Town-Crier Newspaper June 25, 2010

FOCUS ON HEALTH & WELLNESS

The 2010 Wellington Health & Wellness Festival was held Saturday, June 19 in front of LA Fitness at the Pointe at Wellington Green. Presented by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, the Village of Wellington and Wellington Regional Medical Center, the day included mini massages, skin evaluations, chiropractic evaluations and more, as well as a blood mobile, vendors and music. Shown here are

Longer Mayor’s Term Among Possible Wellington Changes

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington voters could have the opportunity to make changes to the village’s leadership rules if the Wellington Village Council votes this summer to put proposed changes to Wellington’s charter on the Nov. 2 general election ballot.

Among the measures are increasing the mayor’s term from two to four years and eliminating runoff elections when a candidate in a race with three or more contenders gains at least 35 percent of the vote.

Voters would also have the chance to decide whether the time served on council by an appointed official would count toward term limits and whether to expand the amount of time allowed for vacancies in the mayor’s office.

Several council members said they supported changing to a four-

year term for the mayor. Councilman Howard Coates noted that the mayor’s vote has the same weight as the rest of council, but with a shorter term.

“It doesn’t make sense to have it be different from any of the council members,” he said. “The mayor has the same vote as everyone else on this council and is on even par with the rest of the council’s votes.”

Mayor Darell Bowen noted that there is a greater expense in running for election every two years.

“As you all know, running for an election costs several thousand dollars,” he said. “And to do that every two years, it taps a lot of money from the community that could be used for something a lot more worthwhile.”

The council also supported a change that would declare a can-

didate in a race with more than two contenders the winner if they gained more than 35 percent of the vote.

Originally the council wanted a minimum of 40 percent, but several council members felt it needed to be lower to be effective.

Willhite said he was in favor of keeping the runoff elections. He noted that only one of the four runoff elections since 1996 would have been changed by the 40 percent minimum.

“Only one election would have triggered this,” he said. “That was in 2002 with Ms. Benacquisto and Mr. Paglia.”

In the 2002 election for Seat 2 between incumbent Al Paglia and challengers Lizbeth Benacquisto, Alan Medoff and Joe Piconcelli, Paglia gained 45 percent of the vote on election day but lost by

See CHARTER, page 18

Big Holiday Weekend In Wellington

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington residents will be treated to two days of fun during Wellington’s Hometown Holiday Weekend, July 3 and 4, sponsored by Schumacher Automotive.

“It’s going to be a great holiday weekend,” Interim Parks & Recreation Director Bruce Delaney said. “We’re very excited.” Residents can join the village and the Palms West Chamber of Commerce as they celebrate the opening of two facilities.

The fun begins with the grand re-opening of the Wellington Aquatic Complex at the Wellington Community Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission, food and giveaways.

“Entrance to the pool will be free for everyone,” Delaney said. “From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., we will give our residents a free hamburger or hotdog, chips and a drink.” At 3 p.m., the village will officially open its new amphitheater

with several musical acts set to entertain the crowd, followed by a laser light show.

The event begins with music from a DJ, followed by the official opening ceremonies and speeches, which are set to start at 3:30 p.m. The first act takes the stage at 4 p.m. with music by Brainwaves, followed by folk musicians Cakalaki at 5 p.m. and acoustic rockers WEHUMANZ at 6 p.m.

Headliners the Brass Evolution will start their set at 7:30 p.m. and will play until 9:30 p.m., when the laser light show begins. When the laser light show is over, music will keep going until about 10 p.m.

In addition to music, there will be activities for all ages. Children can enjoy bounce houses from 3 to 10 p.m. for $5, which buys an all-access pass. From 4:30 to 8 p.m. there will be free face painting, and the day will be filled with family fun contests such as a hulahoop contest, sack races, a water

balloon toss and more. There will also be vendors with food, beer and soft drinks from 3 p.m. to the event’s end.

On Independence Day, the village will host a Patriotic Pool Party; however, all regular entrance fees apply, Delaney said. The pool will be open from noon to 5 p.m.

Then at 5 p.m., the village will host its Freedom Ride. Motorcycle enthusiasts will meet outside the Wellington Community Center at 5 p.m. with departure at 5:30 p.m., Delaney said.

“They’re going to ride from the community center over to Lantana where they’ll stop for food and drinks,” he said. “Then they’ll drive back to Village Park in time for the fireworks.”

Riders will stop at the Old Key Lime House (300 E. Ocean Avenue) and are responsible for their own food and beverages. Interested riders can pre-register at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road)

See HOLIDAY, page 18

Three Candidates Running For Vacant School Board Seat

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

With longtime Palm Beach County School Board Member Dr. Sandra Richmond not seeking another term, three candidates are running to take her place representing District 6 — Marcia Andrews, Dean Grossman and Ron Young.

Andrews, of Royal Palm Beach, is a retired teacher, administrator and principal who is currently an education activist. Grossman, of suburban Delray Beach, is a former teacher turned business executive who said he loved teaching but changed careers in order to support a young family. Young, a Loxahatchee Groves resident and barber, said he wants to “support the children rather than a political agenda.” Andrews, 59, said she has been an advocate in community causes, especially for the improvement of schools in the Glades.

“I feel my experience has made me the best candidate, and I can give something back,” Andrews said. “I have been working as an advocate to the community with the Palm Beach County School District since I retired. Just knowing the school district as an educator for 35 years has given me a

wide insight of the needs of our school district, and I really want to help.”

For the past several years, Andrews said she has been working with legislative issues, such as opposition to Senate Bill 6, the teacher merit pay bill, which passed in the legislature but was vetoed by Gov. Charlie Crist.

“I was out there on the picket lines,” she said. “I was out there with the teachers, telling the governor, telling the legislators, emailing and writing letters to say this was going to hurt the profession, it’s going to hurt the children and it certainly wasn’t good for teachers. I went to every rally, to every board meeting.”

The bill included provisions that would have attached teachers’ pay to FCAT scores, cut out teachers’ pay based on longevity and provided avenues to allow a teacher to be fired whose students’ performance is not where it should be. “What was so bad about the bill is it was done in the middle of the night,” she said. “They did not allow many of the legislators to give input. They rammed it through at the 11th hour.” Andrews said she has attended school board meetings regularly

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

An Advanced Placement academy is being developed at Royal Palm Beach High School in time for the next school year. Details about the new academy will be revealed at an invitation-only meeting with incoming freshmen and parents Thursday, July 15 at 7 p.m., said RPBHS Principal Jesus Armas.

“This will be an in-house academy,” Armas told the Town-Crier on Tuesday. “It will be zoned for students who go to Royal Palm Beach [High School], and it will be a very rigorous curriculum that will have opportunities for students to earn lots of Advanced Placement credits.”

Students in the academy will take classes mostly in the same area on campus, Armas explained. “What we’re trying to do is make it a school within a school. We’re going to run it like a true academy,” he said. Armas noted that he has several objectives in creating the academy. “The first is to give students at Royal Palm Beach High School the education they want and deserve,” he said. Increasing the number of students who take AP classes will improve the school’s ranking, Armas said. Over the long term, Armas said the goal is to get RPBHS listed among the country’s top high schools. For example, sever-

IN DOG WE TRUST

Royal Palm Agrees To Relax Residential Parking Code

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council agreed last week to somewhat loosen its regulations on commercial vehicles parked in residential areas. At a meeting Thursday, June 17, council members directed village staff to rewrite the ordinances regulating commercial vehicles, which has generated many recent citations for violations such as exposed equipment or ladders stored on exterior racks. Council members agreed that Royal Palm Beach’s regulations are somewhere between the strictness in Wellington and the leniency in The Acreage. They expect the new rules will remain in that middle ground. But while Village Manager Ray Liggins said the ordinance should be easy to rewrite, Councilman

David Swift, who was participating in the meeting by telephone, warned the public to pay attention to what they’ll get in the future.

“It’s pretty easy to say if we allow something, we know what we will see in the future,” Liggins said. “Wellington doesn’t allow any signage; it’s fairly strict. The Acreage on other end, many of us moved here to avoid that. We are in the middle. It will be an easy line for us to move. We can paint the picture, but we need guidance where to go.”

Swift noted that such a change should not be made lightly.

“We are making a major change in code enforcement,” he said. “I want to make that statement to the public. These racks on a lot of trucks and storage, with acetylene, herbicides, pesticides, sprays, I have a problem with how that line is drawn.”

The issue arose after Liggins and Community Development Director Robert Hill met with several local trades and service people who park their work vehicles at home.

“What we’re discussing is the commercial work vehicle definition,” Hill said.

Village ordinances regulate parking and storage of commercial vehicles on residential property, as well as the size of signs on vehicles, currently allowing about the size of a real estate sign. The village is working on a proposal to allow larger signs, Hill said, but it still wouldn’t allow vehicles totally painted as a rolling billboard.

“A regular work van with compliant signage that does not have any materials or equipment that is exposed in the back or on the top, if it parked correctly, that is in compliance at this time,” Hill said,

adding that pickup trucks are also allowed as long as there are no tools on top or exposed in the back. Hill showed several dozen slides of vehicles that have been cited, several of which had violations that only involved ladders stored on racks outside the vehicles. Hill added that his code enforcement staff generally patrols from the street and does not cite trucks with material that is not visible from the street. In 2009, village code enforcement had written 59 courtesy notices, 11 of which proceeded to violations where most eventually did comply. Five proceeded to a public hearing, with three resulting in liens on the homes. Resident Anthony Fawley said having to park his truck at a remote site would put a hardship on him. “We run service work,” Faw-

ley said. “We keep material on the truck. A lot of us had better jobs a year ago. Now I have to buy another car to get to my truck? I could not afford my mortgage and to pay taxes.” Joey Ayala of Ponce de Leon Street said he has seen other

Wellington Regional Medical Center’s

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

WELLINGTON CHAMBER PRESENTS WELLINGTON HEALTH &

The 2010 Wellington Health & Wellness Festival was held Saturday, June 19 in front of LA Fitness at the Pointe at Wellington Green. Presented by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, the Village of Wellington and Wellington Regional Medical Center, the day included mini massages, skin evaluations, chiropractic evaluations and more, as well as a blood mobile, vendors and music.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Giftbasket Concierge owner Joana Donovan.

Dan Cook’s blood pressure is taken by registered nurse Neala Asser.

South Shore Animal Hospital’s Bill and Andrea Tavernise with Buster, and John Forbes and Alan Gonzalez with Cooper.

Comprehensive Clinical Trials’ Kelsey Foster, Beatrice Assereto and Bobbi Ackerman.

Event co-chair Dr. Randy Laurich offers chiropractic services.

Christy Van Ness keeps time while Andres Cuellar, Angel Gutierrez and Dr. Bradley Glick do stomach crunches.

Four File To Seek Vacant ITID Seat

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

A vacant seat on the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors drew four candidates who will face off in the Aug. 24 primary election.

Jennifer Hager, Mike Nichols, Bill Riley and Richard Waite are vying to replace Supervisor Mike Erickson in Seat 1. Erickson announced earlier this month that he will not run for re-election.

If one candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote on Aug. 24, he or she will be elected outright. If not, the top two candidates will move on to the general election ballot.

In other ITID election news, Supervisor Carol Jacobs was reelected to a second four-year term unopposed, while Supervisor Ralph Bair faces challenger George Sitnek in the November general election.

Nichols is vice chairman of the Acreage Community Focus Group, a volunteer panel investigating the “cancer cluster” issue. He has owned a water-consulting firm, M.J. Nichols & Associates, for 10 years and said he wants to share that expertise with residents. He said his firm deals in wetlands issues and wetlands permitting, listed species, and water quality assessments for private developers and public entities.

“I think the community deserves the benefit of my knowledge and experience with water and water quality issues,” Nichols said. “That seems to be a concern in the community and an issue that I think I can help out on. I’d like to be a public servant in that respect.”

Nichols added that half of his 30-year career has been in nonelected public service, while the other half has been in private industry. “I’d like to be of assistance to the community in helping with issues that are important to it,” he said.

Nichols, 54, moved to The Acreage in 2003 from Coral Springs. He said through his recent involvement in the community, he discovered how good water is in The Acreage.

“One of the things I’d like to be able to share with people is just how good a water quality we do have, and our wells tapping into that surficial aquifer allows us to drink water from our own lots,” he said. “That’s a wonderful thing, especially when the water quality is so good.”

He said he believes it would be a waste of money to convert to a public water system. “One of my concerns is the protection of that water source,” Nichols said. “I want to protect that water quality and our way of life out here. That’s one of the things that attracted me out here in the first place. I want to be able to enjoy the outdoors and feel I’m out in the woods, as opposed to living in the city.” Nichols said he does not have an agenda and is more interested in listening to other people’s concerns and ideas. “I don’t pretend to be a ‘know it all’ and will be listening to the people and what’s on their mind,” he said. “I want to see a unified community that is able to accomplish things and make it a better place to live. It’s

already great, but I want people to understand how great it is.”

Waite, 65, was born in Palm Beach County and is a 14-year resident of The Acreage. A 20-year Navy veteran with experience in several different vocations, he said he feels he has a lot in common with his neighbors. “There’s a lot of people out here like me,” Waite said.

Waite joined the Navy in 1963, retired from the Navy in 1983, and has had a number of occupations including firefighter, Department of Defense police officer and truck driver.

He said he draws from a wide range of life experience, especially the Navy where he was required to perform various jobs including firefighting, dewatering vessels, maintaining firearms and doing outreach to locals where he was stationed. He noted that he worked at a mission school in Taiwan where one of their projects was to help the owners of a damaged sailboat.

“We’ve got a lot of potential and experience here,” Waite said. “After going through the hurricanes and seeing things happen, I realized there’s a lot of things we can do to help ourselves. Acting as a community, we can set this county on its tail. There’s a bunch of people here in the country who love and respect each other, who are willing to pitch in and lend a helping hand.”

Waite said by working together, residents can accomplish much with little out-of-pocket expense.

“With all the people unemployed, we have some serious need out here,” he said. “It’s time we started helping each other out.”

As far as issues in The Acreage, Waite said he would need to be in the system to address them. “I don’t want to get into the negative right now,” he said. “There’s too much right with The Acreage. We could really build this place up in the sense of promoting our people, helping the community and helping each other out.”

Riley, 61, ran unsuccessfully for the ITID board in 2006, placing second in a three-way race. He said he is running on a platform of more honesty in government.

“Most of the people running, I’ve never heard of them,” Riley said. “I have heard of some of them, but I’ve never met them. It’s surprising that they’re all running against me. Somehow everybody jumped into this seat, and at the last minute. Several people have told me it was ‘Get Bill Riley out of there.’”

Riley said he feels the races for the board of supervisors are more popularity contests than qualifications or knowledge of the history of The Acreage. “I’m my own man,” he said. “I make my own decisions. If I think it’s right, I do it. If I don’t think it’s right, I wouldn’t vote for it.” Riley, who owns a lawn maintenance business, has lived in The Acreage since 1995 and has been feeling the impact of the economic downturn. He said he wants to give people a break by cutting back the budget as much as possible.

Hager, the fourth candidate in the race, did not return calls for comment.

RPB July 4th

Fun Returns To Lakeside Challenger Park

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Royal Palm Beach’s Fourth of July celebrations return home to Lakeside Challenger Park near the southern end of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. this year after five years at the Cruzan Amphitheatre.

“There was a popular demand to bring it back to Lakeside Challenger Park because it provides a hometown atmosphere,” Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio told the Town-Crier Tuesday.

“We’re really excited.”

There is something for everyone to be offered on Sunday, July 4 across Royal Palm Beach as part of the Star Spangled Spectacular.

Families can choose to pack in a full day of fun, head out after the barbecue, or make it out for the fireworks, which start at 9 p.m.

The day begins with the 20th annual Western Communities Red, White & Blue Family Fishing Tournament from 6 a.m. to noon at Lakeside Challenger Park. At 6:30 a.m., registration for the Firecracker Golf Tournament begins at the Links at Madison Green, with play to begin at 8 a.m. with awards and lunch at 12:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, there will be a three-on-three basketball tournament at Camellia Park from 9 a.m.

to noon. At 2 p.m., activities begin at Lakeside Challenger Park with free music and fun for all ages. There will be a water slide, bounce house, obstacle course and rock wall, along with children’s holiday crafts.

“We’ll also have kayaks available so people can take kayaks out on the lake from 2 to 5 p.m.,” Recchio said. “It’s all free.” Rick Nelson will provide live music until 5 p.m. as well. Then, at 6 p.m., the village will host the Mayor’s Cup Kayak Races.

“Teams of four will race across the lake and back,” Recchio explained. At 9 p.m., residents will gather for the main event: fireworks, presented by Zambelli Fireworks Internationale.

“There’s going to be a barge in the middle of the lake where they can shoot them off,” Recchio said.

“They’re telling us that it’s going to be one of the largest shows in the state of Florida.” Recchio said he expects that the event will be successful. Additionally, he said that the village expects nearby residents will host their own parties, creating a true community atmosphere.

“We’re really excited about it,” Recchio said. “It’s going to be a nice day.”

OUR OPINION

In Primary Elections, Write-In Candidates Can Stifle Democracy

With hotly contested elections up and down the ballot, voters will have a number of choices to make for the primary election Aug. 24 and the general election Nov. 2. Statewide, the races for Governor and U.S. Senate promise to be marquee races watched across the nation. All of Florida’s cabinet positions will also be contested. The normally staid elections for seats on the Palm Beach County School Board have heated up, with an open seat in the western communities for the first time in a generation. Four candidates are seeking an open seat on the Indian Trail Improvement District board, and voters will also have several choices to makes for county-level posts. However, we’re especially impressed at the number of people who have come forward to run for seats in the State Legislature. Open State Senate seats in District 25 (two Republicans, one Democrat and an independent candidate) and District 27 (three Republicans and two Democrats) will offer voters choices not seen in years. In State House District 83, three Republicans and one Democrat will battle it out to succeed State Rep. Carl Domino, who is running for higher office. In State House District 85, two Republicans are vying for the right to challenge freshman State Rep. Joe Abruzzo. And in State House District 88, the surprise candidacy of Wellington restaurant owner Ron Miranda will give incumbent State Rep. Mark Pafford a challenge in the Democratic primary.

However, it is the situation in District 88 irrespective of Mr. Miranda and Mr. Pafford that touches on one of the main problems in Florida’s election system. If the only people

Royal Palm Beach Should Keep Its Codes

Over the years, Royal Palm Beach has really improved its aesthetics, especially on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. A beautiful park and tree-lined streets — what a difference! By outlawing commercial trucks, dune buggies and boats in driveways, and keeping vehicles off of the swales, it has done wonders.

Now there are some, due to the struggling economy, who think the old ways better (“leave us alone”). There might be room for discussion, but the old ways are not the answer! Royal Palm officials have a choice of what their village is perceived as.

I know not of a single wellmaintained community that doesn’t hold property values better and is not more conducive as an investment. But I could name many areas that are blights and forlorn in appearance. It all starts with code enforcement of restrictive codes.

Wellington’s blighted areas came about much due to poor or no enforcement. I know, as I continually fought for the even appli-

cation of the code, but lost to a really blasé code enforcement system. Our previous council even fired their code board as they were embarrassed by revelations, and their disinterest went so far as to not have met their appointed code board (that adjudicated violations) for a number of years, despite our continual requests. Codes and enforcement are necessary evils, for without them, one becomes yet another unkempt village/city.

George Unger Wellington

Richmond Just Another Typical Politician

I want to comment on the article about Dr. Sandra Richmond (Richmond Opts Out Of Another Term On School Board, June 18). Her comments are typical of today’s politicians — self-serving and totally out for themselves.

Her comments regarding her decision to not run for school board “so that would mean, for the last three years of my term, I would have to sacrifice my pension and not be able to use my

to qualify for the ballot are all from one party, then the primary will be open, meaning voters of any party affiliation can participate. However, because of a loophole in state law, if a write-in candidate qualifies for the ballot, then it’s a closed primary, in which case only voters registered under the candidates’ party can take part. In districts such as District 88, which were drawn heavily in favor of a single party (in this case, the Democrats), voters who aren’t registered in that party are unfairly left out of the process. So much for representative democracy.

Of course, while this particular scenario favors Democrats, both parties take advantage of this write-in loophole. Either way, it’s something that needs to change. Whereas the traditional candidate has to pay big bucks to get his or her name on the ballot, the write-in candidate (whose name doesn’t appear on the ballot) spends no money at all. It’s an easy way for the majority party in a district to ensure voters in the opposition party don’t have a say in the process. While some would argue that write-in candidates offer voters more choices during an uncontested election, that’s only true if you consider the word “other” a real alternative. In reality, running as a write-in candidate has mostly been a tactic used by fringe candidates who want to “make a statement.” In the end, it has no effect on the twoparty system, but it negatively affects voters in the minority party whose voices were muted in the primary. It’s unfair, it’s undemocratic, and it’s something Florida lawmakers need to seriously reconsider.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

DROP at all until I left office” just proves that even at the lowest levels of elected office, politicians are out for themselves. I say good riddance to her!

Craig Jacobson Wellington

Let’s Not Forget Veterans Of Older Wars

In the past three years I have been a district commander and this year the southern area commander for the American Legion. As a personal witness to the ongoing struggles that exist on a day-by-day basis for veterans, it breaks my heart when I pull up to an intersection and see a veteran having to ask for money in order to eat. I love this country, so don’t get me wrong. I have served this country in the Army and pulled a tour in Vietnam. I spend most of my days trying to do whatever I can for veterans and their families. Our country has always been a very generous country throughout time, stepping up to help others in need and assisting other countries when a disaster hits. Fantastic! The problem is we have forgot-

ten to take care of our own, specifically our warriors, our veterans. There should never be a homeless person in this country, much less a veteran who has served this country faithfully, I mean literally put his or her life on the line for what this country stands for.

I do appreciate everything that is being done for this new generation of soldiers, and I see first hand how they are struggling with issues when they return. But we cannot forget those who served in earlier wars. They need our help just as much. With only a few local organizations that help these veterans, along with the VA Medical Center, there simply is not enough help to go around, and the main reason for that is funding. Having the sufficient funds to take care of our heroes has always been an issue. I want to put together a veterans music festival to raise money that can be used to help fund some of the programs that can be used to help these veterans as well as their families. Places like the Stand Down House that help get homeless veterans off the street and cleaned up; the Fisher House, which is a place for families to stay while their veteran is in the hospi-

OPINION

tal to avoid traveling; and a new veterans court that will assist veterans who have been incarcerated and route them into programs that will give them an opportunity to get back into a normal life. These are just a few of the programs that would receive support from this festival.

This event will be held at the Cruzan Amphitheatre in January or February providing that we raise the money to cover expenses up front. At this time I have a matching donation of $35,000. That means the first $35,000 in donations will be matched, and that would give us the funds needed to get this off the ground. I am looking for (hopefully) seven $5,000 donations to make

it easy, or any combination any other way to make this a reality. I know just the $35,000 is a lot of money and would do quite a bit for veterans, but by doing the event, we can raise enough funds to really make a difference and even make this an annual event. It is time for us to help those who have fought and served their country unconditionally. It is time to show them how much we care about them for their sacrifice. I can be contacted at lanny4944 @comcast.net. All donations will be kept in confidence unless you allow us to mention your name or your business as a sponsor for the event.

SEND IN YOUR LETTERS

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

It’s Time Again For More Sports-Related ‘Did You Know’ Trivia Bits

Did you know that John McEnroe once employed a South Korean “guru” to help him overcome a slump in his tennis game? Sea Dae Shik taught Johnny Mac martial arts and even tried to teach self-discipline. The latter didn’t work, but McEnroe’s enormous talent took over again.

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

Did you know that the Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane became the youngest ever to score an overtime Stanley Cupwinning goal when he fired home the recent winner against the Philadelphia Flyers?

Did you know that Harrisburg, Penn. bowler Tommy Gollick rolled 47 consecutive strikes recently for a new world record? It smashed the old record of 40 set in 1986.

Did you know that UCLA senior Megan Lagenfeld was named MVP after hitting two home runs to lead the Bruins over Arizona for the Women’s

National Collegiate Softball Championship? The comely lass led her team with 20 home runs and had 58 runs batted in during the season.

Did you know that Yogi Berra will be immortalized by a new statue at his Little Falls, New Jersey museum?

Did you know that Cleveland’s “immortal” Bob Feller has a virtually photographic baseball

memory at age 91?

And did you also know that when named captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins at age 19, Sidney Crosby was the youngest National Hockey League captain ever?

Did you know that unheralded, somewhat under-appreciated, running back Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans, who captured the 2009 National Football League rushing title, has roamed for 3,324 yards in his last two seasons?

Did you know that Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, who was a No. 1 overall NBA draft pick, is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, threetime league rebounding leader and a four-time all-star? Some scout sure knew what he was doing!

Parking At Planned Shopping Plaza Divides Wellington Council

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Issues of parking and connectivity in the proposed Village Green Center divided the Wellington Village Council at its meeting Tuesday, June 22. The debate spawned over a conditional-use application to allow two fast-food restaurants on the site, located on the northwest corner of State Road 7 and Stribling Way, adjacent to the BP gas station and Whole Foods Market.

W&W V LLC of Palm Beach owns the vacant property. It was part of 217 acres annexed into Wellington in 2004. In 2007, the council approved a change to its future land-use map designation to allow commercial use, and in 2008, a master plan was approved. Its site plan is also currently under review by the Development Review Committee. However, the village requires a conditional-use permit for fast-food restaurants.

Planning & Zoning Manager David Flinchum noted that after the council’s discussion at an agenda review meeting Monday, village staff had prepared a document with conditions of approval. The conditions state that an aisle

running north and south be constructed from Royale Blvd. to Stribling Way, that a center aisle connecting SR 7 to the shopping center be constructed, that both must be constructed before the fast-food restaurants are issued certificates of occupancy, and that there be no angled parking along the aisle running north and south, which was termed North South Drive.

However, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore worried that any parking along North South Drive would cause problems.

“I think the condition that I brought last night was no parking,” he said. “The concept that I’m looking for is that it becomes a road with no parking. No angled parking only says that they can substitute with something else.”

Vice Mayor Matt Willhite concurred, clarifying that he wanted no parking on the road at all.

Flinchum noted that angled parking was often used to slow traffic down, but Priore said he felt it would be a hazard and impede connectivity between the plaza and the adjacent Mall at Wellington Green.

“It creates a hazardous condition,” he said. “They’re driving through a parking lot. Are we

looking to make it a road? Or are we going to make it an internal roadway that goes from Stribling all the way to Royale Blvd. with parking in it? Where would be the main north-south access road for that whole development? There is none. I’m a supporter and believer in connectivity. If we don’t create some kind of a road, I have a real problem with that.”

Donaldson Hearing, from the firm Cotleur & Hearing, representing the property owner, said his clients have a concern with the elimination of all parking on the road.

“We were in agreement with the conditions as they were worded,” he said. “We did include angled parking in order to kind of create more of a vibrant streetscape along the front of this project as an interconnection between this project and the mall properties… to the north.”

Hearing said there were two roads planned to provide the connectivity between the surrounding plazas. Moreover, he noted that the angled parking is seen on main streets and helps to calm traffic.

“We find [angled parking] throughout a lot of America on our main streets,” he said. “It provides

not only parking that’s in close proximity to commercial [areas], which makes the commercial [areas] viable, but it also, because it’s angled, provides for a much freer flow of traffic. So we think that it provides traffic calming. We would have a concern if we had nothing but a road with cars racing across the property, because that doesn’t create a safe condition.”

Priore wondered whether the angled parking spaces were necessary to satisfy the parking requirements. Flinchum said that currently, the plan had exactly the number of spaces required, but that the site plan could be reviewed to add parking elsewhere.

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig asked if having straight-in parking is a better alternative to angled parking.

“We were concerned about the one-way nature of the angled parking,” she said. “One of our concerns is that when you angle, you cause only the people traveling in that direction to be able to park there, so it causes more driving around to get to a space.”

Gerwig also noted that providing handicapped-accessible parking along the roadway, close to the

building, would make access to the building easier for those with special needs.

However, Willhite said he was not in favor of any parking whatsoever on the roadway, which he felt would impede traffic and cause residents to travel on SR 7.

“I can travel throughout every plaza, around the mall, all the way down to Royale Blvd. without ever hitting a parking space,” he said. “I don’t think there’s people racing through there. There’s people traveling through there without having pedestrians, parking or having people back into them or pull into them…”

The path needs to be a roadway, not a parking strip, Willhite said.

“I can go all the way throughout a very large retail area in the Village of Wellington without ever touching a parking space,” he said.

“So I, too, think that to be able to keep that connectivity to get all the way down to Stribling Way where there is a traffic signal to allow people to go northbound [on SR 7], that we need to have a roadway through there.”

Mayor Darell Bowen noted that many other main thoroughfares have angled parking that does not cause traffic disruptions.

But Councilman Howard Coates said he concurred with Priore and Willhite’s concerns with parking, but also worried that the site plan didn’t fit in with the village’s vision of the SR 7 corridor. Coates noted that one of his concerns is that the retail space is being increased from 45,000 square feet to 59,000 square feet. “I happen to believe that’s not a good thing for Wellington,” he said. “I don’t think there’s a shortage of retail in Wellington, so to see that kind of increase gives me concern as to whether that’s in the best interests of the village. My concern is that if I don’t like the mix of what’s occurred in respect to the new plan versus what was already approved by council… is not that a basis for me to take the position that this should not be initially approved?”

However, Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz stressed the council was not deciding whether it was consistent with the overall vision, just the conditional-use permit. The council voted 4-1 with Coates dissenting to approve the application with the condition changed to read that no parking be allowed along North South Drive.

David Knapp Wellington

In Dog We Trust Celebrates Opening Of Wellington-Area Facility

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

In Dog We Trust, a non-profit foundation dedicated to the rescue and adoption of dogs that might otherwise be euthanized, held its grand opening last Saturday at the site of the former Folke Peterson Wildlife Rescue Center near Wellington.

Owner Nicole Brown said In Dog We Trust has been operating at the 28-acre site for about six months in preparation for the grand opening, which was attended by several hundred people who enjoyed tours of the facility and bought refreshments and dog-related goods whose proceeds benefited the facility. Visitors also met several dozen dogs up for adoption.

Many attendees said In Dog We Trust was a fitting outcome for the former Folke Peterson facility, which closed last year due to dwindling operating funds.

“I loved the Folke Peterson Foundation,” said the Good Earth Farm’s Nancy Fried-Tobin, who brought alpacas from her Loxahatchee Groves ranch to exhibit at the grand opening. “These people got together to use the facility. It’s a beautiful facility. I think it’ll be wonderful. We’re here to support them.”

The United States Postal Service held an unveiling of a postage stamp cachet dedicated to In Dog We Trust, which will receive a portion of the proceeds. Postal service customer relations repre-

sentative JoAnne Goodrich was on hand for the unveiling of the cachet.

“Five dollars will go to the In Dog We Trust rescue organization,” Goodrich said. “It’s a 44cent stamp commemorating In Dog We Trust.”

Other exhibitors included David Winters with the American Red Cross, who conducts hurricane preparedness classes for animal owners. Winters can be reached at (561) 662-0322 or wintersd@ redcross-pbc.org.

In Dog We Trust is located at 10948 Acme Road.

For additional information, call (561) 400-7732 or visit the web sites www.trustthedog.org or www.floridadogadoption. com.

The Good Earth Farm owner Nancy Fried-Tobin feeds an alpaca.

Bonefish Grill Managing Partner Joe Rotell with Troy Webster, John Carroll and Ingrid Webster.

CARROLL KICKS OFF COUNTY CAMPAIGN

WESTERN

Nikki Barbuto, John Carroll, Ann Porath and Anthony Barbuto.

Volunteers Danielle Napolitano and Lisa Brooks sell petfriendly aromatic candles that go out if tipped over.

In Dog We Trust staff members participate in a ribbon cutting with Palms West Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.

PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Postal Service Customer Relations Specialist JoAnn Goodrich and In Dog We Trust founder Nicole Brown with a blowup of the stamp cachet that is on sale to benefit In Dog We Trust.

Volunteer Mark Castro with Bongo.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Woman Arrested For Bank Fraud In Royal Palm Beach

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

JUNE 18 — A Royal Palm Beach woman was arrested on bank fraud charges last Friday after she attempted to cash a forged check. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, 23year-old Casey Flenniken entered the PNC Bank branch on Fox Trail Road with a $300 check made out to cash. The name on the check belonged to another Royal Palm Beach woman. The bank teller noticed that the signature on the check didn’t match the signature of the account’s owner. According to the report, Flenniken said that the check belonged to her grandmother, who had given it to her, and that her grandmother would be calling the bank to verify that she had given Flenniken the check. According to the report, Flenniken left and then called the bank pretending to be the account owner. The bank called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach, and a deputy waited for Flenniken to return. According to the report, the deputy made contact with Flenniken, who later admitted that she had stolen the check from a friend, filled it out and forged the signature. Flenniken was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where she was charged with theft of a check, forging a check and uttering a forged check.

• • •

JUNE 15 — A resident of the Nautica Lakes community called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Tuesday morning to report a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 p.m. last Monday and 6:19 a.m. the following morning, someone stole the victim’s black, two-door 1998 Honda Civic from outside his home on Peppergrass Run. The car contained a black iPod valued at approximately $250. The victim said that the car was locked and its alarm was set. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JUNE 17 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to a home in La Mancha last Thursday afternoon regarding a burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim’s wife left the home on La Mancha Avenue at approximately 2 p.m. and left the garage door open. The victim returned home approximately a half-hour later to find both the garage and front doors open. He discovered that someone had stolen his 60-inch Sharp Aquos flatpanel television, Panasonic Blue Ray home theater system, Sony Playstation 2, Gateway desktop computer, and DirecTV HD receiver and remote control. The stolen items were valued at approximately $5,309. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JUNE 17 — A Wellington man was arrested on drug charges last Thursday night after igniting a glass pipe in the driveway of a home on Yarmouth Drive. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation was on patrol when he observed 18-year-old Benjamin Freniere igniting the pipe. When the deputy approached Freniere, he placed

the pipe in his front pocket. According to the report, while speaking to Freniere, the deputy could smell the odor of marijuana coming from him. A search revealed a small glass pipe with a burnt green leafy substance inside and two small bags filled with 3.5 grams of marijuana. Freniere was also found to have an active warrant for failure to appear in court. He was arrested and taken to the county jail where he was charged with possession of marijuana under 20 grams, possession of narcotics equipment and failure to appear.

JUNE 17 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to the Binks Forest Golf Club last Thursday evening regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 4:36 and 5:15 p.m., someone smashed the victim’s driver-side window causing approximately $500 in damage. The suspect(s) then stole the victim’s wallet containing several membership cards, a credit card and his green card. The victim was golfing at the time. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JUNE 19 — A Panama City woman was arrested for driving under the influence early last Saturday morning after she was found asleep behind the wheel on Lake Worth Road. According to a PBSO report, 44-year-old Gina Cullen was traveling westbound on Lake Worth Road when she drifted off to the right side of the road. A deputy from the Wellington substation found her asleep behind the wheel. He administered a roadside sobriety test, and Cullen was arrested for driving under the influence. According to the report, Cullen said she had taken methadone and Xanax. She was arrested and taken to the county jail where she was charged with driving under the influence.

JUNE 19 — A Boynton Beach man was arrested last Saturday evening after he was caught shoplifting at the Dillard’s department store in the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation was dispatched to Dillard’s after 27-year-old Efason Estime was observed entering two different fitting rooms and exiting with fewer items than he went in with. Estime passed all points of sale and was stopped by a loss prevention officer. The officer recovered approximately $317.50 in miscellaneous clothing items from Estime. He was arrested and taken to the county jail where he was charged with grand theft.

JUNE 20 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to an alarm call for a business on Wellington Trace early last Sunday morning. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 4:55 and 5:02 a.m., someone pried open the rear door of the business, causing approximately $100 in damage. The store manager reported that nothing appeared to have been taken. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JUNE 21 — Approximately 1,000 feet of fiber-optic cable was discovered missing from the side

See BLOTTER, Page 18

sale of cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to sell. His occupation is maintenance. His last known address was Dorchester Drive in Greenacres. Villa is wanted as of 06/24/10. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc. com.

David Smith

Jose Villa

Palms West Chamber Honors Print-It Plus, Florida Public Utilities

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Print-it Plus and Florida Public Utilities have been named the Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s small and large businesses of the year for 2010. The awards were announced at a luncheon held Monday at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center.

In other awards, Susan Giddings of O’Dell Land Development Consultants received the chairman’s choice award for the second year in a row. Chairman Carmine Priore III selected her for her devotion and continuous work in spearheading the chamber’s economic development task force.

Sandy Quigley of Quigley Marketing Associates was named Ambassador of the Year.

Each year, the chamber awards two of its members Business of the Year awards, one to a business with gross sales less than $2 million and the other to a business with gross sales greater than $2 million. To qualify, nominees must be members in good standing, have demonstrated a commitment to the community and chamber, and must maintain a presence in the western communities.

Print-it Plus owners Kimberly and David Leland were founding trustees of the chamber and remain very active on several committees. They built their business on the foundations they learned from their grandparents — quality of product and excellent treatment of their customers. Florida Public Utilities, repre-

sented by Jess Sylvester, assistant regional manager of the South Florida Division, works to help its clients increase net revenue through cost savings. The staff provides free audits with the goal of promoting conservation through the use of natural gas. The company is a trustee member of the chamber and has been a chamber supporter since joining the organization four years ago.

Keynote speaker at Monday’s luncheon was State Rep. Mark Pafford (D-District 88), who gave a legislative overview. Pafford told chamber members he didn’t like the legislature’s fixes for the state’s lack of money.

“The two main revenue lines are sales tax and property tax,” he said. “What happens to them when the base of revenue is decreasing? We have this big issue out there. We don’t have enough money to take care of our own.”

Pafford said the situation will be worse next year when no stimulus dollars are available to offset the deficit.

“The stimulus package brought in almost seven billion dollars,” Pafford said. “Next year’s deficit is going to be estimated between five and eight billion dollars. There is no federal funding coming in. This is pretty serious.”

Discussing the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Pafford said he believes the fox has been guarding the hen house.

“I’m hoping the federal government will actually be taking more control,” Pafford said. “It troubles

me that the company that caused the issue is in charge of cleaning it up. That makes no sense whatsoever.”

Pafford also said it is unfair to demonize the federal government for not doing the job fast enough. He compared the situation to Hurricane Katrina when it took the government a week to get on the ground and try to address the situation. Nobody was ready for the consequences of a huge oil spill, and it is easier to point fingers and blame people.

“I don’t think anyone was ready for this,” Pafford said. “This thing is huge. It is going to have a huge environmental impact. It’s going

to cost nine billion dollars to fix this thing.”

Pafford reminded citizens to stay involved. He suggested that the people who elect the representatives need to hold them accountable, and he suggested that people hold their legislators’ feet to the fire by checking their online voting records and make sure they keep voting the way they are supposed to. Sometimes, he said, being 420 miles away from their constituents, legislators forget who “sent them to the dance,” he said.

“You’re the only thing that keeps us accountable,” Pafford said.

Falling Property Values Take Big Bite Out Of The County Budget

By Ron Bukley

Palm Beach County officials explained why the budget will be smaller but the tax rate likely will be higher in 2011 during County Commissioner Jess Santamaria’s monthly public forum meeting Wednesday, June 16 at the original Wellington Mall.

The proposed budget represents a $21 million, 7-percent decrease in the countywide portion from property taxes and a $15 million, 3-percent decrease in the sheriff’s budget, Assistant County Administrator Brad Merriman said.

Under that proposed budget, the tax rate would be 4.9268 mils, which is the rollback rate, compared to the 2010 millage of 4.344, Merriman said.

Santamaria noted that the rate may have gone up, but less tax

revenue will be collected because property values are down.

Santamaria said he is tired of media reporting a 13.4-percent increase in the tax rate, which is the increase in the millage rate, not an increase in spending.

For example, Santamaria referred to a dramatic county budget increase from 2006 to 2007, when property values went up significantly.

“The year before I got elected, in 2006 and into the budget for 2007, the 2006 ad valorem taxes were $578 million, and it went up the following year to $688 million, an increase of $110 million in one year,” he said. “That’s because the millage was kept more or less the same. Just keeping the millage the same does not mean you’re paying the same taxes. What you have to look at when you receive your tax bill is how many dollars are

going to be taken out of your wallet.”

The tax rate should have been slashed during the 2007 fiscal year, Santamaria said. In the following three years, the county did have to cut spending and taxes.

“Coincidentally, I happened to be in office and happened to be involved in cutting the taxes,” he said. “What we’re going to be discussing now is what’s going to be happening going into the next year. Regardless of the millage, the question I’m sure you want to know is how many dollars are we going to take out of your bank account when you receive your tax bill?”

Merriman said the total operating budget is a little over $1 billion, with about $600 million coming from property taxes. “It’s a big job, it’s a big process,” Merriman said.

The amount of ad valorem tax is based on a property value estimate submitted to the county by the property appraiser. The property value given this year decreased about 11 percent, Merriman said, which is the reason for the tax rate increase.

In the past, when property values were increasing, the millage would have been reduced in order to collect the same amount of ad valorem tax, he said. “The millage rate is adjusted downward to collect the amount you did last year,” Merriman said. “When property values decline, you have to increase the millage in order to generate the same amount of taxes you did last year.”

Merriman said the amount of property taxes people pay will depend on whether they have a homestead exemption and whether they bought their homes at the

height of the real estate market when homes were valued highest.

“In 2005, 2006 and 2007, they went up dramatically,” Merriman said. “When that dramatic increase occurred, the county commission and many city commissions all over the state didn’t reduce the millage to a substantially lower amount even though those property values had increased dramatically. The effect was a lot more money coming in.”

Santamaria said the situation was exacerbated when homeowners with increasing property values were lulled into a feeling of newfound wealth rather than demanding that their taxes be reduced.

“You felt rich, and the government was collecting a lot of money. People were showing their usual apathy, but they also got complacent because they thought, ‘I

have $100,000 more, I have $200,000 more.’ What did many of us do? We got equity loans and went on trips, improved our kitchen,” Santamaria said. “People felt this was going to go on forever and ever. As we all know now, it didn’t last more than four years.” Merriman said people also did not complain because the homesteaded homeowners’ taxable value could not go up more than 3 percent per year. But that cap created by the Save Our Homes law for homesteaded properties caused a huge imbalance in what homeowners without homestead benefits paid in taxes.

“There becomes a huge difference in what neighbors are paying,” he said. The budget can be reviewed online at www.pbcgov.com. The next county budget workshop is set for Wednesday, July 14.

FPL Working To Improve The Power System In Royal Palm Beach

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

FPL is inspecting utility poles and clearing vegetation away from power lines in Royal Palm Beach, all part of hurricane preparation that is also intended to strengthen the utility’s power system overall in the village.

“Right now, for 2010, we’re inspecting about 350 poles, and we’re clearing vegetation from about 100 miles of power lines,” FPL spokeswoman Sarah Marmion said. “We’re using something called Thermovision, which is a handheld camera that allows us to see if there are connections that need to be stronger, or any potential issues that might result in an outage. What that technology allows us to do is go ahead and fix anything that looks like it’s not as strong as it should be, and that would minimize the chance of an outage in a heavy storm or a hurricane.”

The work won’t prevent hurricane outages, but should help reduce them, Marmion said.

Customers can use the Internet to see what work FPL has done in their neighborhoods by visiting www.fpl.com/maps and entering their address. Various icons will show if FPL has done inspections or other types of work in neighborhoods.

“What’s good is all this is preparing us for the storm season, but it’s also having a positive impact on our overall reliability,” Marmion said. “We are about 46 percent better than the national average in terms of reliability standards. All this work helps maintain reliable service.”

Residents also can find hurricane preparation information on the web site.

“We encourage people to take a look at that web site and make sure they’re ready,” Marmion said.

The web site includes advice on preparing and using home generators safely.

During or after a storm, a downed power line should be treated as though it is hot, and anyone finding one should call 911, Marmion said.

People who have experienced any of the hurricanes in recent years are probably better prepared in the sense that they know what it’s like, but aren’t as prepared as they should be.

“ Complacent is the big word,” Marmion said. “They are not as prepared as they were a year or two after the storms, if they were here. We’re all seeing the same sort of predictions. It looks like a very busy season forecast. What we’re saying is that FPL has a comprehensive plan. We’re ready. We’ve drilled. We’re doing all this work, and we hope our customers are prepared as well.”

Mary Miller and Aimee Lynn Boitnott of Print-It Plus accept the 2010 Business of the Year Award for a business with gross sales less than $2 million, presented by State Rep. Mark Pafford and Chamber Chairman Carmine Priore III.

Robert Brovero and Donna Szcepanski of Breakers West, with Chamber Chairman Carmine Priore III, accept the People’s Choice Award from the chamber’s Taste of the West event.

Town-Crier Staff Report

Palms West Chamber Ambassador of the Year Sandi Quigley of Quigley Marketing Associates with Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda and Membership Director Debi Leed. PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Kevin Reich of HumanaOne.

Louise Furman with her rescued greyhound Haze.

Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue’s Brad Gaver with (left) baby Newman and mom Iris, abd baby Netanya (right) and mom Windy.

Susan Christian works the grill.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Capt. David Prill, driver

operator Mike Derby and paramedic Jesse Bogle.

Jocelyn Mibab with her father Alan.

Joe Kukla with his mother Lori.

Melissa Chandler paints a youngster’s face.

Women’s Chamber Foundation Hosts Annual Scholarship Luncheon

The Women’s Chamber Foundation hosted its seventh annual Linking Women to Learning Scholarship Luncheon on Thursday, June 10 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach.

The program featured Vive magazine publisher Margarita Abrishami as keynote speaker. She spoke about “One Woman’s Path to Empowerment.”

Abrishami was born in Cuba and raised in Coral Gables. She holds a master’s degree in inter-

national business management and spent 17 years in the fashion and beauty industry, culminating with the position of Southeast United States Regional Director for the Revlon Corporation.

Abrishami is a recipient of the “Publisher of the Year Award” by the Florida Magazine Association, as well as being an active member and board participant of many charitable, civic and professional organizations in South Florida. In 2009, Abrishami and her husband founded Vive Community Foun-

dation, which fosters the continuing education and empowerment of women through conferences and events.

Award-winning news anchor Liz Quirantes served as the mistress of ceremonies. Quirantes joined CBS-TV WPEC News 12 in 1991. Since then, she has received several awards including an Associated Press Best Series Award for her undercover work in a report titled “Inside Castro’s Cuba.” She was also named Best Female Local TV News Anchor by Palm Beach Post readers in 2006 and received the 2003 Dandy Award for Community Service by the Advertising Federation of Palm Beach County.

Fifteen scholarships were awarded this year. They were awarded to: Aimee Allen, Sonia Chen, Meher Farooq, Matletha Fuller, Rosemarie Gadaleta, Alixandra Garic, Zebrena Green, Patrice Guthrie, Vernnetrice Holmes, Chimica Jean-Phillipe, Nicole Klein, Arielle Markowitz, Jillian Pace, Jennifer Robb, Elaine Sayre and Marissa Ullman.

The Women’s Chamber Foundation scholarship recipients in the past have included women who have previously received WCF scholarships, women who are returning to school and 2010 high school graduates. Their chosen professional goals range from fi-

Margarita Abrishami gives the keynote address.

nancial manager, juvenile defense attorney, pediatrician and healthcare professional. Margo Kohlhoff and Jennifer Rodriguez were co-chairs of the 2010 Scholarship Awards Luncheon. Other committee members included Carol Dixon, Janelle Dowley, Sherrie Goldsmith, Sandra Kaplan, Theresa LePore, Jane Bloom, Leslie Garcia-Furey and Leah Miles.

The Women’s Chamber Foundation is the education and devel-

opment arm of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County, and the foundation serves its members and women in the community by providing financial support, mentoring, leadership and educational opportunities. As part of its mission to promote opportunities for professional growth and development, the Women’s Chamber Foundation offers scholarship awards annually to deserving women who want to optimize their lives through higher education. The Women’s Chamber Foundation’s highest priority is raising funds to support the scholarship program. For more information about the foundation or the Women’s Chamber of Commerce, call LePore at (561) 684-4523. Sponsorship forms and additional information may also be obtained from the foundation’s web site at www. womenschamberfoundation.org.

TAUTIVA HOSTS CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN EVENT AT WHITE HORSE TAVERN

A campaign fundraiser was held Saturday, June 19 at the White Horse Tavern in Wellington for congressional candidate Ed Tautiva,

a Wellington resident running in the Democratic Primary for the District 16 seat, currently held by Congressman Tom

Among the attendees were Palm Beach County Democratic Chair Mark Alan Siegel, State Rep. Mark

and

manager

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

The scholarship honorees line up outside the Kravis Center.

Dorothy Jacks, Christine Pitts, Julie Kelly and Lisa White.

Tony Fransetta, State Rep. Mark Pafford and Rick Neuhoff.

Lisa Toth and Ed Tautiva.

Gwen and Thomas Tucker with Ed Tautiva.

Rooney.

Pafford (D-District 88), campaign

Russell Parker, Ed’s wife Sherry

other Democrats from the western communities. PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

ROYAL MANOR

HONORS

ITS NURSING ASSISTANTS

In honor of National Nursing Assistants Week, Royal Manor Nursing Home in Royal Palm Beach recognized its certified nursing assistants with a luncheon Thursday, June 17. CNAs with 15 years of service or more were given certificates of appreciation. A gift will be given to them at a later date. (Above) Awards for employees with 15 years or more of service: CNAs Mattie Williams, Tony Fils-Aime and Joyce Turner; Staff Developer Donna Wilson; central supply employee Annie Turner; CNA Delicia Derilius; and Director of Nursing Marcy Garvey. (Below) The CNAs gather for a group photo. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Chamber Lunch Set For June 30

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has announced Evergreen Insurance and Stifel Nicolaus will be the presenting sponsors of the chamber’s “Hurricane Preparedness with Michael Ehrenberg” luncheon to be held Wednesday, June 30 at the Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive).

Ehrenberg is a meteorologist with WPEC Channel 12. He earned his certified broadcast meteorologist seal in December 2007. This is an upgrade to the American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval.

Ehrenberg joined WPEC in June 1999 for the weekend editions at 6 and 6:30 and 11 p.m., and the 10 O’clock News on WFLX Fox 29, which is produced by WPEC. Ehrenberg fills in for John Matthews and Chris Farrell when they are away. He also produces and broadcasts stories related to the weather. In addition, Ehrenberg enjoys appearing at schools to teach kids about weather and careers in meteorology and broadcasting. Another hobby is conducting hurricane-preparedness seminars.

Ehrenberg started his weather career in 1989 at ION Weather, a weather consulting firm in his native New Jersey. In 1994, he was hired by the National Weather Service in Miami. Ehrenberg learned about hurricanes and tropical meteorology from specialists at the National Hurricane Center,

which is co-located with the Na-

tional Weather Service. Ehrenberg moved to the West Palm Beach area and began his television career at WPBF Channel 25 in 1996. He attended Rutgers University and received his master’s degree in meteorology.

Evergreen Insurance is a multimillion-dollar agency founded by the McDeavitt family on the idea that each and every customer deserves the same quality service regardless of size. Evergreen Insurance is a private, family-owned agency that believes in building long-lasting relationships with their clients. Chris Zeller will be sponsoring and presenting on behalf of Evergreen.

Stifel Financial Corp. is a fullservice regional brokerage and investment banking firm, established in 1890 and based in St. Louis, Mo. Tom Leinwol will be sponsoring and presenting on behalf of Stifel Nicolaus.

Registration and networking will take place from 11:30 a.m. to noon. The luncheon will begin promptly at noon. The cost is $20 for members with an RSVP, $25 for members at the door and $30 for non-members. To reserve a space, call (561) 792-6525.

Wellington To Host Motorcycle Ride July 4

The Village of Wellington will host its “Freedom Ride” for motorcycle riders on Sunday, July 4. This ride is free and open to all motorcycle enthusiasts in the area; riders are responsible for their

own meals and beverages. Interested riders can pre-register at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) or the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Registrations will also be accepted the day of the ride. Riders should plan to meet at 5 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center with departure promptly at 5:30 p.m. The ride will begin on Forest Hill Blvd. and head east toward Lantana. Riders will make a stop at the Old Key Lime House (300 E. Ocean Avenue) for dinner. From there, the ride will continue west toward Wellington Village Park to enjoy an evening of free live music with Rumour Hazit and Wellington’s fireworks extravaganza which begins at 9:15 p.m. For more information on this event and a detailed ride route, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov and click on the “Latest News” link on the home page.

Italian-American Heritage Group Seeks Members

The Sons of Italy in America invites you to participate in a national nonprofit organization that helps preserve Italian heritage, traditions and family values, in addition to supporting local communities by raising funds for noteworthy charities and scholarship programs.

The organization invites you to become a member, meet new friends and make lasting friendships as you continue to enhance the cultural contributions Italians have made before and since their

arrival on Ellis Island. The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). For more information, call (561) 641-1643 or (561) 968-4083.

Doo-Wop

Summer Concert

July 16 In

RPB

The Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center will host a performance by the a cappella group Third Row Center on Friday, July 16 at 2:30 p.m. Prizes and refreshments will be included for the concert. Third Row Center performs a collection of classic favorites from the 1940s to the present day, including jazz, doo-wop and oldies. This group transforms into the Dickens Caroliers during the holiday season. Third Row Center members include Karenna Holt, Sue Smalling, Cara Abaldo, Mike Harabin, Ron Tarr, Frank Padron, Jim Kunard, Rachel Chalhoub, Michelle DeSanti and Delaney Garrett. For more information about Third Row Center, visit www. thirdrowcentersingers.com. The group is available to sing for any type of event, from weddings to auditorium performances; they bring their own sound equipment. For more information, or to preregister for the upcoming concert, call the cultural center at (561) 790-5149. To pre-register for the concert and get a five-percent discount, visit www.royalpalmbeach. com.

The King’s Academy Hosts Luau, Shopping Spree In Palm Beach

The King’s Academy and MacKenzie-Childs in Palm Beach partnered to host a fun-for-all luau on Friday, June 4. Guests enjoyed a festive day of shopping and mingling while taking advantage of discounts.

Shoppers were delighted as they perused through beautiful high-quality, handcrafted ceramic and enamel tableware, furniture, and home and garden accessories.

“I had a great time shopping with friends while adding to my Mackenzie collection and supporting a great school,” TKA parent Irelys Pattee said.

MacKenzie-Childs also treated guests to a catered lunch by C’est Si Bon of Palm Beach. The tropical luau menu included favorites such as chicken and beef satay skewers with warm peanut sauce,

miniature pineapple macadamia cupcakes, mango cream and coconut desserts, and punch.

The King’s Academy received 10 percent of all the purchases made during the event as a donation from MacKenzie-Childs.

“It was a very successful event in which both Mackenzie-Childs and the King’s Academy came together for the benefit of the future of all TKA students,” said Jackie Delgado, TKA parent and the event coordinator. “Hats off to Mackenzie-Childs for underwriting the event.”

Parents Andrea Titus, Michelle Goodlett and Irelys Pattee were thrilled to receive door prizes; each received a $100 MacKenzieChilds gift card.

More information about the King’s Academy is available online at www.tka.net.

BINKS FOREST STUDENTS COLLECT DONATIONS FOR OVERSEAS U.S. TROOPS

Binks Forest Elementary School Student Council members collected many boxes of items during a two-week school-wide drive to donate to U.S. soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Two truckloads of donated items were delivered in mid-May to the organization Forgotten Soldiers Outreach. The student council would like to thank the generous parents and students at Binks for their kindness. Pictured above are student council members who participated in the donation drive.

Send school 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.

RPBHS Med Students Finish Clinical Rotation

Pre-medicine and pre-nursing students from Royal Palm Beach High School’s Medical Science Academy completed their first clinical rotation at Palms West Hospital in May.

The Palms West Hospital health professionals throughout the facility precepted these students as they rotated through the following areas: the emergency room, pharmacy, cardiopulmonary, lab, ambulatory surgery, operating room, PACU, diagnostic imaging, pediatrics, telemetry, med/surge and obstetrics.

The students enjoyed the rotation at Palms West Hospital because it tied their classroom work in with hands-on, real-life experiences. Many students enjoyed the ambulatory surgical unit, where they were able to observe surgi-

cal procedures, and also the maternity area where they were able to assist and observe natural and C-section births. Each student had a particular area that they enjoyed most, depending on their interests.

This was the first clinical rotation for the program, which was designed by Medical Science Education Coordinator and registered nurse Karen Kissel.

“The incredible collaborative spirit of the Palms West Hospital personnel allowed my vision of this teaching/business partnership to come to fruition,” Kissel said.

This program within the Royal Palm Beach Medical Science Academy will continue next year and will be expanded by adding the nurse assistant and first responder classes.

Panther Run Student Wins Book Challenge

Educators and administrators at Panther Run Elementary School recently celebrated the publication of student Marissa Reason’s book in a big way. Marissa, who just completed the first-grade, was recently notified that her book How Cats Got Long Tails has been selected as a winner in the Nationwide Learning National Book Challenge. More than one million students from elementary, middle, high

school and colleges participate in the student publishing project each year sponsored by Nationwide Learning Inc., located in Topeka, Kan.

Marissa spent several weeks writing and illustrating her book. How Cats Got Long Tails is a story about two cats from a long time ago that that didn’t get along. These cats, named Simba and Stacey, fought by pulling on each other’s tails. From the actions of these

felines so long ago, that is the reason cats have such long tails today. The book is very imaginative. As a reward, Marissa will receive a $100 scholarship prize.

The criteria for selection include an interesting subject line or storyline, colorful illustrations, following publishing guidelines, and if the book would make an appealing sample to promote publishing to schools throughout the United States.

Nationwide Learning’s writing enrichment program is designed to motivate students to learn through publishing, by enabling students to write, illustrate and publish full-color, hardbound books for free. Nationwide Learning Inc. publishes books for schools under the StudenTreasures and StudenTales brand names. The winners are listed online at www.nationwide-learning.com.

Jackie Delgado and Maria Vega with Cristina and Micaela Rodriguez.

Irelys Pattee, Beth Carpenter,

event host parent Jackie Delgado, Rosario Larson, Tracy Bussey and Connie Tuller.

Pre-nursing students in the RPBHS Medical Science Academy.

AREA GIRLS DONATE TO LOCKS OF LOVE

Sara Iravani and Rebecca Moccia recently had their hair cut at Sam Jon’s Salon in Wellington so they could make donations to the charity Locks of Love. Located in West Palm Beach, Locks of Love provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. It takes 10 locks of hair to make one wig for a child. Locks of Love also needs volunteers 14 and up to help send out “thank-you” cards to those who donate their locks of hair. Shown above is Sam Jon’s hair stylist Rhonda Moccia (center) with Sara Iravani and Rebecca Moccia.

Lido, May And Bellen Make The Grade At Emory

Peter Lido and Philip May, both of Wellington, were named to the Dean’s List of Emory College, the undergraduate, liberal arts college of Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., for the 2010 spring semester. In addition, Deana Bellen of Wellington was named to the merit list of Oxford College, the two-year liberal arts division of Emory University located in Oxford, Ga., for the 2010 spring semester. Lido is the son of Peter and Geraldine Lido. May is the son of Alan and Sherry May. Bellen is the daughter of Elliot and Laurie Bellen.

Students must be in the top 20 percent of Emory College or have approximately a 3.853 grade point average or higher to be named to the dean’s list. To be named to the merit list, students must earn a grade point average of 3.0 or higher during the previous semester. Emory University is known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate experience, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities. Perennially ranked as one of the country’s top 20 national universities by U.S. News & World Report, Emory encompasses nine academic divisions as well as the Carlos Museum, the Carter Center, the Yerkes National Primate Research Cen-

ter and Emory Healthcare, Georgia’s largest and most comprehensive healthcare system. For more info., visit www.emory.edu.

Local Students Graduate From Excelsior College

Everica Baptist of Royal Palm Beach and Shara Simone Davis of West Palm Beach have each earned an associate’s degree in nursing from Excelsior College. Excelsior College is an accredited, private, nonprofit institution that focuses on the needs of working adults. Its primary mission is to increase access to a college degree for adult learners by removing obstacles to their educational goals. Excelsior’s unique strength is its acknowledged leadership in the assessment of student knowledge. It does so by providing working adults multiple avenues to degree completion that include its own online courses and college-level proficiency examinations, and the acceptance of credit in transfer from other colleges and universities.

Founded in 1971 and located in Albany, N.Y., it is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Its bachelor’s degrees in nuclear engineering technology and electronics engineering technology are accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET. For info., visit www.excelsior.edu.

RITA

During a recent meeting of the Knights of Columbus Council 8419 at St. Rita Catholic Church in Wellington, members donated $1,250 to the Kids Cancer Foundation. The money had been gathered from local parishioners. St. Rita Catholic Church is located at 13645 Paddock Drive in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 793-8544 or visit www.saintrita.com. Shown here are (L-R) Knights Tootsie Roll Drive Campaign Chair Chuck Higgins, Kids Cancer Foundation President Michelle O’Boyle, KCF Treasurer Sandy Erb and Grand Knight Richard Campione.

Okeeheelee Park brimmed with busy boys as the Gulf Stream Council’s Trade Winds District chapter of Boy Scouts of America hosted more than 100 Cub Scouts June 7-11 at its annual Cub Scout day camp. The weeklong camp is designed to heighten scouting skills while filling the day with fun activities such as water balloon tossing, soccer games and rocket launching. The Gulf Stream Council was established in 1914 and serves as the BSA’s charter for more than 31,000 scouts in the Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee, Glades and Hendry counties. For more information, visit www.gulfstreamcouncil.org.

Cub Scout camper Basil Burke proudly displays his group’s flag.

Camp Director Craig Dufresne fuses one of the many rockets launched.

Leader Pietera Siegler with campers Garret O’Donnell, Dwight Smith, Eaven Spatz and William Zucker.

TAPLIN, SOUTHWORTH TO WED NEXT JANUARY

Roy and Pam Taplin of Royal Palm Beach, along with Marc and Chrissie Southworth of The Acreage, have announced the engagement of their children Courtney Ann Taplin to Jared Lee Southworth. Courtney, a 2007 graduate of Florida State University, is currently employed as the office manager for J.W. Fire Sprinkler Inc. Jared, a 2001 graduate of Summit Christian School, is co-owner and operator of Oil Change Services Inc. of West Palm Beach. Courtney and Jared will be married on Jan. 22, 2011 at Breakers West Country Club by Courtney’s uncle Rev. Mark Dooley. A Costa Rican honeymoon is planned.

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Kennedy, Garretson Wedding Set For October

Joyce and Jack Kennedy Sr. of Tampa have announced the engagement of their daughter, Jacqueline Anne (Jackie) of Orlando to Brad Michael Garretson of Orlando, son of Gary and Donna Garretson of Orlando. All were formerly residents of Wellington.

Jackie was proposed to in a very special way. Knowing her love for animals, Brad planned an outing at Discovery Cove in Orlando where they could interact with the dolphins. A dolphin swam over to Jackie with a buoy that read, “Jackie, will you marry me?”

Jackie graduated from Wellington High School in 1997 and from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2001. Cur-

Pace, Brody Complete Navy Basic Training

Navy Seaman Frank J. Pace Jr. and Seaman Recruit Michael T. Brody recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Pace and Brody completed a variety of training, which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and air-

rently she helps Brad with his computer business while doing work for medical offices part time.

Brad attended Wellington schools until he moved to Orlando with his family in his junior year at WHS. He graduated from Cypress Creek High School in Orlando in 1996.

Brad attended Valencia Community College where he studied for his degree in computer science and also took some specialized courses in computers outside of the campus setting. His love of computers has become his living. He owns his own business, CLogic Group.

The wedding date is Oct. 10 with a marital mass and reception in the Tampa area.

craft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations.” The exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. It is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Its Navy flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.

Pace is the son of Kathy Crane of Vero Beach and Frank Pace Sr.

of Royal Palm Beach. He is a 1994 graduate of Palm Beach Lakes High School. Brody is the son of Teresa Brody of Port St. Lucie and Glenn Brody of Wellington. He is a 2003 graduate of Wellington High School.

Edward Bruton Graduates Air Force Training Air Force Airman Edward N. Bruton has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Bruton completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate’s degree in applied science through the Community College of the Air Force. Bruton is the son of Cheryl Reed of Harrisburg, Pa., and brother of Christian Pinks of Wellington. He graduated in 2007 from Science Technical High School in Harrisburg, and received an associate’s degree in 2009 from Harrisburg Area Community College.

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@goTownCrier.com.

Brad Garretson and Jackie Kennedy

Haitian Relief Coalition Urges P.B. County To Get More Involved

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Members of the Palm Beach County Haiti Relief Coalition have called upon Palm Beach County to become a leading advocate for building self-sustaining villages in the earthquake-ravaged nation.

The coalition met on Saturday, June 19, with area elected officials and other concerned South Floridians at the Palm Beach County Governmental Center for a symposium called Rethink Haiti.

Six months after a January earthquake destroyed much of the country, the situation, according to coalition members, is getting worse, not better. Pictures displayed at the symposium showed the inhumane conditions that still exist in Haiti.

“These conditions cannot be resolved by the delivery of BandAids and other items. We need to rethink what we do in Haiti,” said Major Joseph Bernadel, a retired army major and president of the

School Race Three Candidates

continued from page 1 where she addresses policy and procedure. She was outspoken on issues surrounding former Chief Academic Officer Jeffrey Hernandez, who designed a new curriculum and testing program for the school district that drew widespread protests from parents and teachers. “I was out there at the very beginning and stayed there until the very end, ’til we finally did stop it. I would like to be a part of the policy making process to make sure this kind of thing never happens to our school district again.”

Andrews holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University and a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University. She started as a teacher at Jefferson Davis Middle School in 1973, working her way up to assistant principal there in 1981. Aside from principal stints at Bear Lakes and Polo Park middle schools, she served in various capacities in the district office, including as chief personnel officer from 2000 to 2003. Her web site address is www.marciaandrewsforschool board.com.

Grossman, 37, works as a senior sales executive for ESPN 760, a sports broadcasting station owned by Good Karma Broad-

Code Commercial Parking

continued from page 1 Beach’s residential standards as high as possible. “I’ve seen towns that become honky tonks,” he said. “The purpose of this meeting is to hear concerns.”

Resident Jaime Blackwell, who runs an air conditioning service, said he moved to the village because of its liberal zoning. “We are a service-based industry, and most of the town is a service-based population,” Blackwell said. “I go out whenever they call. My biggest concern is having to remove ladders every day. I don’t have any neighbors who say this is an eyesore. I moved to this neighborhood because they didn’t have a homeowners’ association.” Mark Warme of Bobwhite Road said he understands the need to keep unsightly vehicles out of the village.

“I agree we don’t want the village to look like a honky tonk,” Warme said. “I looked at The Acreage, which was rough. Wellington has homeowners’ associations that are very restrictive. When it comes to ladders on trucks, we’re getting beat up.”

Councilman Richard Valuntas said many of the photos Hill showed were of ladders on top of

RPBHS AP Academy

continued from page 1 al county schools recently made Newsweek’s list of the nation’s top high schools.

“One of the ways you make this particular list is increase the number of Advanced Placement classes or students taking Advanced Placement courses,” he said. “So we want to make sure that we are providing our students the option to do that.” Armas said he wants to give students at RPBHS the ability to receive an elite education without having to attend a magnet school outside the village. “We hope to create a situation where we provide students an opportunity to earn that Advanced Placement diploma if they so choose,” he said. The diploma would rival the International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas available at other

Palm Beach County Haiti Relief Coalition. “When you see children living like this an hour and a half away, you know we need to reach out and see what we can do to alleviate this suffering.”

Bernadel also explained the “model village” concept, the proposed long-term, sustainable plan to help Haiti, which had been implemented previously by the United Nations for underdeveloped countries. The coalition wants Palm Beach County to become long-term supporters of the village. It wants Palm Beach County to set up the village, then have the Haitian people take it over.

“It’s the goal of this village to provide the ability for self-sustaining lives,” Bernadel said. “We want to work ourselves out of jobs. This is not a novel concept we have come up with. This is the United Nations concept. We want to pick up on this particular concept, and together with your help, have Palm Beach County take the lead in the creation of the model

casting, which owns 11 radio stations nationwide. He also owns his own business, 3G Entertainment broadcasting agency, representing athletes and coaches who work in broadcasting.

Grossman was born in New Jersey and moved to Boca Raton with his family when he was 13. “I attended a private school as a freshman, and realized I wanted to be part of the public system and transferred to Spanish River High School,” he recalled. Grossman graduated in 1990 and attended the University of South Florida, later transferring to Florida Atlantic University where he received a bachelor’s degree in communication. “As a senior at FAU, I was a substitute teacher at Spanish River, and I continued to work there after graduation. Spanish River asked me to be there every day, and I eventually took over a class,” Grossman said. “I was always passionate about education. I always cared about education. I did things differently.”

Grossman noted that he did things “outside the box” in order to make learning fun and ultimately allow the students to appreciate him as a teacher. “I had so many kids who came up and said, ‘Thank you, Mr. Grossman for making a difference in my life,’ and that was very important for me,” he said. “I would have continued to be a teacher if I knew that I would be able to support a family on a teacher’s salary.”

vehicles. “One thought is to allow ladders and reasonable material without it being a violation,” he said. “But where do you draw the line?”

Councilman Fred Pinto questioned the objective of the ordinance. “I support service people trying to make a living,” he said. “I think we should review this whole ordinance and focus on things we want to prevent, but not punish people trying to make an honest living. We need to craft this ordinance from a practical standpoint so that the way it’s structured, enforcement will not be a hardship on citizens.”

Pinto asked if residents have expressed concerns regarding ladders on trucks.

“Are we getting complaints?” he asked. “Most code enforcement is complaint driven. What this suggests is we don’t have a community of citizens who are offended by the appearance of ladders.” Swift said he felt the village already has the most liberal code enforcement of any community in the vicinity. “The issue at the end of the day will be where you draw the line,” Swift said. “These people make some good points, but a lot of these issues have come up over the years.”

Hill also made a presentation on tents and canopies, otherwise known as membrane structures, saying their use has become more

schools, Armas added. “Normally, it would take a little longer to get this going, but we’re moving this along at light speed because I feel that this is important. It needs to be put in place, and we need to set the wheels in motion immediately,” he said. Armas stressed that the academy will be for students zoned for the RPBHS boundary only.

“What we have done is send a personal invitation to every incoming ninth grader who is enrolled at Royal Palm Beach High School and qualifies by virtue of their FCAT scores,” he said. “We extended an invitation for a meeting, which will take place on July 15 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium, and it is by invitation only, because it requires a certain FCAT score to get in.”

Students will also have to take an entrance exam, which will most likely be a writing sample, he said. Armas said he knows from

village in Haiti. This is why we are hoping that many of you will give your time and expertise.”

Other speakers included Robert Limontas, coordinator of several of the camps in Haiti, and Serge Thys of the Palm Beach Medical Society.

The situation is much worse in person than the images portrayed on the news, the men said.

“There is an estimate by the government of the 300,000 people who have died, but it is closer to a half a million people. The government estimates there are a half a million people who are homeless. It is more than a million and a half. The conditions in Haiti are deteriorating and deteriorating fast,” Limontas said through interpreters.

Thys said pregnant women aren’t getting prenatal care, and babies are born sickly. Children suffer from parasites, fungus and ringworm.

“This is an equal-opportunity disaster,” Thys said. “It affects the

Grossman said he feels being a teacher should be one of the hardest jobs to get and be a very wellpaying position. “Now I have had many different jobs. I’ve been in marketing. I’ve been in sales,” he said. “I have done many things, and I now have three kids in the system. I have a vested interest in the system for the next 16 years. I’m at the point now that I can give back, and I want to give back.”

Grossman said he is passionate about education. “Schools need to be a safe haven where students can get the best possible education, not distracted by outside influences, no matter what their economic background, no matter where they live in the county,” he said.

Grossman said schools should also teach life skills, such as how to balance a checkbook, so students have an easier transition from high school to college or a vocation.

Grossman said he has no hidden agenda. “I’m not there to make big changes,” he said. “The school board is a $3 billion business. It’s a huge business and a huge company. As a CEO, you’re going to go in there and observe and understand things in and out before you make changes.”

Grossman’s web site is www. deangrossman.com.

Young said he feels the school board needs some “regular people” serving who can offer practical insight.

“I’m seeing a lot of very edu-

widespread and that some of them are encroaching on the front and side setbacks of property.

Citations for membrane structures are typically half complaint driven, he said, suggesting that a permitting process be started to include regulations on larger tent and canopy structures.

An applicant for a small type of home canopy system could come in and see if they meet setback requirements. The attachments and framing also would be reviewed. They would have to remove the canopy during high winds.

“Right now they have not been written up, they are considered temporary,” Hill said. “This would be something new. If we enforce it, there would be quite a few people affected. We have received several complaints about them.”

Hill said canopy structures are included in the Florida Building Code, which the village is starting to enforce. He said his staff is looking into allowing tent structures for a set number of days with no permitting required, structures more than the set number of days would have to go through the building code.

“We don’t have a problem permitting them, but we want acknowledgement that they will remove them in high winds,” Hill said.

speaking to village officials, students, teachers and parents that the community desperately wants stronger academics at the school.

“I think once we get this up and running, in the next two or three years, we will have a waiting list to get in,” he said. “There’s no doubt in my mind at all. It will be for Royal Palm Beach students. It will always be in-house. It will never be a choice academy.”

It is too early to determine the effect the new academy will have on the existing medical science and international business academies, he said.

“I foresee some students being able to do a dual enrollment in the international business and the Advanced Placement academy,” Armas said. “I don’t think the course sequence for medical science will allow students to be in both.”

But Armas noted that the medical science academy is itself an

poor people. It affects the middle class. It affects the rich. There are doctors who took 30 to 40 years to build up their clinics, and they have lost everything.”

Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-District 23), the symposium’s keynote speaker, said he is proposing a White House conference on the situation to bring together all the people and agencies that want to help Haiti.

“The symposium today is a step in the right direction. I applaud your commitment to helping them. We need to keep fighting for the millions of Haitians who don’t have a voice,” Hastings said.

But as much as the United States government has done, more must be done, not just from the U.S., but from the United Nations, Hastings said.

“The contributions of the United Nations and others have been vital,” he said. “But simply throwing money at Haiti is never going to solve the problem.”

Hastings said that all the sup-

cated people running for the school board,” Young said. “I’ve been watching the school board for 30 years, and everybody who’s been on the board has been very educated and doctors and so on and so forth, and I’m saying to myself maybe it’s time for somebody, just a normal guy who doesn’t have all that education, but maybe has something else to give them. Maybe it’s time for someone else to get in there and give it a try. Maybe they’ll do a little better than what these guys have done.”

Young said he feels that educa-

Charter Going To Voters

continued from page 1 four votes to Benacquisto in the runoff election.

“You want to make sure that you have a mandate by the voters on any issue,” Willhite said. “As we look through the statistics here since 1996, it would have only changed one election. I just don’t think that is overwhelmingly enough to put the question out there to change our current practices and the future of Wellington.”

Bowen agreed with Willhite. “He’s right unless you want to come much lower than 40 percent,” he said. “That’s the only reason to do it.”

Coates agreed that the 40-percent mark was often unattained by candidates. However, he noted that runoff elections generally have a lower turnout, and that often the candidate with the most votes in the general election might lose despite having more votes overall in both elections.

“What happens is that you have a fewer number of voters deciding the end result,” he said. “I think we do the village a service if we try to prevent that from happening.”

Gerwig suggested lowering the average, and Bowen suggested it be 35 percent. Coates agreed to put it to voters in November.

Another matter of concern was clarifying whether appointed

elite program. “It will by no means be any less of an elite academy by virtue of the fact that we’re starting another one,” he said. “All three academies will offer all the Advanced Placement classes that they choose to have.”

The new academy will have a liberal arts focus. Students who pass an Advanced Placement test with a certain grade will receive college credit. “We will have students who go into college as sophomores, not all of them, but they will have that opportunity to do that,” Armas said. “We tell parents ‘this is a scholarship,’ and it’s true.”

He emphasized that RPBHS will continue to have a strong focus on vocational courses including the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) academy.

“We have an opportunity to provide every student with an education that fits him or her,” Armas said.

opportunity to rebuild the country from the ground up and right the mistakes of the past,” he said.

tion for the past 30 years has gone down rather than up. “Maybe a little common sense will help things out a little bit,” he said. A barber by trade, Young owns Royal Crown Barber & Beauty on Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. “One of the things about barbering is you talk to people and you get to hear what they have to say,” Young said. “That’s one of the things I bring to the table, is a listening ear, and you’d be amazed at what you hear from people.” Young said about half the kids who start high school don’t finish. “What I see in schools is they

terms count toward the term limit of an elected official. Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz noted that currently council members may serve no more than two consecutive terms of office, and mayors may serve no more than four. If the mayor’s term is changed to a fouryear term, Kurtz said that the term limit would be lowered to two consecutive terms.

“That seemingly is an easy, straightforward situation,” he said.

“But based on our previous experience, where council members have stepped down for one reason or another and then you go through the appointment process, you can get very different results and interpretations as to whether or not those appointed years and then the special election years… should count toward those two consecutive terms.”

Kurtz suggested that they consider limiting it to two full terms, meaning that if someone were elected or appointed to fill a vacated seat, it would not count toward the two-term limit.

Lastly, the council recommended putting to voters the decision to extend the time that a special election to fill the mayor’s seat

Holiday July 4th In Wellington

continued from page 1 or at the Wellington Community Center. Registrations will also be accepted the day of the ride.

At 6 p.m., Village Park will open to the community with a slew of family events including games, inflatable rides and bingo, all free of charge. There will also be vendors selling food and drink. Alternative classic rock band Rumour Hazit will provide live music

Blotter continued from page 6 of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road on Monday morning. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to a roadwork site near the intersection of Seminole Pratt and East Goldcup Drive after the complainant discovered the cable missing. The cable was valued at approximately $1,000. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JUNE 22 — A Royal Palm Beach woman was arrested for drunken driving following a traffic stop on Okeechobee Blvd. ear-

try to push them all to be college educated and so on and so forth, and that’s wonderful, but by the same token, what happens to these kids who aren’t planning to go to college?” he asked. “What happens to the ones who want to be the service people, the people who are doing the plumbing, the electrical? I would like to see people getting in there and catching them before they get out of school. I haven’t really heard people talking about that. These kids are getting lost in there.” Young’s web site is www.ron youngdistrict6.com.

must be held from 120 days to 180 days. Willhite said that the extra time could possibly allow the village to put the item on the ballot in March or November, rather than hold a special election.

“You could be required to hold a special election possibly in October when there’s a ballot coming out in November,” he noted. Bowen agreed with Willhite, but wondered what repercussions the village could have if they didn’t hold an election within 120 days. Kurtz said that a citizen could go to court to mandate that the village hold one. Not making the council’s list for voter referendum was whether to change Wellington from a “village” to a “city.” Several council members said that many residents preferred being called a village to a city. Village Manager Paul Schofield noted that there is no difference in the power of a village or a city. The council decided to leave it off the ballot.

The items are set to come to a preliminary vote at the council’s July 13 meeting. A final vote will be cast in August to determine whether the issues will head to Wellington voters.

throughout the evening. At 9:15 p.m., the “Fireworks Extravaganza” presented by Zambelli Fireworks Internationale begin and are expected to run until 10 p.m. Limited parking will be available at Village Park. There will be shuttles available from the Mall at Wellington Green behind the Nordstrom department store.

“It’s going to be a day the whole family can enjoy,” Delaney said.

“We hope that the community comes out for this great event.” For more info., call (561) 7914005 or visit www.wellingtonfl. gov.

ly Tuesday morning. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was conducting radar enforcement on Okeechobee Blvd. when he observed 45-year-old Michele Rivera traveling 52 miles per hour in a 35-mph zone. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with

and Rivera was arrested and taken to the county jail where she was charged with driving under the influence.

Congressman Alcee Hastings Major Joseph Bernadel PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Marcia AndrewsDean GrossmanRon Young

Joy McKay Specializes In Sheath Cleaning Horses

If you own a male horse, either a stallion or a gelding, sheath cleaning should be a regular part of caring for your horse. And as for how, if you’re smart, you’ll call up Joy McKay of Professional Equine Services and let her do it for you.

Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 23

Heath Evans 7-On-7 Championships A Huge Success

The fifth annual Heath Evans 7-on-7 Championships proved once again to be a major showcase for future college football stars. More than 50 major college prospects displayed their talent on Saturday, June 12 at the King’s Academy in West Palm Beach. Page 35

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

Business

Healthy, Stress-Free Puppies At Top Shelf Puppies & Boutique In RPB

Top Shelf Puppies & Boutique in Royal Palm Beach has designed its showroom to provide a fun experience for you and your family, as well as a relaxed, fun place for the puppies to show off their personalities and lovability. Top Shelf owners Debora VanOort and Karen Meadows and staff members socialize with their puppies on a daily basis to keep them happy and relaxed with the belief that a stress-free puppy is a healthy puppy. Page 31

Spor ts

Athletics Top Pirates 7-1 In P.B. Little League Play

The Palm Beach Little League Senior Division Athletics defeated the Pirates 7-1 on Wednesday, June 16 at Seminole Palms Park in Royal Palm Beach. Based in Royal Palm Beach, the division is made up of primarily local area high school junior varsity players seeking more experience. Page 35

Sheath Cleaning Male Horses: ‘You’re Going To Clean What?’

Sheath cleaning. Now here’s a topic you’ve probably never contemplated if you’ve never owned a horse. Indeed, even many horse owners prefer not to think about it. But if you own a male horse, either a stallion or a gelding, you should be keeping up with this important, but often ignored, bit of horse health.

Plainly put, the sheath is the long fold of skin that starts between a male horse’s hind legs and continues partway up the underside of his belly. It houses and protects his male appendage when he isn’t using it for breeding or urinating.

And why in the world does this need cleaning, you may ask? And how do you actually clean it? The obvious answer is it needs cleaning because it gets dirty. And as for how, if you’re smart, you call up Joy McKay and let her do it for you.

Joy lives in West Palm Beach. She no longer owns horses. (“It’s easier to get paid to ride other people’s horses. I get all the enjoyment and none of the expenses,” she explained.) But she used to own and show walking and racking horses.

Her business is named Professional Equine Services, and she tackles an eclectic list of jobs such as body clipping, braiding, grooming, exercising, breaking and training horses, doing basic groundwork, and giving riding lessons in all sorts of riding disciplines. Oh, and cleaning sheaths.

“I think a lot of horse owners don’t realize how important it is for their horse’s sheath to be cleaned on a regular basis,” Joy said. “It’s not a pleasant task, but left untended, it can cause all sorts of problems.”

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

Joy used to work as a vet tech for various large and small veterinary hospitals. She was also the night nurse on duty at Palm Beach Equine from 1999 to 2000.

“I used to go on calls with vets. We saw urinary tract problems as a result of dirty sheaths,” she recalled. “Some horses got kidney infections and had sore backs. Sometimes the bacterial infection spread to the skin or blood. One horse developed a bad case of dermatitis down his hind legs. Another had difficulty urinating.”

According to Joy, most of the dirt that collects in the sheath and sometimes on the horse’s penis is a result of dust and dirt mixing with natural oils. The resulting dirt is a sticky, tar-like substance. It’s messy, and it stinks. It can also become compacted into a small hardened lump the size and shape of a bean, which lodges just inside the opening to the urethra.

“Beans can be really dangerous,” Joy said. “One horse I visited with a vet almost died. He had a bean blocking his urethra, and the backed-up urine almost ruptured his bladder. He was acting like he had colic. The owner had no idea it was a huge bean.”

Although most beans are fairly small, Joy has seen some as big as a quarter. “Sometimes the sheath itself gets all swollen, sometimes it looks normal. Then you start swabbing away in there, and out comes all this awful stuff.”

Many of the vets Joy worked with automatically sedated the horses before cleaning

them, but she has found that if she works quietly and slowly, most horses don’t seem to mind. “It was easier and more efficient for the vets, but I only sedate if it’s necessary, and 98.9 percent of the time, I don’t need to,” Joy said. Joy noted that she cleans many more geld-

See SHEATH, page 24

Joy McKay of Professional Equine Services works on a “sheath cleaning.”

A Life Filled With Minutae: The Story Of My Lost Month

When I was a young mother at home with my two kids, I had all sorts of plans for “later,” when things slowed down — when I was retired with no job and grown children. The places I would go! The things I would see! The people I would meet!

So now it is “later” but something seems to have happened to the calendar. For instance, just this morning I sat down at my computer to write my June 4 column, and it’s June 25. When did that happen? What happened to the entire month of June? Have I been in a coma?

I try to think back. Do I remember anything that happened between June 1 and today? The answer is no.

Well, I do remember buying groceries and vacuuming out the car and making the beds and stuff like that. I remember pick-

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

ing up dry cleaning and talking to my mother on the phone. I remember going to the bank and getting gas and e-mailing my brother.

And all that minutae used up 25 days? Yes, it did. But that is the story of our lives, I guess.

While trips to the beaches of the Bahamas, the casinos of Las Vegas or the museums of

Milwaukee (vacation hotspots!) may stand out in our minds, it’s the day-to-day routine that uses up so much of our time. We’re no better off than those ants crawling along the ground toting gigantic grains of sand. “Why do they do that?” we ask ourselves. The answer is, “Because they have to, to get it done.”

But then I think about queens and kings and other heads of state and I think, “They don’t have to do anything. They have ‘people’ to do it for them.”

Of course, that’s not true; their lives are filled with meetings. And their meeting schedule has been dictated to them by their so-called “people.”

So getting “people” is out. That’s OK. I’m no good at bossing people around anyway. I was trained to be a teacher, but when I started student teaching, I immediately thought,

“Who am I to tell these kids what to do? They probably know things they could teach me.” I was in a kindergarten classroom at the time. (Still, when five-year-olds talk, I listen, even to this day. Because I do learn things. It may not be things their parents want me to know, but five-year-olds know more than you think.) What about minions? Minions aren’t “people,” are they? They are? OK, what about robots?

Yes, that’s it. If only I had a robot, I could free up my time for trips to the beach. Wait a minute. This is the exact same plan I had when I was in kindergarten! Decades have passed since I was five, yet time is still getting away from me.

So nothing has changed. I guess I’d better enjoy the minutae, because it’s really all I’ve got.

ABC’s ‘Scoundrels’ Way Better Than Standard Summer Fare

Scoundrels is the kind of summer show that makes you wonder why the major networks seem to feel that only the stupidest reality and game shows are fit for summer fare. Last year, I doubt I watched anything new all summer on regular networks. But this year, there are some new shows, and I decided to sample at least one. My choice was the above-named Scoundrels, airing on ABC at 9 p.m. Sundays. The choice was easy for me.

I admit I’ve had quite a crush on the lead actress, Virginia Madsen, ever since the 1980s, when she starred as the tough glamour girl all men fell for. I recall a friend of mine who was absolutely convinced that she looked like Madsen and copied her hairstyle. It was like a $10 knockoff of a Cartier watch. And Madsen has remained remarkably beautiful. Too bad television tends to present older women as being past their prime; she is an example of how women stay desirable well past 40.

Madsen plays Cheryl West, whose husband Wolf is being sent off to prison. Cheryl has to take charge of the family to try to prevent sev-

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

eral of her children from following in their father’s footsteps. Actually, Cheryl is a mama wolf, ready to do anything to keep her kids in line. The fun of the show is how difficult the task will be. David James Elliot, who plays husband Wolf, thinks that idea is ridiculous. And, looking at the kids, several seem perfect candidates for orange jumpsuits. Son Cal (Patrick John Flueger) is a fool. He manages to mess up constantly. He broke into the house of a powerful crime family and beat up an old woman, then defends himself by telling his mother that the woman attacked him and was a martial arts expert. Cheryl freaks, pointing out that while the family might be into

crime, they never deal with drugs or with hurting people.

seguy. And there is one child, Logan, Cal’s twin (also played by Flueger) who has become an attorney, the one straight-arrow in the family. Rounding out the cast is Mack (Carlos Bernard), a cynical detective who has become the family’s Inspector Javert. The show itself comes under the heading of dramedy and uses its comic elements well. There are constant quips, most of them actually pretty good. But Madsen is the center of the action. Watching her fighting to keep her children in line, while watching the three “problem kids” obviously jealous of their straight-arrow brother, presents more interesting moments than a lot of programs already on the air. It takes the time to actually introduce us to the lead characters, to find their quirks, and to, possibly, get to like them. So far, the show will not qualify as great television. But it is better than a lot of shows that run during the regular year. Actually, it is more realistic than Desperate Housewives, which runs in the timeslot for about half the year. Why not take a chance and view it? You could, and probably have, seen a lot worse. Sheath

‘You’re

Going To Clean What?’

continued from page 23 ings than stallions, because stallions are often used for breeding. Part of the breeding process includes washing the stallion before each breeding so he doesn’t carry any bacterial infections to the mare. Geldings, who are unable to breed, are less likely to be cleaned on a regular basis.

Joy uses water and a mild soap like Excalibur, or sometimes K-Y jelly, which she said does an excellent job. She cleans around the lower and middle compartments of the sheath, and then the upper compartment “where the penis hides.”

Sometimes a horse will relax enough to drop his penis down out of the sheath, which makes things a bit easier, but Joy cleans it wherever it is.

“It’s not a problem if they don’t drop. I’ve done a lot of horses. I’m used to it,” she said.

The whole job takes 20 minutes to a half hour, and Joy has regular customers. They have her come out every six to eight weeks, and they don’t even have to be there when she arrives. They leave her a check, she does the job and leaves them her card. She’s also very affordable — an inexpensive way to take care of a job many horse owners are glad to hand off to an expert.

Claudia Campbell of Loxahatchee has used Joy many times over the years to do a variety of jobs with her horses. She describes Joy as being very knowledgeable and lovely to work with.

Cindy Maxson of The Acreage has had Joy come out to clip and clean her two geldings.

“I highly recommend her,” Cindy said. “She does a perfect, immaculate job. She’s easy and gentle with the horses, and friendly. And when she’s done, I know this sounds a little weird, but they’re both really clean. They both dropped down, and they were sparkling clean.”

After mama gets him to promise to return a statue he stole from that family, Cal retrieves it, and then breaks it apart trying to see if there are drugs present. She then has to plead with the family to allow Cal to do odd jobs for them. She has become convinced that the family should all “go straight.” What happens next should be a real adventure.

Daughter Heather (Leven Rambin) believes the only way she will ever get ahead is to use her blond sexiness. When a sleazoid, however, tries to use a date rape drug, she easily turns the tables on him. She may not be much at book-learning (her younger sister, when asked if she wanted to end up like Heather, quips “I can’t. I’ve already read at least one book.”) but she knows how to deal with at least some forms of low-life.

Sister Hope (Vanessa Marano) has already used extortion on her school’s vice principal to allow her to skip her classes. Of course, in the wonderful world of television, she spends her time at the library. And she is a great wi-

For more information, call Joy McKay at (561) 215-5177. Joy

A screen produced by an anonymous shop painter.

Morikami To Feature Exhibit Of Kyoto Art

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens (4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach) will feature its new exhibit “Kyoto: A Place in Art” June 29 to Oct. 17.

Works by painters representing art movements closely associated with Kyoto, Kyoto textiles, photographs of Kyoto gardens by one of Japan’s best known photographers,

woodblock prints, ceramics and more make up this exhibit, which includes a pair of 18th century folding screens depicting in fascinating detail the lives of the city’s inhabitants from all parts of the social spectrum. Admission costs $7 to $12.

Call (561) 495-0233 or visit the museum’s web site at www.morikami. org for more information.

Armory Art Center Featuring Glass & Jewelry Exhibit Now Through July 9

The Armory Art Center has unveiled a glass and jewelry exhibit featuring works by Armory glass and jewelry instructors Jose Cancio, Rishar Miranda, Camille Perrin, Theo Sable and their students. Jeff Sabean and Janice Palmer of Tiffany & Co. will award artists in each category. The exhibit, sponsored by Whole Foods Market, opened June 18 and runs through July 9.

Cancio was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and graduated in 1982 from Bernardino Cordero Bernard Technical School and moved to New York City to start his apprenticeship with Feature Ring Corporation in lower Manhattan. He spent the next two years learning along side highly skilled master technicians from all over the world. In 2003, he was awarded the Mission Vision Award.

Miranda was born in 1948 in Algeria and raised in Morocco. He has exhibited his works in jewelry, painting and sculpture nationally for the past 30 years. Miranda received his education from Omar Enb Lazia, Morocco, earned a bachelor’s degree from the Paris School of Design in Paris, France, and apprenticed in Milan, Italy. He maintains

studios in Lake Worth and Costa Rica. Texture, color and dimension are elements that Miranda likes to incorporate into his jewelry. He hopes to achieve the same impact that a fine work of sculpture or painting has, only on a smaller scale. The challenge is to create a piece of sculpture that is wearable. Miranda’s jewelry is constructed in sterling silver and 14-karat gold, set with semi-precious gemstones.

Perrin is currently manager of the Warm Glass Department at the Armory. She has been a multimedia artist for over 35 years, starting to work with fused glass in 1989. Perrin holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and has studied with award winning surface designers such as Marna Brauner and Yvonne Pocella.

Sable has been creating jewelry since she first exhibited her work in the Sculpture to Wear Gallery at the Plaza Hotel in New York City in the 1980s. She has shown at the American Craft Council Fair in Rhinebeck and in galleries in New York, Connecticut, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Palm Beach and Lake Worth. Her work has been included in museum shops at the Neu-

berger, American Craft Museum and Norton Museum of Art.

Admission to the opening reception is free for Armory members and $5 for non-members. Armory gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

For more information about the Armory Art Center, or to sign up for classes, visit www.armoryart.org or call (561) 832-1776.

The Phantoms Recommend ‘Rent’ At The Lake Worth Playhouse

What a great way to enjoy summer theater!

The Lake Worth Playhouse continues its reputation of offering vibrant summer musical selections with Jonathan Larson’s Rent. This Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical based loosely on Puccini’s opera La Bohème tells the story of eight friends living the disappearing Bohemian lifestyle in New York’s East Village. The show will run July 8 through July 31 at the playhouse, located at 713 Lake Avenue in downtown Lake Worth.

Rent first took shape at the 150-seat New York Theatre Workshop in January 1996 with simple staging, minimal scenery and a concert-style presentation. Following a sold-out limited engagement Off Broadway, the show transferred to the Nederlander Theatre in April 1996 where it won an astounding number of awards.

Rent follows one year in the lives of a closeknit group of penniless artists determined to continue reaching for their dreams even as they struggle to overcome the obstacles of poverty, AIDS and drug addiction while surviving the mean streets of Alphabet City in the mid-1990s. This uniquely American musical had a more than a 12-year run on Broadway and also enjoyed popularity as a 2005 motion picture.

The score features a mix of gritty rock ballads, bluesy soul music and pop melodies, including the driving anthem “Seasons of Love,” the poignant “I’ll Cover You” and the heart-wrenching “One Song Glory.” The book

combines both humor and tragedy to create a compelling story with diverse characters. Other featured songs include “Light My Candle,” “What You Own,” “Without You” and “La Vie Bohème.”

The show’s memorable music and lyrics were penned by the late Larson, who died unexpectedly at the age of 35, just days before the show started previews Off Broadway. Larson never had the opportunity to enjoy the many accolades his show garnered, including the 1996 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, the New York Drama Critics Circle Award, the Drama Desk Award, the Obie Award, and the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Rent has been called a “breakthrough” by Time magazine, “an exhilarating landmark” by the New York Times and “a raw and riveting milestone in musical theater” by Rolling Stone. Today, Rent has become a global phenomenon, packing houses in the United States, England, Japan, Australia, Germany and countless other countries around the world.

The playhouse production of Rent is codirected by Playhouse Artistic Director Jodie Dixon-Mears and playhouse choreographer/ dance teacher and community outreach performing arts teacher Ricky Nahas, who also choreographs the show. Music direction is by Toni Stamos, who served as music director for last season’s hit musicals Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Oklahoma. The 22-member cast includes: Shane Blanford as Roger, Joey DeChello as Mark,

Gregory Johnson as Tom, Deshon Allen as Benny, Samantha Brown as Joanne, Robert Martes as Angel, Ashlley Rodriguez as Mimi and Kaitrin Lynch as Maureen.

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

Preview night is Thursday, July 8 at 8 p.m., and opening night is Friday, July 9 at 8 p.m. Evening performances will take place July 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31 at 8 p.m. each night. Matinee performances will be offered at 2 p.m. July 10, 17, 24 and 31.

“Dinner and Show Night” is Thursday, July 8 at 6 p.m. and includes a pre-show dinner at Paradiso Italian restaurant in downtown Lake Worth prior to the 8 p.m. performance. The all-inclusive dinner/show

Joe & Kathryn, the Phantoms, are featured writers for the Town-Crier and www.yournews.com...

package price is $50 and includes a threecourse meal as well as premium seats for the preview performance. Individual show tickets cost $25 and $29 for opening night and all regular performances. Preview performance tickets cost $22 and $25. Opening night VIP tickets are $36 and include a pre-show reception. Subscriptions for the 2010-11 season are also available. All tickets and subscriptions can be purchased through the Lake Worth Playhouse box office at (561) 586-6410 or online at www. lakeworthplayhouse.org.

The Lake Worth Playhouse’s 58th season opens in October with Guys & Dolls (Oct. 824) and is followed by Steel Magnolias (Nov. 19 to Dec. 5), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Jan. 21 to Feb. 6, 2011), Biloxi Blues (March 420, 2011) and Annie (April 15 to May 1). Prior to launching the 2010-11 season, the playhouse will present a limited engagement fall comedy, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare… Abridged (Sept. 2-11).

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

Finally, we have seen and enjoyed every show and performance this year, and look forward to next season. We hope to see you there... this is what theater is all about!

A jewelry piece by Rishar Miranda.

Healthy, Stress-Free Puppies At Top Shelf Puppies & Boutique

Top Shelf Puppies & Boutique in Royal Palm Beach has designed its showroom to provide a fun experience for you and your family as well as a relaxed, fun place for the puppies to show off their personalities and lovability.

Top Shelf staff members socialize with their puppies on a daily basis to keep them happy and relaxed with the belief that a stress-free puppy is a healthy puppy. They are confident you will find your “dream puppy” in their inventory of toy, pure and designer breeds.

Top Shelf can also order any type of dog from one of its specialty breeders around the country. The company’s long history in the business gives it the ability to help customers choose a puppy for their family needs and lifestyle.

Debora VanOort has more than 35 years in the canine industry, breeding, selling, training and caring for dogs of all breeds. Also, 10 years as a vet tech has provided her with all the knowledge and experience needed to help you care for your puppy so it can thrive and be a happy, healthy member of your family.

Karen Meadows has cared for pets of all types her entire life. From tropical fish to mice, lizards, dogs and cats, Meadows knows animals. Owning a puppy store has been a lifelong dream of hers. Together with VanOort, the two have built a beautiful, high-quality puppy boutique catering to the discriminating customer who wants to pamper their new family member with premium puppy products. Top Shelf has clothing, chew toys, perfumes, shampoo, beds, bones and carriers as well as beautiful harnesses and jewelry from top manufacturers in the industry.

Top Shelf Puppies pledges to provide its customers with top-quality puppies from li-

censed breeders. VanOort and Meadows’ more than 35-plus years working with breeders from around the country gives them that ability. The company discourages “puppy mills” and would never do business with any breeders that acted as such.

Top Shelf’s puppies are delivered by reputable drivers who really care for the dogs. The puppies arrive relaxed and stress-free, which makes for a healthier, happier pet, as evidenced by the animals’ demeanor in the store. Constant love and attention from Top Shelf staff perpetuates that environment to help with a smooth transition to your home. Each puppy comes with all their required immunizations and Florida Health Certificate by veterinarian Dr. Natalia Temprano of Village Royale Animal Clinic. All of the puppies include a tracking chip in case they ever get lost.

Top Shelf Puppies & Boutique specializes in toy and small breeds of both pure and designer mixes, but can get dogs of most all breeds by special order. From Afgans to Yorkies, Top Shelf Puppies & Boutique has the perfect puppy for you. The store is located at 11081 Southern Blvd., Suite 150 in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 792-9191, e-mail info@topshelfpuppies.com or visit www.topshelfpuppies.com.

Top Shelf Puppies & Boutique owners Debora VanOort and Karen Meadows with some of the store’s puppies.

An inside view of the store.

During an open house on June 10, Palms West Hospital invited physicians, employees and the community to experience its da Vinci robotic surgical system, the next generation of minimally invasive surgery. The first surgeons utilizing the da Vinci robotic surgical system showcased the features of the robot for the crowd. Spectators were also encouraged to “test drive” the robot to experience the feel for themselves. Shown above are Palms West Hospital CEO Bland Eng (left) and Chairman of the Board Bobby Ewing (right) with Dr. Moises Virelles, Dr. David Adler, Dr. Seth Herbst and Dr. Sam Falzone, the four doctors using the new system at the hospital.

CredAbility Offers Yard Sale Tips

For families that could use a little extra money to help cover expenses this summer, a yard sale may be just the ticket to getting rid of unnecessary items and making some quick cash.

“A well-planned yard sale can generate hundreds of dollars,” said Jessica Cecere, regional South Florida president for CredAbility, formerly Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. “The extra money raised can help cover extra or unplanned expenses, or can even be used to fund a family vacation, down payment on a car, or to jumpstart an emergency or college fund.”

CredAbility offers tips to help families get the most out of hosting or shopping at yard sales. For those hosting a yard sale:

• Choose a date — Once you have selected a date, be sure to get it approved by your homeowners’ association or local government. Some neighborhoods designate a specific weekend or two each year and do not allow yard sales at any other time. Avoid holiday weekends.

• Recruit your neighbors — There are several advantages to a multi-family yard sale, including

shared advertising costs and increased traffic.

• Get the word out — Use signs and local advertising to let shoppers know about your sale. Most local newspapers have inexpensive yard sale rates, and many shoppers use these ads to plan their day.

• Price accordingly — Most shoppers are looking for deals at yard sales, so don’t expect to get retail prices for your items. A good rule of thumb is to price items that are in good condition at 25 to 30 percent of their retail value. A quick Google search of “garage sale pricing” will produce several pricing guides to help get you started. For pre-printed price tags, visit www. yardsalesupplies.com.

• To sell or not to sell — Not every item is right for a yard sale. Consider consigning high-end items such as antique furniture or specialty items, where they will likely generate more money for you.

• Make plans for what is left — If you intend to donate items left at the end of the sale, make arrangements for a charity to pick the stuff up the same day so that you don’t have to move it again.

For the careful shopper, yard sales offer a great way to get things you need at a fraction of the

cost. Tips for yard sale shoppers include:

• Plan your shopping strategy — Using the newspaper or online resource, plan your shopping strategy. You might do this based on location of the sale, or based on who seems to have items you are looking for. While you might want to arrive a little early, many sellers stick to a “no early bird” policy.

• Be prepared — If you are looking for furniture, bring a truck or have access to one quickly. Sellers are not interested in holding items for you for days while you figure out how to move it.

• Know what you’re looking for — While you might stumble across an item that you just have to have, it is a good financial strategy to know what you are shopping for before you leave your house.

• Don’t be afraid to negotiate Most prices are negotiable, so if you see an item you like but think the price is too high, negotiate. On the other hand, if you know you are getting a bargain, don’t haggle on price over every item.

A yard sale checklist is available at www.onlineorganizing.com. For more information, call CredAbility 24/7 at (800) 251-2227 or visit www.credability.org.

Wellington Rental Community Gets Million-Dollar Makeover

When the New York-based ABC Properties decided to venture into the waters of Florida’s rental community industry late last year, the company brought with it a history that was outside the prevailing norms in South Florida. The company soon realized, however, that rental communities in Palm Beach County marketed a lifestyle around the allure of big pools, fancy spas, majestic lake views and gushing fountains

— amenities not characteristic of apartment life along Fifth and Park Avenue.

However, ABC also noticed that the living quarters in Wellington-area rental communities could use some sprucing up. That insight led to a contrarian marketing strategy. Why not offer rental units with the sort of updated, 21st-century décor typical of ABC’s New York City apartments?

ABC brought in local

award-winning designer Tracey Topping to oversee Palm Court’s new décor and make sure everything was in tune with South Florida style and taste.

After a year-end closing on the Pine Cones apartment complex in northern Wellington, ABC changed the name to Palm Court at Wellington. Soon thereafter, they set to work gutting the units. Formica counters were replaced by elegant granite. Particle

board cabinets gave way to high-end wooden ones. Old enamel appliances were swapped out for gleaming new stainless steel. Ceiling edges were decorated with crown molding, and chair rails and wainscot board delineated the two-color paint scheme.

The first totally updated apartments are being rented within days of completion, so ABC’s strategy is off to a fast start. The last of the thor-

oughly renovated units will be finished before summer’s end.

Meanwhile, a contrarian strategy also characterized ABC’s approach to amenities by creating those not commonly found in other area rental communities, such as an enclosed dog park with no weight limit for dogs, a sixhole putting green, basketball courts and barbecue facilities scattered around the park-like courtyard with adjacent pic-

nic tables under gazebos. “We wanted to focus on amenities that would foster a sense of community and help establish Palm Court as the nicest rental complex in Wellington,” Palm Court Managing Director John Slattery said.

A grand opening will be held in July. For more information, call (561) 371-7527, e-mail js@abcmgmt.net or visit the web site www.palm courtwellington.com.

Fowler White Burnett’s Drahos Named To Wellington PZA Board

The law firm Fowler White Burnett recently announced that shareholder Michael Drahos has been appointed to Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board.

Based in the firm’s West Palm Beach office, Drahos focuses his practice on the defense of products liability and related litigation, such as catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death. He represents leading manufactur-

ers, distributors and retailers in actions by individual plaintiffs, class actions and complex aggregate liability matters.

Drahos holds a law degree from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law Center and a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University.

Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board makes recommendations re-

garding proposed amendments to the comp plan, to land development regulations and on applications for rezoning and development permits. It also performs the functions of a local planning agency; it approves or denies variances to the land development regulations; approves or reverses decisions made by the director of planning, zoning and building, code enforcement or the village engineer;

and conducts hearings on impact fees.

Fowler White Burnett is a full-service law firm with approximately 100 attorneys and offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

A nationally recognized leader in the areas of aviation, maritime and healthcare, the firm’s lawyers provide legal counsel in numerous disciplines including litigation,

professional malpractice, corporate and securities, commercial finance, restructuring and bankruptcy, real estate, tax and white-collar criminal defense.

Fowler White Burnett serves domestic and international clients, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to educational institutions.

For additional information, visit the firm’s web site at www.fowler-white. com.

Michael Drahos

Athletics Top The Pirates 7-1 In Palm Beach Little League Play

By Bryan Gayoso Special To The Town-Crier

The Palm Beach Little League Senior Division Athletics defeated the Pirates 7-1 on Wednesday, June 16 at Seminole Palms Park in Royal Palm Beach.

The division is based out of Royal Palm Beach with four teams participating and is made up of primarily local area high school junior varsity players seeking more experience. The Senior Division includes

15- and 16-year-olds. Athletics

Coach Dan Burden said the league is also available to players who don’t have an opportunity to play junior varsity but would like to play organized baseball.

The season ends July 5 with allstar selections following. The allstars will then play teams from Delray Beach and Boynton Beach. The winners will be named District 7 champions and will advance to a regional tournament.

Pirates’ Alex Velez keeps

eyes on the ball.

Fifth Annual Heath Evans 7-On-7 Championships A Success

The fifth annual Heath Evans 7on-7 Championships proved once again to be a major showcase for future college football stars.

More than 50 major college prospects displayed their talent, including powerful performances by tight end Nick O’Leary of Dwyer, wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin of Glades

Central and running back/linebacker James Wilder of Tampa Plant.

O’Leary’s grandparents, Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, watched several games at the King’s Academy in West Palm Beach.

“This is probably the best showing of teams we’ve had in the five years of the tournament,” said

Evans, who graduated from the King’s Academy before attending Auburn on a scholarship. “The amount of talent on one campus for one day is amazing.”

Five reigning state champions and two finalists from Florida participated in the 16-team, invitationonly tournament, which was a huge success on every level.

Evans, the starting fullback for the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, was joined on the sidelines throughout the day by fellow NFL players Vince Wilfork and Kevin Faulk. All three players spoke to the players during the lunch break, encouraging them to make the right decisions despite peer pressure.

“You have two roads,” said Wilfork, the former University of Miami star and All-Pro defensive tackle for the New England Patriots. “One, stay on track. The other is to stray off track. You have to choose one, you can’t do both at the same time.”

Wilfork also told the players how he strayed and was forced to miss

six months of football because of poor grades, but later recovered.

Faulk told the players to embrace the event and all that it stands for.

“This is something special Heath is doing for you,” said Faulk.

Evans’ message was simple and straightforward.

“Have fun, be competitive but show sportsmanship,” said Evans, who is entering his 10th NFL season. “You have got to have a plan in place to succeed. Be a man worthy of respect. It’s easy to be liked. Be a leader. Leaders sacrifice for the betterment of the team. Choice, decisions, consequences.”

One of the event’s highlights was a competition between Evans, Wilfork and Faulk on who could throw a football the farthest. Each player had two chances, and Wilfork rallied to top Faulk with a throw of 55 yards, one foot. Evans finished third.

For the second consecutive year, numerous teams participated in the Lineman’s Challenge. Jordan Burdi of Miramar won the 185-pound bench press with 29 reps. Patrick

Miller of Dwyer won the 30-yard tire flip in 23.47 seconds, and Jovence Charite of Park Vista cruised through the obstacle course in 34.81 seconds. Belen Jesuit won the fiveman sled push. Tampa Plant won the team title while Park Vista finished second and King’s Academy placed third.

On the field, Miramar held off Glades Central 20-19 in the championship game when the Raiders failed to convert an extra-point pass with 36 seconds remaining.

Sponsors included Hulett Environmental, Chick-fil-A, Cheney Brothers, the King’s Academy, 9Iron, United Franchise Group, Knight Electric, Rawlings, the Palm Beach Sports Commission, J&J Produce, Park Avenue BBQ Grill, Fun Depot, Wilson, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Marriott Palm Beach Gardens, Calvary Chapel, Palm Beach Singer Island Resort & Spa, Nike, Profile Sports and Innovative Leisure.

For additional information about the foundation, visit www.heath evans.org.

The Athletics’ Austin Halperin slides into home after a wild pitch.

The

his

Pirates first baseman Colton Henderson swings at a high fastball caught by Athletics catcher Alex Rodriguez.

PHOTOS BY BRYAN GAYOSO

Heath Evans speaks to players during the lunch break.

Pirates pitcher Austin Barnette winds up.

The Athletics’ Austin Halperin steals second base as T.J. Striano waits for the throw.

Movement Arts Dance Academy held its third annual recital “Seasons of Love” on Saturday, June 12 at Royal Palm Beach High School.

The recital featured students ages two and up performing routines in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, musical theater and modern dance. The show opened with the theme song “Seasons of Love” from the Broadway show Rent and proceeded to take the audience through the four seasons and various holidays and times related to each season.

The closing number and a

crowd favorite was a routine set to the music “Every Season,” in which owner and Artistic Director Kelly Todd Grandusky and instructors Laura Buchbinder, Lisa Cousineau and Britni Nowling each performed a section (season) in one of the styles that they teach.

Movement Arts Dance Academy is located at 1241 N. State Road 7, Suite 11, in Royal Palm Beach. The academy is taking registration for fall classes starting Aug. 23. For info., call (561) 792-9757 or visit www.movementarts danceacademy.com.

Salvation Army Basketball Team Wins Big Movement Arts Dance Show A Success

The Salvation Army Northwest Community Center youth basketball team competed in the United States Specialty Sports Association State Championship Game held over the June 11 weekend in Tampa.

The Salvation Army team captured the title in a 65-49 victory over the Florida Phe-

noms from Naples. This is the first state title for the seventh-grade male traveling basketball team and the first tournament win this year. “This team has been playing against eighth graders all season, but the kids kept focused and peaked during a critical hour for a big accomplishment,” Athletic

Director Dennis Hanna said. The Salvation Army Northwest Community Center seventh-grade travel team has aspirations of traveling to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Nationals held in Memphis, Tenn., June 27 through July 4.

To accommodate the trip, the Salvation Army must

come up with nearly $15,000. The Salvation Army is seeking donations to cover the costs of the trip, which can be sent to: The Salvation Army Northwest Community Center, c/o State Champion Travel Team, P.O. Box 789, West Palm Beach, FL 33402, or call (561) 6863530, ext. 331.

WELLINGTON LITTLE LEAGUE 7-8 TEAM COUNTY CHAMPS

The Wellington Little League 7-8 coach pitch team won the Little League County Championship on Wednesday, June 16, defeating West Boynton 9-3 at Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton. The Little League Juniors (13-14) Strong Team also did very well that week by advancing to the finals of the county championship. Shown above are: (front row, L-R) Jake Mills, Bryce Bernstein, Shawn Steurer, Noah Bloom, Chris Cedeno, Tyler Bernstien, Ryan Bruno, Logan Bloom and Josh Recore; (middle row) Jaden Bruno, Jude Baxt, Lenori Williams, Colby Gullo, Harrison Ramos, Mikey Sauer, Joshua Hernandez and Collin Kayfus; (back row) Pete Bruno, Eric Bernstein, Chad Mills and George Cedeno.

Preye Ford, Alex Whittington, Christopher Gerschick, Maggie Capobianco and Katy Gorham do a tap routine.

Acreage Flag Football League Season Underway

USA Girls Flag Football kicked off its second Air It Out season on Tuesday, June 8 at Acreage Community Park. The league expects growth every year, and this year is no exception. Last year’s inaugural season started with eight teams, and the girls ranged from 10 to 21 years of age. With community excitement for the game, the league grew from eight to 13 teams and expanded its age groups. It now has three age divisions: 13-U, 19-U and a mom’s division.

Since Air It Out joined forces with the Amateur Athletic Union, the league has been able to sanction tournaments and broaden flag football across the United States. It is the goal of the board of directors to see that flag football becomes an emerging college sport. High school flag football is a very competitive, growing sport in the state.

Austin Bowe, the national girls flag football director of AAU, is also the head coach of Seminole Ridge High School’s flag football team. The high school’s reputation of excellence and success continues to grow each year. This year’s team came home with the state title under the coaching direction of Bowe. The high school talent continues to grow with help from the Acreage recreation programs.

AAU affiliation is a benefit to the programs as they continue to grow and gain the attention needed to move on to a college level. The league invites everyone to come and check out its four-on-four season at Acreage Community Park on 140th Avenue North. The girls play every Thursday night from 6 to 9 p.m.

For more information about Acreage flag football, visit www.usagirls flagfootball.com.

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

CATS Girls Compete At Spring Fling

The gymnastic team from CATS of Wellington recently competed in the Spring Fling AAU Competition at Gold Coast Gym.

In Level 2, Alexis Merrit scored a 9.6 on vault and a 8.850 on floor. Stephanie Katz scored a 9.1 on vault and an 8.9 on floor. Arabella Campbell scored a 9.2 on vault and a 9.0 on floor.

In Level 3, Bianca Sileo scored a 9.7 on vault, a 9.25 on beam and a 9.25 on floor. Carlene Powers scored a 9.6 on vault, a 9.35 on bars and a 9.0 on floor. Elia Aird scored a 9.6 on vault, a 9.0 on bars and a 8.9 on floor. Sidney Glaubrecht scored a 9.3 on bars, a 9.2 on vault and a 9.05 on beam. Kinsey Cribbs scored a 9.30 on vault, a 9.150 on beam and a 8.850 for her floor routine. Samantha Baez Scored a 9.1 on vault and a 9.0 on bars. Jordyn Maybrown scored a 9.45 on vault and a 9.0 on bars.

In Level 4, Sophia Ringvald scored a 9.2 on vault, a 9.05 on floor to earn third place, third place on beam and fourth place on bars, winning her third all around. Gabriella Hernandez scored a 9.075 on floor to earn a third-place medal, and a 8.925 for her beam routine earning another third-place medal. She also won fifth place all around. Alexia

Moraes scored a 9.0 for her vault, a 9.05 on bars and a 8.925 for her floor routine.

In Level 5, Michela Arbocco scored a 9.3 for her bar routine to win first place and an 8.7 on floor to win a second-place medal, earning her the second-place all-around medal. Rayven Glaubrecht scored a 9.125 for her floor routine to win first place, second place for her vault, third place for her beam and third place all around. Angella

Chandler won a third-place medal for her bar routine, scoring an 8.75, and fourth place for her vault.

In Level 8, Jamie Zeldman scored an 8.10 for her vault and won the third place medal with a strong allaround score.

The girls are coached by Margarita Martinez, Felipe Restrepo and Mario Restrepo. For more information about the team, call (561) 7953393 or visit the CATS web site at www.catsgymnastics.com.

The CATS gymnasts celebrate their victories.

CampHours: 8:30am-3:00pm

ExtendedHours: 7:00am-6:00pm

Experienced&MatureStaff WeeklySessions

FlexibleSchedules

Age-AppropriateGroups

ThemeBasedFun

Before&AfterCare

ContinuedLearningEnvironment

EducationalEnrichmentEvents

NutritionalHotLunches

SPANISHBILINGUALClasses

VPK SummerClasses

license#50510415323

Dianne M. Morin Home Cooking Summer Camp — The Home Cooking Summer Camp program is a hands-on experience where all campers will work in groups based on their level of cooking experience. Everyone will participate in making various aspects of their meal. In addition to general cooking techniques, campers will be instructed on safe food handling, equipment safety and table etiquette. Campers will learn how to read a recipe, prepare and cook delicious and healthy dishes with an emphasis on nutrition. All campers will take home a copy of the recipes which they create. For more information or to register, call (561) 722-4429 or visit www.diannemmorininc.com

Good Earth Farm Summer Camp — At the Good Earth Farm, home of Chocolate Chip Animal Rescue Inc., a not-for-profit large animal sanctuary, children ages seven to 11 learn to care for and respect animals on a real farm at the Horseback Riding & Animal Lovers Camp. The farm features horses, miniature horses, ponies, a donkey, pigs, ducks, geese, sheep, parrots, llamas and alpacas. Summer camp runs from June 6 through July 30, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each special half day for kids includes working with horses, miniature horses, alpacas, llamas and exotic birds, riding lessons, fine arts and crafts, candy, soap making and felting, grooming horses and llama/alpaca care. Sign up now. The camp needs 10 children minimum and 25 maximum. Call Nancy Fried-Tobin at (561) 792-2666 for details. Also, every Wednesday, Good Earth Farm offers group riding for $35 a class, ages four and up at 4 p.m. with an adult walking the child while on the pony; register separately. Fifteen years and up needed as counselor assistants includes one free riding lesson per week plus community service hours.

2’s,3’s,4’sACTIVITIES:

•ComputerLab•AnimalShows

•AlphabetGames•Water/SensoryPlay •CreativeWriting•PuppetShows •Science&Cooking•Music&Movement •Swimming(3’s&up)•TrainRides

ENTERINGKINDERGARTENACTIVITIES: •On-SiteSwimming•Reading/MathGames •WritingCenter•CreativeWriting •ScienceThemes•GeographySkills •Sports&PlayBall® •VideoGameRoom •ComputerLabs•In-houseFieldTrips

FIRST&SECONDGRADEACTIVITIES: •On-SiteSwimming•Sports&PlayBall® •ComputerLabs•ScienceLabs •MusicClasses•CreativeWriting •ArtClasses•EnrichmentEvents •VideoGameRoom•In-HouseFieldTrips

Private&GroupSwimLessons byAmericanRedCrossCertifiedInstructors

561-791-0013

CambridgePreschools.com

1920RoyalFernDrive•Wellington

High Touch High Tech — High Touch High Tech has been providing hands-on science experiments to children in South Florida for over 15 years. They bring science to life for children in preschool through middle school. Up until now, Ann and Mike Ezratty, the owners of the South Florida region, and their team of professional scientists, have gone into your child’s school. Now, for the first time ever, they have a facility in Wellington offering summer camp programs and birthday parties beginning June 2010 at a new location off of Pierson Road. The camp offers affordable pricing, hands-on science experiments with lots of cool science take-homes, nature experiences as well as art projects that relate to the scientific investigations. High Touch High Tech knows that children are naturally curious and taps into their natural curiosity to provide them with safe, exciting and fun experiments to help them understand the world around them with the ultimate goal of giving children the tools to be able to think scientifically in order to solve problems. Expect really awesome fun as kids erupt volcanoes, pan for gems, launch rockets, make ice cream, grow plants, make fossils, dissect owl pellets and much, much more! Come visit as High Touch High Tech creates their all new hands-on science laboratory! Space is limited to 20 young scientists. High Touch High Tech is located at 3080 Fairlane Farms Rd., Suite 2. Call (561) 7923785 today.

Loxahatchee Country Preschool — The Loxahatchee Country Preschool has been here for 20 years and provides a safe environment with small ratios for summer campers, which means children are well supervised. Throughout the summer, the camp program offers arts and crafts, field trips (which the management team attends), swimming lessons in the school’s swimming pool, Spanish lessons, movies, a bounce house, golf, bowling and more in-house activities. A free pizza lunch will be provided on Fridays. It’s a safe environment while providing an excellent educational program! In a letter sent to the school, the Kings Academy wrote, “What preschools are better prepared for Kings? Loxahatchee Country Preschool was mentioned with enthusiasm!” Call (561) 790-1780 for more information.

Noah’s Ark — Noah’s Ark is located on Okeechobee Blvd in Loxahatchee Groves. They offer free allday VPK. Lower rates and special registration for fall. Meals are included. Noah’s Ark offers care for infants and preschool children as well as after-school care. Se habla Espanol. Conveniently located at 14563 Okeechobee Blvd. between Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves elementary schools. Call (561) 753-6624 for more info.

R R R R Ro o o oyal P yal yal Palm Beac alm alm Beac Beach Elementar h h Elementar h h y’s Bobcat Summer Cam Camp 20 p 20 p

— is committed to provide an exceptional quality camp that is fun, comfortable, warm and friendly. Our Staff is professional trained and experienced. The magnificent schedule includes field trips 3-4 times per week and on campus activities. Field trips include Skate and Strike Zone, Discovery Museum/IMAX Theater, Rapids Water Park, Omni Auditorium, Fitness Festival, Chuck E Cheese, Wannado City, Fun Depot, Library, Wellington Pool, Parks, Movies, Lion County, and a trip to Orlando. On campus activities include dance, sports, crafts, carnivals, computers, academics, game room, shows D.J. Parties, fishing and more. Contact Director, DebPagliaro at 561-633-4431 or 561-633-4430 for registration information.

Select Soccer Training — Select Soccer Training is pleased to offer Summer Camps 2010 to the western communities at Seminole Palms Park in Royal Palm Beach. As soccer grows in participation in Palm Beach County and with the excitement of the World Cup this summer, this camp will offer children the opportunity to learn skills and techniques from a licensed, experienced professional. Soccer will be instructed in the mornings with water breaks, lunch and then off for more fun at Calypso Bay Water Park. Registration includes a soccer ball, camp t-shirt, snacks and water at break times, daily admission to the water park and professional soccer instruction. The cost to register a camper is $215 per camp with a sibling discounted cost of $195 per sibling. Groups of three or more are also $195 per camper. The multi-camp discount for both camps is $175 per camper when registering for both camps. Contact Tim Miller of Select Soccer Training at (561) 212-6330 or tmillerupr90@yahoo.com to register by June 1 for the first camp and July 20 to register for the second camp.

TNT Gymnastics Center — TNT is offering a great summer program with flexible hours and fun-filled days. They provide a safe, positive environment for your child to enhance self-esteem and physical fitness through gymnastics, trampolines, rock climbing, group games, arts & crafts, water play, martial arts and much more! TNT owner Tina Tyska is a former Class 1 gymnast coached by two-time Olympian Kim Chase. She has 25 years of coaching experience, including toddlers thru Level 9 gymnasts as well as special-needs children. TNT Gymnastics is located at 3120 Fairlane Farms Road in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 383-TNT1 (8681).

Zolet Arts Academy — Zolet Arts Academy is in its 20th year offering professional fine arts classes in the original Wellington Mall. The summer camp program runs Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with four separate weekly schedules starting June 7 for ages 6-8 and 9-14 in drawing, painting, sculpture and crafts. No two days are alike and feature rotating subjects and media: acrylics, watercolors, tempera, fingerpaints, chalk and oil pastels, charcoal, pen and inks, block and mono printing, 3D collage, wood, clay, tile, papier mache, textiles and observational drawing/shading for audition prep. Zolet offers individualized instruction for all skill levels and a perfect time-limited curriculum for rainy afternoons. Take-home completed work daily. The total cost of $165/week includes all free supplies. For more info., call (561) 793-6489.

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, June 26

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hike in the Apoxee Natural Area on Jog Road, about a mile north of Okeechobee Blvd., on Saturday, June 26 at 8 a.m. Meet in the parking lot. Be sure to bring plenty of water. For more info., call Joe at (561) 616-8790.

• The Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) will hold a “Tortoise Trek” on Saturday, June 26 at 10 a.m. for ages 5 and up. Investigate the life of a gopher tortoise during a short walk with a naturalist. The cost is $3 per person. Call (561) 2331400 to RSVP.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Days of Summer” on Saturday, June 26 at 1 p.m. for age 4 and up. Celebrate summer with the music from the Clarion Handbell Choir. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

• All Paws Animal Clinic (1011 N. State Road 7, Royal Palm Beach) will host a National Canine Cancer Foundation Fundraiser on Saturday, June 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will feature dog baths and microchipping. All funds raised will support All Paws’ team for the NCCF Bark & Bowl Benefit on July 16. For more info., call (561) 790-9225.

• The Wellington Radio Club will join with thousands of amateur radio clubs and operators on Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27 for the annual “Field Day,” the climax of Amateur Radio Week. Club members will demonstrate amateur radio at the Wellington Emergency Operations Center (14001 Pierson Road) from Saturday, June 26 at 2 p.m. to Sunday, June 27 at 2 p.m. during daylight hours. For more info., visit www.qsl.net/k4wrc.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host a meeting of the Teen Advisory Posse on Saturday, June 26 at 2:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Share your ideas for future teen programs. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Chess for Beginners” on Saturday, June 26 at 2:30 p.m. for ages 8 to 13. Participants will be introduced to the pieces and moves. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host a Book Discussion of Paper Towns on Saturday, June 26 at 3 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Q has been in love with Margo for as long as he can remem-

ber, and now she’s missing. Can he follow her trail of clues and find her? Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to preregister.

• Downtown at the Gardens will host “Caffé Duomo’s Opera Night” on Saturday, June 26 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Center Court (11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., Palm Beach Gardens). Admission is free. For more info., visit www.downtownatthe gardens.com or call (561) 340-1600.

Sunday, June 27

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will host a walk through the Jupiter Ridge Natural Area on Sunday, on June 27 at 7:30 a.m. For more info., call Alan at (561) 586-0486

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host a Reception for Wellington Artist Phyllis Silk on Sunday, June 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The celebration will include a wine tasting, live music and appetizers prepared by master chef Chris Paul of Wild Orchid Fusion. Admission will be a $10 donation and proceeds will benefit Silk’s charity of choice, Luv-A-Bun Rabbit Rescue in Lake Worth. Participants must pre-register at the customer service desk or by calling (561) 904-4000.

Monday, June 28

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Craft Cleanup” on Monday, June 28 at 1 p.m. for ages 2 and up. Are you in a crafty mood? Did you miss some crafts from story times and special programs? This is your chance to catch up. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Board Game Spectacular” on Monday, June 28 at 2:30 p.m. for ages 6 and up. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

Wednesday, June 30

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature the puppet show “Oceans of Fun” on Wednesday, June 30 at 2:30 p.m. for all ages. Bring a camera for the surprise at the end. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Introduction to Irish Dancing” on Wednesday, June 30 at 6:30 p.m. for age 11 and up. Marie Marzi, a certified instructor from the Drake School of Irish Dance, shows beginner steps based on traditional Irish dance forms. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

See CALENDAR, page 42

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 41 Thursday, July 1

• The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Thursday, July 1 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). Call (561) 790-5100 or visit www.royalpalm beach.com for more info. Friday, July 2

• The Schoolhouse Children’s Museum and Learning Center (129 East Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach) will host an Early Fourth of July Celebration on Friday, July 2 at 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Learn about Independence Day and make your own fireworks painting using tempera paint and net scrubbies. Call (561) 742-6782 or visit www.schoolhousemuseum.org for info.

Saturday, July 3

• A Gun Show will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 3 and 4 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo East (9067 Southern Blvd.). Vendors will be selling guns, knifes and accessories. Admission is $8 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Visit www.southfloridafair.com for more info.

• The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival will return Saturday and Sunday, July 3 and 4 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo West (9067 Southern Blvd.). Decorators, designers, collectors, hobbyists and the curious can find a vast array of dealers in one location. Regular admission tickets cost $7 for adults and $6 for seniors. Visit www.southfloridafair.com for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will “Celebrate the Fourth” on Saturday, July 3 at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. for ages 2 and up. Celebrate Independence Day with stories, music and crafts. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Brent Gregory: Make a Magical Splash at Your Library” Saturday, July 3 at 2:30 p.m. for all ages. Join magician Brent Gregory for illusions, puppetry, hilarious comedy, storytelling and audience participation. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

• The Village of Wellington will host a Grand Opening of the Wellington Amphitheatre on Saturday, July 3 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. in front of the Wellington Community Center on Forest Hill Blvd. Call (561) 791-4000 for more info.

Sunday, July 4

• The 20th annual Western Communities Red, White & Blue Family Fishing Tournament will take place Sunday, July 4

at Lakeside Challenger Park in Royal Palm Beach. Registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. For more info., call the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Department at (561) 790-5124.

• The Village of Royal Palm Beach’s annual Firecracker Golf Tournament will take place Sunday, July 4 at the Links at Madison Green. The scramble format tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. The cost is $60 per player, $240 for a foursome and $100 for hole sponsors. For more info., call the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center at (561) 790-5149.

• The City of Greenacres and the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Fourth of July celebration “Ignite the Nite” on Sunday, July 4 at 5 p.m. at Greenacres Community Park (2095 Jog Road, Greenacres). Admission is free. For more information, call (561) 889-6527 or visit www.prhchamber.com.

• The Village of Wellington will host a Fourth of July Family Celebration starting at 6 p.m. at Village Park on Pierson Road featuring a community fireworks display. There will be bus transportation from the Mall at Wellington Green near Nordstrom. Call (561) 791-4000 for more info. Monday, July 5

• The Schoolhouse Children’s Museum and Learning Center (129 East Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach) will hold “It’s an Art, It’s an Art!” summer camp enrichment program for children Monday, July 5 through Friday, July 9. Call (561) 742-6782. Tuesday, July 6

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Let’s Make Music” on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. in July for ages 2 to 5. Music lovers will gather to dance, sing and move to the beat of their favorite songs. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Bookmaking I: Sea Animal Book” on Tuesdays, July 6 and 13 at 4 p.m. for ages 10 and up. Make an underthe-sea book in the shape of a sea creature. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “1,000 Blank Cards” on Tuesday, July 6 at 7 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Create your own game with a stack of blank cards and your imagination. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. Email: news@gotowncrier.com.

W.

HILL

FL 33411

#2001

of Palm Beach, Florida and intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations State of Florida,forthwith

STEVEN M. MILLER, DDS Publish :Town-Crier

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HELP WANTED EXPERIENCED

LANDSCAPER — clean record, FL Drivers License, Bi-lingual plus. Must speak English. 561-337-0658

BUSY NEW SALON — in Whole Foods Plaza seeking talented stylists. Great pay, medical, dental, PTO, 401K and more. Only a few positions available. Must be FL licensed. Call Tracy at 772-464-0902 or visit careers by Haircuttery.com.

EOE

ACREAGE BABYSITTER needed for 3 hours every Saturday Night. 1 child $15 per hours. Must have own transportation. Nonsmoker, references. 7pm -10pm 601-7020.

PART-TIME LANDSCAPER — Experienced preferred landscaping & lawn maintenance. 644-5547.

FOREST TEAK DINING TABLE48"x 48" w/4chairs: $500; cottage style white queen head/footboard & TV stand; $150. natural twin head/footboard w/nightstand $100 561-628-6037

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 cond. $3,300 (561) 793-5569 (917) 494-3422

1999 SUZUKI CRX 600 — New tires, brakes, front black shield, Yoshimura muffler. Needs new carburetor to get running. Asking $2595 or best offer 561-315-1508

NANNY NEEDED — for 3 children must be reliable with transportation and references, 20-30 hours flex per week. $12.00 per hour. Please email Sharyn@jaxnanny.com

FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICE

TECHNICIAN — needed full time, will train. Benefits include paid vacation holidays & sick time. Employee health insurance is available. Clean DL Call 561-683-1333 Mon. – Fri. 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

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

A/C SALES & SERVICE — New, used, scratch & dent. If you used anyone but Glover’s A/C, you probably paid too much! U10163. 7937388

EAST COAST AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. — Service • Sales • Repairs • Installation ALL MAKES & MODELS. Call us before you replace you’re A/C Unit! FREE 2nd Opinion. 561-4782662. Credit Cards Accepted.

J.C. TEETS & CO. — Concierge Accounting. discreet, confidential, individualized service to manage all of your personalized financial needs.Visit us at www.jcteets.com or call 561-632-0635

BUSHHOG SERVICE — Bushhog Service specializing in overgrown lots. Call for free estimate. Bankers & Realtors welcome! 561-6447463

PRIVATE CERTIFIED TEACHER — coaching available for softball, baseball, reading, writing & math. Grades K-5 at your location. Call 561-512-0455

HOUSECLEANING — 20 years experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561572-1782

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

DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates. A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716

DADS DOORS & WINDOWS, INC. IMPACT WINDOWS & HURRICANE SHUTTERS — Sliding Glass Doors, Mirrors & Shower Doors. 561-355-8331 U 19958 U20177

SUNDOWN ELECTRIC, INC. — Residential, Commercial & Service. All calls answered promptly work done by owner. Lic. EC13002248 561-386-6711

STAFF PLUS — Looking to fill full and part-time

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior, Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964. Lic. #U18473

COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/Exterior, residential painting, over 20 years exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident

WOMEN, MEN NEED AN EXTRA PAIR OF HANDS? — We will cook, go to museums, do office work, go to parties, plan parties, organize, pack, go to classes, shop, golf, tennis, work on computer, write letters or poems, decorating etc. Anything fun that’s legal. $22/hr. min. 4 hrs MadelynPage22@Gmail.com Momma Madi 561-422-2910

LICENSED PLUMBER - Beat any legitimate estimate. A/C service lowest price. Complete service, new construction, replacement. CFC1426242 CAC058610 Bonded & Insured. 561-601-6458

POOL PLAS TERING AND RESURFACING — Lic. U19996. 561722-7690.

ELITE POOL SERVICE — You dealt with the rest now deal with the best.” All maintenance & repairs, salt chlorinators, heaters, leak detection. 561-791-5073

Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528

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

the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING

Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Call Butch 309-6975

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS — Roof painting.Carpentry.Lic. #U13677.967-5580. TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS

793-3576 PLACE YOUR AD HERE!

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

D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades,

TURF — Lawn maintenance, landscape, irrigation, tree removal, hurricane prep, stump grinding, HOA/POA specialists. www.hometurfservice.com 561-

No Obligation FREE QUOTE. MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS

7036 561-798-6448 Lic. & Ins. CBC 1250306 CCC1326386

Quality Testing, leak detection. US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811

HORIZON ROOFING QUALITY WORK & SERVICE — Free estimates, No Deposits. Pay upon completion, res/comm.reroofing, repairs, credit cards accepted. 561-842-6120 or 561-784-8072 Lic.#CCC1328598

ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763. ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600 JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 798-3132.

ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities.