Community center renamed for commissioner

After 29 years of living and serving the city of Pembroke Pines, Vice Mayor and Commissioner Carl Shechter's name will top the Southwest Focal Point Community Center.

On Aug. 2, a renaming and dedication ceremony will take place, honoring the center's benefactor. Shechter has been volunteering and organizing fundraisers for years.

Along with his public office roles, he held the vice president and president position for the Holly brook Golf and Tennis Association. Shechter also served on Pembroke Pines' Planning and Zoning Board for ten years total, five as the board's chair, making himan "integral" part of his community, according to a news release.

Shechter moved to Pembroke Pines in 1988, after retiring from his New York City law practice.

“Retirement did not slow Carl down, he

has generously given of his time, expertise and resources as a volunteer,” Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank C. Ortis said. “Carl’s volunteerism doesn’t stop in the board room. Formany 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.”

By 1995, Shechter was organizing fundraisers for the Southwest Focal Point Senior Center, which is also named after him. Now, the commissioner is still busy, with a laundry list of more than five board and committee positions. Even in what he's calling "phase two" of his retirement, Schechter plans to continue fundraising for the center that will soon bear his own name.

The declaration ceremony for the Carl Shechter Southwest Focal Point Community Center Campus will take place on Aug. 2 at 11:15 a.m. at the center, 301NW103rd Ave. in Pembroke Pines.

“Carl’s [Schecter] 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.” — Frank C. Otis, Pembroke Pines mayor