Meet Me at West Fest was initially set for Feb. 7 and 8, but has been changed to a one-day event taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 8 at Olympic Heights High School, Lyons Road just north of Glades Road.
“Things are coming along quite well, and even though this year it will be a one-day event, it will be bigger than last year,” said director Lois Niesen.
She continued by saying there will be something for everyone including a kid’s area, live music, a classic car show, business expo and much more. Admission is free. For information about West Fest, call Lois at 561-999-1997.

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Arianna Pattek, 19, graduated at the top of her class at Spanish River High School last year, and the Georgetown University freshman made it a priority to be a part of history. Pattek called on Sen. Mel Martinez and managed to procure inauguration tickets for herself and her roommate.
“I contacted Mr. Martinez’s office just after the election because I did not want to miss out on history. I was too young in 2004 to be truly engaged in the process and was not terribly pleased with the outcome,” she said.
Pattek said she wanted to do as much as possible this election to make sure her candidate came out on top and that most young people in her circle are of like thinking.
“I have absolutely noticed a spike in political interest and activism in young people. I think they are truly excited to be a part of the process and feel they actually have a voice,” she said.

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Palm Beach County's regional library in Boca Raton, 20701 95th Ave. S,
will close at 5 p.m. Feb. 15 for renovations.
"It will be closed for
about nine months to do a variety of projects including re-carpeting,
furniture re-covering, updating the audiovisual displays and more,"
said community relations manager Nicole Hughes. Library employees will
be transferred to the West Boca Branch, 18685 U.S. Highway 441, which
opens Feb. 20. For more information, call 561-233-2600.

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If you think your pooch is model material, Doggy Chic dog boutique, 307 SE Mizner Blvd., is hosting a casting call at 5 p.m. Jan. 31. The event marks the store’s grand opening, and it is also the first casting call in 2009 for America’s Top Dog Model Contest.
Contest creator and author Jo Jo Harder will be on hand signing autographs, and all proceeds benefit the Wildlife Care Center in Fort Lauderdale. There will also be cocktails, music and a silent auction. For more information, call 561-391-6010. For more information about the Top Dog Contest, visit www.americastopdogmodel.com.

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The inaugural ‘KULTUR’ Festival 2009 kicks off Feb. 25 at Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, with a multimedia presentation of the award-winning children’s book, "Mendel’s Accordion."
The five-day celebration of Jewish music and arts is the brainchild of FAU Libraries director of music collections and performances Aaron Kula.
“I have been dreaming about hosting an interdisciplinary arts festival at FAU for some time, and I am delighted to finally offer these events to our entire community,” he said. The festival concludes March 1 with a concert reuniting the 25-member Klezmer Company Orchestra and the 40-voice Ebony Chorale of the Palm Beaches. Event prices vary. For a complete schedule, call 800-564-9539 or visit www.fauevents.com.

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From left to right, Don Stewart receives the check from Mark Mileusnic.
NCCI Holdings Chief Customer Operations Officer Mark Mileusnic recently presented The Haven group home for boys with a check for $4,000. The Haven was founded in 1976 and provides adolescent boys ages 9 to 17 removed from abusive and neglectful homes with programs designed to bolster self-esteem and foster independence.

“The young men at The Haven are overcoming huge obstacles and need help with tutoring, life skills, and the work readiness preparation program,” said Mileusnic.
The Haven is accredited by the Council on Accreditation and received its fourth consecutive four-star rating from the charity watchdog group Charity Navigator.
“We greatly appreciate NCCI’s generous donation to The Haven. Their support will make a significant difference in the lives of our boys,” said Stewart.
For information about The Haven, visit www.haven4kids.org.

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Pope John Paul II High School recently announced that Dr. Michael Coury has accepted Bishop Gerald Barbarito’s appointment as school president. Coury hails from the Midwest and is currently president of St. Michael’s Catholic Academy in Austin, Texas.
“I join the PJPII family with great joy and anticipation. I look forward to taking a proactive role in friend-raising and fund-raising to ensure both the short-term vitality and the long-term stability of Pope John Paul II High School,” he said.
Coury holds an undergraduate degree in Accounting/Business Administration from Creighton University and three graduate degrees, including a Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration from Drake University.

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15-year-old Boca Raton resident Samantha Phillips went missing Friday, Jan. 23 and was last seen walking to the bus stop Friday morning. The girl’s grandmother reported her missing after she did not return home from school, and Phillip’s friends are also unsure of her whereabouts, but one friend indicated she was moving to the Tampa area. She has run away before and was found at her boyfriend’s house, according to public information officer Sandra Boonenberg. Phillips is 5’6, 160 pounds with long, straight blonde hair, blue eyes and a fair complexion. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Jeff Clare at 561-338-1246.

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I could not be more pleased with my decision to spend this past Saturday afternoon with a group of environmentally conscious locals during the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center’s Intracoastal mangrove and beach cleanup. From the center’s volunteers on down the line, everyone toiled gleefully in the wooded seascape removing items both grand and small. The most cumbersome piece of refuse I observed was a massive wooden door, which at one point clearly served as the entrance to a palatial estate. Beth Mclean has been volunteering at Gumbo for three years and said she is never surprised by the items.
“People end up finding all sorts of things during these cleanups and you wonder how some of it gets here,” she said.
Kathi McCutcheon said she and her husband routinely do reef cleanups, and the bounty can be even more frightening.
“The oddest thing we came upon down there was an entire, fully in tact toilet,” she said.
Boca Prep students Michelle Friswell, 16, and Neal Rosenthal, 17, are members of the National Honor Society and said they would be on board for a beach cleanup even if community service hours were not in the offering.
“I love the outdoors and the ocean, and it feels really good to know you are helping keep the Earth clean,” said Friswell.
For information about upcoming Gumbo Limbo programs, visit www.gumbolimbo.org.

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Civil Rights activist Mary Frances Berry.
Florida Atlantic University’s third annual Alan B. Larkin Symposium on the American Presidency begins at 4 p.m. Feb. 12 in the University Theater, 777 Glades Road, with the first of two keynote speakers, Civil Rights activist Mary Frances Berry. The symposium is titled "Civil Rights and the Presidency: From Nixon to Obama," and Berry will speak about the conservative movement and civil rights during the Reagan years. “Coming just weeks after the inauguration of the nation’s first African-American president, this symposium will provide a very timely look at the meaning and significance of recent events in American political history,” said symposium director Dr. Kenneth Osgood.
The second keynote speaker is University of Maryland professor of government and politics Ronald Walters, who will speak at 1 p.m. Feb. 13 about Barack Obama and turning the page on the conservative era. The lectures continue throughout the day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 13. All lectures are free. For more information, call 561-297-2816 or visit www.fau.edu/larkin.

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The Jewish Cultural Society fundraising group at Florida Atlantic University is hosting a lecture by Rabbi Barry Silver of Congregation L’Dor V’Dor at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at the home of Dottie and Stan Pierce. Silver’s lecture is titled "The Threat to Jews Posed by Fundamentalist Muslims and Christians." The cost is $25 for members, $40 for two family members and $35 for nonmembers, and hors d’oeuvres, desserts and wine will be served. For more information call Dottie Pierce at 561-852-9720.

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From left to right, UPS store owner Dan Kiggins and employees Rhonda Littriello and Mike Draluck are ready to help you start a business.
Starting a business can be a daunting task, and burgeoning entrepreneurs are typically met with more questions than answers. West Boca resident Dan Kiggins owns the Mission Bay Plaza UPS store, 20423 U.S. Highway 441, and he has created a program to take the guesswork out of the process. “
We’ve partnered with an accountant and bank in the plaza, and we will be a one-stop shop for someone with a good idea and little capital,” he said.
The triad has paired to donate some services and others are subsidized, and the entire process costs less than $200.
“I’ve owned three businesses and know first hand how frustrating and difficult it can be to get started. There are so many facets to deal with from tax ID numbers to fliers to what size the company should be, and we handle it all,” he said.
Starting a business in a downtrodden economy may seem foolish to some, but Kiggins said now is precisely the time to step out.
“People are being laid off all over the country, and the home equity they may have used in the past to start a business is gone. For about the cost of new tire, you can come see us, and be up and running with your own business in no time,” he said.
For more information, call Dan at 561-451-9070.

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Mickey Gomez, Kevin Turner, Dr. Ira Gelb, Rosemary and Ben Krieger and Michael KaufmanCamille “Marilyn Monroe” singing “Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend” at the Rotary Club of Boca Raton OPAL Awards.
The Rotary Club of Boca Raton recently hosted the 12th annual Outstanding People And Leaders Awards Gala, and the Hollywood-themed event also serves as a fundraiser to provide local students with college scholarships. Three hundred guests and local dignitaries showed up to honor a handful of Boca residents making an impact on the community.
Rosemary and Ben Krieger were recognized for community service, and they are active with several nonprofit organizations and advisory boards.
“We have both always believed very strongly that you have to contribute to your local community and do what you can,” said Ben.
Rosemary agreed and said they were shocked, honored and humbled when they were informed about the award.
“No matter where we have lived, we have always prioritized giving back to the community. This was such a wonderful event, and our children also came into town, which really meant a lot,” she said.
Mayor Susan Whelchel said the event’s attendance evidences how well respected the recipients are in the Boca area.
“Even in such tough economic times, it was still a sell-out event. I think that speaks to people’s understanding of just how deserving these amazing people really are,” she said.
Whelchel continued by saying that the Rotary Club also deserves high praise for their contribution.
“They definitely know how to put on an event and are completely engaged when they back a cause,” she said.
Other award recipients include Kevin Turner (Education), Dr. Ira Gelb (Healthcare), Mickey Gomez (Civil Service) and Michael Kaufman (Private Sector).

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Florida Atlantic University is hosting a march and candlelight vigil to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Student Union Center, 777 Glades Road. The event is sponsored by student government, the Black Student Union and the department of multicultural affairs, and it will also memorialize three FAU students who died in race-related incidents the past few years. The vigil will begin at the Student Union Center and the march will conclude at the Free Speech Area. For more information, call Collene O’Reilly at 561-297-4037 or email at coreill@fau.edu.

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Barack Obama was sworn in as the nation’s 44th president a short time ago, and a crowd of seniors gathered at St. Andrews South Retirement Community, 6045 S. Verde Trail, to watch the big event.
“I never thought I would see a black man as president in my lifetime, and I could not be more impressed with the man,” said 82-year-old Chloe Schroder.
Lillian Blanco, 81, agreed and said she was a city girl who embraced racial diversity at a young age.
“I was a city girl and had so many black friends in school and as business partners. It just feels like the culmination of all my friendships, and he is such an inspiration to anyone of any race,” she said.
Philip Lorber, 93, is a history buff and said Obama touched on the crucial issues facing the nation during his acceptance speech.
“Not since FDR taking office has a president faced so many challenges, and I think he did a wonderful job addressing what we face. I truly hope that the spirit of bipartisanship continues to grow so he can accomplish his goals,” he said.

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Lynn University’s Conservatory of Music’s Distinguished Artist-in-Residence Elmar Oliveira has been nominated in the category of "Best Instrumental Soloist (s) Performance (with Orchestra)" at the 51st annual Grammy Awards. The nomination is in recognition of Oliveira’s recently released CD of the Ernest Bloch and Benjamin Lees violin concertos with conductor John McGlaughlin Williams and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. Oliveira’s next local performance is at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Amarnick-Goldstein Concert Hall in the de Hoernle International Center on Lynn’s campus. Tickets cost $25. For more information, call 561-237-9000.

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The Boca Raton Bicycle Club is sponsoring two more city tours on Feb. 8 and March 8. The "Tour of Boca" leaves from Patch Reef Park, 2000 W. Yamato Road, at 1 p.m., and riders will travel 15 miles with a refreshment stop at the midway point.
“The ride is police-escorted, and riders must be at least 10 years old and have a helmet,” said club spokesman Bernard Kite. Children ages 10 to 14 must be accompanied by an adult, and the cost is $2 per rider. For more information, call 561-391-6109 or visit www.bocabikeclub.org.

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The Anti-Defamation League and the Palm Beach County School District have partnered to host a cyberbullying conference from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Safe Schools Institute, 1790 NW Spanish River Blvd. Participants will receive instruction on how to recognize and confront cyberbullying, and the keynote speaker is University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire professor Dr. Justin Patchin, who also runs www.cyberbullying.us. Other speakers include Palm Beach County Schools Superintendent Dr. Arthur C. Johnson, ADL conference chairman Doug Horn, attorney Chris Wolff and Detective Eulises Munoz. All participants must pre-register at www.adl.org/florida.

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Club Bow Wow is hosting a "Yappy Hour" from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Dubliner in Mizner Park, 435 Plaza Real, to benefit Veterans Helping Today’s Returning Heroes, whose mission is to provide professionally trained assistance dogs to returning disabled veterans. The cost is $20, which includes one drink, appetizers, happy hour drink specials until 8 p.m. and a raffle. Sociable pooches are welcome. For more information, call 561-391-6454 or visit www.vetshelpingheroes.com.

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The city celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with several activities Jan. 19, including a commemorative march from the MLK Memorial by Ebenezer Park to the Mizner Park Amphitheater. The first march took place in 1995 and was organized by the local nonprofit organization Developing Interracial Social Change, and group officer Marjorie O’Sullivan said the numbers seem to increase each year.
“I have been coming out since 1995, and it such an important day and event, and we really have come such a long way,” she said.
Sullivan said the DISC mission is to foster interaction, relationships and to sponsor programs that confront the legacy of racism and promote healing.
It was DISC member Cassie Krajewski’s first march and she was impressed by the turnout.
“Even with a bit of rain and clouds, the turnout is still pretty high, and I am thrilled to be a part of this,” she said.
The Community Relations Board played a large part in organizing the day’s events, and student board member Nina Rivera, 17, said she is proud of her city.
“I’ve been coming every year since I was little, and it’s a lot of fun. It’s great to see people from your community come out to honor such a great and important man,” said the Boca High School senior.
Boca residents Mike and Lynn Steinberg read about the march online and brought their three young children.
“It sounded like a great thing for the children to take part in, and it is going to be an historic week,” she said.
Boca resident Darryl Hanes agreed and said it is going to be one of the best weeks of his life.
“I’m marching for Dr. King today, and I’ll be watching the first black president being sworn in tomorrow,” he said.

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Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic is a local nonprofit organization that has provided students with visual, learning and physical disabilities with audio textbooks for 50 years, and it is having its first Record-A-Thon beginning Jan. 30 at Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road.
“The event is designed to introduce the community to our important work and help us raise some much needed funds. Guest readers ask friends to sponsor their 30- or 60-minute recording sessions at 10 cents a minute, $1 a minute or whatever amount they choose,” said Sonia Hedrick, RFB&D production director.
Those interested should contact RFB & D as soon as possible to arrange recording times and to receive pledge materials. For more information, call 561-297-4444 or e-mail at bocavolunteers@rfbd-florida.org. For more information about RFB & D, visit www.rfbd.org.

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Florida Atlantic University hosted an opening night reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 15 in the Student Union Gallery, 777 Glades Road, to mark the opening of an exhibition by four student artists. Andrew Ackerman, Robert Corrao, Vanessa Diaz and Alexandrea Seiler will have paintings on display for four months, and the blossoming talents have already garnered high praise.
Ackerman’s work has showed in The DeBilzan Gallery in Delray Beach, Corrao is the winner of the Delray Art League Scholarship, Diaz is the recipient of the National Society of Arts and Letters Walter Media Award and Seiler’s work has been displayed at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.
For more information, call 561-297-3000.

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The Funky Buddha Lounge, 2621 N. Federal Highway, is hosting a charitable open mic night at 9 p.m. Jan. 14. From spoken word to musical acts, all artists are welcome, and sign up begins at 8 p.m. Richy Lala is hosting the event, and the cost for admission is $3 or two canned goods, which will be donated to Boca Helping Hands, a local nonprofit providing assistance to Boca families in need. For more information, call 561-368-4643.

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Amanda Cooil walking the walk.
Eighth-graders from St. Paul Lutheran School, 701 W. Palmetto Park Road, walked the catwalk recently at the Boca Raton Marriott to raise money for the Teachers’ and Staff Appreciation Fund. The 21st annual Fashion Show and Luncheon raised $18,000, and co-chairwoman Bonnie Theise said everyone pitched in for the big event. “
Our 21st annual fashion show was a joyous occasion for all that attended. Our teachers, staff, students and parents are the reason St. Paul Lutheran School is such a treasure, and we thank them all so much for their contributions to the success of the event,” she said. The school’s two remaining signature fundraisers both take place Feb. 7 in the form of a 5K run/walk followed by an auction/gala later that evening. For more information, call 561-395-8548 or visit www.cyberfalcon.com.

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Operation Cast Lead was launched in Gaza 18 days ago to curtail rocket launches into the southern portion of the state of Israel, and the death toll is approaching 1,000. Issues of proportionality, media access and humanitarian relief have surfaced, and leaders from both sides of the issue are taking a stance.
William Bernstein, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, said he believes the issue of proportionality to be absurd.
“Hamas has launched 11,000 rockets over the years and put millions of Israelis’ safety at risk, and that seems fairly out of proportion. The Jewish people and the Jewish state have no animosity toward the people of Gaza, but we do have serious concerns about the philosophy of their radical terrorist leadership,” he said.
Altaf Ali, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relation’s Miami chapter, said everyone has a right to defend against aggression, but the number of civilian causalities is unacceptable.
“It is a disproportionate response against people unable to defend themselves, and I believe the response was handled poorly,” he said. He continued by saying that true Muslims believe Hamas’ tactics to be deplorable, but that concerns over a backlash may be justified.
“It is absolutely true that violence begets violence, and I think that is a valid concern,” he said.
Another sticking point has been media access, or lack thereof, and Bernstein said the criticism seems unfounded.
“I’m not sure what the lack of access refers to because I see images coming out of the region daily. If there is a block of any kind, I am sure it is because of safety issues and the inherent difficulty of this type of combat,” he said.
A Jan. 9 letter from Kiyo Akasaka, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, to Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Gabriela Shalev reads as follows: “The chief of communications and public information for the United Nations called Thursday on the Israeli Government to ensure immediate access for international media into Gaza, stressing the need for full and independent coverage of events unfolding in the territory which has been the target of an Israeli offensive launched nearly two weeks ago.”
Ali said that more media coverage and transparency is the answer and the cornerstone of any democracy.
“If access is denied, one has to wonder why that would be the case. The press play a vital watchdog function, and it is in everyone’s best interest to have as much information as possible,” he said.

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Lynn University’s College of Hospitality Management recently announced the new season of wine master classes, which will be led by sommelier in residence Charlie Arturaola. The “New World Series: New Zealand and Australian grapes” lecture is from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 27 in the Henke Room in the de Hoernle International Center, 3601 N. Military Trail, and the cost is $39 per session. There will be more sessions during the coming months, and those completing seven sessions will earn a Wine Master Classes Certificate of Completion. Walk-ins are welcome, or call 561-237-9000 to purchase tickets.

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Boca’s Community Relations Board is celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with several activities beginning at 8 a.m. Jan. 19. Meet at Hughes Park and the MLK Memorial by Ebenezer Park, southwest corner of Glades Road and Federal Highway, at 8 a.m. to assemble for a commemorative march to the Mizner Park Amphitheater, which will be followed by a special program. The program will include performances by the Pahokee middle and high school bands, the Boca Community High School Band and speeches by local dignitaries. At 11 a.m., it’s the Kenya Safari Acrobats, a touring family of acrobats drawing on their Kenyan heritage. The day concludes with a noon ‘Motown Magical Musical Tribute’ concert presented by ZMC Entertainment. There will also be activities for children, community organization displays and refreshments. For more information about the free event, call 561-393-7806 and select option 2.

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The Levis JCC’s fifth annual Women’s Health Symposium is from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Sandler Center for Jewish Life Enhancement, 21050 95th Ave. S, and there will be representatives from several health industries. The focus is maintaining a healthy mind/body connection, and Sandler Center adult program coordinator Kathy Slutsky said women will come away with a wealth of knowledge.
“Women face an array of unique challenges as they age, and it’s important to learn the ways to stay healthy through diet, fitness and the right mindset,” she said.
The cost is $65, which includes a continental breakfast, refreshments and lunch. For more information, call Kathy Slutsky at 561-558-2520 or e-mail at kathys@levisjcc.org.

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BY DAVID DiPINO
The Hearing Loss Association of America will be celebrating the combination of three chapters with a meeting, free and open to everyone at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16 at the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, in Delray Beach. The HLAA meets the third Friday of every month through May. The Delray/Boynton Chapter has been strong, but declines in participation in the Boca Raton Chapter made Oscar Segal, president of the HLAA Delray/Boynton Chapter, make a decision that will benefit thousands.
“The first official meeting is Friday. For a lot of years, the Boca Raton chapter has been meeting at night. Senior citizens were reluctant to drive at night, their membership declined. We now have close to 200 members. At least 60 to 75 attend every meeting. We’re growing! Our objective is education, how people can make the most about their hearing loss, state-of-the-art treatments, etc. We don’t push products, just let our members know the latest news and products that can benefit them in battling the loss of hearing,” Segal said.
He also said that he heard recently as many as 147,000 people in Palm Beach County suffer from hearing loss. Palm Beach County is home to about 2 million people.
“The Delray/Boynton Chapter is a local chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America, founded 19 years ago. It is the largest chapter in South Florida, dedicated to helping people cope with hearing loss. The chapter has guest speakers who are professional audiologists, hearing doctors and surgeons, manufacturers of hearing aids and displays a variety of assistive hearing devices that can help the hard of hearing communicate better in a hearing world. Professionals from police, sheriff’s, fire departments and emergency services also speak at meetings about how hearing- impaired people can best communicate with law enforcement and fire responders in emergency situations,” Segal said.

For information call Oscar Segal at 561-499-9873, or e-mail ohsegal@comcast.net

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Boca Fest returned for the 22nd year this past weekend to the Shops at Boca Center on Military Trail, 5250 Town Center Circle, and more than 150 artists from across the nation converged to display $15 million in artwork. Below are a few samples. Fear not if Boca Fest passed you by, promoter Howard Alan said they will be in downtown Delray Beach Jan. 17 and 18 for one of the biggest fests of the year. Admission is free. For more information, call 954-472-3755 or visit www.artfestival.com.

Bob Wilfong’s bronze sculptures each tell a personal tale. “To Dance As One,” tells the story of how meeting his wife late in life completed his voyage.

Ilkin Deniz’s work captures the Mediterranean and brings you right to the shoreline.

Catherine “Cat” Abel Clausen’s ‘In To See Me.’

Fredrick Prescott’s kinetic steel sculptures.

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The numbers are in for the YMCA of South Palm Beach County’s 2008 Partner’s Campaign, and even in a languishing economy they eclipsed last year’s total by 24 percent. The Partner’s Campaign provides funds to families and individuals who would not be able to afford using the YMCA, and they raised $433,000 during 2008 through several initiatives. 

“Every dollar raised through the Partner’s Campaign goes directly to support financial assistance to our members and program participants,” said Association President and CEO Dick Pollock. “I salute our more than 75 volunteers and staff who work so hard to achieve these results and make real differences in the lives of our members,” he said. They received more than 75 donations of $1,200 or more, including support from longtime benefactor Boca resident Peter Blum.
“I became involved with the Y as a young boy 70 years ago in Illinois and have been involved ever since,” said Blum.
He came to Florida 47 years ago and recalled Boca’s early days and how the YMCA has evolved over the decades.
“We knew Boca needed a YMCA desperately and it was initially operated out of a storefront. It is such a wonderful organization that does a world of good, and the Partner’s Campaign is so important to the recipients,” he said.
While outside donations were crucial for the campaign, YMCA preschoolers, families and employees played an integral role.
Preschoolers at the DeVos-Blum YMCA in Boynton Beach collected more than $700 in coins, which a parent matched.
Children at the Peter Blum Family YMCA in Boca hosted a "Trike-A-Thon" where they raised $900, and YMCA employees contributed another $34,000.
“Thanks to the campaign, more than 4,000 families receive scholarships that allow them to enjoy the facilities and programs offered by the YMCA. Our goal is to never have to turn anyone away due to their inability to pay ” said Chief Development Officer Jorene Jameson.
Boca resident Christine Kelly is a single mother and her 2-year-old son has been attending the YMCA’s daycare since August.
“Daycare cost is ridiculous, and without the Partner’s Campaign I would not be able to afford it. I have seen such a difference in him since he began attending, and it just a wonderful place,” she said.
For information on how to support YMCA programs, call Jorene Jameson at 561-237-0969 or e-mail at jjameson@ymcaspbc.org.

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The League For Educational Awareness will present philanthropists Asa-Lena and Per-Olof Lööf with the 2009 Bridge Builder Award at a Jan. 18 gala at the Marriott Boca Raton. LEAH is a nonprofit organization whose mission is teach children that "Intolerance is Intolerable," and president Robert Alrod said the married couple exemplify all the group hopes to accomplish.
“They are tireless ambassadors for the promotion of diversity and tolerance,” he said. The Lööf’s moved to Florida in 1999 and have been involved in myriad charitable organizations.
“The horrors of the past must not be repeated. Educating the world about genocide and intolerance is too important to be taken lightly, and in times of economic difficulty this work becomes even more important,” said Per-Olof Lööf.
Tickets to the Jan. 18 gala cost $250 and can be purchased by calling Stephen or Madelaine at 561-393-9717. For information about LEAH, visit www.leahforkids.org.

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Boca Fest is back for the 22nd year from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 10 and 11 at The Shops at Boca Center on Military Trail, 5250 Town Center Circle. More than 150 artists from across the nation will converge to display $15 million in artwork covering a range of genres including paintings, sculptures, photos, glass, wood, jewelry, collage and ceramics. Howard Alan Events is the festival’s promoter, and president Howard Alan said art fairs are fairing well even in a tough economy.
“In today’s economy, people are not buying a new car or taking a big vacation, but they are still treating themselves to art. They may be more conservative in their buying habits, but they are still buying,” he said.
Admission is free. For more information, call 954-472-3755 or visit www.artfestival.com.

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St. Gregory's Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., recently announced the schedule for its 2009 Free Public Lecture Series, and this year’s theme is "Exploring Spirituality." The first lecture is at 7 p.m. Jan. 22 and will feature Noemi Marin, a Fulbright Instructor on Intercultural Communication in Southeast Europe, and is titled "Living Without the Sign of God: Communist Romania and Religious Freedom." The Feb. 5 lecture will be presented by Raddock Family Eminent Scholar Chairman for Holocaust Studies Alan L. Berger and is titled "Jewish/Christian Dialogue: Drawing Honey from the Rock." The third lecture is March 23 by FAU Associate Professor of Art History & Archeology Brian E. McConnell and is titled "Bubbling Religion: Archeological Strata and Roots of Culture in the Ancient World." The series concludes on April 23 with FAU Professor of Environmental Journalism Neil Santaniello and his "Environmental Expert Panel" discussion. For more information, call 561-395-8285.

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The Developing Interracial Social Change organization is having a historic walking tour of Pearl City from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 10. The Boca-based DISC was formed 12 years ago, and representative Julie McGinty said the group’s membership has ebbed and flowed over the years.
“Our mission is to work on harmony and unity as it relates to issues of race, and we have had some truly wonderful people pass through our group,” she said.
McGinty said the walking tour will cover historic homes, churches, monuments and gardens, and it will feature local residents giving remembrances. For more information, call 954-815-1331.

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Peace activist Rev. John Dear will speak at 10 a.m. Jan. 9 in the Henke Room in the de Hoernle International Center at Lynn University, 3601 N. Military Trail, about change through nonviolent methods. Dear served as director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, which is the largest interfaith peace organization in the U.S., and his presentation is titled "Creating Positive Change Worldwide Through Nonviolent Methods." He has also traveled some of the world’s most war-torn regions and counseled thousands of 9/11 rescue workers and victims’ relatives. For more information, call 561-237-7151.

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The Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce’s first breakfast of the new year is from 7:45 to 9 a.m. Jan. 8 at the Boca Raton Marriott, 5150 Town Center Circle, and they will have a drawing for a free chamber membership. The speaker will be John Di Lemme, author of “Champions are Born, Losers are Made,” and the focus will be "3 Motivational Quotes that will Guarantee that 2009 is Your Year." If a current member wins the drawing, the $350 will be applied to membership dues. Tickets cost $15 for members online or $30 at the door. Tickets for nonmembers cost $50 and must be purchased online at www.bocaratonchamber.com/events.

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Bob Tebow, father of University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, spoke at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 701 W. Palmetto Park Road, Jan. 5 as part of the church’s kick-off to the 2009 men’s ministry program. Tebow’s "Faith, Family and Football" address focused on the challenges of faith, particularly as it relates to raising a star athlete.
“I prayed to God before Timmy was born and asked him for this blessing, and I told him that I would raise a preacher. I did not pray to God for a quarterback, which seems like a fairly egotistical thing to do,” said Tebow.
There were complications involved in Tim’s birth, and Tebow said countless prayers were said on his behalf for the first two months.
“He was very small and extremely malnourished, and everyone was praying for him. Those of you that have seen Timmy lately know he is definitely nourished now,” he said.
St. Paul’s minister of community relations Phil Friederichs said the cornerstone of the men’s ministry program is the March 20-22 Men’s Weekend at Westgate River Ranch located on the Kissimmee River in Central Florida. For more information, call 561-395-0433 or email at phil@stpaulboca.com.

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YMCA kids present a check to Keith Seago and Donna Angus.
The numbers are in for the YMCA of South Palm Beach County’s 2008 Partner’s Campaign, and even in a languishing economy they eclipsed last year’s total by 24 percent. The Partner’s Campaign provides funds to families and individuals who would not be able to afford using the YMCA, and they raised $433,000 during 2008 through several initiatives.
“Every dollar raised through the Partner’s Campaign goes directly to support financial assistance to our members and program participants,” said Association President and CEO Dick Pollock. “I salute our more than 75 volunteers and staff who work so hard to achieve these results and make real differences in the lives of our members,” he said. They received more than 75 donations of $1,200 or more, including support from longtime benefactor Peter Blum. The Peter Blum Family YMCA of Boca Raton is located at 6631 Palmetto Circle S. For information on how to support YMCA programs, call Jorene Jameson at 561-237-0969 or e-mail at jjameson@ymcaspbc.org.

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Chief Financial Officer and President of BBC International Ltd. Don Wilborn has been named chairman for the American Heart Association's 27th annual South Palm Beach Heart Ball to take place Feb. 21 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, 501 E. Camino Real. Last year's ball raised close to $500,000 for heart and stroke research, education and community programs, and Wilborn has attended the event for years.
"I've had a tremendous experience each year I've attended the Heart Ball, and as chairman I want to be sure to duplicate the fine efforts of the past years by giving people a true reason to get involved," he said. For information about tickets or partnership opportunities, call 561-697-6621.

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Florida Atlantic University recently established a program for high school sophomores interested in a career in healthcare. The Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science Outreach Program will prepare students for medical studies at the college level, and they will spend the year shadowing health care professionals and working on special research projects. They will also experience a range of field trips and a weeklong on-campus summer session to give them a glimpse at collegiate life.
“FAU has developed a tailored curriculum to coincide with appropriate high school grades. The focus of the program, in addition to fostering interest, is to develop strong foundations in education, technology, and cultural, social and human issues,” said Healthcare Outreach Program Director Mark Goldstein.
Students must be recommended by their high school teachers or administrators to be eligible. For more information, call Giselle Reid at 561-297-1139 or e-mail at greid10@fau.edu.

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The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is having its inaugural Men’s Golf Classic at 11 a.m. Jan. 26 at Boca Rio Golf Club, 22041 Boca Rio Road. The cost is $400 per person, which includes a barbecue lunch, golf, caddies and carts, cocktails, awards and dinner. A donation of $5,000 or more to the 2009 UJA/Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Annual Campaign entitles the donor to play in the tournament and bring a guest.
“This is a unique chance to play on a fabulous course, help a terrific cause and bond with a group of men who truly care about others and great golfing,” said event co-chairman Alan Cornell.
Sponsorship opportunities are also still available. For more information, call Jennifer Koenig at 561-852-3129 or e-mail at jenniferk@bocafed.org.

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University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow’s father, Bob Tebow, will speak at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 701 W. Palmetto Park Road. Tebow’s "Faith, Family and Football" discussion will focus on raising a star athlete in a faith-based family and is part of the kick-off barbecue for the church’s 2009 men’s ministry program. “The event is open to all, but men with sons ages 10 and older are especially welcome,” said organizer Phil Friederichs. Red’s Backwood BBQ is catering the event, which costs $20. For more information, call 561-353-8025.

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