As holiday break comes to a close, parents may still be looking for a few low-cost entertainment options, and Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, is happy to oblige. Children 10 and younger can listen to Mij Byram spin yarns about snow in Florida and more at 11 a.m. Dec. 31. The cost is $2 for children and $4 for adults. On Jan. 2, there is an 8:30 and a 10:30 a.m. Character Breakfast featuring Spice the Clown, Fuzzy Puppet Friends, magic, music and audience participation. The cost is $13 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger. For more information, call the Willow Theatre Box Office at 561-347-3948.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Florida Atlantic University is having a public lecture concerning Israeli media at 4 p.m. Jan. 11 in room 101 of the Performing Arts Building, 777 Glades Road. The speaker during the "Israel’s Mess Media" lecture will be Bar-Ilan University political studies Professor Sam Lehman-Wilzig, who is an authority on Israeli extra-parliamentary behavior and also Israeli media and election campaigns. Lehman-Wilzig has served as the head of BIU’s journalism and mass communication studies departments and founded the university’s public communications program. No reservations are required. For more information, call 561-297-2979.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Fun at last year's West Fest.
The West Boca Chamber of Commerce was formed 17 months ago and already boasts a membership list of 200.
Chamber chairman Tom Kruse attributes the success to their atypical approach and upbeat attitude.
“At typical chamber functions, an advertising sponsor speaks for 30 minutes and that’s it. We make it a priority to bring in speakers that really appeal to the community, and we’ve had a range of presentations from motivational speakers to key political figures,” he said.
They also formed a Political Action Committee that endorsed eight or 11 winning candidates, are in the process of forming a chamber foundation to provide scholarships to West Boca students and are gearing up for their second annual West Fest. Meet Me at West Fest takes place at Olympic Heights High School Feb. 7 and 8, and the community festival raises funds for the four Boca Raton area high schools. Director Lois Niesen said there will be a classic car show, a bike show, a community stage featuring local youngsters showcasing their talents and much more.
“Also new this year is the trash to treasure sale, which is pretty much just a massive garage sale. There will also be an expo space for businesses to showcase their wares, and we have extended the deadlines for inclusion,” she said.
Chamber president Barry Epstein has played an integral role in forming several chambers and said that West Boca’s growth is not the norm.
“It truly is incredible how fast we have grown, and it can all be attributed to the people involved. We are very low key, and we are not a jacket-and-tie-type of chamber,” he said.
For more information about the chamber, visit www.westbocachamber.com. For information about West Fest, visit www.meetmart.com or call Lois at 561-999-1997.Hip Hop dancers delight the crowd at last year's Fest.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

The American Health Society recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and president J. Robert Gordon said the volunteers that helped build the Boca-based nonprofit are still part of the team.
“The same volunteers we've had in the beginning are still with us, hopefully because of what American Health stands for. In one simple word, we stand for longevity, especially after age 50 when the human body on average begins hitting a break wall of wear and tear,” he said.
The society deals with more than just senior issues, and they also support overseas troops and orphans in Africa and South and Central America. For more information or to volunteer, call 561-361-9091.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

The Mae Volen Senior Center, 1515 W. Palmetto Park Road, is having its fifth annual "Stamping For Freedom" event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 5. The event honors military personnel serving overseas, and participants will package and send gifts, cards and other personal items. More than 3,000 greetings and items were sent to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan through last year’s initiative. For more information, call Jared at 561-395-8920, ext. 1272.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Dr. Irving Smokler of Boca Raton was recently elected the 15th president of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. Smokler had been a board member of the 94-year-old overseas humanitarian aid organization and served in a number of capacities including treasurer and budget & finance committee chairman.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve in this critical role as JDC’s president. Together with the JDC’s board and staff, we have accepted the obligation to do whatever we can in whatever manner we can, but not [just] for JDC. This obligation is to our clients and the needy and vulnerable Jews of the world,” said Smokler.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

By DAVID DiPINO

The Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin counties is now accepting scholarship applications. More than $600,000 will be given away to “deserving local high school graduates” for financial assistance in their upcoming college freshman year.
Scholarships range from $1,000 to $25,000, and will be awarded from 84 funds setup by donors of the Community Foundation. Since 1983, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $4.5 million in scholarships to some 1,200 students in Palm Beach and Martin counties.
"Now more than ever, today's students need financial help to further their education," Barbara Bishop Chapin, chairwoman of the Scholarship Committee said.
"We are honored to provide scholarships to students who have overcome obstacles, possess exceptional talents and demonstrate academic excellence. Through the collective power of our Community Foundation, we can help provide a better future for these students and our community."
The deadline for application is 5 p.m. Feb 2. Students can find online applications at www.yourcommunityfoundation.org/scholarships

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Temple Beth El, 333 SW Fourth Ave., has been working hand-in-hand with a dozen area nonprofits to bring some holiday cheer to hundreds of disadvantaged Boca residents. The temple’s "Giving Tree" initiative is part of its Social Action Committee, and co-chairwoman Myra Singer said the campaign has grown by leaps and bounds. “It has grown from helping one family to now helping scores of children, seniors and families who may otherwise have gone without this holiday season,” she said.
They began compiling wish lists in early September, and Christmas Eve was the culmination of the massive effort.
“Today we are delivering to Boca Islands and Dixie Manor, and we have both food and gift trucks,” said co-chairwoman Leslie Steinberg.
Boca resident Steve Bentz was volunteering at the staging location, the Wayne Barton Study Center, and said he gets goose bumps just thinking about the impact.
“It is an indescribable feeling when we deliver the goods and see their faces. There are usually tears of joy, and there really are no words to describe how gratifying the entire process is,” he said.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Clients from the Jewish Association for Residential Care battled it out the past two days in the 13th annual residential care games. More than 80 developmentally disabled adults competed in a myriad of games including checkers, puzzle mania, football toss, soccer kick and more.
“It really fosters confidence and a sense of community, and there is absolutely no jealousy. The root of disabled is able, and we are focusing on what they can do,” said JARC executive director Dr. Debra Hallow.
JARC client Ryan Boone made the soccer kick finals with his first kick and said the games are a blast.
“We all have so much fun, and I like to do it all. My first kick went all the way down, and I can’t wait for the relay,” he said.
Clients earn individual and team points, and Hallow said the Beijing games had nothing on the JARC Olympics.
“I guarantee you there was no more enthusiasm in Beijing than we are seeing here,” she said.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Temple Beth Shira is bringing back the 1970s in a big way. The temple is hosting a benefit concert at 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Countess de Hoernle Theater at Spanish River High School, 5100 Jog Road, featuring Abbacadabra, a well-known ABBA tribute band. The seven-piece band will be in full ABBA garb as they pay homage to one of the biggest bands of the '70s and '80s.
“We are just thrilled to be presenting this great fundraising concert in our hometown of West Boca,” said event co-chairman Rick Alovis. “Anyone who has ever seen Abbacadabra perform already knows what a wonderful evening they’re in store for. And for those who haven’t had the opportunity to see them yet, this is as close as they will ever come to being at an ABBA concert,” he said.
Proceeds from the concert will benefit temple programs and the religious school. Tickets cost $30 or $25 for students. . For more information, call Rick Alovis at 561-912-1453 or visit www.templebethshira.org.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Florida Atlantic University is kicking off its 2009 Executive Roundtable program from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 17 in the Office Depot Center for Executive Education, 777 Glades Road. The "Managing Private Wealth in a Global Economy" discussion will focus on balancing long and short-term investments and will be moderated by U.S. Chamber of Commerce chairman Donald Shepard. The speakers include Stuart Schweitzer, managing director and global markets strategist for JPMorgan’s Private Bank and JPMorgan Asset Management; John Lipsky, deputy director of International Monetary Fund and former chief economist of JPMorgan; and Francis Goodhue III, senior vice president of investments at UBS Financial Services. The cost is $100 per person and space is limited to 85 attendees. For more information, call Eileen Schneider at 561-297-3220 or e-mail at schneide@fau.edu.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

If playing bridge with an expert for a worthy cause sounds appealing, the South Palm Beach County Chapter of the National Parkinson Foundation has an event for you. The chapter’s second annual Zeke Jabbour Parkinson Bridge Luncheon is at noon Jan. 18 at the St. Andrews Country Club, 17557 Claridge Oval West, and president Irving Layton said there are two pricing options.
“The cost for this very special bridge event is $150 to team up with another player or $500 to play with an expert, and the price includes a luncheon, bridge play and a contribution to the National Parkinson Foundation,” said Layton. For more information, call 561-482-2867.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

The city is officially wrapping up the holiday season with its annual "Winter Fair Extravaganza." From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 30 at Patch Reef Park, 2000 W. Yamato Road, there will be plenty of entertainment for children ages 2 to 12 including rides, arts and crafts. The cost is $3 for individual rides or $15 for unlimited rides. In the event of inclement weather, the fair will take place Dec. 31. For more information, call 561-367-7035.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

St. Paul Lutheran School students have been busy filling backpacks, but not with the traditional fare. The school is involved with "Blessings in a Backpack," which is a nationwide initiative created to meet the nutritional needs of families over the weekend. Every Thursday, St. Paul students fill 170 backpacks, and they are picked up by Boca Helping Hands and delivered to students at J.C. Mitchell Elementary School. “St. Paul is one of three churches in Boca Raton participating in Blessings in a Backpack,’” said St. Paul Minister of Community Relations Phil Friederichs. “We learned about it through Pastor Bill Mitchell at Boca Raton Community Church, and we’ll be involved with the project through the end of the school year and hopefully continue it after that,” he said. For more information, visit www.blessingsinabackpack.com.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

The School of Accounting in Florida Atlantic University’s Barry Kaye College of Business recently received a gift in the amount of $100,000 from Dr. Ronald F. Premuroso. The gift was made in memory of Premuroso’s mother Rosalie, who died of cancer at an early age, and the money will provide research opportunities for Ph.D. students. The gift is also eligible for matching through the State of Florida Matching Gift Program. For more information, call Helena Szczesny at 561-297-3186 or email at hszczens@fau.edu.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Boca Raton-based nonprofit TLC Mobility Foundation will be adding some holiday cheer to the lives of some children from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 23 at Mission Bay Plaza, 20423 U.S. Highway 441. They have been collecting toys via the online "Differently Abled Toy Drive," and president Lisa Hamilton-Johnson said they match toys to specific needs.
“Toys for children with special needs require evaluation to match the varying abilities of each child, and we identify toys based on a child’s special needs category including physical, sensory, communicative and cognitive,” she said.
The toys were donated by the public and the following sponsors: Crossroad Consulting Group, Salon 441, Easter Seals, Seminole Coconut Creek Casino, Gordon & Donnor, P.A., State Farm Bob Wylin Agency, Home Depot and TLC Limousines. Special needs children must register before the event to receive an appropriate toy by calling 561-929-8950. For more information about TLC Mobility, visit www.tlcmobility.org.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Beginning Dec. 22, Boca firefighters will be better equipped to save the life of your four-legged family members in the case of an emergency. Diane Wagner, president of the Boca Raton Dog Club, will present Fire Chief Tom Wood with animal smoke inhalation equipment, and public information officer Frank Correggio said they have provided emergency medical service to animals in the past.
“Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire in early November, and upon arrival found a 9-year-old Jack Russell Terrier in the smoke filled home. Firefighters quickly removed the pet and using a pet designed oxygen mask, administered oxygen to help him breath,” he said.
The new equipment comes in three sizes and provides a more efficient method to deliver oxygen to animals. The Dog Club raised the bulk of the funds at a Nov. 1 fundraiser at Sunset Cove Amphitheater, where they raised $10,000. For more information about the club, visit www.bocaratondogclub.org.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

The deadline to enter the Rotary Club of Boca Raton’s "Future Stars" competition is Dec. 31. The contest is open to Broward and Palm Beach County teens ages 11 to 17, and the winners will take the stage at the kick-off event for the 2009 Festival of the Arts at the Mizner Park Amphitheater. The categories are group dance, singing groups and soloists, and 70 acts will be selected from the applications for Jan. 17 stage auditions. The top 30 will be selected as finalists, and they will vie for several prizes including cash, a professional DVD of the performance and a recording session at a professional studio. For more information, visit www.rotaryfuturestars.com.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

If traditional holiday gifts are leaving you a bit cold, Tiny Bubbles Photography may have just what you are looking for. Tiny Bubbles specializes in underwater portrait photography of children and families, and owner Stephanie LaVigne said the idea was to take the typical underwater fashion photography style and gear it toward portraiture.
“I love shooting underwater, and I can’t imagine not getting to see the exuberant faces of kids and their families letting go. They are having so much fun and are completely captivating,” she said.
LaVigne worked in New York City in film and television for years and returned home to work with her family’s photography business, but she quickly found her own niche. “The day that I got in the water with a camera I knew it was done. My creative mind reels, my smile widens and I am absolutely in my element,” she said.
For more information, visit www.tinybubblesphoto.com.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (1) | Share:

Pope John Paul II High School recently announced the expansion of its dual enrollment program with Lynn University. Fifty students participated in the program this year, and Principal Sister Eileen Sullivan said the program has been an overwhelming success.
“We received such a tremendous positive response from our students, parents and faculty who experienced last year’s dual enrollment at Lynn University, that we decided it would be advantageous to expand the program and add many new classes,” she said. The dual enrollment courses include Comprehensive Theater, Television Production and Journalism, and the courses offering college credit are Quantitative Reasoning, Scientific Literacy, Film Appreciation, Introduction to Hospitality & Tourism and Drawing. For more information, visit www.lynn.edu.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Patients and staff at West Boca Medical Center were recently visited by 50 caroling and gift-giving elves. The visit was part of the American Health Society’s Santa Cause project, and president J. Robert Gordon said they visit nursing homes and hospitals to spread a bit of holiday cheer to those most in need of a boost.
“A lot of the people we visit have no family around, and the holidays can be a lonely and difficult time. I have seen first hand the joy these visits bring, not just for those we visit but for our volunteers also,” he said.
Boca resident Niki Wilson was a visiting elf and said she read about the campaign in the newspaper.
“I was looking for a volunteer opportunity, but one that would be appropriate for my children as well. A lot of things would be inappropriate for an 8- and 9-year-old, but this was perfect,” she said.
They visited the maternity ward, pediatric ward and even busted into a few meetings. The elves go through a two-day training course to learn mannerisms and appropriate behavior.
“There are certain do’s and don’ts when visiting hospitals and nursing homes, and we cover all of that during training. There are also elf gestures, songs and a range of behavior to learn,” said Gordon. For more information, visit www.americanhealthfoundation.com.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (1) | Share:

Four-year-old Sarah Louis told her mother this summer that she wanted to pick up trash along U.S. Highway 441 to help beautify the community. Ollie Louis thought it was a grand idea, but wanted to go bigger. She enlisted the help of Laura Reiss and Karyn Hoffman and the trio got the ball rolling on a Mitzvah Day. They were recently joined by 150 preschoolers and their families from the Zale Early Childhood Learning Center of the Adolph & Rose Jewish Community Center and the group spent the day making Boca a better place.
“We had 10 different locations for the projects, and each site had a coordinating captain. Everyone pretty much decided on their own what to do, and we had a lot of diversity,” said Louis.
Some of the work included a beach cleanup at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, creating a fun reading space in the West Boca Medical Center pediatric waiting room and donating hair as part of Locks of Love.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Members of Pope John Paul II High School’s National Honor Society recently set the school record for their yearly holiday food drive. The club usually collects close to 2,000 pounds of non-perishable food items, but this year collected 2,254 pounds. The food will go to the Farmworker's Coordinating Council of Palm Beach County and will feed 300 farm workers and their families.
“The dedication and hard work of the NHS members is inspiring and greatly appreciated. To make things exciting, we turned our food drive into a class competition,” said PJP II Honor Society President Mallory Hager.
Students brought in food items the week before Thanksgiving, and NHS members collected the goods and stored them on the cafeteria’s stage.
“The food eventually filled the whole stage. The generosity and spirit of the students was amazing and inspiring, especially when the need for giving is more crucial than ever,” said NHS faculty adviser Richard Casey.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

For 11-year-old Boston refugee Ashley Granger, last night’s holiday street parade was a much better option than conditions at home. She is spending the week with her grandparents, Boca residents Charles and Irene Crompton, and said she could get used to the conditions.
“I wouldn’t be wearing shorts right now outside, that’s for sure. This is so cool, and everyone is having so much fun,” she said.
The 38th annual street parade kicked off at Southeast Eighth Street and Federal Highway and proceeded north to Palmetto Park Road. Federal Highway was packed with kids playing ball, dogs of all shapes and sizes and a genuinely festive holiday vibe.
“I come up for this parade every year because it is one of the best in the area. Everyone just gets into the holiday spirit, and it’s nice to just put all the problems on the back burner for a night,” said Deerfield Beach resident Vanessa Vasquez.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Dec. 12 is the last day to check out an exhibition featuring work done by students in FAU’s Department of Visual Arts and Art History. The Anomaly exhibit is housed in the Ritter Art Gallery on the Boca campus, 777 Glades Road, and showcases the work of 20 graduating students. The work covers a range of media, including ceramics, graphic design, painting, photography and sculpture. Examples of the work can be viewed at www.faubfa.com. For more information, call the University Galleries at 561-297-2966.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Dr. Conni Araps will be the guest speaker at the next Boca Round Table luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Boca Raton Marriot, 5150 Town Center Circle. Dr. Araps is with AssureImmune, which is a Boca-based company specializing in the preservation of adult and cord blood stem cells. Araps will discuss the efficacy of using stem cells to treat a range of conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and spinal cord injuries. There will also be a meet and greet with Dr. Araps from 11:30 a.m. to noon. The cost is $35 for members and $45 for guests. For more information, visit www.bocaroundtable.com. For more information about AssureImmune, visit www.assureimmune.com.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

The chance of snow in the Boca area this holiday season seems fairly remote, but that’s not stopping the Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 12551 Glades Road, from doing their best to replicate the winter feel. The free "Winter Solstice" event is from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 20, and children big and small can play in 24 tons of snow. There will also be magic by ‘Stephan,’ reindeer games, face painting, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and of course a visit from Santa. No pets, outside food or drink are permitted, but there will be vendors on site. For more information, call 561-488-8069 or e-mail pbcampitheaters@pbcgov.org.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Children home from school during winter break can cause a plethora of complications for busy parents, but the city is stepping in to help. There are still spots for Winter GAP 2008/09, which is a series of daily field trips beginning on Dec. 22 and running through Jan. 5.
“They either go on one long field trip for the day or two local ones, and the fee covers all associated costs,” said youth programs director Amanda Liebl.
There is also a holiday surf camp for children ages 6 to 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 29 to Jan. 2. The cost for Winter GAP is $30 a day for residents and $43 for nonresidents. The cost for the surf camp is $350 for residents and $403 for nonresidents. For more information, call 561-393-7888 or e-mail aliebl@myboca.us.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

The Boca Raton Police Athletic League recently benefited from the ill-gotten gains of local criminals. Chief Dan Alexander and Capt. Coy Dixon presented league president Tom Vladimir with a check for $50,000, and public information manager Mark Economou said the funds will go toward PAL programs.
“The donation is made possible with seized funds from illegal activities. The league’s mission is to reduce youth crime, violence, alcohol and drug abuse through positive interaction and activities,” he said.
Boca’s PAL is also gearing up for its ninth annual holiday run, which will precede the city’s holiday parade Dec. 10. For more information about the run, visit the special events section at http://www.ci.boca-raton.fl.us/res.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Florida Atlantic University’s Adams Center for Entrepreneurship in the Barry Kaye College of Business is offering a certificate program beginning in January for burgeoning entrepreneurs interested in learning how to write business plans. The Business Plan Certificate Program will focus on how to write business plans, legal issues related to starting a business and presenting the plan to different audiences. The program will also help students prepare entries for FAU’s Business Plan Competition, which includes a $15,000 prize and an opportunity to have the plan evaluated by successful entrepreneurs. Classes meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays and run from Jan. 12 to March 30. The cost is $100 for FAU students and $795 for non-students. For more information, visit www.fauexecutiveprograms.com/ACE.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

The city’s Utility Services Department began its semi-annual, free chlorine system maintenance Dec. 7, and customers may notice a slight chlorine taste or odor in tap water. The temporary conditions will not result in any adverse health effects, and the treatment will provide additional protection against bacteria. The city will also be flushing fire hydrants during the two-week maintenance period, which may result in flowing water in the streets and lower water pressures. For more information, call utility services at 561-338-7310.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Boca Raton Fire Rescue recently took apart a vehicle at Boca Raton Community High School to show students the dangers of drunk driving. The program was part of collaboration between Boca Fire Rescue, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Trauma surgeon Dr. Lawrence Brickman and MADD representatives spoke to the student body about personal experiences with drunk driving victims, and the rescue services extrication team finished the presentation by using hydraulic tools to remove a vehicle’s roof.
“We’ve done this before at high schools and universities, and it is a wonderful partnership. It really hit home with the students, and you could hear a pin drop while they were doing the extrication,” said public information officer Frank Correggio. “They hung around after the presentation was over and asked the firefighters all kinds of questions,” he said.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

The Peter Blum Family YMCA of Boca Raton is having a luncheon from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at Bonefish Grille, 21065 Powerline Road, to benefit their Partners Financial Assistance Program.
“It’s our annual campaign, and the money raised goes toward children, families and seniors to pay for membership costs and programs. It is especially important in today’s economy because many people cannot afford things they used to,” said YMCA Executive Director Vicki Pugh. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger, and can be purchased at the YMCA welcome center, 6631 Palmetto Circle S. For more information, call 561-395-9622.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (1) | Share:

Getting a book published at any age is quite an accomplishment, but doing so in high school is an even more impressive achievement. Forty-five students from 15 Palm Beach County schools are now officially published authors, and they descended upon the Spanish River Library Dec. 4 for a book-signing event. The students participated in the third annual Oce’ Future Authors Project summer writing workshop, where they compiled their varied writings into a book titled "Confessions of a Teenage Author." Oce and the School District of Palm Beach County partnered for the venture, and Oce’s vice president of marketing services Sheryl Pattek said digital printing will continue to open new avenues for aspiring writers.
“We have been active in Boca Raton for 20 years and are so proud to be supporting these students and helping to make their dreams reality,” she said.
Spanish River High School senior Jonathan Sullivan, 18, attended two workshops and said it is a life-changing experience.
“I would never have found this community of writers without this program. It would be impossible to go through this program and leave as the same person,” he said. For more information, visit www.oceusa.com/futureauthors.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

WoodStone, The Art of Design, 555 N. Federal Highway, is an official drop-off point for Toys for Tots, and they will be accepting donations through the holidays.
“We realized that there were no drop-off locations in the area and really wanted to help with this great cause,” said co-owner Peter Meng.
They are tying to get the word out, and Meng said they have distributed 200 fliers to merchants in the area. The kitchen and bath design showroom has been open close to one year, and Meng said they were all too eager to help disadvantaged children. For more information, call 561-391-1309 or e-mail WoodStoneTheArtofDesign@hotmail.com.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Third-grade students from St. Paul Lutheran School recently bolstered their own literacy and helped disadvantaged children along the way. Students from Terri Hagan’s and Reta Sollenberger’s classes read 100 books per class as part of the Scholastic Book Club’s Classrooms Care program. Upon completing the 100-book challenge, Scholastic donated new books to disadvantaged children from the Westchester Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless and from Minot Head Start.
“Our students learned a lot about giving and the privilege of reading through this program. We were all excited and proud to be able to help other students by simply meeting the challenge of reading 100 books,” said Hagan.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

The Save Darfur Coalition of South Palm Beach County has been fighting to end the West Sudan genocide for five years, and they are hosting an interfaith, intergenerational rally from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd. Dr. Rosanna Gatens is the director of the Center for Holocaust and Human Rights Education at FAU and is one of two featured speakers.
“The primary objective is to make people realize that just because Darfur may not be in the headlines as often, the suffering is still ongoing and very real,” said Gatens. Participants will also be encouraged to reach out to Florida Sen. Bill Nelson, who sits on the committee conducting conformation hearings for President-Elect Barack Obama’s appointees to crucial foreign policy positions.
“We have a unique opportunity in this time of transition to really get things done. Obama and [Hillary] Clinton made Darfur a priority during campaigning, and we need to make sure they put Darfur at the forefront,” she said.
The other speaker is Niemat Ahmadi, a Darfuri working with the coalition in Washington D.C., and she will speak about the use of sexual violence.
“These women are suffering serious medical and social complications resulting from gang rapes which often result in pregnancy. They are hesitant to speak out and end up ostracized from the community,” she said. For more information, call 561-391-3148 or send an e-mail to SaveDarfurSPB@gmail.com.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

Having a gift hand-delivered by the man in red may seem a bit far-fetched, but Boca Raton firefighters are giving residents that very option. Boca residents interested in having a gift personally delivered by Santa can sign up from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8 at Fire Station One, 1151 N. Federal Highway, and Santa and his elves will deliver each gift from a fire engine to the child’s home. The gifts must be wrapped and labeled, and the proceeds will go toward holiday care packages for overseas troops and scholarships for local students. The cost is $20 per gift, and they will be delivered between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14. For more information, call Brett Lea at 561-239-5752 or visit www.BocaCares.org.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share:

An anonymous donor has pledged to match all donations up to $100,000 to Boca Helping Hands through Dec. 31. Boca Helping Hands provides food and assistance programs to local families in need, and president Gary Peters said demand for assistance has increased during the recent economic downturn.
“During these hard times we look to the community for a two-for-one financial impact. A $25 contribution will now feed two families for an entire month instead of just one family, and all of our work is local to Boca Raton,” said Peters. For more information on making a donation to Boca Helping Hands, call 561-417-5343 or visit www.bocahelpinghands.org.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | Share: