Boynton Forum

The Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave., recently unveiled a new exhibit, “The Fusion of Image & Artist,” which will be on display in the library’s second floor gallery through Nov. 12.

And the exhibit “will turn some heads” according to Bonnie Stelzer, community relations director for the library.

The exhibit features the work of Boynton Beach artist and photographer, Terryl Best Lawrence, who bridges the gap between art and photography by synthesizing her paintings and photographs into one single image, Steltzer said.

“She blends the two into one,” she said. “She has studied the arts, so this is her spin on all the classics.”

Lawrence said her first fusion of art and photography was an accident.

“I was just taking a picture of a musical instrument I had painted with the actual instrument next to it, to figure something out and it just clicked,” Lawrence said. “The combined images looked so good.”

Lawrence, a professor at the Digital Media and Arts College in Boca Raton, said her exhibit is all about learning. “I’m into learning, it is what I do,” she said. “I think it is so nourishing to bring art to both the young and the old.”

Her work has been displayed at universities, including FAU at its MacArthur Library. Plus she has exhibited her work at galleries in New York and Connecticut, and currently at EXOR Galleries in Boca Raton.

Lawrence’s work also has received awards from the Wunsch Art Center, the Parrish Art Museum, the Heckscher Museum, the National Association of Women Artists and Columbia University. She also has been a guest lecturer at museums and universities in New York and Florida.

Lawrence's works "are color photographs with the color related to and derived from the paintings," Steltzer said. "They are imaginative, stimulating, colorful and unusual.”

“The Fusion of Image & Artist” will be on display in the library's second floor gallery, 100 W. Atlantic Ave., through Wednesday, Nov. 12.

For information visit www.delraylibrary.org or call 561-266-9490.

Smokey the Fire Safety Dog will present a puppet show at the Boynton City Library, 208 S. Seacrest Blvd., about fire safety followed by a demonstration of how a fire engine works presented by Boynton Beach Fire Rescue.

Karen Abramson, the library's spokeswoman, said the program is for children ages 2 through 15 and runs from 9:45 to 11 a.m. Oct. 20.

Children younger than 13 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times while in the library.

For information, call 561-742-6390.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

The annual Trunk Show at the Schoolhouse Children's Museum and Learning Center, 129 E. Ocean Ave., is set to take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 2 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3. Parking is free along the street near the museum.

Kelsey Harris, the museum's operations director, said all merchandise at the show is available for purchase or for special order. More than 20 vendors are set to showcase their items, with many coming from the Boynton Beach and Delray Beach areas.

Harris said each merchant's selection of goods would be displayed against a background of the museum's permanent exhibits.

Returning vendors include Art-Sea Living, Fancy Flamingo, Esther Beadwork and Estate Jewelry.

No admission is required to browse and shop the merchandise selections.

For information, call 561-742-6780.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bethesda Women’s Health Center, 10301 Hagen Ranch Road, is offering what the hospital calls a special on selective screenings for the month, said Kiswana Russell, hospital spokeswoman.

The Women’s Center is offering mammography screenings for $75.

In addition, diagnostic mammography screenings and bone density screenings will be offered for $100 and require a prescription.

This offer applies to self-pay patients only and ends Oct. 31.

To schedule an appointment, call 561-374-5700.

Bethesda Women’s Health Center, an affiliate of Bethesda Healthcare System, is a comprehensive breast center offering digital mammography services with computer- aided detection and a team of all female, board-certified radiologists.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

The United Way of Palm Beach County, 2600 Quantum Blvd., announced for the third year in a row, the organization has received a four-star charity rating by Charity Navigator, the nation’s leading charity watchdog group, said Dianne Laubert, United Way spokeswoman.

Four stars is the highest ranking a charity may receive.

Laubert said only 10 percent of the charities reviewed receive the rating three years in a row.

To achieve a four-star rating, a nonprofit must demonstrate its adherence to the highest standards of accountability and fiscal responsibility.

This rating, which is reviewed yearly, also examines a nonprofit's cash position and other financial issues regarding the overall financial status as an agency.

Ken Berger, president and CEO of Charity Navigator, said the United Way of Palm Beach County consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America.

United Way of Palm Beach County’s president and CEO Scott Badesch said the four-star rating is proof of the professionalism and dedication to the community by United Way’s staff and volunteer board.

For information about the rating, visit www.charitynavigator.org and type in United Way of Palm Beach County in keyword.

The Sand Sifters, a local nonprofit beach cleanup group, will be bringing some of its volunteers to the Boynton Beach Art Center, 125 SE Second Ave., 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 18 to help other volunteers plant wild flowers and native plants around the entire facility.
“They are digging up the entire perimeter of the facility and planting all new plants to attract wildlife,” said Gary Solomon, Sand Sifters organizer. “We just want to help the city and bring some of our volunteers to help.”
Solomon said the idea behind planting the new flowers is to attract birds, squirrels, butterflies and other wildlife to the area.
Boynton Beach is working toward an eco-minded approach toward gardening, including the minimal use of chemicals and pesticides, said Nicole Cangelosi, Recreation and Parks Department spokeswoman.
Volunteer by calling Vicki Robertson at 561-742-6244.
Read more about this story in the Oct. 15 issue of the Boynton Forum.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

The second annual Spooky Schoolhouse Carnival at the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum, 129 E. Ocean Ave., is set for 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 18 and 19.

The carnival is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the museum.

“This is a big deal for us,” said Kelsey Harris, the museum's director of operations. “We really have no other community event like this for the entire family.”

Harris said crafts, pony rides, costume parades, a bounce house and a trackless train are part of the festivities.

“We also have a dance company performing each night and a fire eater,” she said.

Harris said this year’s event is two days and double the hours of last year’s one-day carnival.

Cost for admission is $3 and $.50 for each game or ride ticket.

For information, call 561-742-6780.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Residents who are interested in becoming a homeowner have a new program to help them.

It is the Home Buyers Club, a new program offered by Housing Partnership, Inc. and United Way of Palm Beach County at United Way’s Prosperity Center in West Palm Beach.

The club begins with a kickoff from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 18, at an open house at the Prosperity Center, 501 21st St, located in the Pleasant City Multi-Cultural Center in West Palm Beach.

Dianne Laubert , spokeswoman for United Way of Palm Beach County, said the Home Buyers Club is free to any resident who wants to learn about the homeownership process.

She said the club offers practical skills and provides real information needed to help people make home purchases. Some of the topics to be covered include overcoming credit, employment obstacles, budgeting, savings, and how to select a home and loans.

Shandra Stringer, prosperity center manager of Housing Partnership, Inc., said the new club would provide tools and ongoing support in order to help people achieve their goals.

The club will meet once a month in order to provide ongoing support from other clients who are going through the process. The meetings are free.

Reservations are recommended.

To make a reservation or for information, call the Prosperity Center at 561-655-7581.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

The Boynton Beach Garden Club is planning a 70th Anniversary Celebration Tea from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Boynton Woman’s Club, 1010 S. Federal Highway.

Mary Scheitler, the club's president, said the group was formed back in 1939 and has been instrumental in the past in the digging and planting of a cemetery in Boynton Beach.

The anniversary event is free and Scheitler said she is inviting residents or members to come and bring floral arrangements to be displayed.

“They won’t be judged or anything; just to show people what you can do,” she said.

Scheitler said the goal of the group is to expand knowledge of gardening and the floral arts to all members.

The group also raises money for local charities and scholarships.

Exhibits are set to be on display at the event including one on the history of the club.

To reserve a seat, call 561-586-0777.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com

Building responsibility and improving relationships between parents and teenagers will be the focus of a series of discussion sessions to take place at the DeVos-Blum Family YMCA, 9600 S. Military Trail.

The STEP/Teen or Systematic Training for Effective Parenting of Teens training course is set to begin at 3 p.m. Nov. 1 and will run for eight weeks at 3 p.m. Saturdays.

“The YMCA there has a teen center but not any classes focused on helping parents of teenagers,” said program organizer Rebecca Perry, a licensed mental health counselor.

The STEP/Teen course is a training course for parents and others who want to help their teenagers behave responsibly in the face of social pressures and who want their relationships with teenagers to be more satisfying, Perry said.

“We deal with problems like drugs and alcohol and even sneaking out of the window at night,” Perry said.

She said meeting with other parents in an atmosphere of mutual support, parents learn effective ways of building self-esteem, communicating and disciplining.

The program encourages mutual respect between parents and teens, leads to increased cooperation and promotes a more responsible, self-reliant attitude among teenagers.

STEP/Teen is a sequel to Systematic Training for Effective Parenting, a widely-used parent education program.

More than three million people throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries have participated in STEP and STEP/Teen discussion groups since American Guidance Service of Circle Pines, Minnesota, first introduced the STEP program.

Perry said research on STEP has stated that 93 percent of the participants recommended the program for other parents, that 91 percent agreed that STEP increased their knowledge of parenting.

The cost for the new program is $10 per class.

To register, call 561-738-6645 or visit www.counseling-choices.com.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

The Sand Sifters, a local nonprofit cleanup group, is collecting canned foods for the Community Caring Center of Boynton Beach.

The group will be collecting any pre-packaged food, pumpkin pie mix, gravy mix, stuffing mix, canned string beans and cranberry sauce at its next cleanup from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 1 at Oceanfront Park, 6415 N. Ocean Blvd.

The Community Caring Center is an organization attempting to help the less fortunate of Boynton Beach.

For information, call Sand Sifters organizer Gary Solomon at 561-734-9128.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Women’s Circle Inc., 145 NE Fourth Ave., has announced that Boynton Beach Mayor Jerry Taylor donated $2,000 from his discretionary fund to the nonprofit organization.
The organization’s mission is “to empower women made poor to become all they can be, by assisting them to gain enhanced employment, becoming self-sufficient, and leaders in a culturally diverse community.”
Taylor said Boynton Beach budgets $10,000 annually for the commissioners’ discretionary funds for needs that arise during the year. 

Taylor said he thinks the group is doing a good job and thought the group could use the help.


Women’s Circle founder Lorraine Ryan said the donation would be used to fund the computer instructor’s salary. 

Ryan and co-founder Sister Joan Carusillo help low-income women improve their job potential with education in English, computer usage and literacy.
Job Development Assistant Tee Jackson and volunteers give employment assistance with job searches, résumés and clothing for interviews.
In 2007, the Women’s Circle counseled 406 women and helped 69 to obtain jobs.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Cassandra O’Connor, 9, has been volunteering for Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc., a nonprofit organization that sends monthly care packages to soldiers overseas.

As a third grade student at Manatee Elementary School and a participant in Tae Kwan Do, she needed community service hours to obtain her black belt. She has already exceeded her needed community service hours through FSO and wants to keep going.

Lynelle Chauncey Zelnar, FSO's executive director, said Cassandra recently went out on her own to collect items for packages and raised more than $200.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 11 and 12, she will be at the Winn-Dixie located off Hypoluxo and Jog roads collecting items for the troops.

Zelnar said Cassie’s parents, Barbara and Kevin O’Connor, should be praised and proud for raising a humanitarian.

For information about Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, call 561-369-2933.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

The 12th annual Senior Fest at Bethesda Health City, 10301 Hagen Ranch Road, is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29.

Kiswana Russell, hospital spokeswoman, said Senior Fest has provided thousands of area residents with information and community resources by connecting them with nonprofit organizations and governmental programs designed especially for older adults.

Free health screenings include grip strength, hearing self-test, blood pressure screening, total cholesterol, wound screening, blood sugar screening and cardiac risk self test.

Admission is free.

For information, call 561-737-7733, ext. 4195.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

With the combination of a stock market crisis, rising gas prices and a housing market collapse, more and more out of work residents are leaning on free clinics like the Caridad Center in Boynton Beach, 8645 W. Boynton Beach Blvd.

The Caridad Center is a free clinic for people who have no insurance and pass 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

“I see people who consistently now cannot pay their rent or utilities and have had their water cut off,” said Scarlett Fave, the center's social services coordinator.

Fave, who works in ground zero at the center and is in touch with the people that frequent the center, said no longer is the Caridad Center just for the Latin community but for all kinds of people who have lost their jobs.

Fave said the basic fact is that with rising gas prices, some people in need of free medical care can’t afford to come to the center so they suffer physically.

She said some carpool with others and take the chance that a doctor might be able to see them that day. Some patients wait for hours, even all day because of the increase in patients visiting the center.
For information about the Caridad Center, call 561-737-6336.
Read more about this story in the Oct. 15 issue of the Boynton Forum.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkorhtmna@tribune.com.

The new Home Ownership Promotes Economy foreclosure assistance group is set to have a free workshop for residents of Palm Beach County at 9 a.m. Oct. 18 at Odyssey Middle School, 6161 Woolbright Road.

Workshop participants will meet one-on-one with attorneys, housing counselors, lenders and Realtors for personalized solutions to save their homes.

There will also be presentations on understanding the foreclosure process, defending a mortgage foreclosure and alternatives to foreclosure.

Homeowners who have been served with a mortgage foreclosure lawsuit are advised to bring their mortgage closing documents and court papers.

For information, call the Legal Aid Society at 561-655-8944, ext. 234, or state Rep. Maria Sachs’ office at 561-266-6645.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

To honor breast cancer survivors, the Bethesda Women’s Health Center is set to have “Life is Sweet,” the third annual Fashion Show Fundraiser, at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at Bethesda Health City, 10301 Hagen Ranch Road.

There are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, including both women still being treated and those who have completed treatment.

Kiswana Russell, hospital spokeswoman, said one survivor who will walk the runway Nov. 8 is Lake Worth resident June Kopp.

Kopp discovered she had stage II breast cancer one month after she began volunteering at Bethesda Women’s Health Center. She underwent a lumpectomy followed by a revised a lumpectomy and a MammoSite procedure.

Kopp recently celebrated her one-year anniversary of being cancer-free.

Russell said in its third year, the fashion show serves to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection and treatment.

The fashion show features breast cancer survivors modeling fashions provided by local boutiques.

Bethesda physicians will escort the survivors down the runway. Gianna Christine Salon, Spa and Wellness Center, a sponsor of the event, will provide hair and makeup for all of the survivors.

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. There will be music and dancing following the fashion show to continue the celebration throughout the evening.

Tickets for the event are $75. All proceeds from the fashion show will support Bethesda Women’s Health Center.

For information about the fashion show, call 561-731-2273.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Faith United Methodist Church’s Youth Group, 6340 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., is having a semi-formal, sit-down dinner and a “Kids’ Night Out” for children ages 3 to 12, at 5 p.m. Oct. 18.

All proceeds will benefit the Youth Group’s 2009 mission trips to Costa Rica and North Carolina.

“On these mission trips, we send the group down there to work on a house for underprivileged families and make the homes livable again,” said Annie Page, event organizer.

Page said at 5 p.m., hors d’oeuvres will be served and a silent auction will take place.

At 6 p.m., the sit-down dinner, a four-course meal, will begin, with a choice of chicken marsala or seafood pasta. Following dinner, the live auction will take place at 7:30 p.m.

Auction items include $1,000 off a kitchen remodeling, a vacation home stay in Flagler Beach, weekend use of a cabin in Tennessee, a children’s mural worth $800, a hair highlighting treatment worth $95, a mica-countertop installation valued at $1,500, a massage, personal training sessions, restaurant and grocery store gift certificates.

Meanwhile, children can take part in “Kids’ Night Out,” playing games, eating pizza and watching a movie.

Page said the church has been planning the event for more than a month.

The cost of the dinner is $15 per ticket.

For information about the auctions, dinner and “Kids’ Night Out,” and to purchase tickets, call Annie Page at 561-267-9585.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Joyce Boyer, president of the Albert E. & Birdie W. Einstein Fund, presented Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc., a local nonprofit group sending care packages overseas to soldiers, a check for $5,000 on Oct. 11.

Lynelle Chauncey Zelnar, executive director and founder of Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, said it was an honor to get a donation from such a notable foundation.

With the recent slowdown in the economy, she said the money came at the perfect time.

She said many of the troops are now on their fifth and sixth deployment.

Zelnar said the goal is to inspire hope, strength and encouragement as the troops are separated from loved ones, families, and friends and to assure they are not forgotten.

FSO has sent care packages to more than 25,000 troops who are serving on active duty with U.S. armed forces.

For information about Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, call 561-369-2933.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Many of the students in the Santaluces High School Marching Chiefs Band are well below the poverty level, said Shaunna Fiveson, a member of the band’s parent association.

To help with funding, the Marching Chiefs will kick-off its annual fundraiser, a Pumpkin Patch, on the school grounds at the intersection of Hypoluxo and Lawrence roads.

“The band is completely self -funded, so this is a big deal for them,” Fiveson said.

The sale, which runs from Oct. 17 to 30, will have pumpkins of all sizes ready for holiday festivities and décor.

Pumpkin Patch hours are from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Prices depend upon weight.

From 12 to 5 p.m. Oct. 26, the Pumpkin Patch will expand into “Fun Day” with activities for children and food.

“It is a day for the younger kids with face painting and games,” Fiveson said.

Proceeds of the sales benefit the Santaluces Band Program, which will use the funds to help student musicians participate in the 2008-09 schedule of competitions and performances.

Each student can either contribute financially or volunteer to raise his or her share to pay for uniforms, instruments, transportation and other fees associated with the band, said Fiveson.

Fiveson said 60 to 70 percent of the band members rely on fundraisers like the Pumpkin Patch to help make their musical careers a reality.

For information about the Pumpkin Patch, call Adam or Shaunna Fiveson of the Santaluces Marching Chiefs Parents’ Association at 561-963-0001.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

The Boynton Beach Recreation & Parks Department is seeking an experienced tennis professional to provide adult and youth lessons at the Boynton Beach Tennis Center, 3111 S. Congress Ave.

Nicole Cangelosi, Recreation and Parks Department spokeswoman, said classes at the facility take place during morning and evening hours.

All individuals who are interested in filling the position are required to have USPTA or USPTR certification.

The tennis professional is expected to teach classes for youth between the ages of 5 to 15, women’s team lessons, private lessons and group lessons.

For information about the position, call Todd Johnson at 561-742-6230.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

The Caridad Center in West Boynton is seeing as many as 300 more patients every month who can’t afford health care and need to visit the free clinic, said Anna Marie King, director of development for the center.

“These are not just migrant workers anymore but all low-income people,” she said.

King said the biggest fundraiser for the center is coming up and a large turnout is crucial for the center’s funding.

Dick and Sally Robinson have been named honorary co-chairpersons of the 2008 “Wrap Up Your Holiday Wishes” gala benefiting the Caridad Center, 8645 W. Boynton Beach Blvd.

“They do so much for the center and the local community, so we wanted bring attention to them,” King said of the Robinsons.

The event will take place at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach, 100 S. Ocean Blvd., at 7 p.m. Nov. 15.

This year’s honoree is Caridad board member and long-time supporter Roy Christie.

Christie will be presented with the Constance Berry Award in appreciation for his many years of volunteer assistance and dedication to the mission of the Caridad Center. 

In the 1990s when Caridad Center was providing medical and dental services in a doublewide trailer, Christie became part of a team dedicated to the task of opening a permanent facility.

Contributing many hours of his time and his professional expertise, Christie assisted in closing on the new site, worked on the plan and building design and was on site day after day to see that the building was finished as planned. 

Caridad co-founder and award namesake Connie Berry said it is only fitting that Christie receive this award as a small token of the high esteem in which he is held at the center.

The annual Caridad fall event will also have the appearance of performance artist Michael Israel. Israel, who has been featured in publications, on television and in corporate ad campaigns, will present his “Art in Concert.”

The evening opens with a silent auction and reception followed by a gourmet dinner and Israel’s performance. His paintings will be sold to the top bidders.

The gala concludes with dancing to the music of “Memory Lane.”

Barbara Vilaseca, executive director of Caridad, said 87 cents of each dollar raised goes directly to patients.

More than 5,000 individuals have come to Caridad for more than 22,000 patient visits in the past fiscal year.

Tickets are $250 a person.

For tickets, call Esther Paine at 561-737-6336.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Boynton resident William Thomas Hall, 86, was located at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 outside a Miami-Dade corrections facility in Doral after having been missing since Oct. 14, said Stephanie Slater, Boynton Beach Police Department spokeswoman.

He walked out of the Florida Healthcare Associates facility, 515 S. Federal Highway, in Boynton Beach, and drove away in his wife’s four-door sedan.

His wife allows him to drive only when she is in the vehicle with him because of his early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Hall left his wife in the waiting room.

Boynton Beach Police had been looking for Hall since Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

With more than 110 disabled former students of South Tech Academy working all around Palm Beach County through a supported employment program run by the school, transportation for these employees is hard to find or afford.

“A lot of these students cannot afford to buy a car or get around until they have saved some money from work,” said Chris Hand, transition coordinator for students at South Tech.

To alleviate the problem of transportation for former students with special disability diplomas, Hand and other at the academy have organized a bicycle drive.

The school is collecting used bicycles from local residents to give to the former students so they can get to and from work.

“This is an ongoing program and we are looking for people to donate adult-sized bikes to us,” Hand said.

Hand said the need for transportation for these students is so great that representatives from South Tech would pick up the bikes from the donor’s home.

To donate, call 561-369-7097.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

The Community Caring Center of Boynton Beach, 145 NE Fourth Ave., serves 4 to 6 tons of food a month to local people in need, said Sherry Johnson, the center's executive director.

“We are always low on food,” she said.

But with recent economic conditions, Johnson said they are seeing more and more people, and are swamped with e-mails from people looking for help.

With the economic slide, Johnson said she is looking for food or monetary donations to help the center make it through.

“We will take any help,” she said. “Even gift cards for turkeys with the holidays coming up.”
To donate or for information, call 561-364-9501, ext. 25.
Read more about this story in the Oct. 22 edition of the Boynton Forum.

Sen. Barack Obama is making an agressive push for Florida's 27 electoral votes this week with a spree of events throughout the state including a stop in Lake Worth where he had a job summit Tuesday at Palm Beach Community College.
Florida voted for President George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004. In 2000 Bush won the state by 537 votes. According to the Real Clear Politics Average Obama leads Sen. John McCain by 2 points. But the last two polls show a trend toward McCain.
Obama brought along Democratic Govs. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, Jennifer Granholm of Michigan, Ted Strickland of Ohio, Bill Ritter of Colorado and Google CEO Eric Schmidt and former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volker to discuss the economy and jobs.
He kept the crowd on a tight leash and stopped them from applauding several times in order to get the summit started. At one point he he even stopped them from booing after mentioning Sen. John McCain and said, "We don't need that. We just need you to vote."
Obama's guests spoke about the economy, energy, education and the governors touched on their respective states' economies.
"It was informative," Aaron Handler, 66, of Boynton Beach said. He then added, "I wonder how Gov. Sarah Palin would have answered these questions."
Handler said the summit gave him an insight into how Obama would conduct a meeting. He was impressed with his performance and called him a good listener.

~Jason Parsley

Children of all ages wearing Halloween costumes and their families can attend Faith United Methodist Church’s annual Fall Festival.

The festival is set to take place at the church, 6340 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 26.

Jennifer Davis, the church's spokeswoman, said highlights of the event would include “trunk-or-treating,” hayrides, a bounce house, a petting zoo, face painting, games, and costumes contests.

The church was founded in 1990, and includes features like a new 22,000-square-foot Family Life Center.

For information, call 561-738-1902 or visit www.faith-umc.org.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Bethesda Memorial Hospital, 2815 S. Seacrest Blvd, is now set to offer a support group to help individuals with chronic lung disease breathe a little easier.

Kiswana Russell, hospital spokeswoman, said more than 35 million Americans are living with chronic lung disease.

The Better Breathers Club meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. the second Tuesday of the month from October to April in the Clayton Conference Center at the hospital.

Russell said the purpose of the club is to offer patient-centered and community-based educational opportunities and support to individuals with chronic lung disease.

The Better Breathers Club is sponsored by Bethesda Memorial Hospital and the American Lung Association.

For information, call 561-374-5731.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Individuals suffering from muscular dystrophy and other muscle-wasting diseases have compromised immune systems, said Joanne Bowsman, health care service coordinator for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Boynton Beach.

To help its members, the MDA is offering flu shots to people who have any of the more than 40 diseases the association covers.

Catching the flu is particularly hazardous for those with muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

“We will send out vouchers to our members and they can use them to get flu shots,” Bowsman said.

To assist individuals in obtaining vaccinations this flu season, the MDA teamed up with Walgreen’s to offer shots at thousands of Walgreen’s locations across the country through the voucher program.


Bowsman said Walgreen’s does not give flu shots to children younger than 18, so the MDA would reimburse up to $30 of the cost of a shot from a pediatrician.

Valerie Cwik, MDA senior vice president, said the MDA provides flu shots to reduce their likelihood of catching yet another possibly life-threatening illness for its members. 

Individuals can find the nearest Walgreen’s flu clinic location by visiting Walgreens.com/flu or calling 800-358-9950.

For information about obtaining a flu shot or securing a flu shot voucher, call the MDA office in Boynton Beach at 561-742-3748 or visit MDA’s Web site at www.mda.org.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.


Boynton Beach Police need assistance in identifying a woman who withdrew thousands of dollars from someone else’s bank account last month, said Stephanie Slater, police department spokeswoman.

The victim’s purse was stolen during an automotive burglary along Southwest Seventh Avenue on Sept. 13.

The woman pictured used the victim’s information to withdraw money from a Bank of America on Sept. 24.

Anyone who recognizes the woman should call Boynton Beach Detective Mike Vail at 561-742-6159, or Sgt. Frank Ranzie at 561-742-6132.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

The city of Boynton Beach Recreation and Parks Department is trying to do more than just offer recreational activities to the community throughout the year, but also assist needy families during the holidays.

Nicole Cangelosi, Recreation and Parks Department spokeswoman, said the Ezell Hester Jr. Community Center, 1901 N. Seacrest Blvd., would offer a Thanksgiving Food Drive to residents who lack enough food to prepare a festive Thanksgiving Day meal for their families.

She said the department is seeking donations of all kinds from the community with the intent of making everyone’s holiday experience a memorable one.

The Hester Center will initiate its push for donated goods for the food drive starting Oct. 27.

For information concerning the food drive, call Tyrone Andrews at 561-742-6550.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Children age 14 and younger are invited to the Boynton Beach Mall’s annual Halloween Costume Party and sweets stroll from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

The indoor activities at the mall, 801 N. Congress Ave., will offer free trick-or-treating and a party at Super Star Kids featuring face painting, music, photos of children in their costumes, games and prizes for best costumes.

The event is sponsored by the Boynton Beach Mall, which is owned by the Simon Property Group Inc.

The trick-or-treating in the mall is free and the Super Star Kids party is $5 per child.

For information, call 561-736-1083 or 561-736-7902.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

In one month the Christa McAuliffe Middle School's Animal Rescue Club raised $3,900 for the Paws for Pups Fundraiser.

The group is currently researching and locating specific cats or dogs that need special surgeries to help save their lives so they can eventually find a home and get a second chance at life.

Math teacher Dana Silbersweig said the club raised more than $2,300 during a similar fundraiser called Dollars For Dogs last year.

This year's total almost doubles last year's amount donated.

Silbersweig said donations would go to the animal rescue shelters and organizations to help homeless cats and dogs.

The fundraiser ran through Oct. 17.

For information, call 561- 374-6600.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Boynton Beach Police are investigating a possible homicide of a woman missing for the past two days.
A 56-year-old Boynton Beach woman was found dead in the back seat of her BMW behind a business at 2300 S. Congress Ave. Thursday night.
Jessica Kalish had failed to show up for work and a doctor’s appointment Thursday and was reported missing by her roommate.
Boynton Beach Police Department spokeswoman Stephanie Slater said police are not releasing the cause of death but are treating the case as homicide.
She was last seen Wednesday night by her roommate going to LA Fitness at 2290 N. Congress Ave. She was driving a 2002 gray BMW.
Slater said on Thursday morning her keys and wallet were found behind a business at 548 E. Gateway Blvd.
A woman called the police around 11 p.m. Thursday to say she had just watched the news and recognized the missing woman’s car. It was parked behind her job at the Boynton Beach Open Imaging Center, 2300 S. Congress Ave.
When police arrived, Kalish was dead in the back seat.
Anyone with information is urged to call 1st Sgt. Paul Sheridan at 561-742-6133 or Detective Jason Llopis at 562-742-6144.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

The second season of the Ocean Avenue Green Market gets under way from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 1 and will run Saturdays through May.

Cindyann Held, case manager for the Community Caring Center, said the market is located at 129 E. Ocean Ave. on the grounds of the Children's Schoolhouse Museum.


“This market not only benefits making our community [better] with healthier food but gives 
back to the community too, by way of fresh pantry items,” she said.

She said the market also 
gives the notoriety to its business incubator clients and all the 
vendors that are local business owners.

Bringing a community 
together is what the market is all about, Held said.

The Green Market has openings to assist a limited number of start-up businesses and has a commercial kitchen that can be used to assist those cooks and bakers as part of its newly formed business incubator program.

The theme for the Green Market is a celebration of the rich cultural diversity of Boynton Beach and Creating a Healthier Community.

If interested in participating this season in the Green Market or looking to become a business incubator client, call 561-752-8598.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Two Boynton Beach police officers took the next step in their careers last week.

The promotion of Sgt. David Wier to the rank of lieutenant and Officer Mike Johnson to the rank of sergeant was announced Oct. 21 by Boynton Beach Police Chief Matthew Immler.

Wier, 40, is a 16-year veteran of the police department and commander of the SWAT team.

“I’ve had a fantastic career here and have been lucky enough to do everything this place has to offer,” Wier said.

Stephanie Slater, spokeswoman for the Boynton Police Department, said Wier was promoted to sergeant in 2002 and has spent the past six years supervising officers working road patrol.

Wier is a former member of the department’s vice narcotic unit and was assigned to the DEA’s task force in West Palm Beach, Slater said.

As a member of the SWAT team since 1993, Wier has received several unit medals, including an award in 2007 for the apprehension of a barricaded suicidal man who attempted to abduct a woman and then burglarized an apartment.

“With SWAT, you get to see the craziest things society has to offer,” Wier said. “SWAT is definitely one of the best parts of my job.”

Wier was also nominated for Officer of the Year in 2007. He is currently working on a bachelor’s degree from Barry University.

Mike Johnson, 32, was hired by the Boynton Beach Police Department in August 2005.

Slater said Johnson spent the past two years as a member of the department’s Community Action Team, where he worked to dismantle dog-fighting rings, crack houses and close down a massage parlor where prostitution and narcotics were being sold.

Johnson was nominated for Officer of the Year in 2007 due to his generating 21 search warrants that resulted in 78 arrests, as well as the seizure of $22,000 in cash, 15 vehicles and 12 guns.

Johnson is set to graduate with honors in December with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Florida Atlantic University.

He is then set to work on a master’s degree in public administration.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Bethesda Memorial Hospital, 2815 S. Seacrest Blvd., along with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office will be collecting expired and unused medication at the 12th annual Senior Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29.

Kiswana Russell, hospital spokeswoman, said Senior Fest would take place at Bethesda Health City, 10301 Hagen Ranch Road.

She said attendees could bring expired medication to the sheriff’s bus that will be located outside of Entrance B at Senior Fest.

Russell said there is complete amnesty for all donations and no questions would be asked. Special drug enforcement agents will also be available to answer questions.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office established the initiative to increase awareness of the dangers associated with taking expired medication.

Russell said it is predicted that many lives can be saved when expired medications are discarded or no longer used.

For information, call 561-737-7733, ext. 4405.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

The local library is eliminating some fines if residents bring in food for the less fortunate.

The Boynton Beach City Library, 208 S. Seacrest Blvd., is sponsoring “Food for Fines” and a food drive during the month of November.

Collection will continue through Nov. 29.

Karen Abramson, library spokeswoman, said $1 in fines could be removed from a resident’s library account with the donation of one nonperishable food item.

She said even library visitors without fines are also being asked to donate nonperishable food to allow the library to help feed the needy, hungry and homeless.

Needed items include baby food, baby formula, diapers, water, juice, juice boxes, cereal, soup, canned meats, canned pasta meals and pasta.

Abramson said all food collected would benefit the Boynton Beach Community Caring Center.

The Community Caring Center was organized by the Boynton Beach Ministerial Alliance in 1987 to serve the needs of the community in a coordinated, compassionate and communicative manner.

All residents of Boynton Beach and surrounding areas are encouraged to stop by the Boynton Beach City Library and drop off a food donation.

For information, call 561-742-6390.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Wayne Segal, spokesman for the city of Boynton Beach, said a city has to be green to grow, and that Boynton Beach would demonstrate that one way to be green is by being “Wise on Water.”

Boynton Beach is having a free public fair, “Wise on Water,” from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 1 in the 100 block of East Ocean Avenue.

The event, taking place in conjunction with the opening of the city’s green market, will feature experts in the field who will offer rain barrel demonstrations, irrigation demonstrations, and water conservation and gardening workshops.

There will be rain barrel, prize giveaways and a chance to win an original piece of ECO artwork by local artist Sheri Tengbergen.

For information, call 561-742-6350.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

The Boynton Beach City Library, 208 S. Seacrest Blvd., is once again partnering with the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum, 129 E. Ocean Ave., and NASA-certified instructor, Erich Landstrom, to present this month’s portion of the museum’s astronomy program from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 5.

At 7 p.m. the program starts at the library with Landstrom telling stories of the science of stars and constellations followed by crafts for children ages 7 to 12.

At 8 p.m., participants will walk across the street to the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum for telescope viewing.

Karen Abramson, library spokeswoman, said children younger than 13 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or chaperone at all times while in the library.

For information, call the library at 561-742-6390.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Pyramid Books in Boynton Beach will be having a book signing Nov. 17 with Sister Souljah. Sister Souljah will be signing her latest book, “Midnight: A Gangster Love Story” and taking questions and answers from the audience on racially motivated crimes, police brutality and the education of urban youth.
“Born in Bronx, New York, raised in the projects, Sister Souljah is a fighter who came up from the bottom,” said Pyramid Books director Akbar Watson.
“I hope anyone in Boynton Beach and Delray Beach interested in these issues will come to this event.”
The free event starts at 6 p.m. at Pyramid Books, 544-2 Gateway Blvd. Boynton Beach.

If you wish to have your books autographed by the author, you may purchase them in advance at Pyramid Books, online at www.pyramidbooks.net or at the November event. Pyramid Books can be reached at 561-731-4422 or by e-mail at pyramidbks@aol.com

-David DiPino

The Boynton Beach Mall, 801 N. Congress Ave., has added several new stores and has had renovations and expansions of many of its current tenants. It has also brought back the children’s carousel.

New stores include New York & Co., the women’s clothes and accessories retailer; Slender Image, a specialty custom-fit undergarments retailer; Glamour Shots, the photography company and 7th Inning Stretch, a sports memorabilia and clothing store.

Other new stores include Framed Art and Mirror Depot, an art print, framer and decorative accessories space; RIO, a women’s clothing store; Superstar Kids, a children's fantasy dress-up store; Kidsco, a children’s clothing store; Gorilla Games, an electronic video games retailer; and Brow Art23, a beauty, eyebrow shaping and henna tattoo store.

Mr. Pretzel also recently joined the mall, and both Cinnabon and Dippin’ Dots are expected to open soon.

Several other retailers have also renovated and expanded their stores at the mall.
Tenants Victoria’s Secret, Perfumania, Journeys, Gamestop and Flamers Restaurant have recently remodeled.

In addition, Cigar Hut, Stephy’s, a women’s clothing store; and the Perfume Collection all relocated and remodeled their spaces.

Many food court vendors and restaurants have also undergone interior design changes, including Mrs. Fields, Chick Fil-A, Kelly's Cajun Grill, Bavarian Colony and Ruby Tuesdays.

Mick Grosh, Boynton Beach Mall manager, said the new additions would strengthen the mall’s community presence.

Grosh also said the mall is committed to providing shoppers with a diverse mix of retail.
The Learsí Carousel ride has returned to the mall for the first time since Oct. 2007. The musical Merry-Go-Round stands 20 feet high with a variety of gilded animals to ride.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

The city of Boynton Beach Recreation and Parks Department is seeking to establish a Wheel Chair Tennis Program that will take place at the Boynton Beach Tennis Center, 3111 S. Congress Ave.

Nicole Cangelosi, Recreation and Parks Department spokeswoman, said the program is tentatively set to begin in February, but the exact start date and program schedule have not yet been determined.

Cangelosi said the department is currently looking for a group of interested athletes who are looking to participate in the program for at least one day or evening per week.

The Pro Shop is accepting names, phone numbers and addresses for all athletes who wish to form a league or come to play tennis.

For information concerning the program, call Todd Johnson at 561 742-6230.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

The Banana Boat restaurant, 739 E. Ocean Ave., is celebrating its 30th anniversary in November, with festivities beginning Nov. 6 and running through Nov. 9.

Luke Therien, the restaurant's co-owner, said Banana Boat decided to give 30 percent off the entire check for food and liquor during the event.

“The theme of the celebration is giving back to our customers, especially with the recession and the tough economic times we are going through,” he said.

Therien said the weekend would include food specials including live Maine Lobsters and prime rib, plus extra drinks added to the regular menu.

In addition, he said live music, entertainers and magicians would be part of the weekend’s event.

“We will also have giveaways and little gifts, along with some tastings of food and drinks,” Therien said.

He said part of the celebration would focus on how things have changed throughout the past 30 years when his family opened to restaurant in 1978.

“Boynton has changed in the past 30 years from a small sleepy town to a large tourist destination,” he said. “With that, the restaurant has changed too.”

The Banana Boat was originally decorated with fishnets and numerous nautical artifacts.

In 2000, the Banana Boat underwent a multimillion dollar renovation to coincide with construction of a new bridge and a changing downtown. During that time, the state demolished its old 1935 Ocean Avenue Bridge and replaced it with a much bigger bridge right next to Banana Boat.

Therien said it is estimated that more than 10 million customers have visited Banana Boat, and more than 6,500 employees have worked there since its opening Nov. 6, 1978.

For information on Banana Boat’s anniversary celebration, call the restaurant at 561-732-9400.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Manatee Elementary School, 7001 Charleston Shores Blvd., had a coin drive and raised more than $5,000 to benefit Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, a Boynton Beach-based nonprofit that sends monthly care packages to soldiers overseas.

Karen Folino, PTA vice president of fundraising spearheaded a project, “A Little Change Goes A Long Way,” during the week of Oct. 20 to 24. Each class received a gallon jug to decorate for the coin collection.

During the week, students donated pennies on Monday, nickels on Tuesday, dimes on Wednesday, quarters on Thursday and dollars on Friday. There was a competition between grade levels.

The money raised is enough to send more than 250 soldiers care packages.

Lynelle Chauncey Zelnar, executive director and founder of Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, said it was an honor to be a recipient of such a creative fundraiser.

She said the students understand and realize how important it is to send the care packages to troops.

In addition, the care packages sponsored by Manatee Elementary School will have a T-shirt will that will have a digitally transferred image of a student’s artwork about the appreciation they feel toward the soldiers.

For information about Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, call 561-369-2933.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Breast cancer survivors will model at a fashion show 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at Bethesda Health City located on Hagen Ranch Road in Boynton Beach.

Babies through age 5 are invited to participate in the Boynton Beach City Library’s Halloween Costume Parade followed by “spooky” Halloween stories from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the library, 208 S Seacrest Blvd.

In addition, the library is having a costume party for children in kindergarten through grade 5 followed by “spooky” Halloween stories from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 30.

Karen Abramson, library spokeswoman, said children younger than age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent at all times while in the Library.

For information, call the library at 561-742-6390.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

With the recent economic downtown the country is facing many voters have been forced to reflect and analyze their voting preferences.

Some of this reflection has brought about change. Change in which candidate voters are willing to elect and the willingness to look beyond partisan labels.

A growing group of staunch Republicans have begun to cast their ballot for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama. The group has taken the name “Republicans for Obama.”

“There is an increasing number of Republicans voting for Obama,” said Daniel Rubin, spokesman for Obama for America. “Some of these people for Obama voted for Bush twice in past elections.”

Scott Monroe, a Delray Beach teacher and lifelong Republican, changed his party affiliation to Democrat just to vote for Obama in the primary.

He only changed his affiliation to vote for Obama and plans to change it back to Republican after the election is completed.

“I just don’t like the way things are,” Monroe said. “I don’t’ like the current fiscal policy or the social issues that did not get accomplished.”

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

Read more about this story in the Nov. 5 issue of the Boynton Forum.

Early voting hours for the 2008 election have been extended at the Boynton Beach City Library, 208 S. Seacrest Blvd., an early voting site.
The new hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Early voting ends Nov. 2.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.