PHOTO OPP:

Community Invited to the Dedication Ceremony of
The City of Pembroke Pines
Carl Shechter
Southwest Focal Point Community Center Campus
*Wednesday, August 2, 2017 * 11:15 a.m. *
* 301 N.W 103^rd Avenue in Pembroke Pines *

Pembroke Pines, FL… July 10, 2017 … The City of Pembroke Pines invites the community to attend the official renaming and dedication ceremony of the Southwest Focal Point Community Center to honor long time Center benefactor Vice Mayor / Commissioner Carl Shechter.  On Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 11:15 am The Center will be renamed The City of Pembroke Pines Carl Shechter Southwest Focal Point Community Center Campus, 301 N.W 103^rd Avenue in Pembroke Pines.  Light refreshments will be served.
 
Following his retirement twenty-nine years ago from his New York City law practice, Commissioner Shechter and his wife Anita moved to Hollybrook. After relaxing and golfing “for about a minute” commented one of his children, he began volunteering in his community, Hollybrook, Pembroke Pines District One. It did not take long for Shechter to become an integral part of his new community and City, serving as Vice President and then President of his Hollybrook Golf and Tennis Association, while also serving on the City’s Planning and Zoning Board for ten years, five as the Chair.
 
In 1995, Shechter began organizing fundraisers, including the “Swing for the Green” golf tournament for the newly opened SWFP Senior Center, which now bears his name. In 2004, he was appointed as Interim City Commissioner from April through September. Two years later he was elected to his first four-year term to the City Commission and was re-elected in 2010 and 2016. He served three terms as Vice Mayor.
 
“Retirement did not slow Carl down, he has generously given of his time, expertise and resources as a volunteer,” said Frank C. Ortis, Mayor of Pembroke Pines. “Carl’s volunteerism doesn’t stop in the board room. For many years Carl would recruit his family to serve Christmas dinner to seniors who had no family or place to go. He was happy to help others celebrate their holiday.” 
 
The list of board and committee positions to which he has been appointed is as significant as it is long. Appointment highlights include the Broward League of Cities, the Florida League of Cities Municipal Service Delivery Council, the Board of Directors of the Broward Regional Health Planning Council, a member of the Information Technology and Communications Steering Committee for the National League of Cities, Vice-Chairman of the Broward County Ethics Commission and Board of Directors of Douglas Gardens Housing, Towers I, II and III.
 
Reflecting upon his life achievements, Shechter is most proud of his close family, his service in the Army during WWII and his hometown of Pembroke Pines. When he retires, Shechter plans to begin phase two of his retirement, traveling with his lovely wife Anita, spending time with his four children and seven grandchildren, golfing a little more, continuing to serve as an Arbitrator for FINRA and fundraising for his Center, The City of Pembroke Pines Carl Shechter Southwest Focal Point Community Center Campus.                                                                          

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Media Only:
Valerie L. Moran, Publicist Pembroke Pines Media
C: 954.392.9494 / E: VLMoran@ppines.com