South Florida Business Connections and Stepping Out Florida are co-sponsoring a job fair from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Pavilion Grille in the Stonegate Bank Building, 301 Yamato Road.
Event organizer Alan Fuerman said there will be a good smattering of local and national companies, along with tips on improved job search methods and educational opportunities.
“We have local companies, nationwide staffing agencies, government agencies including Workforce Alliance and many more. There will also be representatives from Kaplan and DeVry Universities discussing retraining options and degree programs,” he said.
Fuerman said there will also be a bankruptcy and foreclosure attorney on hand to chat with those hardest hit by the recent economic downturn. There will also be free appetizers, two-for-one drinks and free chair massages. Admission and parking are free. For more information and a list of exhibitors, visit www.sflbusinessconnections.com or call 561-674-4300.

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Representatives from the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office will be at City Hall, 201 W Palmetto Park Road, for Homestead Exemption Outreach from 11 a.m. to noon Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3. Residents must bring a copy of their deed and proof of residency to receive assistance in filling out applications. The sessions will be in the first floor conference room. For more information, call 561-393-7700.

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A fire ripped through local nonprofit Boca Helping Hands, 138 NW 16th St., Aug. 24 destroying the phone system, job mentoring space and close to 20 computers. There are several bays at the location, and the main offices and job mentoring center were hit hardest, but the food center was not impacted.
“Linda [Gove] happened to go by around 7:30, and we are very fortunate that she did because it could have been catastrophic. That said, the facility did take a major hit just as things were really getting going,” said board president Gary Peters.
He said that 22 people had come in recently for job placement assistance and that the word was spreading.
“People knew where we were, who we were and momentum was really building. Those bays are not structurally sound, but thankfully the fire department got here very quickly and the roof did not collapse,” he said.
The nonprofit is reaching out to the community for assistance, and they need several items.
“We need a phone system that can take care of seven offices, furniture including desks and chairs for six offices and the reception area and also computers,” he said.
They have set up a temporary location to receive donations and to continue assisting residents at 127 NW 13th St., Suite 13.

To assist, call Gary or Anne at 561-994-7330.

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Sitting down With Kim Champion, Boca/Deerfield Beach Soroptimist Chapter president

www.soroptimist4women.org.

1. What is Soroptimist International? It is an international organization, and the focus is primarily on assisting women and children.

2. How many clubs are there? The group was founded in 1921, and now there are over 1,400 clubs spanning 19 countries.

3. What are a few examples of programs that assist women and children? We are very big on providing scholarships for young girls and women. We have a number of awards, and one in particular is for women, heads of household that are seeking college degrees.

4. How do you raise funds? We sustain completely on donations and through fundraising events. We have no administrative costs, so people can feel very comfortable knowing their money is going where it should.

5. What is the next big event? Our 'A Woman of Distinction' breakfast is coming up in October at the Boca West Country Club. It is a very affordable event, and is created to be truly open to the public.

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Volunteers ready to assist outside Indian River Hall.
Scores of nervous parents and anxious students descended on Florida Atlantic University this morning for move-in day, and the emotions ran the gamut under the blazing August sun. Boxes big and small were carefully shuttled to and fro as countless youngsters began breathing their first breath of freedom and independence. Joann Pietrovich was helping her 18-year-old daughter Rebecca unload their vessel.
"It is her first time away from home, and the nerves are definitely present," she said. Rebecca made the trek from Colorado for FAU's highly touted ocean engineering program and said she is "most excited about heading out on my own and beginning to establish my independence."
Lee English and Sheila Mapes had just dropped off their son, 18-year-old Ian English, and they came a long way as well.
"We came from Missouri, and he chose FAU because of the ocean engineering program. He is an avid scuba diver also, and we knew he would chose a school near the ocean," said English.
Mapes said the maternal instinct was in high gear and she wanted to buy Ian more items.
"Lee had to stop me from doing so, and I know it is time for him to start establishing himself. It is just hard to let go," she said.
A bit to the north, I found Dexter Roberts standing near the door to Indian River Hall along with his 8-year-old daughter Deja.
"We just dropped off Shanci, and she is a freshman. I definitely have a lot of butterflies, and it's hard to see your oldest going off, but I am very excited for her also," he said.
Deja said she is going to miss her older sister, but hopes to visit as much as she can.

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The Boca Police Department is currently accepting applications for the upcoming Citizens Police Academy, which runs from Sept. 17-Nov. 19. The classes will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday evenings at the Police Administration/Training Center, 6500 Congress Ave., and the topics will include identity theft, crime prevention, crime scene investigation and more. The course is free, and participants can also schedule a ride-along with a Boca officer. Applications can be completed online at www.bocapolice.com or in person at the Boca Police Department, City Hall or the Community Center. For more information, call Mary Ann O’Brien at 561-338-1346.

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Sitting down with Pizza Fusion co-founder Vaughan Lazar

www.pizzafusion.com

1. How long have you lived in Boca Raton? Off and on for 18 years, and I have been a homeowner for five years.

2. You were recently appointed to the city's Green Living Task Force. Why the interest in this initiative? Being environmentally conscious is something we made a priority when creating Pizza Fusion, and I want to bring my understanding to the table.

3. How will the task force operate? There are nine highly-qualified members from a range of backgrounds and industries. At the end of one year, we will submit a report to the City Council with our recommendations for increasing resident awareness.

4. When did you first become interested in environmental issues? I've been surfing since I was 5 years old, and taking care of our environment has always been one of my core values.

5. How does the Pizza Fusion approach differ? We have an organic menu free of pesticides, preservatives, antibiotics and hormones. Not just the food, but the locations themselves are created with the environment in mind.

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Positive Solutions for Children and Families was created eight months ago by two local elementary school teachers, and the goal is to help children overcome barriers preventing them from reaching their full potential.
Jane Sisoian and Adam Procaccini are teachers at Del Prado Elementary School, and they created the after-school program to address issues outside of academia.
“It is a very hands-on and interactive format, and we address a range of issues including self-esteem, team building, communication and conflict resolution skills. A child may be performing poorly academically, but it might not be a problem with comprehension and more a problem of confidence or a lack of communication skills,” said Procaccini.
Positive Solutions is hosting an adult only anti-bullying conference at 7 p.m. Sept. 1 at Del Prado Elementary, 7900 Del Prado Circle N, and Sisoian said there are myriad signs to look for indicating your child is being bullied.
“They often become withdrawn, lose interest in going to school and stop communicating. There are several strategies parents can employ to build self-esteem, because it is typically the child walking with their head down lacking confidence that becomes the target of bullies,” she said.
Procaccini said there is a definitional gap when it comes to bullying and that isolated incidents do not really qualify as bullying.
“Some people think that if their child gets into an altercation or has a problem with another child they are being bullied. Bullying is something that occurs over time, and the result is a systematic withering away of confidence and self-esteem,” he said. The cost of the anti-bullying presentation is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For more information, visit www.positivesolutionsinfo.com or call 561-400-7518.

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Boca Helping Hands is joining forces with the Boca Police Department and the Elks Lodge to bring the department of motor vehicles to those unable to travel. The Florida Licensing on Wheels program will be at the Elks Lodge, 1395 N. Federal Highway, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 17, and Boca Helping Hands will pay the fees for 30 to 40 underserved Boca residents.
“The DMV has been proactive in their efforts to identify the underserved in our state, and there are many in our community without proper identification. The cost of an ID is $10, which is a small price considering what an immense difference it will make in our clients’ quality of life,” said Gove.
Boca Police officer and longtime BHH volunteer Rosalind Gualtieri approached the nonprofit about the idea.
“I am proud to be a part of a community outreach effort between the DMV, local police, Boca Helping Hands and the Elks Lodge to provide much needed IDs to our homeless,” said Gualtiere. For directions and a list of what to bring, call 561-417-0913 or call Officer Gualtieri at 561-338-5450.

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Fire Chief Tom Wood, firefighter / paramedic Rhett Martin.
Boca Fire Rescue Services recently hosted its promotion and awards ceremony, and 12 members were presented with the department’s Excellence Award for outstanding work at the Fire Training & Support Facility. Firefighter/paramedic Rhett Martin received an Excellence Award for his work while off-duty.
“He saw an elderly gentleman slumped in the hedges off St. Andrews Boulevard and called 911. While waiting, he noticed the man became unconscious and lost his pulse, so he began lifesaving efforts,” said public information officer Frank Correggio.
Due to Martin’s quick response and treatment, the patient did not suffer any permanent damage.
Chief Wood also presented badges to Patrick Bayne for promotion to EMS captain and to Robert Cervi for promotion to paramedic lieutenant.

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FranchiseMart is hosting the "Franchise and Business Opportunities Show" from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Town Center Mall, 6000 Glades Road.
Attendees can browse for the right franchise and business opportunities, and companies from a wide range of industries will be present.
“It will be a great opportunity to meet face-to-face with franchise and business leaders. Loans will be approved on-site, and there will be several other financing options as well,” said FranchiseMart co-owner Adam Blank.
Attendance is free. For more information, visit www.franchisemart-bocaraton.com or call 561-210-7771.

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Sitting Down with Barry Epstein, Barry R. Epstein Associates, Inc.

When did you first come to West Boca? We moved to West Boca about 12 years ago.

What have been some of the bigger changes? More people, more businesses and more traffic.

Your public relations irm recently celebrated its 30-year anniversary; what is the key to such longevity? Treating your clients with respect and personal service. Also, under promising and over delivering.

How long have you had the radio show, and what are typical topics? For about five years, and we are sponsored by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Topics include politics, gossip, entertainment, theater, restaurants, travel, FAU football and what's happening around town. I've been called the Larry King of South Florida.

You have been instrumental in the creation of several West Boca
organizations. How has West Boca's business climate changed? It has matured nicely. There are still needs such as more upscale restaurants. The West Boca Chamber of Commerce is now two -years –old, and we have about 200 members.

How big a role does family play? Fortunately, family is vitally important to my well-being. My son Jaret lives at home while going to FAU, and I enjoy seeing him mature into a fine young man.

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The city is poised to close a loophole that allowed approved development projects to amend existing plans without appearing before the city council to approve the changes. Ordinance No. 5100 will require developers to have those changes approved by the council and limit the Community Appearance Board’s authority to modify development orders. The primary reason for the new ordinance were changes made to plans at the Addison Park Townhomes near Florida Atlantic University, which were approved as high-end condominiums.
“We were unaware of this loophole and flaw until these issues surfaced. Several people had come forward expressing dissatisfaction with how the project morphed, and this ordinance will require city approval for any substantive changes,” said Councilwoman Susan Haynie.
The ordinance was on the July 28 commission meeting agenda, but was kicked back to the planning and zoning board for review.
“It will be on the agenda for the next planning and zoning board meeting, and we should have it on our agenda in September,” said Haynie.
Councilman Anthony Majhess supports the ordinance and said it should pass with relative ease.
“I know one of the sticking points with that project is the issue with balconies. The initial plans included balconies and other decorative architecture, but those plans were changed,” he said.
Mayor Susan Whelchel said she is sympathetic to the economic downturn that may have lead to the changes, but that the ordinance is a good idea.
“Obviously as a city we want the project to stay on track and hope the project is finished, but this did catch our eye. It was a bit of a flaw in the system, and one that is now being addressed,” she said.

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Four-year-old George Jacobs recently had his wish come true in Boca Raton. Jacobs was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer that forms in the nerve tissue, when he was 5-months-old, and he has gone through two surgeries, eight rounds of chemotherapy and lost a kidney. The Make-A-Wish Foundation has been trying to fulfill George’s wish for years, but he did not have one until recently.
“They kept contacting us, but he was just too young and didn’t really have a specific wish. That all changed when he saw the film "WALL-E" and all he wanted to do was meet WALL-E,” said George’s mother Betsy Jacobs.
The Jacobses began researching places that may have the robot and planned to come to the South Florida Science Museum to view an exhibit, but they ended up with a much more personal encounter.
Boca resident Rick Newman has an extensive robot collection, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation contacted him about the family visiting Boca Raton.
“It just so happened that all of my robots are home between exhibits for maintenance and programming, and we are absolutely thrilled they are here,” said Newman.
The Jacobses were flown from their home in New Jersey and spent the day at Newman's as George and his twin brother Thomas basked in robot utopia. There were robots big and small, talking and non, but George kept coming back to his favorite, WALL-E.
“Look at my shorts, look at my shorts,” exclaimed George, who was clad head to toe in WALL-E garb. “The foundation asked if he wanted to meet Mickey at Disney, and he said no, I want to meet WALL-E. Ever since he saw the film, it is all he talked about, and this is just so incredible,” said Jacobs.
To check out Newman’s collection, visit www.hightechscience.org/robots.htm.

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T.J. Poole hoists Lucas Fuentes, 9, after a ride at a recent SFA event. Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the nation and affects 1 in 150 children. These children face tremendous challenges in communicating and are socially withdrawn, but a local group has created a day that levels the playing field.
Boca-based Surfers For Autism takes autistic children surfing for the day under the watchful eye of amazed parents and beachgoers.
“At first I really wasn't sure how my son Dan would react, but I guess that was my own fear and not his. He loved riding the waves over and over and in the car on the way home kept saying, ride the waves, ride the waves, yeah!,” said Jackie Merens, South Florida Regional Director of Autism Speaks.
SFA raises funds for Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, and was the top fundraiser for Broward County’s 2009 Autism Speaks Walk.
Qualified instructors guide the children into the waves, and the line dividing autistic children from non-autistic children disappears.
“One of the most amazing things is that once they are in the water, there really is no difference. I had parents tell me afterward that their child had never communicated like that or been so receptive to touch, and there are very few dry eyes,” said SFA Chairman Don Ryan.
Demand is growing, and the group is heading up the east coast, and the next stop is Cocoa Beach Sept. 19. SFA is reaching out to the community for support. The group needs a new or good condition, minimum 16-foot enclosed trailer to haul the equipment and eight, 8-by-10 plastic tables with folding legs.
“The trailer is really important and something we desperately need. Any business or organization that donates will appear prominently on the back of the trailer as we head up the east coast, and it will be great advertising,” said Ryan.
SFA is a nonprofit organization and all donations are tax-deductible. For more information or to donate, please call Don Ryan at 561-445-7154.

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Boca resident Jim Treacy purchased a $467 membership from Gold’s Gym recently, but when he returned from a Boston vacation Gold’s was gone. The gym at Spanish River Boulevard and Northeast Fifth Avenue was now Fit Gym, and Treacy was told he would need a new agreement. He has been protesting outside the gym for close to a week and is seeking answers.
“I got the contract in April and paid close to $500. I am out that money now, and it really seems unfair that I should have to pay again,” he said.
Fit Gym owner Paul Gajowniczek said he is sympathetic to Treacy and other Gold’s members and is willing to work with those spurned by Gold’s.
“This man is frustrated and I completely understand. Although I am not obligated to do so by any law or statute, I will work with anyone wronged by Gold’s,” he said. Gajowniczek said his normal rate is $39.99 per month for a year, but he will lower that rate and add existing contract months.
“If they have a Gold’s membership, I will charge $19.99 a month for the year and add all of those months from the Gold’s contract to that year,” he said.
Treacy said he is inclined not to take the offer because there is no guarantee Fit Gym will be there one year form now and he could find himself in the same boat. He has also been run off the property a few times, and the police have been called.
“I was outside on a stool with my sign and I didn’t know it was their property. I also had two of my signs taken when I was away from them,” he said.
Jorge Camejo is the city’s director of community development and said that while Treacy is certainly welcome to exercise his First Amendment rights, there are caveats. “It is illegal to disrupt business, block access or to be on private property. As long as the gentleman is protesting in the public right of way, he is absolutely entitled to express his views,” he said.
Camejo also said that unattended signs can be confiscated at any time.

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Boca Raton Community High School’s doors will open for the new school year Aug. 18, and it will be the largest student body since 1983. Principal Geoff McKee said the five-year enrollment projection done in 2004 was a bit low, but they are fully capable of meeting the demand.
“We will have just about 2,700 students for the upcoming school year, and it really is a testament to our faculty and staff. With everything going on in the economy, we anticipated an increase in enrollment this year as potentially less families sought private schooling options,” he said.
St. Andrew’s School administrators we expecting a dip in enrollment and made conservative budget estimates, but it turned out to not be the case.
“We were estimating a drop in enrollment in the 5 percent range, but we have actually increased our numbers by a handful of students. We differ from other private schools in that we are a nonprofit, and while we have certainly taken a bit of hit like all nonprofits, we are in good shape,” said assistant head master of enrollment and planning Kilian Forgus.
Olympic Heights High School had a changing of the guard recently, and new principal Frank Rodriguez said enrollment has increased, but is on pace with typical year-to-year spikes.
“We will be up close to 100 students, which is what is typically planned for. Our academies are really thriving, enrollment in AP courses is on the rise, and it is going to be a very exciting year,” he said.
Rodriguez comes to Olympic Heights after serving as principal of West Gate Elementary School and assistant principal at Forest Hill High School.
Palm Beach County School District demographer Art Wittman said enrollment rates have been a bit tricky to predict lately due the changes in the housing market and economy.
“We had been seeing district-wide enrollment rising by close to 5,000 students a year prior to 2004. Since then, the numbers have diminished significantly, and this year we are projecting a decline between elementary, middle and high schools collectively around 574 students,” he said.

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Palm Beach County library users now have expanded options thanks to a new program. Florida Atlantic University Libraries are among five in the county to implement the Sunshine Library Card, which allows cardholders to access collections of other participating libraries. Palm Beach Community College, the Palm Beach County School District, Palm Beach County and the city of West Palm Beach are also on board, and the goal is to break down barriers.
“The program is modeled after an existing collaboration between 23 academic libraries, but a collaboration of this sort is rare. It exists in a few states, but this is the first program of this nature in Florida,” said Southeast Florida Library Information Network executive director Tom Sloan. The SFLIN facilitated the discussions and agreements between the participating institutions, and Sloan said that streamlining the process is a unique challenge.
“The loan time at public libraries is typically longer than an academic library because it is often popular material, and academic loan times are longer because of the research component. This card will give users the opportunity to move between different types of libraries seamlessly,” said Sloan.
FAU dean of libraries Dr. William Miller said they were happy to open the doors to the local community.
“We have always welcomed the public to use the library, but they were unable to check items out. This new program will not affect our students or faculty, and we do not anticipate any complications,” he said.
Users will be able to check out books and other materials, but certain features will still only be accessible by those affiliated with the university.
“There are academic agreements, and universities are linked into certain databases, and those can only be utilized by students or faculty,” said Sloan.
Card users must be at least 16 with a valid library card from a participating library or an AP or International Baccalaureate high school student. For more information, call 877-733-5460 or visit www.seflin.org and click on Sunshine Library Card.

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Sitting down with Boca Raton Community High School teacher Hakima Mazouz.

1. How long have you been at Boca High? I have been teaching French at the school since 2000, but have been in the district since 1997.

2. You were recently awarded a Fulbright Teacher Exchange grant to France. What does the process entail? It is very comprehensive. I went to the University of Miami and was interviewed by a board of educators. I also needed to be available for phone interviews for the board in France as well.

3. How will your time be spent? I will be teaching at a high school in France for the entire 2009/2010 school year.

4. And your French counterpart will be coming to Boca High? Yes, it is a direct exchange and she will be teaching my class for the year.

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