total of $963 that she had concealed in her purse. Jeanlouis was arrested for shoplifting and taken to the county jail.

JUNE 18 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to investigate a vehicle burglary last Thursday. According to a PBSO report, someone broke into a car parked at a home on Yarmouth Court between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. by pushing down the passenger-side window. A welding helmet and Norelco electric razor were among the items stolen. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JUNE 22 — A 12th Fairway resident called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, someone broke into an unlocked 2004 Jeep Liberty sometime between 4 and 10 p.m. while the victim was not at home. A cell phone, GPS device and pair of sunglasses were stolen from the car. According to the report, the victim’s friend called the phone, and the man who answered said he had purchased the phone from his girlfriend. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JUNE 19 — A Counterpoint Estates resident called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Friday regarding a home burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7 and 11:30 p.m. someone gained entry to the home by breaking a rear sliding glass door and a bedroom window. Stolen were two University of Wisconsin football tournament watches belonging to the victim’s son valued at approximately $1,000 and a gold wedding band valued at approximately $200. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JUNE 23 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded Tuesday to a home on Alder Court regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim left for work at approximately 6 a.m. When he returned at 8 p.m., the victim discovered his plasma television and PlayStation 3 game system had been stolen from inside the home. The total amount of stolen property was valued at approximately $2,000. There were no signs of forced entry, and all doors and windows were locked. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

felony possession of a firearm; possession of paraphernalia; aggravated battery on a police officer with violence; fleeing and eluding (highspeed reckless); petit theft; reckless driving; aggravated assault on a police officer and escape. His occupation is lawn maintenance. His last known address was Jennings Avenue in Greenacres. Matos is wanted as of 06/ 25/09. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppers pbc.com.

Muneer Adili

Juan Matos

Three Area High Schools See Grades Dip In State Report

By Kristina Webb and Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Three high schools serving the western communities dropped a letter grade this year, according to the annual school grades released last week by the Florida Department of Education. The three high schools — Palm Beach Central, Royal Palm Beach and Seminole Ridge — are just several of the many in Palm Beach County that fell behind from their scores in previous years.

School grades issued at the end of each school year are based on a combination of FCAT scores and the improvement of students. Certain criteria are inspected, and the percentage of students who meet the learning criteria equates to a number of points. The accumulated points create a score to tell the state if a school is making the progress expected in reading,

math and science. RPBHS dropped from a C to a D while still maintaining the same amount of points as last year. “The state rules require that if you are below 50 percent in your lowest 25 percent in reading, you have to increase by one percent every year until you get to 50 percent,” RPBHS Principal Guarn Sims said. Because RPBHS did not increase by one percent last year and this year, the school was penalized. “It’s unfortunate that the D may represent that we haven’t made some significant improvements,” Sims said. “However, we increased our proficiency in reading, math, writing and science, so it’s unfortunate that this one-percent rule would overshadow the progress in other areas.”

Seminole Ridge, which fell from an A to a B, met the high standards required by the state but lost points because

the lowest 25 percent of their students did not make any gains in learning, SRHS Principal Dr. Lynne McGee said. “It’s all about analyzing data, then tweaking what you’re doing in the classroom to line up with the data analysis,” she said.

Palm Beach Central also fell from an A to a B, also losing points for lack of learning gain in the lowest 25 percent.

Next year, the grading system for high schools will change. In addition to the eight categories already analyzed by the state, seven more will be added. The 800-point scale that has been in effect since 2007 will change to a 1,600-point scale. This new grading system will evaluate schools based on FCAT and learning progress from the previous and current school years.

With the changes coming next year to the grading sys-

tem for high schools, McGee said the district is implementing new measures. “One of the biggest things the district has done is to purchase the Edge reading program,” McGee said.

The Edge reading program, already used by several Florida counties, will provide intensive reading teachers with a curriculum and materials intended to help even the most difficult students.

“I’m particularly excited about that,” Sims said, adding that as a principal he has been advocating this change for a long time. “Before this year, we really did not have a unified curriculum for our intensive reading teachers to use. This will help students perform better on the FCAT and in the classroom.”

Meanwhile, grades for elementary and middle schools in the western communities remained on the higher end.

All received an A grade with the exception of Cypress Trails Elementary School, which received a B. Golden Grove Elementary School Principal Kathryn Koerner said there had been some gains over the past year, and that she and her staff were very proud of the students’ hard work. “We’re an A school here,” Koerner said. “We’re very excited about that. Our reading scores increased, and the performance of our struggling students increased as well. We had learning gains in our lowest 25 percent, and our struggling students as well.”

Acreage Pines Elementary School Principal James Campbell shared Koerner’s enthusiasm and said that he also saw gains in the scoring over past year, noting that Acreage Pines received an A grade for the tenth consecutive year in a row.

“We gained 16 points from

last year’s grade,” Campbell said. “Our main increase was in writing. We had a 24-percent increase from last year... Going into next year, we would like to build on the amount of success we had this year, and we hope that will carry us into next year so we can keep going in the same positive direction.” Elbridge Gale Elementary School Principal Gail Pasterczyk said she has seen much improvement over last year. “Our biggest gains were in science,” she said. “We increased our proficiency by 12 percent. It was 14 percent last year. It is now 76 percent.” Pasterczyk credits the school’s departmentalization for its A grade. “We are departmentalized from K through fifth grade,” she said. “That really makes a difference in the grades because the teachers are teaching the one subject they are passionate about and strong in teaching.”

Pafford, Abruzzo Host Town Hall Meeting In West Palm

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Freshman state representatives Mark Pafford and Joe Abruzzo offered some perspective on the recent legislative session at a Jewish Community Center town hall meeting in West Palm Beach last week.

Pafford (D-District 88), a West Palm Beach resident whose district stretches west to Royal Palm Beach and south to Greenacres, told attendees at the June 16 meeting that his first session in the legislature had been a unique experience. Status as a freshman legislator and a member of the minority party don’t offer many opportunities for leadership unless one takes time to develop relationships and work across the aisle, he said.

“I think that my immediate observation is that most of the people in the legislature, they understand the subject, and if they have any compassion whatsoever as a human being, there is the possibility of doing the right thing,” he said.

Abruzzo said it had been an honor to work alongside Pafford and his fellow Democrats in a difficult and tumultuous session. Abruzzo said

the legislature went into the session facing a $6 billion deficit.

Although there were some good things in the recently approved state budget, Abruzzo said he and many other Democrats did not support it because too many items in it placed a burden on working families and the middle class. Abruzzo also noted that the Republicandominated legislature had supported a 15-percent tuition hike for state universities. “That was too much of a hike for families,” Abruzzo said. “There were some good things in there, but I felt I could not support it.”

Pafford in professional life is director of leadership giving for the Lord’s Place, a non-profit organization that supports the homeless. While a bill he sponsored that would have provided more opportunities to house the homeless failed, the language itself was incorporated into another bill, Senate Bill 360, which eases growth management laws. In the end, Pafford voted against it. “I am happy to say my bill language passed,” he said. “But there were things in the bill that were really, really bad.” As a proponent of better

senior services, Pafford said he had been disappointed in the amount of activism directed at the legislature in that area, and the resulting cuts. He said allocations are sketched out even before the budgeting process begins, and unless advocates show up to demand “bigger pieces of the pie,” the situation will not improve.

“That is where the advocacy comes in,” Pafford said.

Responding to questions about the current fiscal situation in the state, Pafford stressed the need to reform the existing tax structure and expand Florida’s economic options beyond retirees and tourism. “We are depending on Mickey Mouse and Miami Beach,” he said. “Unless leadership decides to protect our resources, whether it’s Alligator Alley or employees, there is little we are going to be able to do.”

Abruzzo said the state is risking its future by not putting more effort into educating and training its workforce. “We need an educated workforce for vibrant places where businesses want to come,” Abruzzo said. “There are areas in our district that are being devastated. Businesses are being shut down.

Healthcare companies are being impacted.” Pafford responded to a question about people who move to Florida or visit, and then go elsewhere because they don’t like what they see. He said something must be done or retirees and visitors

will go elsewhere and take their revenue with them. As the second-largest economic engine in the state, the retirement industry is on its way to drying up because Florida is lacking in senior and other services, he said.

“There is a significant difference in the level of health services compared to what they are used to in the northeast,” Pafford said. “They will come down here and test the waters, and they will see it’s too expensive. They are having difficulty paying for the things they need.”

Incumbents Keep Seats On LGWCD Board Of Supervisors

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Supervisors Robert Snowball, David DeMarois and Darlene Crawford kept their seats on the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Supervisors after a proxy-vote election held Monday at the district’s annual landowners’ meeting. Snowball and DeMarois were re-elected to three-year terms, while Crawford, who was appointed to the board to fill a vacancy earlier this year, won a two-year term. Community activist Roy Parks came in fourth.

The district’s property owners decide the seats with votes allocated on the basis of acreage owned. Individu-

als not attending the meeting may entrust their votes as proxies to other landowners, including candidates. Votes are tabulated for each seat in turn, and nominated candidates who lose one race are entitled to be nominated for the other available seats.

Snowball, who did not attend the meeting, defeated Parks for Seat 2. Snowball claimed votes from 1,996 acres, to 1,162 acres for Parks. DeMarois and Crawford both declined nomination to the seat.

In his election speech, Parks said he is an 11-year resident and has been active with the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’Association, including cleanup projects.

Parks said he wants to make the community a better place to live for his children. As his qualifications to be a supervisor, he cited his experience as a manager with the South Florida Water Management District, where he supervised 15 employees. For Seat 1, DeMarois defeated Parks 1,990 to 1,166. Crawford again declined nomination. DeMarois cited his 12 years on the board as his qualifications.

“This will be my last term coming up if I have the honor of serving you people again,” DeMarois said in his campaign speech. “I think we have made a lot of progress.”

For Seat 3, Crawford defeated Parks 1,996 to 1,162.

Crawford was appointed three months ago to replace Ron Jarriel, who won a seat on the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council in March. Crawford, who mounted a failed bid for a seat on the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council in 2006, said that serving on the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) had given her insight into community issues. She said she is familiar with road situations from driving them every day, shuttling her children and their friends to school and other activities.

“I got to serve on the board for the last three months, and I hope I get to serve for another two years,” she said.

Wellington To Host Amateur Radio Field Days This Weekend

This weekend, Wellington’s Emergency Operations Center and Wellington Radio Club volunteers will participate in an annual preparedness event to help ensure ham radio volunteers are ready to assist the community in the event of a 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” activities on Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28. In the western communities, the Wellington Radio Club will be demonstrating amateur radio at Wellington’s Emergency Operations Center this weekend. A public information table and non-intrusive tours are always part of Field Day from 2 p.m. Saturday 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. The EOC is located at Wellington’s operations complex at 14001 Pierson Road.

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

During the weekend, radio operators will set up emergency radio stations and simulate abnormal situations, operate under less-than-optimum conditions using generators and batteries. Using the equipment at Wellington’s EOC, they learn to create communications 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 required to assist community officials and serve agencies during an emergency. Approximately 30,000 amateur radio operators participated in last year’s event.

There are nearly 650,000 amateur radio operators in the United States and more than 2.5 million worldwide. For

more information about Field Day events in Wellington, call the Operations Department at (561) 791-4003 or Wellington Radio Club President Larry Lazar at (561) 385-2986, or visit www.qsl. net/k4wrc. For more information on how to become involved in amateur radio, call the American Radio Relay League at (800) 32-NEW HAM or visit www.arrl.org.

RPB Council Approves New Rules For Use Of Storm Shutters

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council approved the first reading of storm panel rules last week that will provide guidelines for both residents and code enforcement officials. During a council meeting June 18, Community Development Director Robert Hill said code enforcement officials have noticed that more people are leaving their shutters up for different reasons, including the difficulty of putting them up and taking

them down, or to protect their homes while away.

“We’d like to provide some guidelines to the residents to let them know when they need to put these up and take them down, and we need to restrict the use of blue tarps that you see on roofs, orange fences, things that are typical after the event of a hurricane,” Hill said. Under the guidelines, seasonal residents and those going on vacation would be able to put their shutters up to protect their homes. Residents could also leave coverings up

on high windows of occupied homes as long as they don’t block an entranceway or ventilation.

The ordinance also requires that shutters put up in non-hurricane situations match the house. Mounting components such as tracks or shutter casings must also match, Hill said, and both permanent and temporary shutters would be allowed. The provisions also define the period that shutters can remain on unoccupied buildings as the hurricane season, June 1 through Nov. 30.

“As long as they give notice that the building will be unoccupied, they can put shutters in place while they are away,” Hill said. Village Manager David Farber said the new regulations will clarify what residents are allowed to do. “What we’re trying to solve came down to individuals who want to leave their home during the storm season, and how they can have a comfort level that they are protected,” he said. Under the new provisions, tarpaulin “blue” roofs and

temporary orange fences would be permitted for up to a year after a hurricane strikes. Mayor David Lodwick said he feels a year is an appropriate duration. “Obviously the council would have the option to grant an extension if people weren’t able to get all the repairs done in a year,” he said. “Normally, I would think that giving everyone a year to make repairs is reasonable.” Lodwick noted that public safety is a primary issue, aside from aesthetics. “You

can’t have people living in a home that’s all shuttered up,” he said. “If they happen to have a fire, it’s a safety issue. You could have someone trapped in a building on fire. We don’t want to see that. In fact, it’s a violation of the fire code.” Lodwick said the council must balance the rights of homeowners protecting their property versus the rights of neighbors who don’t want to look at something they consider ugly for six months of the year. For example, unSee SHUTTERS, page 18

Town Hall Meeting — State representatives Mark Pafford (left) and Joe Abruzzo (right) with moderator Diana Demarest.

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Oath Of Office — Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District administrative assistant Lynette Ballard (left) administers the oath of office to supervisors David DeMarois and Darlene Crawford.

Wellington Regional Hosts Annual Residency Graduation Dinner

Wellington Regional Medical Center held its annual residency graduation dinner celebration on June 10 at the hospital’s new conference center. Graduating residents and interns along with family members and guests enjoyed a beautiful catered dinner in celebration of the event. The evening began with welcoming remarks and congratulations by Director of Medical Education Dr. Jeffrey Bishop. There were four family practice resident graduates:

Tree’s To Benefit Sports Foundation

Kevin McLellan and his wife Karin have gotten a helping hand for the youth sports foundation they started in honor of their late son Tyler, who was killed in a plane crash on July 17, 2008 as he accompanied a family friend to Tampa to receive her cancer treatment.

Kevin, a Wellington resident and martial arts instructor for the Boys & Girls Club of Wellington, is using all his connections and means to raise money for the Tyler McLellan Foundation.

Tree’s Wings & Ribs of Royal Palm Beach has joined with the foundation to help raise money. “This

Danielle Manolakos, Daniel Dodson, Nikerson Geneve and Carmen Marrero. Family Practice Residency Director Dr. Robert Campitelli and Internal Medicine Residency Director Dr. Joanna Widdows presented diplomas and words of congratulations. Dermatology Residency Director Dr. Brad Glick presented diplomas to graduating dermatology residents Marianne Carroll and Patricia Klem. There were also several graduating interns: Jennifer

is an opportunity to help a great cause, and we want to be part of it,” Tree’s Wings owner Andy Maynard said. “This is a local cause, and we can be part of helping the youth in the local communities.”

During the month of July, if you present a card to a server at Tree’s Wings for dine-in, takeout or delivery, ten percent of your check will go directly to the Tyler McLellan Foundation.

The cards are available at Tree’s Wings & Ribs (603 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.) or online at www.tylermclellan foundation.org.

The inaugural Tyler’s Day fundraiser will be held Saturday, June 27 at Palm Beach Central High School from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call (561) 215-3717.

Berger, who has accepted a pediatric residency at Miami Children’s Hospital; Brad Troxler, who is going on to a residency program in physical and rehab medicine at Boston University Medical Center; Greg Polar, who has accepted a pathology residency at Baystate Medical Center; Stacy Rosenblum, who will go on to do research; and Brad Goldstein, who is pursuing an internal medicine residency.

Special awards were presented to Greg Polar (Most

Temple B’nai Jacob To Hold Open House

Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington invites the community to meet its rabbi, cantor and leadership on Sunday, July 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

During the open house, current members can renew their membership and pick up High Holiday tickets while prospective members learn about the temple services, religious school (starting Aug. 23), social activities and communityservice opportunities. New members will receive High Holiday seating as a part of their affiliation, and those wishing to reserve “seats only” will be able to secure their tickets as well. Activi-

Valuable Intern) and Geeta Malhotra (Most Valuable Resident). Special recognition was given to the following physician mentors for their dedication to the residency programs: Dr. Mauricio Melhado (Golden Apple Award) and Widdows (Resident Choice Award). The Medical Education Program at WRMC is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association and is affiliated with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

ties for children will be available while parents and grandparents visit with the religious school staff, sisterhood president and members of the board of directors. Following the recent merger of B’nai Avraham and Temple B’nai Jacob of Palm Springs, the newly formed Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington will to continue to hold weekly religious school, services and special holiday celebrations at the former B’nai Avraham location in the original Wellington Mall at the southeast corner of Wellington Trace and Forest Hill Blvd.

High Holiday services will be held at the Poinciana Country Club, located off of Lake Worth Road about a quarter-mile west of Jog Road. Plans are in

progress to secure land in Wellington for a permanent temple structure. For more information on or directions to Temple B’nai Jacob, call the temple office at (561) 793-4347 or e-mail info@templebnai jacob.com.

Paint-athon At The Good Earth Farm

The Good Earth Farm in Loxahatchee Groves will host a paint-athon on Sunday, June 28 at 8 a.m. Anyone age 12 and older is invited to help paint fences at the animal sanctuary, located at 2141 B Road. There will be free food available courtesy of Brooklyn Bagel and Whole Foods Market. Paint will be provided by

Sherwin Williams. Participants are urged to wear closed shoes and a hat, and bring a brush. For more information, or to register, call Nancy at (561) 792-2666.

Weekly Ballroom

Dance Party

Caruso Dancesport has expanded with a second location in West Palm Beach, now open for public ballroom dances from 8:15 to 11 p.m. every Friday starting July 3. Join in for a night of dancing and lots of fun. The cost is $10 per person, which includes light refreshments. Caruso Dancesport is located at 2250 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 112. For more information, call (561) 4713232.

Wellington Regional Medical Center administration and staff with the graduating residents and interns

Loxahatchee Woman Celebrates Her 102nd Birthday

By Candace Marchsteiner Town-Crier Staff Report

Gertrude Wollner Kraft of Loxahatchee turned 102 years old on June 19, celebrating with family and friends at a party hosted by her granddaughter Linda Burton.

Kraft lives with Burton, who relies on friends Terri Ondrizek and Amy Evers to step in as caregivers as needed. Kraft’s family tree boasts two daughters (one deceased), four grandchildren

and eight great-grandchildren ranging in age from three to 22 years old.

“Mutti,” as Kraft is affectionately referred to in her native German tongue, emigrated to the United States when she was 19 years old. She lived in New Jersey until moving to South Florida in the 1950s. Up north, she enjoyed a career in a relative’s embroidery factory and later helped her late husband of 48 years, Kurt Kraft, in his Hialeah hardware store.

A lifetime baseball fan, Kraft spends her days on the back porch doing crossword puzzles and word searches followed by her evening ritual of watching her favorite television show, Everybody Loves Raymond, and playing cards with Burton’s family. Kraft never learned to drive, and after 35 years of smoking, quit cold turkey when she turned 65. Her family members joked that she could “live on beer and chocolate.”

Kraft gives great-granddaughter Cassidy Conner a kiss.

Kraft’s longevity secret is no secret to anyone who knows her. “Laugh every day and don’t worry,” she said.

COMPASS HOSTS EIGHTH ANNUAL STONEWALL BALL IN CITYPLACE

Kickball Benefit This Sunday In RPB

The Inaugural Kickball Fest fundraiser will take place Sunday, June 28 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Seminole Palms Park (151 Lamstein Lane, Royal Palm Beach). The event will benefit the families of police and firefighters who lost their lives while on duty.

In addition to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, participating businesses include Duffy’s Sports Grill, Max & Erma’s restaurant, Outback Steak-

house, Hooters and the Brass Ring Pub. There will be raffles and prizes available throughout the day. For more information, email Scott Cotton at rpb kickballfest@yahoo.com.

Holiday Hours At Aquatic Complex

The Wellington Aquatic Complex will be open on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 from noon to 5 p.m. in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. The concession stand will be in operation on both days during aquatic complex hours. Patrons can

Compass Inc., Palm Beach County’s gay and lesbian community center, held its eighth annual Stonewall Ball last Saturday at the Harriett Himmel Theater in CityPlace. The honored guest was former Massachusetts state representative Elaine Noble, the first openly gay candidate elected to a state legislature. Also in attendance were elected officials, including West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections

and Tax Collector Anne Gannon.

bring in outside food, but no alcoholic beverages or glass containers are permitted. For more information on the Village of Wellington’s Fourth of July festivities, call (561) 791-4733.

Women’s Club Installs New Officers

The Wellington Women’s Club installed its incoming board of directors for the 2009-10 season at its meeting June 11. The officers are: Laurie Piel and Cheryl Rivelli, co-presidents; Stacy Kaufman, first vice president (programs); Mair Armand,

second vice president (membership); Allyson Samiljan, corresponding secretary; Linda Rosbrough, recording secretary; and Faye Ford, treasurer.

The club began in 1977 as the Welcome Wagon and is open to all women residing in the western communities. It meets for dinner and a program once a month from September through June and supports two major causes, the YWCA Harmony House, a shelter for abused women and their children, and college scholarships for local students.

For more information, call Allyson Samiljan at (561) 798-6741.

PHOTOS BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

Gertrude

Terri Ondrizek, Kraft, Linda Burton and Amy Evers.

Susan Bucher

Elaine Noble and Compass CEO Tony Plakas.

West Palm Beach city commissioners Jeri Muoio, Bill Moss and Mayor Lois Frankel with Susan Bucher and Anne Gannon. Jeffrey Schwarz, Tony Plakas and Dr. Forrest Shearin.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Women’s Club Officers — The Wellington Women’s Club 2009-10 officers (L-R): Mair Armand, Faye Ford, Laurie Piel, Cheryl Rivelli, Allyson Samiljan and Stacy Kaufman.

The Wellington library featured a

by

Giselle’s Dance Studio owner and Director Denise Puntriano with the Lavender Group.

Flinstones-themed dancers perform “Pebbles.”

Ballerinas Katie Shafer, Sarah Long, Nikki Hill, Gerlinde Bradford, Rebecca Andros and Kodi Mirabelli.

Dancers perform “Parade of Wooden Soldiers.”

The Kool Kids hip-hop dancers: Julia Parrish, Kimberly Benavente, Madison Santiago, Zenia Fermin, Austin Schall and Jose Villanueva.

The Blue Group jazz dancers.

Suzy Hammer reads from a book that squirts water.

Lauryn Taylor helps her cousin Sarah Caseus write her name. Children are called on to

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, June 27

• The 2009 Tournament of Roller Hockey Series Nationals will continue June 27 through July 5 at Palm Beach Skate Zone (8125 Lake Worth Road). This major roller hockey championship will feature approximately 220 teams and 3,000 athletes that will compete in age divisions ranging from youth to adult. Call (314) 779-7755 or visit www.torhs.com for more info.

• The Grace Fellowship Church will host a Community Yard Sale and Clothes Closet Swap on Saturday, June 27 from 8 a.m. to noon at its Acreage campus (corner of 75th and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road). Come and find what you need and sell what you don’t. Monetary donations will be taken for a benevolent fund and/ or non-perishable grocery items to be sent to the community food pantry at Agape Church. Other needed items include new and gently used clothing of any size, shoes and other accessories for men, women and children, and baby items. Contact Cindy Potts at (561) 827-5990 or cindy_potts@bereanwpb. org to reserve a space.

• The inaugural Tyler’s Day fundraiser will be held Saturday, June 27 at Palm Beach Central High School from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event, a benefit for the Tyler McLellan Foundation, will feature a football player autograph session and basketball with the players, a 50/ 50 raffle and silent auction, live music, face painting, interactive children’s games, a bounce house, a classic car show and other activities. A donation of $5 is suggested; children six and under will be admitted free. For more info., call (561) 2153717 or visit www.tyler mclellanfoundation.org.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Drop-in Story Times” on Saturday, June 27 at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. for ages two and up. Participants will get physical and explore books about getting up and moving. Call (561) 790-6070 for more information.

• The Boca Raton Museum of Art (501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton) will feature “Films for a Summer Afternoon,” a selection of Academy Award-winning best foreign language films, on Saturday, June 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets are distributed one hour prior to film showing on a first-come, first-served basis. For more info., call (561) 392-2500 or visit www.bocamuseum.org.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Scrapbooking for the Family” on Saturday, June 27 at 2:30 p.m. for ages five and up. Learn new techniques and create your own designs. Bring pictures and memorabilia. Basic supplies will be provided. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

• O’Shea’s Irish Pub will close off the 500 block of Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach for its 15th anniversary celebration on Saturday, June 27. Beginning at 3 p.m., the festivities include live music, food and drink specials, traditional Irish dancers and more. For more info., call (561) 833-3865.

• The Palms West Amateur Radio Club and the West Palm Beach Amateur Radio Club will host the American Radio Relay League’s Field Day on Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28. The event will take place at the Osceola Pavilion at Okeeheelee Park (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.). The clubs will have a station set up for anyone to go live on air to make contacts with other locations across the U.S. and Canada. For more info., call Jerry Grant at (561) 309-7272 or e-mail jgrant2@earthlink.net.

• Toby Keith and Trace Adkins will be featured in “America’s Toughest Tour” on Saturday, June 27 at the Cruzan Amphitheatre at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Call (561) 795-8883 or visit www.livenation.com for more info.

• Mod 27 will present improv comedy at the Cuillo Centre for the Arts (201 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach) on Saturday, June 27 at 9 p.m. The cost is $13 for general admission and $11 for students and seniors. Call (561) 835-9226

or visit www.cuillocentre. com for more info.

Sunday, June 28

• The Puerto Rican Organization for Cultural Enhancement and Reaffirmation (PROCER) will hold a family picnic on Sunday, June 28 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Micanopy Pavilion at Okeeheelee Park (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.). There will be music, dance, food, games, a domino tournament, prizes and more. Bring your own Puerto Rican dessert and participate in a taste contest. For more info., call (561) 439-5631 or visit www.procercultural.org.

Monday, June 29

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Bookmaking” on Monday, June 29 at 2 p.m. for ages eight to 12. Create four different types of books in four weeks. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

• A fundraiser for the Florida Brain Tumor Association will be held on Monday, June 29 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Beef O’Brady’s (1179 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). Participants are invited to come buy dinner and mention they are there for the fundraiser and Beef O’Brady’s will donate ten percent of the meal check to FBTA. For more info., call Jennifer at (561) 512-4554.

• The 10-U Acreage Hawks Travel Baseball Team will hold tryouts on Monday, June 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Samuel Friedland Park. All positions are open. The team will play in the Florida Premier League this fall. Players must not turn 11 before May 1, 2010. To schedule a tryout, call coach Jason Faranda at (561) 324-4264 or register at www.leaguelineup.com/aal hawks.

Tuesday, June 30

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Art for Tweens: Metal Figures” on Tuesday, June 30 at 2 p.m. for ages nine to 12. Be inspired by artist Alberto Giacometti. Sculpt your own metal stick figures. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

Wednesday, July 1

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Stories in Sign” on Wednesday, July 1 at 2 p.m. for ages six and up. In the last session for signing stories, participants will practice what they have learned with the ASL alphabet, colors, numbers and stories. To pre-register, call (561) 7906070.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Teen Art Scene: Friendship Bracelets” on Wednesday, July 1 at 4 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Braid a bracelet for yourself or a friend. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6070. Saturday, July 4

• The Village of Wellington will present a patriotic lineup for the entire family on the Fourth of July. The event schedule is as follows: A Patriotic Pool Party will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at the Wellington Aquatics Complex (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Regular pool entrance fees apply. The Family Fourth Celebration will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). A fireworks extravaganza will be presented at Village Park at 9:15 p.m. For more info., call Community Projects Manager Nicole Evangelista at (561) 791-4733.

• Royal Palm Beach’s Firecracker Golf Tournament will take place on Saturday, July 4 at the Village Golf Club. The scramble-format tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. and will include cart and green fees, a 50/50 raffle, prizes, a longest-drive contest, a closest-to-the-pin contest and a barbecue lunch. Golfers can pre-register at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way), the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane), or the Village Golf Club (122 Country Club Drive). Businesses and organizations can reserve tee sponsorships in advance for $100. Costs are $60 per player or $240 per foursome. 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) 793-6090. E-mail: news@gotowncrier.com.

SUMMER ART CAMP

Discover Key Elementary School art teacher Corneille Mallard held a summer art camp the week of June 8 at her home in Wellington. Mallard helped prepare portfolios for students auditioning for the Bak Middle School of the Arts. Some of the students have already been accepted, but those going into the fifth grade will add this summer’s projects to their portfolios. Pictured above are: (front, L-R) Baylee Johnson and Kristina Devito; (back) Julianne Dragunat, Aubrey Dale, Stacey Einsteder, Megan Hamilton and Kylee Neeranyan.

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AT IDEAL

Ideal Preschool hosted its annual Mother’s Day Brunch on Saturday, May 9 at Royal Palm Beach High School. Mothers, grandmothers, aunts and children enjoyed a day of boutique shopping, lunch from deVine Bistro and photo sessions with Robyn the photographer. My Gym fitness center, magician Dave McGehe and DJ Special K provided the children’s entertainment during the brunch, and the preschool students serenaded their mothers with a special song after the brunch. The pre-K students performed Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me” while the three-year-old students performed a version of the Temptations’ “My Girl” called “My Mom.” Pictured above, preschool student Lara Symons assists McGehe.

Poinciana Students Receive 2009 Yearbooks

Poinciana Day School eighth graders spent this past school year learning about the writing, photography and editing processes as they compiled the 2009 Poinciana Day School yearbook Batteries Not Included. Yearbook advisor Cheryl Scott guided the students through the yearlong process. The eighth-grade class dedicated the yearbook to Spanish teacher Jael Nolan because she made classes fun and exciting. The dedication was written in Spanish and English. After the yearbooks were

handed out, all of the students from the school spent the remainder of the afternoon signing each other’s yearbooks. This much-anticipated annual ritual is a highlight of the final days of school. The students pored over the pages to find pictures of themselves and classmates. Located in West Palm Beach, Poinciana Day School is a small, independent private school for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. For more information, call (561) 655-7323 or visit www.poinciana dayschool.org.

Dr. Robert Egley To Head Glades Day

Glades Day School named Dr. Robert Egley head of school on Monday, June 15. Egley has spent more than 25 years as an educator, most recently serving as principal of Clewiston High School. Egley made many positive changes at the school during his tenure. One of his most memorable accomplishments was the academic improvement of the students. Over a three-year period, the students, teachers and administration saw FCAT scores improve. In 2008, Clewiston earned its highest points ever recorded as measured by the FCAT.

Prior to his time at Clewiston, Egley was assistant professor in the Educational Leadership and Curriculum Studies Department at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP). During his tenure at USFSP, he published 21 research articles, co-authored a scholarly book on dealing with marginal employees, and presented his research at 27 conferences at the state, national and international levels. Additionally, Egley has experience as an assistant principal (K-12), principal (K-12) as well as coaching experience in college and

professional sports. His coaching resume included stops at Clemson University, the Arizona Wranglers and the Chicago Blitz of the United States Football League, the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League and Mississippi State University.

Egley is excited about becoming the new head of school at Glades Day. His extensive educational background and student-centered approach will be in concert with the vision and mission of the rich history of Glades Day School. Glades Day School is private school that serves students from Welling-

School

IDEAL, DREAM SCHOOLS HONOR VOLUNTEERS

Ideal Elementary School and Dream Middle School in Royal Palm Beach hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, May 7. Teachers thanked the parent volunteers for their time, energy and contributions throughout the school year by preparing a potluck dinner of delicious homemade dishes and desserts. The teachers then entertained the parents with a tribute of thank-you skits and songs. For more information about the schools, visit www.dreamideal.com. (Above left) Ideal parent volunteers enjoy the dinner. (Above right) Ideal teachers perform a song for parents.

(L-R) Poinciana eighth graders Alicia Hebron, Sarah Templin, Gabe Klein and Tiana Simmons review their work in the 2009 yearbook.

Dr. Robert Egley ton, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee and The Acreage, as well as students from the communities around Lake Okeechobee.

CUB SCOUTS HELP OUT AT RPB RUN

Members of Cub Scout Pack 120 handed out water to the 5K runners during the Village of Royal Palm Beach’s 50th anniversary celebration on Saturday, June 13. Scouts set up a water station at Bobbie Jo Lauter Park, which was the halfway mark of the run. The runners, along with a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputy, appreciated the refreshments on such a hot morning. Pictured above are (L-R) Tristen Onofry, Carl Mohr, Bennett Aikey, Casey Fitzpatrick, Noah Britt, Sheridan Aikey, Brayden Reece, Gavin MacLean, Christopher Rice, Cameron Whalen and Sean Roberts.

DANCERS GO TO D.C.

Eleven area students from Susan Lyle Studios in Greenacres will be in Washington, D.C. July 1-10 for the Dance Masters of America national convention, where students will attend workshops and compete against other studios from across the country that are associated with the organization. The students are Alex Anderson, Sara Eckman, Bree Nasby, Brittney Roberts, Lindsey Wilson-Griffith, Stefanie Wright, Callie Carlisle, Autumn Handin, Christine Lawler, Alexandra Simpson and Erica Stewart. Anderson, Wright and Eckman will represent Florida in competition for national titles. Summer classes at Susan Lyle Studios begin July 20. For more information, call (561) 966-3650. Pictured above are the dancers.

Ten-Year-Old Eve Rosen Gets Scuba Certified

Just a few days after her tenth birthday, Wellington resident Eve Rosen was already in the pool learning the skills necessary to become a certified scuba diver.

She had been waiting her whole life to turn ten years old, the age a child is allowed to become scuba certified.

“Being a scuba diver has been a goal of mine since I was three years old,” Eve said. “My mom, dad and uncle scuba dive, and it looked like so much fun, and I have always loved sea animals. I

Figuero Designated Naval Aviator

Marine Corps 1st Lt. Alexander Figuero, son of Gladys Gomez of West Palm Beach and Francisco Figuero of Wellington, was recently designated a Naval aviator while serving with Training Air Wing One in Merdian, Miss.

Figuero was presented with the coveted “Wings of Gold,” marking the culmination of months of flight training. Figuero followed a training curriculum that included basic studies in engineering and navigation, training flights in simulators, aircraft familiarizations, basic and advanced instrument training, extended navigation flights, and landings and takeoffs aboard an aircraft carrier.

Figuero is a 2001 graduate of Wellington High School. He joined the Marine Corps in March 2006.

Jaden Albert Davis son of Pamela Hayes and James Davis of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 18.

Breck Shane Adams son of Desiree Morales and Andrew Adams of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 4.

have been to Sea World and I fed the dolphins. I saw the trainers swimming with the killer whales and thought I would love to do that. Now that I am a certified scuba diver, I can see all sorts of sea creatures in their natural habitats. How cool is that?”

Eve attends Binks Forest Elementary School, where she is a member of the student council. Eve has learned about the oceans and certain sea life in school.

But for Eve, nothing beats actually swimming and learn-

Sericolo Graduates Army Training

Army Sgt. Santino Sericolo has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, Sericolo studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, the military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field-training exercises.

Sericolo is the son of Andrew Panzer of Wellington and Fern Panzer of West Palm Beach. Sericolo is a 2008 graduate of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

ing about them. She was out diving at the Phil Foster Park bridge on Blue Heron Blvd. where she saw lobster, crabs, puffer fish, flounder, barracudas, file fish and even a hog fish.

“The oceans are so big and hold so much life she wishes everyone could see the tremendous beauty found underwater,” Eve’s mom Claire said. “When you are underwater, and you see all the miracles of life down there you just want to protect them.”

Three Graduate From Emory

The following area students received degrees from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., during the school’s 164th commencement ceremony on May 11: Jillian Bray, daughter of Robert and Lynette Bray of Royal Palm Beach, received a master’s degree in public health from the Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University and a doctor of medicine degree from the School of Medicine of Emory University; Megan Dolph, daughter of Douglas and Angela Dolph of Wellington, received a bachelor’s of science degree from Emory College of Emory University; and Ranjith Babu, son of Rajendra and Vijaya Babu of Wellington, received a bachelor’s of science degree and a master’s of science degree from Emory College of Emory University.

WHO’S NEW!

Luke Yousef — son of Kathleen Trummer and Sherif Yousef of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 5. Sarayha Deloris Wilson — daughter of Trudy Ann Brown and Cory Leonard Wilson of Loxahatchee was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 10.

Eve Rosen

Happy First Birthday!

Kaitlyn Faith Hedges daughter of Tracy and Will Hedges of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 11.

Davin Murray Willingham — son of Sarah and Murray Willingham of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 12.

Damarian Jordan Butler, son of Sareena and Henry Butler and grandson of Ruby Rutledge of Wellington, turned one year old on June 13.

Damarian Jordan Butler Send Palms West People items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@gotown crier.com.

David Armando Herrera — son of Janet and Oney Herrera of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 12. Vidush Balmuri — son of Neelima Vangapalli and Srinivasa Balmuri of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on June 13.

WELLINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTS RIBBON CUTTINGS

Jason’s Deli — Located at 2605 State Road 7 in Wellington, Jason’s Deli offers breakfast, lunch, box meals, gifts and party trays, corporate events, party food and much more. Jason’s Deli offers high-quality food, great service and is a growing company with the highest standards. For more info., call General Manager Daniel Conner or Catering Manager Edward Elliot at (561) 3331263 or visit www.jasonsdeli.com. Shown above are deli staff members with Wellington Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.

Nails & Spa — Wellington Nails & Spa is owned and operated by the owners of Paris Nails & Spa, Mae Chung and Tyler Truong. They offer exclusive spa and skin care services as well as nail services under a serene spa setting. The spa is located at 10240 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 180. For more information or to make reservations, call (561) 753-7171. Pictured here are Wellington Nails & Spa staff members with Wellington Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.

Stephen Rivera Named To President’s Circle

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has named Stephen Rivera as its newest President’s Circle member. Rivera is founder and president of LogoGraphica Internet Marketing. Rivera has more than 20 years experience with enterprise level web design, programming, graphic design and logos, corporate branding, blogging and search-engine marketing. Rivera has served as senior web developer for Office Depot, Gtech,

IBM, Cybear.com, Royal Caribbean, Corning Inc., NCCI, Weiss Research and others. He is a certified Google professional.

LogoGraphica.com has designed hundreds of web sites, e-commerce sites, blogs, applications and logos for a number of distinguished clients including law firms, defense contractors, cruise lines, printed magazines, yacht clubs, sport celebrity trainers and more. The company provides top-qual-

ity web design and web programming services globally.

Rivera will be installed as a President’s Circle member at the July membership luncheon. The President’s Circle is a unique and exciting opportunity extended to established leaders of the community, local businesses and entrepreneurs. For more information on the President’s Circle, call (561) 792-6525.

To contact Rivera, call (561) 963-4398 or e-mail stephenr@logographica.com.

Stephen Rivera

North Palm Chamber Installs New Officers

directors.

The Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce recently named its officers and board of directors for 2009-10.

Neil Gaeta of Fischer Gaeta Corp. has been elected chairman of the board for 2009-10 with attorney Mitrione as chairman-elect for 2010-11.

Dennis LaBarbera of Edward Jones was the 2008-09 chair and will remain on the executive committee as the immediate past chair.

Other members of the chamber’s executive commit-

tee include: Secretary Don Kiselewski, Florida Power and Light; Treasurer Greg Leach, Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation; Roger Amidon, the Palm Beach County Tourism Development Council; Rita Craig, the Craig Group; Don Hearing, Cotleur & Hearing; and Ken Kennerly, the Honda Classic.

For more information about the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, call (561) 7467111 or visit www.npb chamber.com.

WellingTAN — WellingTAN concentrates solely on the ultimate tanning experience, offering the highest-quality tanning lotions as well as after-tanning skin care products. The cost is an average ten percent less than area tanning salons due to volume of sales. WellingTAN is located at 12797 West Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 6-A in the Wellington

P.W. Chamber Names Carmine Priore III Chairman-Elect

Carmine A. Priore III, plant general manager for Florida Power & Light Company’s West County Energy Center, has been named chairmanelect of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce.

Priore has served in various positions during his 19 years at FPL, in departments such as engineering, power services, consumer services and community relations. As the chamber’s chairmanelect, Priore will work to continue the 2009 South Florida Green, Energy and Climate Conference/Expo; as well as foster employment centers and sustainability opportunities for the Palms West area.

Priore has previously served the chamber as a board member.

Florida and is a registered engineer. He resides in Wellington with his wife Terri and their three children. FPL is the largest electric utility in Florida and one of the largest rate-regulated utilities in the United States. FPL serves 4.5 million customer accounts in Florida and is a leading employer in the state with nearly 11,000 employees. The company consistently outperforms national averages for service reliability while customer bills are well below the national average. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach-based FPL Group. For more information, visit the company’s web site at www. fpl.com.

For more information about the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palms west.com.

Priore earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of South • • • Send business items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.

& Cough

The Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce’s 2009-10 officers and board of

Kings Academy Hosts Heath Evans 7-On-7

The fourth annual Heath Evans Foundation 7-on-7 Championship held last Saturday at the King’s Academy was a huge success, on and off the field.

The champion wasn’t crowned until the final play, when a leaping Jayvon Wrentz caught a Hail Mary touchdown pass from Jeremiah Hay as time ran out to lift Miami’s Booker T. Washington over Boyd Anderson 3328.

Sixteen teams, including two state champions (Class 4A Tampa Plant and Class 1B Jupiter Christian), one finalist (Class 2A Miami Gulliver Prep) and two semifinalists (Class 6A Miramar and Class 4A Dwyer) competed in the invitation-only event.

Evans, who graduated from the King’s Academy and went to Auburn University, was joined on the sidelines throughout the day by fellow NFL players, including Randy Moss, Matt Cassel, Wes Welker, Kevin Faulk, Jabar Gaffney and Abram Elam.

The event featured more than 50 major college prospects and impressed the NFL players. “The players were as good as you will find any-

where,” said Evans, who signed a two-year deal with the New Orleans Saints in the off-season. “The event keeps evolving and improving with outstanding athletes and teams from around the state. I wish there was an event like this when I went to high school.”

One of the event’s highlights was a trio of “Beat the Pro” challenges, when two high school players and two spectators battled an NFL player.

T.J. Glover of Tampa Plant showed a great finishing burst, just beating Evans in the 40-yard dash, while Leron Thomas of Glades Central and Phillip Ely of Tampa Plant each outscored Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel in the passing accuracy challenge. Greg Dent of Glades Central caught and held onto four punts to beat Matt Elam of Dwyer (three) and New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker (two) in the punt-catching competition. “It’s something new we added this year, and I think it was a big hit with everyone,” Evans said.

At lunchtime, Evans and Cassel spoke to the 400-plus players about integrity, char-

acter, making the right choices and perseverance, not only in football but in life.

Joining Booker T. Washington and Boyd Anderson were Tampa Plant, Miramar, Daytona Mainland, Daytona Seabreeze, Miami Gulliver Prep, Glades Central, Jupiter Christian, Dwyer, Park Vista, Ely, Olympic Heights, Glades Day, Cardinal New-

The Acreage Hawks 8-U all-star baseball team won the 2009 District Championship by going undefeated at the Cal Ripken Rookie Qualifier in Ocala. The Hawks gave up only six runs on their way to the championship. They will compete the Florida State Championship in Palm Beach Gardens on July 3. Pictured above are: (front row, L-R) Justin Reeves, Andrew Dutil, Evan

man and the King’s Academy. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Heath Evans Foundation, which is dedicated to fostering hope and healing in the lives of children and families affected by sexual abuse.

For more information about the foundation, visit www.heathevans.org.

RP Bassmasters Fish In Broward County

The Royal Palm Bassmasters held their monthly tournament at the Weasel Trail boat ramp off of U.S. Highway 27 on June 14.

First place was awarded to the team of Larry Payne (boater) with five fish weighing 8 lbs., 9 oz. and partner Paul Zuazo (guest) with four fish weighing 6 lbs., 2 oz. for a team weight of 14 lbs., 11 oz.

Second place was awarded to the team of Robbie Thompson (boater) with five fish weighing 5 lbs., 15 oz. and partner Anita Kane (nonboater) with five fish weighing 8 lbs., 3 oz. for a total team weight of 14 lbs., 2 oz.

Third place was awarded to the team of Ed Singleton (boater) with three fish weighing 6 lbs., 9 oz. and

partner Mike Gershberg (guest boater) with five fish weighing 7 lbs., 2 oz. for a total team weight of 13 lbs., 11 oz. The Big Fish award went to Larry Payne for a bass weighing 3 lbs., 3 oz.

Bassmasters meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (151 Civic Center Way). Tournaments are held the following Sunday. Anyone interested in joining the club as

a boater or non-boater may call Irene at (561) 793-7081. Dues are $25 a year, and tournament entry fees are $25 per person. For additional information, call President Mike Gershberg at (561) 371-5652.

Gymnasts From Cats Compete In Jupiter

The girls from Cats Gymnastics of Wellington team recently competed in the second annual Beach Blast Invite at Cats of Jupiter. The girls on the Level 2 team had an amazing day. Sidney Glaubrecht won first place on bars with a 9.2, first on beam with a 9.45, second on floor with a 9.05, second on vault with 9.5 and winning first place all around. Faith Campagnuola won first place on vault with a 9.550, first on floor with an incredible 9.7, second on beam with a 9.4 and winning second place all around. Chelsea Keough won third place on bars, third on beam with a 9.1, fourth on floor, a 9.05 on vault and won third place all around. Jordyn Maybrown won fourth place on vault with an amazing 9.55, fourth on bars, fifth on floor and took fourth place all around. Renaya Lindsey won second place on bars with a 9.0, fifth on vault with a 9.0 and tied for fifth place all around. Carlene Powers won

second place on bars with a 9.0, third on floor, fourth on beam and tied for fifth place all around. Alexandra Lares won third place on vault with a 9.1, fifth on bars and sixth place all around. Angela Lares won second place on vault with a great 9.450, fourth on beam and seventh place all around. Stephanie Katz won fourth place on vault with an awesome 9.1 and placed eighth all around. On the Level 3 team, Renae Rovnyak won first place on vault with a 9.250, second on bars with a 9.325, third on floor with a 9.150, fourth on beam with a 9.050 and first place all around. Isabella Padilla won second place on beam with a 9.3, third on bars with a 9.3, third on beam with a 9.150, fourth on vault and tied for second place all around. Sophia Vingwald won first place on bars with a 9.350, second on beam with a 9.175, second on vault with a 9.150, fourth on floor and tied for second place all

around. Mia Frozini won third place on vault with a 9.0, fifth on beam with a 9.0 and took fifth place all around. Alexia Moraes scored a 9.0 on beam and took sixth place all around. Amber Birt won second place on bars with a 8.9, fourth on beam and fifth place all around. Dominique Fullwood scored an 8.75 on vault, an 8.575 on floor and won eighth place all around. Allison Rosenbaum scored an 8.3 on beam and an 8.3 on vault. Bianca Sileo had her first competition and scored an 8.3 on vault. Samantha Baez also had her debut competition and scored an 8.75 on bars. Hannah Maniates, yet another first-time competitor, scored 8.3 on bars.

On the Level 4 team, Rayven Glaubrecht won first place on beam with a 9.250, first on floor with a 9.325, second on bars and took first place all around. Michele Arbocco won second place on beam, third on bars, third on floor, third on vault with a

9.350 and second place all around. Caitlin Flaherty won first place on vault with a 9.450, second on floor with a 9.150, and took third place all around. Belen Bengolea won first place on bars with an 8.9, second on vault with a 9.375, third on beam, and won fourth place all around.

On the Level 5 team, Nicole Rosenthal won first place on floor with an 8.7, first on vault, first on bars, third on beam and first place all around. Alina Perez won second place on floor, second on beam, third on vault, third on bars and second place all around. Alissa Sanchez won first place on beam with a 8.8, second on vault, second on bars, third on floor and third place all around. In Level 7 optionals, Jamie Zeldman won third place on beam with an 8.5, 8.725 on floor and took eighth place all around. It was another great meet under the coaching of Margarita Martinez, Felipe Restrepo and Mario Restrepo.

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

(back row) Coach Chris Satcher, Manager Lenny Dutil and Coach Derrick Reeves.

The Acreage Gators flag football team went 3-0 to win the 13-U division in the first annual Palm Beach Shootout Flag Football Tournament held June 7-8 in Palm Springs. The Gators dominated on offense with quarterback Morgan Lauer leading the Gators with two running touchdowns and one interception touchdown. Wide receiver Casey Turek also scored two touchdowns on passes from Lauer. Madeline Harding caught a ten-yard pass and ran another 25 yards for a touchdown. The Gators were also extremely impressive on defense, holding their opponents to only two touchdowns. The Palm Beach Shoot Out was organized and run by Brian Coe of Rising Stars Athletics. The Acreage Gators include: Coach Mike Kelleher, Brooke Herron, Tori Ferndandez, Casey Turek, Bailey Machado, Zahra Jamaloodeen, Morgan Lauer, Madeline Harding, Kristy Rhemer, Chy’Ann Areyzega and Coach Bob Oregero. Not pictured: Coach Ron Last.

PALM BEACH UNITED WINS IN DAYTONA

The Palm Beach United U-18 boys soccer team recently won another tournament, this time at the annual Beach Soccer Tournament in Daytona Beach. Teams came from as far as Texas and North Carolina to compete. There were four different age brackets. Palm Beach United sent seven of their players in the 15- to 18-year-old division, winning all five of their games and a very exciting championship match in the last 30 seconds of play. Every player on the team scored goals; goalie play was stellar as well. Palm Beach United averaged more goals scored and least against for their age bracket during the tournament. The team includes players from Seminole Ridge and Royal Palm Beach high schools. Pictured above are (front) Scotty Monaghan and (L-R) Dominic Toscano, Richie Bukowski, Matt Lalonde, Coach Brian Newsholme, Stevie Kaelin, Brock Bukowski and Kevin Newsholme.

Larry Payne

Leiva, Mark Link, Tucker Weindorf, Dylan Istock and Conner Bradford; (second row) Caleb Fox, Max Zimmerman, Christopher Satcher, Nick Natterer and Ryan Batezel;

Mike GershbergEd Singleton

The Fourth Of July Can Be A Tough Time For Horse Owners Tales From The Trails

Most people look forward to the Fourth of July: a day off from work, picnics with friends and family, and of course, those nighttime pyrotechnics. As much as most people enjoy celebrating this national holiday, many horse owners dread it.

Despite the fact that fireworks are illegal, lots of people spend big bucks to put on a backyard show. Unfortunately, unexpected bright lights and loud noises are exactly the sort of thing that can send horses crashing through fences or worry them into a stress colic.

According to Wellington substation Capt. Greg Richter of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, all fireworks, except sparklers, are technically illegal unless you’re using them to scare birds away from your orchard or fishery. When you buy fire-

A

By Ellen Rosenberg

works, you’re required to sign a paper stating that’s what you’ll use them for: protecting fruit or fish.

“It’s impossible to stop people from buying or using fireworks,” Richter said. “We run a strong PR campaign before the Fourth, educating people, putting out leaflets and signs reminding people that fireworks are illegal, hazardous and dangerous, especially in an

equine community like Wellington.”

Richter said extra deputies will be on duty for Independence Day, and will respond to any calls about excessive or dangerous fireworks. The result is usually a warning, although sometimes an arrest is made.

Kit Gordon, who owns Gateway Stables in Lantana, dreads the Fourth. She has 32 horses on her property. Thankfully, she said, fireworks don’t bother most of them, but she still takes precautions.

“There are fireworks going off on properties all around me,” she said. “Not just little things either, but some pretty fancy stuff, and things that scream and go ka-BOOM. It’s very audible and very visible. I bring all the horses into the barn, keep the lights on, play the radio loudly, and load the horses up with hay so they have something to do. I’m out there

with them the whole time, keeping an eye on things.”

Gordon said she keeps special watch on new horses because she doesn’t know how they’ll react, and horses that pace and pace and are obviously worried. These she gives a preventative dose of medicine, in case they colic, and reduces their grain ration, for the same reason. She also feeds a bran mash, which has a naturally laxative effect, twice a day on July 3 and 4, and sometimes on the morning of July 5. “I also try to put a nervous horse in a stall between a couple of other horses who don’t give a hoot,” Gordon said. “And I keep on all those lights, inside and out. Between that and the noise from the radio and the fans, it helps to minimize the horses seeing and hearing the fireworks.”

CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISER KICKOFF FOR STATE SEN. DAVE ARONBERG

Flex Use

A New Zoning Category

continued from page 1 have any specific locations now, it doesn’t mean that it couldn’t be in the future,” he said. “And to have some of these in here, as Mr. Coates has alluded to, I think it could be somewhat problematical in the future for any council or resident.”

The new zoning classification was approved by a 3-2 vote, with Coates and Willhite opposed.

But the council voted unanimously to support the expedited permitting process. The concept involves assigning one member of village staff to guide qualified businesses through the village’s permitting process in order to speed up the creation of new jobs.

Specifically targeted at “economic development projects,” the process would be available to incoming or expanding businesses involved in activities such as technology development and research, some manufacturing,

Seating Outdoor

Dining

continued from page 2

O’Brien said most of the tables for inline restaurants will be more passive in nature, where customers sit while eating a snow cone or cookie, or drinking a cup of coffee, rather than being waited on. “These aren’t the extensions of the restaurant areas that you would see at Carra-

Wildlife Animals

Will Be Moved

continued from page 1 being moved, they deserve the same level of care and respect that we have always given them. They still need to be fed. Their cages still need to be cleaned.”

Landstrom said the loss of the center will be devastating to the wildlife community. “This year, we would have

printing and publishing, environmental industries, bioscience and warehousing.

The ordinance requires applicants for expedited permitting to bring more “value added” jobs to the village; that is, jobs that pay ten percent above the median Palm Beach County income level.

Village staff originally recommended requiring the businesses to be located on at least ten acres and to create 25 new jobs within two years, but the council lessened those requirements to five acres and 20 jobs to attract more applicants.

Principal Project Manager Richard Green noted that the concept had originated with the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County and that staff had crafted the village’s version after reviewing the standards set by other municipalities with such programs.

Coates asked for the rationale behind the staff recommendation of 25 jobs, and Vice Mayor Carmine Priore asked if there would be any consequence for a business failing to create the required number of jobs. Staff members clarified that the job minimum was more of a guide to

bba’s or Outback,” O’Brien said.

Commissioner Leonard Urban commented that when the center first opened, many of the restaurants did not have outdoor seating. “Now they are adding more, which I believe is a big improvement that will make it more inviting,” he said. “As far as I’m concerned, I don’t have any objections to any of the plans for this shopping center.

Commissioner Darrell Lange recommended that the

seen 5,500 to 6,000 animals,” Landstrom said. “Many of those animals will die because we are not here to help them.”

The nearest alternatives are the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter or the Wildlife Care Center in Fort Lauderdale.

“They are themselves overtaxed with a tremendous number of animals, and quite frankly there aren’t a lot of people out there who would be willing to travel so far,” Landstrom said. Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control takes wildlife calls, but it does not

with supporters and friends.

qualifying applicants than a requirement that would need to be fulfilled by a deadline.

Recognizing the value of more jobs in the village, Willhite questioned the wisdom of applying any minimum employment at all.

“We’ve already given them the permit once they open their employment, so it doesn’t matter if we lower it from 25 to two, they’re still bringing business here,” he said. “And if the goal is to be so pro-business, as to bringing them here and bringing jobs here, then it doesn’t matter how many employees they have. I understand your question, Mr. Coates, is why 25; why is there even a number, if in fact all we’re doing with this is potentially assigning a staff member to follow their permit through the process with a contact person they can directly deal with?”

But Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto said some threshold would be necessary. “If you just said there was absolutely no minimum to the number of positions that had to be created,” she said, “everyone would qualify for expedited permitting… It would be a significant drain on our staff to have one per-

restaurants bring in furniture when a tropical storm warning is issued rather than a hurricane warning. He also suggested that the owner submit a storm management plan for furniture removal. Motions were made to approve the architectural plan for the outdoor seating, as well as the parking and railing variances. They were approved unanimously. The application will go before the Royal Palm Beach Village Council on July 16.

have wildlife rehabilitation facilities, dealing primarily with domestic animals, Landstrom said.

“We are still hopeful, we are talking to other organizations about some kind of partnership,” she said. “We’re hoping that our closure is a temporary one.”

For assistance with injured wildlife in Palm Beach County, the public is asked to call the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary at (561) 575-3399 or the Wildlife Care Center at (954) 524-4302. For more information on Folke Peterson, call (561) 793-2473.

son as the concierge, as it were, so you have to have some minimum in order to get that type of value added.”

Both measures will need a second reading before adoption.

In other business, the council unanimously approved the final reading an amendment to village noise standards letting local golf courses begin maintenance work earlier.

Village noise standards allow the operation of lawn maintenance equipment from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The new exemption allows golf courses to mow their greens starting at 6 a.m. every day.

The Wanderers Club and Binks Forest golf courses requested the change, saying the earlier start of maintenance is essential to their economic viability.

Shutters New Rules

In RPB

continued from page 7 painted plywood is not an acceptable covering except during hurricanes. “That’s fine for a couple of days, but I’m not sure I’d want to live next to a house that’s boarded up with plywood for five months of the year and feel good about the neighborhood that I live in,” he said. “If they have the color-coded accordion shutters, I think that makes a lot of sense for peo-

JCC Branch

Closing

continued from page 2 ty, we are going to be able to do a lot more neat activities. Temple Beth Torah is also going to be doing some joint programming with us as well as Temple B’nai Jacob, so we are heavily involved with the synagogues. I think it’s actually positive in a sense, because it will integrate the JCC with the synagogues, and I really believe it will make it a stronger community for everyone.”

Sharon Lowenstein, program coordinator for the Wellington JCC, is getting ready for the JCC’s pool party at the Wellington Aquatics Center this weekend. She

While Willhite expressed some concern that the courses would take the new exemption to start their maintenance even earlier, Coates said he had faith that they would face strict enforcement.

“Certainly this has gotten a lot of public consideration now,” Coates said. “We have a specific time that the exemption will apply to, and I can’t imagine that at this point, certainly with the discussion, that we as a council wouldn’t compel staff to do everything possible to enforce the ordinance that we’re passing.”

Gypsy’s Horse To Host Benefit Golf Tourney

The Gypsy’s Horse Irish Pub & Restaurant will host the inaugural golf tournament to benefit Max Clark and the Kids Cancer Foundation on Sunday, July 19 at Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington.

The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. and feature contests for best drive, best score, best ball, closest to the pin, and $100,000 for a hole in one. The cost includes beverages on the course and a buffet at the Gypsy’s Horse, located at in the original Wellington Mall (12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 20-A). Clark is battling cancer and has just undergone a bonemarrow transplant. The cost is $120 per person to enter and $100 for a hole sponsorship. To register, call Paul Rowan at (954) 610-2627.

ple to be able to protect their property.”

Councilman David Swift said he approves of people being able to put up shutters for the summer as long as they match the house. “I personally think that people need to be able to go away, and if they want to secure their house, they can put up storm shutters during hurricane season,” he said. “That makes perfect sense to me.” Hill said he has been in contact with Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue about electronically notifying them of all unoccupied

said she already has several programs for elementary-age children planned for the fall, including musical theater, a jewelry-making program, and art and science programs.

“Aside from the children’s programming, we will still be bringing cultural arts to Wellington,” Lowenstein said. “Specifically, we will be bringing book-and-author events; I don’t know exactly who we’re getting this year, I don’t think it’s been determined yet, but A-list authors, and also the Jewish Film Festival, it’s the 20th anniversary this year, and it runs at the Wellington 8 Reel World.”

The most popular Wellington events have been the family programming, Lowenstein said. “So we will be doing large-scale family events like the pool party and

homes that are shuttered.

Vice Mayor Matty Mattioli asked if the sheriff’s office could be provided the same information as fire-rescue, because he is concerned about potential burglaries to shuttered houses. “To me, a house that is boarded up shows that nobody is there,” Mattioli said. Swift made a motion to adopt the first reading of the ordinance, which was seconded by Councilwoman Martha Webster and passed unanimously. A final reading will take place at the July 16 council meeting.

also at the Good Earth Farm, which is out in Loxahatchee Groves,” she said. In 2006, the JCC had envisioned building a freestanding facility of about 60,000 square feet in Wellington, and Jacobson said he hopes such plans will again be set forth.

“Had the real estate market not stalled the way it had, I think the reality of having a JCC might have occurred now, or sooner,” he said.

“Obviously, the whole economy crashing down stopped the growth here in Wellington and the western communities. So do I envision one? I do. Is it a reality? I hope it will be some day. We’re going to make it a reality.” For more information on programs and events by the Wellington JCC, call Lowenstein at (561) 676-4104.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER AND STU ULRICH/TOWN-CRIER

kickoff fundraising reception for State Sen. Dave Aronberg was held on Wednesday, June 24 at the West Palm Beach law office of Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart. Aronberg is leaving his District 27 seat to run for Florida attorney general. Members of the host committee were in attendance along

Dave Aronberg with members of the host committee.

Mike Edmondson, Bob Graham, Eva Krischer and former state attorney Barry Krischer. Brian Seymour of Gunster Yoakley introduces Aronberg.

State Sen. Dave Aronberg chats with supporters.

Lake Worth Mayor Jeff Clemens with Al Malefatto.

Bill Perry, Wendy Link and Adam Rabin.

Ah, Summer: Facing Time’s Ravages On Elastic And Myself

Even in Florida, it’s swimsuit season.

I’ve noticed that advertisers have begun using this “season” as a threat to get us to buy their diet pills and exercise equipment. I don’t respond well to threats. Like millions of others, I’d rather say I’ve forgotten how to swim or am allergic to the sun or don’t have transportation to the beach than implement the nofail program of diet and exercise. That means self-discipline. Pffttt!

Yet, sooner or later, I will be invited to something that requires a swimsuit. First, I will try on my old “standby” suit even though it makes an ominous crunching sound meaning the elastic has given out. And style-wise, it’s somewhat dated. No one wears bloomers anymore.

So in fear and trepidation, I will head out to the mall. I customarily prepare for this task by primping and preening as if I were a con-

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

testant in the Miss America pageant, because if there’s one thing I don’t want, it’s a saleslady seeing me as I really am. I slather myself in bronzing gel and rue the fact that I have waited too long for that bust-enhancing surgery. Maybe next year. I take a deep breath as I enter the store, just like I do before a root canal or tax audit. I slap a hand over my mouth to muffle the sound I make when I see how small the suits

are. I try not to calculate the cost of the fabric on a per-square-inch basis. I tell myself that no one is going to see me except people who already like me, a downright lie. This is my usual routine. But this year would be different. This year I rebelled.

I got up in the morning and had a shot of whiskey for breakfast. I dressed in a big shirt and slouchy pants, the same ones I put on to clean the gutters. To guard against the possibility of someone recognizing me from the photo that runs with this column, I swathed my head in a horrible fringed scarf and put on oversized sunglasses. Arriving at the mall, I slunk along one wall to a store where I knew swimsuits to be sold. I spoke to no one. Upon entering, the sales clerk lost her perky smile and retreated toward the telephone, where she had 911 on

speed dial. And then I saw it — the perfect suit. Not too big, not too small. In slenderizing black that would coordinate well with any skirt. And it was in my size! I got so ecstatic that I lost control of my scarf.

Timidly, the clerk approached. “Would you like to try that on?”

“No, just wrap it up. I’ll take it.”

“But we really recommend…”

“I said I’ll take it!” She hurriedly took my money, threw the suit in a bag and ran to the back room. I clutched the bag to my bosom and dashed out like a thief. And here’s the kicker: it fits! It’s the bestfitting, best-looking swimsuit I’ve ever owned!

I wonder how long ’til the elastic gets crunchy.

In ‘Proposal’ Bullock Is Back To Doing What She Does Best

After a long string of adventure films, The Proposal is the kind of change of pace that adds chocolate sprinkles to the huge sundae of summer movie fare. After watching films about people being blown up (with the exception of the marvelous Up), watching people deal with the really serious problem of love is a real pleasure.

Having Sandra Bullock back in a romantic comedy is even better news. She made a name for herself being quirky and awkward in comedies like While You Were Sleeping, Miss Congeniality and Two Weeks Notice. She managed to combine a winsome sense of self with an endearing social clumsiness. And then a few years ago, she stopped doing romantic comedies, and that was a shame.

Now Bullock is back and with a vengeance. Instead of playing the awkward loser everyone dumps on, this time she is Margaret Tate, the ultimate difficult boss. When she storms

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

through her office, her subordinates send instant messages saying, “the witch is on her broomstick” or “IT is here.” Tate is an editor who treats everyone else like garbage, particularly her assistant Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds). However, she is a Canadian, and due to her arrogance she has ignored immigration laws. She decides to marry Andrew to avoid deportation. Naturally, she does not bother asking his opinion before making the announcement.

Margaret joins Andrew on a family visit to Sitka, Alaska as a way to demonstrate to officialdom that they are a serious couple. At that point, Bullock is able to revert to her usual fish-out-of-water persona, totally out of place among the straightforward townsfolk. Craig T. Nelson and Mary Steenburgen play Reynolds’ parents. But veteran actress Betty White, as his grandmother, steals every scene she’s in.

Rounding out the cast are Denis O’Hare as a suspicious immigration agent, Oscar Nunez of The Office and Malin Akerman as the “other woman” Andrew left behind, who is actually charming, a refreshing change for movies of this sort.

Tate and Paxton run through the expected scenes, learning about each other (at one point in probably the funniest nude scene ever filmed), getting exasperated and finally learning to appreciate each other. But both leads

are so strong and able to carry comedy that the movie works well.

Bullock is perhaps one of our best comic actresses. She puts a great deal of conviction into playing a nasty-tempered character. But undercutting that effort is our knowledge that deep down, she’s a sweetie. We’ve all seen her being that cute, clumsy girl we want to root for. As a result, we’re ready for her metamorphosis. Reynolds had a more difficult role. He has to start out playing her doormat, forced to tailor his own life around her. He even drinks the same kind of cinnamon-flavored coffee in case she spills hers. It is an exceptional performance, harder to do than Bullock’s full star turn. Without Reynolds the movie would have been lopsided and not nearly as satisfying. The Proposal is a charming movie. It will never win an award as a great movie, but it is a lovely way to spend a summer evening.

A Sublime Senior Moment: Grand-dude, Where’s

Last week, my granddaughter Grace graduated from Temple Beth Zion’s preschool. Knowing that parking at these events is at a premium, I told my wife Sharon to pick me up at work. I figured it would be much easier to get a parking space for one car than two. The graduation was beautiful. The kids were great. They sang some very nice songs for all the relatives and friends that came to share this joyous event.

Afterward my wife and I went out for dinner, then we went home. I was tired and fell asleep early. At about 5:30 the next morning, I got up when my radio alarm clock started blasting some very good rock ’n’ roll. I showered, shaved and did my usual routine before heading off to work.

However, I did encounter one slight problem. When I went to the garage to get into my car, I discovered it was MIA. As a retired New

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

York City cop, I was trying my best to figure out how someone was able to get into my closed garage and drive out with my ragtop, and then close the door.

My wife’s car was still sitting out on the driveway. I was starting to wonder why the bad guys had decided to go through so much trouble when my wife’s car was just sitting on the driveway all by its lonesome.

Being a good cop, I started to look for clues

as to who might have taken my car. Of course there were none to be found. I started to curse my wife under my breath. I told her a million times to take the garage-door clicker out of the car when she comes home. When I looked in my wife’s car, there was no clicker. Inside the house, I found it on the coffee table. I decided to wake my wife. I figured she could help me look for my car. Besides, I needed her to drive me to work, where I would call the police. On the ride to work, I was really upset. Like many men, I have a love affair going on with my car. I am not ashamed to admit I love my car. At this point there might have been a tear or two coming out of my eye.

As we pulled into the parking lot at my place of employment, I noticed a very familiar sight in my usual parking space. There was my baby, I mean my car, in my parking space.

My Car?

I started to wonder how the bad guys knew where I work and which parking space I always park my car in. The wheels in my brain were spinning at top speed, and then it hit me. After my wife and I finished our dinner the night before, we both forgot about leaving my car sitting in the parking lot, something you, reader, will have remembered all along. My poor car had to sit in this very large parking lot all night by herself. She was damp and gave me a look as if she was asking, “how could you do this to me?” I told her I was very sorry and that it would never happen again. I went on to say that I let it happen because of the aging process. By the look of the car, I don’t think she bought the story. The look on my wife’s face, however, said it all. She told me I was nuts. To which I responded, “tell me something I don’t know.”

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Center is now open in CityPlace Tower.

Camp Shalom Jr. West at Temple Beth Zion in Royal Palm Beach — Camp Shalom offers preschool children (ages 2-5) a fun-filled summer in a safe, loving and engaging environment. Campers will enjoy art, science and nature, music and sports. The camp is also a bus stop for Camp Shalom in WPB. For more information, call (561) 253-6030.

Future Stars Basketball Camp — Held in Summit Christian School, Future Stars is a fun and instructional camp for boys and girls ages five to 15 of all ability levels featuring basketball drills, competitions and games. Campers are grouped by age and ability. All campers will receive a camp t-shirt. Awards will be presented the last afternoon of camp for team winners, competition winners and special recognition. The instructional staff is comprised of high school coaches who are teachers. Lunch may be bought or brought. There will be three weekly sessions available running from June 22 through July 6. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 400-3397 for more information.

Loxahatchee Country Preschool — The Loxahatchee Country Preschool has been here for 19 years and provides a safe environment with small ratios for our summer campers, which means our children are well supervised. Throughout the summer, our camp program offers arts and crafts, field trips (which our management team attends), swimming lessons in our swimming pool, Spanish lessons, movies, a bounce house, golf, bowling and more in-house activities. A free pizza lunch will be provided on Fridays. Our school provides a safe environment for our children, while providing an excellent educational program! In a letter sent to our school, the Kings Academy said, “What preschools are better prepared for Kings? Loxahatchee Country Preschool was mentioned with enthusiasm!” Call (561) 790-1780 for additional information.

Palm Beach County 4-H 2009 Summer Day Camps — Palm Beach County’s 4-H Youth Development Program is again offering educational, fun day camps for youth this summer. The camps are a five-day experience in specialty areas, challenging campers through hands-on experiences. Camper to staff ratio is 4:1. You can learn more about the camps and obtain registration forms at www.pbcgov.com/coopext/4h.

Palm Beach Riding Academy — Palm Beach Riding Academy will be offering spring and summer camps for 2009. We are proud to offer a unique equestrian experience including riding lessons and instruction in horse care, as well as games for children. There will be trips to the horse show and polo grounds. We will also be able to offer adult sessions. The academy is located at the corner of Pierson Road and South Shore Blvd. Recently featured events have included the Palm Beach Steeplechase and the Palm Beach Jumper Derby. Times and dates to be announced to accommodate school schedules. For more information, Call Kate Turner at (561) 644-7179.

Pine Jog Environmental Education Center/Florida Atlantic University — Pine Jog offers parents several summer options. The Everglades Youth Conservation Camp provides week long, sleep-away sessions focusing on environmental education and outdoor adventures including archery, fishing, canoeing, swimming and hiking. The Pine Jog Summer Camp provides full-day/all-summer or full-day/weekly options. Each week has a different environmental theme with outdoor exploration, nature crafts, recreation and more. All programs provide low child-to-instructor ratios, qualified staff and a safe environment for your child to engage in new ex-

periences and learn more about our natural environment. For more information, call (561) 686-6600 or visit www. pinejog.fau.edu.

St. Peters Child Enrichment Center (CEC) VPK & Summer Camp — There is still time to enroll in summer VPK or camp! Conveniently located on Forest Hill Blvd. just steps away from the Wellington Community Center, St. Peter’s offers a learning environment backed by over 20 years of teaching Wellington-area children and a Gold Seal certification. St. Peter’s offers VPK-eligible four- and five-year-olds an educational summer June 8 through Aug. 14 of themed week classes full of reading, mathematics and more all taught by a certified teacher. The VPK program is a great way to get your child ready for Kindergarten this fall. A few VPK spots are still available, but you must register by Tuesday, June 9 to be eligible for the program. For VPK enrollment information, call School Director Pat Banks at (561) 798-3286. If you are just looking for a great summer activity to keep your three-year-old through entering first grade child active and learning, enroll in the summer camp at St. Peter’s, offering camp sessions with all on-site activities — no buses and no additional activity fees! Campers remain on-site for themed week events with arts and crafts, indoor/outdoor games, creative play and more. Four two-week sessions are available. Two-, three- and five-day options are available with a choice of 9 a.m. to noon or 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. St. Peter’s first camp session starts Monday, June. Enroll children in camp for as few as two days a week and for as little as $40 per week. Even a couple of days a week will keep your child active and learning and give you a chance to run errands or just relax! For a camp information, call (561) 798-3286. See St. Peter’s ad in this publication to get half off the registration fee per camp session if you enroll by June 8. Zolet Arts Academy — Come and have fun this summer at Zolet Arts Academy, located in the original Wellington Mall for 18 years. Register now for separate weekly sessions offered Monday through Thursday, June 15-18, June 22-25 or June 29-July 2. Classes are held from 1 to 4 p.m. and all supplies are free. Professional, individualized instruction in all media with rotating subject matter is offered. The total fee is $150 per week, per child. Registration for the Zolet summer program is Tuesdays at 6 p.m. or Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 793-6489 for more information.

Fresh Produce, Low Prices At The Farmer’s Daughter

By Samantha Karlin

Ever get in the car and feel like a homing pigeon? I find that oftentimes, the places I go most are the places my car automatically ends up, whether that’s where I intend to go or not. I find myself turning left out of my community when I really mean to go right. Or vice versa. So, when it comes to buying fruits and veggies, I most often make my way to the produce section at the supermarket. But let’s face it: the economy is killing us now. And the truth of the matter is that the supermarket is not always the most cost-effective place to buy those much-needed greens.

The Farmer’s Daughter Garden Center — located in Loxahatchee Groves on Southern Blvd. between Forest Hill Blvd. and Big Blue Trace — sells its produce for prices that are generally 50 percent lower than those at the top grocery stores. That means you can get twice as much for your buck! As if cheap produce weren’t enough, the fruits and vegetables at the Farmer’s Daughter are fresh, right off the field and, typically, local (except for the juicy peaches that Farmer’s Daughter owner Julia Campbell picks up herself from Georgia).

And times are hard right now for local businesses like the Farmer’s Daughter. They need your support! The Garden Center, which has been family-owned and operated since 1992, is trying to stay above water during these times. But Campbell isn’t willing to give up fighting. “We want to offer our customers the

best products at the best prices, plain and simple,” she said.

So instead of raising prices in a time when money is needed more than ever, Campbell has decided to keep prices low, to make her produce as accessible to the masses as possible.

But produce is just a part of the quaint charm that a place like the Farmer’s Daughter brings. Since it’s a garden center, you can go there year-round to pick up bags of mulch and beautiful plants for your garden (or, if you’re like me and couldn’t garden to save your life, the Farmer’s Daughter can take care of the delivery and installation). When it’s October, though, be sure to check out the humongous pumpkin patch and the haunted forest, set up especially for the kids. And when it’s December, the smell of pine is impossible to miss because of all the Christmas trees. And in February, when you’ve got that special someone on your mind, the Farmer’s Daughter has you covered with unbeatable prices on roses.

So next time you put your key in the ignition, why not think outside of the box? Shop local and head to the Farmer’s Daughter — a place where the produce is cheap, the plants are beautiful and the staff is always ready to lend a helping hand. Help keep this familyowned business running, and help keep your family running, too, by saving a pretty penny on your next produce run. For more information, call (561) 790-4222.

The Phantoms Preview The New Kravis On Broadway Season

Wow! The Kravis Center has another smash season with Jersey Boys, Grease, South Pacific, A Chorus Line and Burn the Floor.

The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is proud to announce its exciting 2009-10 Kravis on Broadway series, including the smash hit Jersey Boys, scheduled to come to the venue March 10-28.

The exciting series of professional touring productions also includes the beloved musical Grease, featuring American Idol winner Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel Nov. 10-15; the Tony Award-winning revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, Jan. 5-10; the one singular sensation A Chorus Line, Feb. 2-7; and the international dance phenomenon Burn the Floor May 4-9.

Subscriptions for the Kravis on Broadway series are currently on sale through the Kravis Center box office to Kravis Center donors, whose support of the center’s annual campaign enables them to be part of bringing these world-class performances to the community. For more information about becoming a donor, visit www.kravis.org/membership or call (561) 651-4320.

Subscriptions for all five Kravis on Broadway offerings are $146 to $420 and go on sale July 27 to the general public. For general information about purchasing a subscription to Kravis on Broadway, call the Kravis Center box office at (561) 832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org/broadway.

In making the Kravis on Broadway announcement, Kravis Center Senior Director of Programming Lee Bell noted that all of the shows have been very popular with audiences on Broadway or on tour. “They have all received both critical and popular acclaim,” Bell said. “We continually listen to our subscription base and our guests tell us they want to see current shows, so that guided us in putting together this new season.”

“Too good to be true!” raved the New York Post for Jersey Boys, the 2006 Tony Awardwinning Best Musical about Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Famers the Four Seasons (Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi). This is the story of how four bluecollar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide — all before they were 30! Jersey Boys, winner of the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “December, 1963 (Oh What a Night)” and Valli’s solo song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”

The Kravis on Broadway series kicks off

in November with Grease, featuring Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel. After spending a hopelessly devoted summer with Sandy Dumbrowski, the new girl in town, Danny Zuko’s world is thrown upside down when Sandy appears at Rydell High on the first day of school. What follows is a rock ’n’ roll celebration of growin’ up, cruisin’ with friends and goin’ steady. The new version of Grease features, for the first time ever in a Broadway production, songs from the smash hit 1978 film including “Sandy,” the Academy Award nominated song “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” “Grease” and “You’re the One That I Want,” both of which were numberone hits on the Billboard Top 100 list. These songs are heard in addition to the Jacobs/Casey songs made famous by the original stage production including “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’” and “We Go Together.”

In January, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific will light up the Kravis Center stage. The musical swept the 2008 Tony Awards, winning seven honors including Best Musical Revival and Best Director for Bartlett Sher. This breathtaking new production has created a sold-out sensation on Broadway, lauded by the critics as “Simply wonderful! Beguiling theatrical magic!” (New York Post), “Ravishing and overwhelming” (Variety) and “Rapturous and revelatory!” (New York Times). Based on James Michener’s Pulitzer Prize winning book Tales of the South Pacific, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and a book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan. Considered by many the finest musical ever written, the score’s songs include such classics as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “Younger Than Springtime,” “Bali Ha’i,” “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame,” “This Nearly Was Mine” and “A Wonderful Guy.”

Another revival took Broadway by storm when it opened in 2006, A Chorus Line reclaimed its place in the heart of Broadway at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, where it opened to rave reviews on Oct. 5, 2006. “Exhilarating and endearing, it still has a freshness and fervency too seldom seen in contemporary musicals,” wrote Elysa Gardner in USA Today, while the New York Daily News exclaimed, “There’s nothing better! The show thrills from the opening number to the glittering finale.” A Chorus Line is directed by its original Tony Award-winning co-choreographer Bob Avian and is produced by John F. Breglio for Vienna Waits Productions.

The 2009-10 Kravis on Broadway season will close with the sensational Burn the Floor,

and www.YourNews.com...

a dazzling display of ballroom dance that forever blurs the line between the frenetic energy of an electrifying rock ’n’ roll arena show and the seductive glisten of Broadway-style theater. Featuring a high-voltage, superbly executed blend of rumba, cha-cha, samba, salsa, waltz, tango, quickstep, swing and jive, Burn the Floor ushers in a new era of ballroom dance. Stripped of pretense, the performances have an unbridled energy that makes

this sensuous mix of dance and music a stunning rhythmic spectacle of dramatic sophistication never before seen on stage. And if you can’t wait like us, the good news is Mamma Mia! returns to Kravis Aug. 4-9. Mamma Mia!, featuring the music of ABBA, is one of our favorite shows of all time. Tickets are now on sale... See you at the theater. For more information, call (561) 832-SHOW.

The cast of Jersey Boys.

A scene from South Pacific.

Buca di Beppo gets to the heart of fresh Italian cooking with our new summer menu featuring Mozzarella Caprese, Linguine Frutti di Mare, Oven-Roasted Salmon, Apple Gorgonzola Salad and Gelato della Casa. At Buca, we serve family-style meals in two portion sizes. Buca Small™ feeds two to three and Buca Large™ feeds an average-size country. Well, actually it feeds four to six.

TEEN COMMUNITY SERVICE -

HELP WANTED - Are you 14 and over? Looking for something meaningful to do this summer? Join us at the Good Earth Farm. JuneAugust 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Mon. - Fri. Call for more info. 792-2666.

CARETAKER/TENANT WANTED

— Live on small estate in the Acreage (Western Palm Beach County) June, July, and August, possibly September. To care for and live on property. Rent $175.00 per week. References required. 561-862-8581

1997 GREY SEBRING JXI CONVERTIBLE — new a/c, clean & well maintained. Engine & transmission in excellent condition and new top. Feel free to take it to a mechanic & check it out. Mint condition. $3500 (561) 793-5569 (917) 494-3422

1990 RED MAZDA MIATA CONVERTIBLE — mint condition incl. hard top. New clutch, tune-up in excellent condition. Great on gas. (561) 793-5569 (917) 494-3422

$2,500

1976 Mercedes 450 SL - Light blue w/navy leather interior. 3 cars in one. Convertible, soft top & hard top included. 83,000 Original miles. Good condition. Asking $7,500 Call Bob 561-758-9938

HOME LITE TRIMMER GAS — $30 OBO 433-2751

Equestrian Club — 5BR/4BA/ 3CGAR/Waterfront/Pool, $949,000. Call Yolanda Ulibarri, P.A. Keller Williams, Realty Wellington 561791-7434

Wellington - 4BR/2.5BA/2CGAR/ Pool, $269,777Call Yolanda Ulibarri, P.A. Keller Williams, Realty Wellington 561-791-7434

FOR RENT LOXAHATCHEE - 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment. Includes utilities $700 per month plus 1 month security deposit. 561-9851349

ROOMS FOR RENT — (3) ROOMS IN LARGE HOME FOR RENT - includes use of all amenities - pool, boat dock on lake- No Smoking! Royal Palm Beach - La Mancha Community $550 per room. Includes utilities. 561-667-3475

MOBILE HOME - For Sale at $26,000 OR Assume the loan for $435.00 per month. 1999 Fleetwood Wave Mobile Home. DOUBLE WIDE - 56' (1520 sq. ft.) 4 bedroom/2bath island in kitchen/ roman bathtub in master bedroom. For more details, call Joe (786) 4029891 * Buyer must move home to own location.

FOR RENT: Great Location in Royal Palm Beach. 2/2 Villa in a 55+ community. Tile floor, enclosed porch, accordion shutters, vertical blinds on all windows. Pool and clubhouse. Contact Maria @ 561-7932549 for more information.

4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOME - For rent, $1,900 per month. Available March 1st. For more information call (561) 385-3605

FOR RENT 4BR/3BA/2CG SINGLE FAMILY HOME - Curb appeal, light, bright. New tile, A/C, paint (11/08). Huge enclosed, private patio. $1,850 (561) 319-1292

THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 7:30

A.M. - Large sale, clothing, furniture, flatbed trailer, pressure cleaner, patio furniture, grill, etc. 1248 Snowbell Place.

EFFICIENCY FOR RENT - $450 per month on a farm. Spanish Tile and A.C. References required. 9668791

1 MONTH FREE - 2/2, utility room, washer & dryer, tile floors, vaulted ceilings, fenced patio, storage room. $900 a month and short term available. 561-775-0717

½ DUPLEX FOR RENT IN WELLINGTON - 2/2 waterfront, washer & Dryer, maintenance free. $1000 per month. first & last, plus $250 Security. Call 561-358-3302

JUNK CARS, TRUCKS WANTEDTop prices paid. Call Now for FREE pick-up. 561-512-9606

JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. —Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

SeaBreeze Air Systems, Inc. — for Air Conditioning and Heating Indoors and Outdoors. Let us heat your pool for year round enjoyment. Call 561-964-3817 Lic. CAC039717

ARE YOUR TREES READY FOR A HURRICANE? — Florida Arborists has highly trained professionals to provide superior and quality services. 561-568-7500

MEDICAL AND PROFESSIONAL

BUILDING CLEANINGS SPECIALISTS — • Pressure Cleaning • Office Cleaning • Residential Cleaning • Parking Lot Maintenance • Concrete Coatings. Call for Free Evaluation. 561-714-3608

HOUSECLEANING - Reliable with long term clients. Over 12 years experience. References available. Karen 561-632-2271

COMPUTER REPAIR — We come to you! After hours and weekends services available. Spyware/ Adware/Virus Removal, Networking, Wireless, Backup Data, Upgrades. Call Anytime. 561-713-5276

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COM-

PUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support & troubleshooting www.mobiletec.net. 561-248-2611

COMPUTER REPAIR - We come to you. Spyware/Virus Removal. Reinstall operating system with/without backup. After hours service available. On-Site/Carry In Service. 561-713-5276

STAFF PLUS — Looking to fill full and part-time positions in customer service. For more info. Call 1-888333-9903

HIGH QUALITY LAMINATE

FLOORING — at affordable prices. Hardwood floors. No deposit until delivery. Contractors welcome. Western Communities resident. Family owned and Operated. Licensed and Insured. Se Habla Español 561-568-6099

GUARDSMAN FURNITURE PRO

— For all your furniture repair needs including finish repairs, structural repairs, Leather repairs, chair regluing, antique repairs, kitchen cabinet refurbishing. 753-8689 PLACE YOUR AD HERE CALL 793-3576 TODAY!

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC. — REMODEL & REPAIRS Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall, kitchens/cabinets/countertops, wood flooring. Bonded/Insured U#19699. 791-9900 Cell: 370-5293

ANMAR CO. —James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-2488528

MCA CUSTOM WOODWORKING, INC. — “Make your home standout from the rest” Call us for all your home improvement needs. Kitchen & bathroom remodeling, custom wall units, design your home office, cabinetry, tile & drywall repair. Lic. #U-19564. Bonded & Ins. 561-7235836

WWW.GARABAR.COM —Discount pricing. Remodeling & Repairs•Kitchens•Baths • Additions • Painting • Doors • Windows. No Deposit Until Permit • Credit Cards Accepted. 561-337-6798 Lic. #CCC1327252 & GC1510976

HOME INSPECTIONS — Mold inpections, air quality testing, US Building Inspectors mention this ad $20.00 Off. 561-784-8811

A Personalized Lawn Care Service that you can afford. Call Dave for a free estimate 561-262-4623 or email dmtonkin@bellsouth.net Monarch Lawn Care

RIDING MOWER & SMALL ENGINE REPAIR — All Brands – Reliable – Service. Also Push Mowers & Generators. 561-685-0170

Mold & Mildew Inspections — Air Quality Testing, leak detection. US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811

ARMENTO PAINTING & SONS, INC. –– Painting, Interior, Exterior. Pressure cleaning. Custom painting, faux art. Lic. U14736. 7988978.

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. Interior/Exterior, artistic faux finishing, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair, & roof painting/cleaning. Free est. 7984964. Lic.#U18473

COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/Exterior, residential painting, over 20 years exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. - Insured. 561-3838666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident. CREATIVE PAINTING SYSTEMS, INC. — Interior • Exterior • Residential Specialists. WE DELIVER WHAT WE PROMISE. All work guaranteed. FREE EST.Family owned & Operated. Over 23 years exp. Lic. #U-18337 • Bonded • Ins. Owner/Operator George Born. 561-686-6701

ELITE POOL CLEANING —"You dealt with the rest now deal with the best" All maintenance & repairs, salt chlorinator, heaters, leak detection. 561-791-5073. Inquire about 1 mo. free service.

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING —

Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.Call Butch 561-3096975 BD

GRIME STOPPERS - Pressure cleaning, commercial & residential, houses, driveways, patios, screen enclosures, sidewalks. References available.561-779-1081

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS — Roof painting. Carpentry. License #U13677.967-5580.

ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC0067207

WWW.GARABAR.COM — Now is the time for the Best Prices. Re-roof & Repairs. No Deposit Until Permit Credit cards accepted. Free Estimate. Call 561-337-6798 Lic.#CCC1327252 & CGC1510976

HORIZON ROOFING QUALITY WORK & SERVICE — Free estimates, No Deposits. Pay upon completion, residential, commercial, reroofing, repairs, credit cards accepted.561-842-6120 or 561784-8072 Lic.#CCC1328598

AFFORDABLE HURRICANE PROTECTION — 2 - 4 wks. Installed Guaranteed! 10% deposit . Will get you started. All products, Dade County approved. We manufacture our own product. 772-342-8705 Lic. & Ins. CGC 1511213

AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC —

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

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

561-662-9258

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

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

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 798-3132.

Gutters, downspouts, vinyl/aluminum siding, windows & doors, aluminum railing. Screen enclosures (Repaired & Replaced), carports, porches, and patios. Lic. U17189. P&M Siding Contractors. 561-7919777

ROLL DOWN SHUTTERS — Accordion shutters, storm panels and rolling shutters...prices that can’t be beat. All shutters Systems, Inc. 8630955