The theme for the new Mexican restaurant Las Gaoneras, 1701 N. Congress Ave., is authentic bullfighting.
The owner Marco Rengal said along with the theme, the signature dish is the Gaonera Plate with six pieces of pounded tenderloin. The six pieces represent the six bulls in a bullfight.
"Sometimes there are eight bulls, but usually just six in each fight," he said.
On top of the tenderloin are homemade tortillas, which also represent he capes of the bullfighters.
“We want to bring real authentic Mexican food to Boynton Beach,” Rengal said. “Plus there is no Mexican restaurant in the area other than in maybe Lantana or Delray Beach.”
Read more about this story in the Dec. 3 issue of the Boynton Forum.
Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

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The Boynton Beach Police Department is looking for the public’s help in identifying a man who used counterfeit $100 bills to buy $600 worth of money orders from a 7-Eleven at 744 E. Boynton Beach Blvd. on Sept. 25.

Stephanie Slater, department spokeswoman, said the man returned the same day and tried to buy $600 worth of more money orders but was denied.

Anyone who has information on who the man is should call Boynton Beach Detective Michael Vail at 561-742-6159 or Sgt. Frank Ranzie at 561-742-6132.

Tips can also be submitted through www.bbpd.org.

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

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The Boynton Beach Police Department is looking for help in identifying a man who robbed a Mobil store at 850 W Gateway Blvd. at 2:55 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 23.
Stephanie Slater, police department spokeswoman, said the man entered the store and told the clerk not to do anything stupid or he would shoot him.
He had the supposed gun underneath his sweatshirt but the clerk never actually saw the gun. The clerk gave the man cash.
Anyone who recognizes the man should call Boynton Beach Detective Jason Llopis at 561-742-6144 or Sgt. Paul Sheridan at 561-742-6133.

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

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Residents will have the chance to donate money to help a local hospital, in addition to sending a tribute to a loved one or lost loved one.
The Auxiliary at Bethesda Memorial Hospital is celebrating its 24th annual Season of Caring and Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Dec. 8 in the main lobby of Bethesda Memorial Hospital, 2815 S. Seacrest Blvd.
Kiswana Russell, spokeswoman for the hospital, said residents are invited to the official tree lighting and the free holiday program featuring the Park Vista Community High School Chorus. Following the program, refreshments will be served with special guests, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
Russell said a donation of $10 or more can be made in the name of a family member or friend. The donation can be in honor of or in memory of someone.
For information, call the Bethesda Auxiliary office at 561-737-7733, ext. 4467.
Read more about this story in the Dec. 3 issue of the Boynton Forum.

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

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Bethesda Memorial Hospital recently launched a new patient satisfaction initiative in July called “Afternoon Quiet Time,” observed daily between 3 and 5 p.m., which gives patients an opportunity to rest.
Kiswana Russell, hospital spokeswoman, said after a few months, Afternoon Quiet Time has received positive feedback from patients and employees.
Russell said during the quiet time, activities continue as usual, just with extra special attention to noise levels. Using lower voices, turning off televisions, and fixing squeaky wheels or rattling carts are some of the extra steps taken by employees. Many areas also dim the lights to help create an even more restful environment.
To help employees “see” the noise, a “Talk Light” travels to the nursing units to measure noise. Sensing the decibel level, the light changes like a traffic signal.
“Green” is quiet, “yellow” is an acceptable noise level and “red” means it is too loud.
Russell said studies have proven that recovery is inhibited when patients don’t get enough rest. Bethesda has seen a 15-point rise in patient satisfaction scores for noise when compared with the same period a year ago.

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

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Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Timothy McCarthy has ruled in favor of the city of Boynton Beach in a long pending lawsuit that challenged the city’s Fire Assessment Fee.
In rejecting the challenge brought by two property owners, the judge noted that assessments for fire-rescue services have been recognized for almost four decades in Florida.
Wayne Segal, city spokesman, said McCarthy ruled that the evidence and testimony during the three day non-jury trial in early October demonstrated that the City Commission followed a “deliberative legislative process,” which included hiring a consultant who recommended a fee structure based on special benefit to property and conducting several public hearings before the adoption of the fire assessment fee structure.
The plaintiffs sued Boynton in 2002 following adoption of the city’s initial fire assessment in 2001. They sought the refund of their fire assessment fee and alleged that the methodology for the fire assessment was flawed and that the fee had been levied illegally.
The court found all of the plaintiffs’ complaints to be without merit and found that the city followed the law that governs special assessments.
The fire assessment has raised more than $15 million since its inception. The funds are being used to pay a portion of costs for new fire stations and other fire protection services that are provided to residential, commercial and institution structures.
Segal said the fire fee has resulted in a greatly improved the level of fire protection services provided by the city’s Fire Department.

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Through the month of December, the Boynton Beach City Library, 208 S Seacrest Blvd., is having a food drive and toy collection.
Karen Abramson, library spokeswoman, said the library would collect nonperishable food items during the month and that all food collected would benefit the Boynton Beach Community Caring Center, a local nonprofit helping the homeless.
The collection is for the center to be able to continue to help feed the needy and hungry during the upcoming holidays.
The center’s food pantry is almost bare and needs to be replenished, especially during the recent economic woes throughout the country.
In addition, the library is a deposit point for the Toys-for-Tots program for needy children. The final date someone can drop off a wrapped toy is Dec. 12.

For information, call 561-742-6390.

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

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A three-month investigation into the illegal towing of at least 90 cars came to a conclusion last week with the arrest of three people on hundreds of felony charges.
Boynton Beach police executed a search warrant at Access Express Towing and Transport, 1330 W. Industrial Ave., #112.
Stephanie Slater, police department spokeswoman, said the company’s owners, Debra Corti, 48, and her son Leonard Corti, 30, were taken into custody.
Debra Corti’s daughter, Jessica Corti, 26, was also arrested. In addition, police seized three tow trucks and several vehicles. Police expect to make more arrests in the near future.
Slater said the investigation, dubbed Operation Access Denied, resulted in 390 felony charges and 120 misdemeanor charges. Each defendant is charged with 65 felonies to include 30 counts of grand theft auto, 30 counts of dealing in stolen property, scheme to defraud and cheating.
Each also faces 20 misdemeanor charges of failure to notify police of tow, refusing to release a vehicle, not answering the phone, not having a sign posted and holding a vehicle for over an hour.
The Boynton Beach Police Department Traffic Unit’s investigation revealed that Access Express Towing illegally towed 90 cars from a parking lot at 1105 and 1109 N. Federal Highway.
Without permission from the parking lot’s owner, the company posted two towing signs on the property. The company would then take down their tow signs, wait for people to park in the lot, steal their cars and then replace the tow signs.
Access Express Towing would charge between $55 and $335 for people to get their cars back. During the investigation, police witnessed Leonard Corti leave one of his cars in the parking lot prior to others parking there in a scheme to lead others to believe it was OK to park in the lot.
Of the 90 towed cars, police have located 30 victims.
Police are asking that anyone who had their car towed from the parking lot at North Federal Highway by Access Express Towing to call 561-742-6827.

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

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The Solid Waste Division has released the residential pickup schedule for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
There will be no pickup Nov. 27 because of the holiday, and there will be no makeup for the missed day.
Things get back to normal on Friday, Nov. 28.

For information, call the Public Works Department at 561-742-6200.

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For people that have information that could help police but are afraid to come forward, the Boynton Beach Police Department has a new way to send information privately through www.bbpd.org.
Stephanie Slater, department spokeswoman, said the confidential information is a new feature on the site that lets the public submit detailed crime information.
There is a form that allows people to enter specific crime information about suspects, cars and drug transactions.
Users can even upload a photo with the tip.
Slater said another feature allows police to contact the source via the Web, without anyone having to know.
The link is called confidential tip information on the department’s main Web site.

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

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An undercover Boynton Beach officer was in an AOL chatroom when approached by a person with the screen name Nbl69, who stated that he was 25 and lived in Colorado, police said Friday morning.
The man thought he was talking to a 15-year-old girl, which was the officer, and committed lewd acts and had a sexually explicit conversation over the Internet.
The man, Neil Bernard Larson, initiated a Web cam session with the officer who he thought was the girl and began to masturbate on the session.
Larson asked the officer for pictures of the girl and to call him.
Larson was eventually arrested by Jefferson County authorities on Thursday and is currently in the Jefferson County Jail in Golden, Colorado. He will eventually be extradited to Palm Beach County.
Larson charges include knowingly and unlawfully utilized a computer service to seduce, solicit or lure a person believed to be a child into sexual action or indecent exposure.

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The city of Boynton Beach and the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency are joining together for the 2008 Boynton Beach Holiday Extravaganza, which includes the annual Holiday Parade, tree lighting and concert with Jon Secada.
The event is set to take place all around downtown, starting at 5 p.m. Dec. 6.
April Majoy, the CRA's marketing and events assistant, said the evening kicks off with the parade at 5 p.m. along North Federal Highway, starting from Southeast 12th Avenue running to Ocean Avenue.
Kathy Biscuiti, special events director, said in the past few years they have been adding professional acts to the parade.
“We have unicyclists, stilt walkers and even professional clowns,” she said.
Next, a tree lighting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The tree is located between Seacrest Boulevard and Sotuheast First Street.
Finally, a free concert is set with Grammy Award winner Jon Secada, located along Ocean Avenue, between Seacrest Boulevard and Southeast First Street.
“Jon lives in Miami, so we are just trying to find something new every year and something that appeals to everyone,” Biscuiti said.
All events are free and open to the public.

For information, call 561-742-6246.

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

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The third Interfaith Thanksgiving Service is set to take place 7 p.m. Nov. 24 at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 900 N. Seacrest Blvd.

Praying together will be Rev. Renwick Bell of Church of Our Savior MCC; Rev. Lance Chaney of St. John Missionary Baptist Church; and Rabbi Anthony Fratello and Cantor Karen Braunstein of Temple Shaarei Shalom.

All three houses of worship are located in Boynton Beach and come together annually to bring different faiths together for the holidays

Braunstein will coordinate the choirs of St. John Missionary Baptist Church and dance praise teams. A youth choir will also open the program.
 
The Shofar Blowers of Temple Shaarei Shalom will sound the ram’s horn to begin the service. 
 
Worshipers are asked to bring offerings of canned or packaged food, or a monetary donation, which will be dedicated during the service and then donated to the Community Caring Center of Boynton Beach, an interfaith organization committed to serving the needs of families in crisis. 
 
For information, call St. John Missionary Baptist Church at 561-732-2377.

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

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The Boynton Beach Fire Department is once again having a firehouse pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Nov. 23 at Fire Station No. 3, 3501 N. Congress Ave., to benefit the Firefighter Benevolent Association’s charities, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The breakfast is $5 all you can eat, including eggs, orange juice, sausage and coffee. The event is $1 for children 10 and younger and free for children younger than 3.

Some other charities the association supports are the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The firefighters at the station will be preparing the breakfast and offering tours of the engines.

For information, call 561-742-6342.

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

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Alan Lissy, president of the Platina Philadelphians, is an avid Phillies and Eagles fan. He is also a huge fan of the Caridad Center and what they do for needy people in the community.
Lissy and the Philadelphians are having a fundraising luncheon and auction 12:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Platina Clubhouse, between Jog Road and Military Trail, off Boynton Beach Boulevard.

The entrance fee is $12.50, all of which will go toward the expansion plans for the Caridad Center.

At the event will be old-time Philadelphia foods, including cheese steaks, Tasty cakes, Italian ices and Philadelphia soft pretzels.

An auction is also planned, where guests bring a mystery wrapped gift of $5 to $10 to be sold.

“We have some of our members here that volunteer at the Caridad Center and try to help them out when we can,” Lissy said.

Lissy stressed that he and the other members do not care who comes or if they are from Philadelphia, just that people come out to help a good cause.

For information, call 561-734-3216.

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

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Through $25 donations from local residents, 75 children will have the chance to enjoy the holidays through a local church’s celebration.

Without the donations, the underprivileged children might not have anything positive to look forward to for the upcoming holidays.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 6, Faith United Methodist Church will have its second WinterFest 2008 Celebration.

Jennifer Davis, head of the church’s marketing department, said by donating $25 toward a “Snowflake Sponsorship,” church members and local philanthropists provided the free day at WinterFest for one child and his or her accompanying adult.

Davis said the “Snowflake Sponsorships” pay for a full day of carnival rides and games, as well as tickets for food.

WinterFest is an event that features tons of snow, in which children can play, carnival rides, games, Santa arriving on a fire truck, an appearance by Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, a silent auction, and crafts vendors, said Davis.

In addition, although the 75 children have already been selected for the sponsorships, the church is still accepting $25 “Snowflake Sponsorship” donations to accommodate them further.

WinterFest organizer Lori Wilson said she likes to look at the event as something that has more value than just a fun day for children.

Wilson said the event is fun for families but also is an outreach program to help children enjoy the holidays that might otherwise not enjoy them.

Those interested in providing a $25 sponsorship can call 561-738-1902.

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

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Boynton Beach author Janet DeVries, along with nine other authors, will be in Delray Beach at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 for the signing of the authors’ 14 books.

DeVries said the event is sponsored by Hand’s stationary store of Delray Beach, 325 E. Atlantic Ave., as a way for residents to buy personalized holidays gifts.

The event also coincides with Hand’s 75th anniversary on Atlantic Avenue.

Free entertainment will be directly across the street.

“Last time I was at a signing at this store, I sat at a table right out front and listened to music and mingled with many happy people,” DeVries said.

DeVries said she is honored to be a part of this showcase and would hope to see as much of the community out at the event as possible.

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

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The Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave., is once again having Writing Series programs to help residents write or tell their own stories, said Bonnie Stelzer, the library's director of community relations.

The first series will have Boynton Beach resident Josh Truxton and other members of the weekly Writer’s Studio in to present “Do U Wanna B A Riter?”

The event is set for 2 p.m. Dec. 9, in which Truxton will show ways to begin writing and how to write well, even for novices.

Next, the library has Delray Beach resident Roberta Handel in to present “Creating Writing Yesterday and Today.”

The program will take place 2 p.m. Dec. 17 and will discuss how memories of the past and documentation of the present provide material for creative writing.

Stelzer said there would be two brief writing exercises as well.

In addition, Boynton Beach professional writing coach and freelance journalist Dorothy Dworkin will present a memoir writers' program “Write Your Story – Write It Now” at 2 p.m. Jan. 21.
Dworkin is a columnist for the Boynton Forum.

Finally the library will have Delray Beach certified graphologist Lillika Weinberger present her program “Handwriting of the Famous & Infamous,” where residents learn what can and cannot be told about a person through analyzing their handwriting.

The final program is set for 2 p.m. Jan. 26.

Stelzer said the programs are free and open to everyone. Registration is not required.

For information, call 561-266-9490.

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

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The Bob Borovy Student Citizen of the Year Award was created in 2000 to recognize a graduating high school senior who best epitomizes the spirit of volunteerism and giving to the community as exemplified by the late Bob Borovy, said Nicole Cangelosi, Recreation and Parks Department spokeswoman.

Cangelosi said Borovy was an active Boynton Beach resident for many years, and the award named after him is for $1,000.

The winner will also have his or her name placed on a permanent plaque at City Hall, 100 E. Boynton Beach Blvd.

Criteria for the award is the recipient must be a graduating high school senior, resident of Boynton, nominated by three, non-relative adults, have performed significant volunteer work in the community and have submitted an essay of 100 to 300 words.

The application deadline is April 3.

Applications are available at City Hall or the Web site www.boynton-beach.org.
For information, call 561-742-6224.

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

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By Dave DiPino
The Delray Beach Sister Cities Student Exchange Program will be sending qualified students to Miyazu, Japan in June. Students in the program have been in training sessions for two years before their trip. Tony Durante, the director of discipleship at Trinity Lutheran Church & School in Delray Beach,
will once again travel to Japan with the students.
The students selected are Chelsea Brandt of Boynton Beach who attends American Heritage School; Sofia Ellingsworth of Delray Beach who attends Boca Raton High School; and Atlantic Community High School students: Matthew Feldman of Wellington; Matthew Kondziela of Boynton Beach; Jacqueline Lowell of Delray Beach; Danielle Trubow of Boca Raton and Bobby Weil of Boynton Beach.
Durante has taught regular weekly sessions and workshops with emphasis on Japanese culture, language, protocol, as well as sessions about city government.
He is also a native of Delray Beach who spent two years living and teaching in Japan as a Christian missionary. Durante speaks fluent Japanese.

For more information about the Student Exchange program call Tony Durante at 561-278-1737 or e-mail Tony Durante at tdurante@trinitydelray.org

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Although he said he does not remember it, Russ Faine said his mother always tells him that he wrote a report in third grade on how he wanted to become a police officer some day.

Boynton Beach Police Chief Matthew Immler announced the promotion of officer Russ Faine to the rank of sergeant, which took place Nov. 18.

Stephanie Slater, police department spokeswoman, said at the age of 26, Faine is the youngest sergeant in the department’s history.

Being the youngest to reach sergeant is an honor that Faine is not taking lightly.

“This means I have to work that much harder,” he said. “I have to make this promotion credible.”

The force hired him in May 2005 and he has spent the last year serving as the department’s homeland security officer.

He is also the department’s liaison to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Regional Domestic Security Task Force and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Read more about this story in the Nov. 26 issue of the Boynton Forum.

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

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The Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave., continues to present historical programs throughout the year, said Bonnie Stelzer, director of community relations for the library.

Stelzer said an upcoming event will take place at 2 p.m. Dec. 15, where a Wellington author, Roberta Sandler, will speak about her book “Secrets Behind Florida’s Monuments and Memorials.”

Sandler is an award-winning author and a member of the Society of American Travel Writers, who specializes in historic destinations and attractions. Books for purchase and autographs will be available.

Other events include a 2 p.m. Jan. 25 presentation with Delray Beach resident David Marcus, on a program called "The Frankfurt Jewish GI Council." After World War II, an organization of Jewish soldiers and civilians in Frankfurt was involved in support of thousands of Jewish displaced persons housed in a number of camps in the American zone of Germany. The program will present the untold story of the organization and will include unseen photographs of the council’s activities.
 


At 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28, Boynton Beach resident Ed Lewis will present the first part of a two-part series on the Civil War titled “Causes of the Civil War.”

Lewis has had a lifelong interest in the Civil War and is a member of the Palm Beach Civil War Roundtable. He writes book reviews and is a facilitator of the book club at the Norton Museum of Art.

The programs are free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

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

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Estelle Rosen, 68, has always wanted to learn Spanish. Now that she is trying at an advanced age, she finds the learning process more difficult.

The Boynton resident and grandmother of two said the best way to learn is at a young age. “Especially with learning languages,” she said.

This may soon be possible for her grandchildren.

Forest Park Elementary, 2501 Seacrest Blvd., had a dedication ceremony for its new 79,120-square-foot facility Nov. 13. The new facility is a modernization of the old Forest Park, built in 1956.

The school was brought up to standards to include playfields, parking, parent drop-off, pick-up and regular classrooms. The complete construction budget was more than $31 million.

Sharon Brannon, school principal, said the new facility would enhance the school’s international program and increase the quality of technology used by the students.

Forest Park Elementary has launched the three-year process of obtaining certification in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, a magnet program offering a comprehensive, inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning.

The program is based on a combination of research and practices, which includes the study of foreign language and cultures. Brannon said the program is based in Geneva and the center authorizes certain schools.

“We teach Spanish, but the basic concept of the school is being citizens of the world,” she said. “It is a broader culture of learning including teaching concepts not facts and taking risks.”

Brannon said the rebuild of the school took about one year. “We moved out in June 2007 and they demolished the old building,” Brannon said. “The district has a list of school building needing construction and we were on the top of that list.”

The completed facility was finished in August and serves grades kindergarten through fifth with a capacity of 700 students. This is an upgrade of 250 more students at the school.

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

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The Caridad Center Diabetes and Prevention, Education and Treatment Program is sponsoring a Health Fair, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 15.

The event will take place in the center's parking lot, 8645 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., said Anna Marie King, director of development for the center.

Free testing will be available for blood pressure, cholesterol, as well as HIV and blood glucose screenings.

Information will be available regarding breast care and self-examination, as well as other health concerns

Entertainment will be provided for the children, along with raffles throughout the morning.

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

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Boynton Beach Police on Wednesday arrested a 55-year-old man, Barry Lee Snyder, for e-mailing child pornography to an undercover detective.

Boynton Beach Police Special Victims Unit Detectives Charles Ramos and Astrel Labbe arrested the man after serving a search warrant on his Lakeland home.

Police spokeswoman Stephanie Slater said Snyder’s laptop computer contained more than 500 images of child pornography and numerous pornographic videos of children 3 to 16 years old.

Police said Snyder began chatting with an undercover Boynton Beach detective in a Yahoo chat room in August. Snyder believed he was chatting with the father of a young child.

Snyder was charged with possession and transmission of child pornography and is being held in the Polk County Jail.

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“The big thing is we have to remember.”

Tom Kaiser, 81, chairman of the Boynton Beach Veterans Council, stressed why the opening of the new Bicentennial Park, 411 N. Federal Highway, on Nov. 11 was so important.

Hundreds of people came out to the opening, where remembrance was the theme of the day.

The park has been completely redone, and Kaiser calls it a “little Arlington National Cemetery.” He is particularly proud of the new meditation area with four-foot-long granite benches.

"Joseph P. Milano, Navy Corpsman, Beirut Bombing, Oct. 23, 1983" is etched into one of the granite benches in remembrance. Milano, whose parents live in Boynton Beach, was one of 241 military personnel who were killed in 1983 when a truck loaded with explosives drove beneath a Marines barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, and brought the building crashing down.

“These people have given a tremendous price for our freedom,” Kaiser said. “And we need not forget them.”

Milano was honored on the 25th anniversary of the bombing during what Kaiser called the “crowning part” of the opening of the rebuilt park.

As many as 200 veterans, family members and local students gathered at the park on North Federal Highway to listen to thoughtful words from veterans and honor those who served in the nation's armed forces.

In the center of the park, stands an 11-foot-high monument commemorating veterans who have served in all United States armed forces. The monument weighs 20 tons.

The memorial, designed and constructed by Lake Worth Monument Co., was donated to the city of Boynton Beach by the Veterans Council at a cost of almost $35,000.

City spokesman Wayne Segal said the Veterans Council represents local lodges and chapters of various veterans’ organizations. Segal said the monument was originally unveiled in June.

“Now the city has added palm trees and a beautiful walkway,” Kaiser said. “It looks amazing.”

Kaiser said the council also sold more than 130 bricks with veterans’ names etched into them and has placed them within the park.

The reconstruction of the park has been taking place for almost a year.

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

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Boynton Beach Police need the public’s help in finding an 80-year-old man, Daniel McDyer, who suffers from dementia and high blood pressure.

Police spokeswoman Stephanie Slater said McDyer was last seen by his wife at 7 a.m. Nov. 12. McDyer's wife went back to sleep and woke up at 9 a.m. to find her husband gone.

The couple lives in the Sterling Village apartments.

It is believed McDyer, who is 5 feet 8, 175 pounds, drove off in the family’s beige 2000 Plymouth Voyager minivan.

Anyone with information should call Detective Toby Athol at 561-742-6152.

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

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The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is sponsoring the 2008 Boynton Beach and Delray Beach Holiday Boat Parade 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12.

The parade begins at the Boynton Beach Inlet and proceeds south to the C-15 Canal south of Delray Beach. Viewing areas are located throughout the Boynton Harbor Marina, near Two George’s Waterfront Grille.

Kathy Biscuiti, special events director for the CRA, said the parade is a long one because it includes both Delray and Boynton Beach.

“We are just so lucky to live on the water here and be able to have this type of parade for the holidays,” she said.

April Majoy, marketing and events assistant, said the event would bring more than 60 boats down the Intracoastal Waterway.

There will also be activities and a Toys-for-Tots Drive, helping ensure that every child has a toy for the holidays. U.S. Marines will be at the Boynton Harbor Marina during the parade collecting new, unwrapped toys for children in need.

Biscuiti said 2008 was the first year the CRA would be doing the toy drive.

“We are asking all business and locals to donate,” she said. “Hopefully this will turn into a big thing in the coming years.”

The event is free and open to the public.

For information, call 561-737-3256.

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

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A couple shopping plazas in Boynton Beach have added tenants or have been redeveloped just in time for the holidays.

Woolbright Development of Boca Raton announced it has signed multiple leases for tenants at the Shoppes at Woolbright and Sunshine Square plazas in Boynton Beach.

Pete Schlang, Woolbright’s director of leasing, said Boynton is a growing community with a high percentage of middle-class residents – the kind of residents who shop at the two plazas in which Woolbright invested.

At the Shoppes at Woolbright, 10815 S. Jog Road, the company has signed Hem Over Heels, a tailor offering clothing alterations, embroidery services and shoe repairs. Hem Over Heels leased 1,000 square feet.

The plaza also signed Rotelli’s, a full-service pizza and pasta restaurant offering dine-in and take-out service. Rotelli's has leased 2,500 square feet.

This 155,000-square-foot shopping center on the northwest corner of Jog Road and Woolbright Road will be anchored by Publix and is expected to open in late 2008, Schlang said.

“The Publix should be open by Christmastime,” Schlang said. “The other new stores will open the first quarter of 2009.”



Sunshine Square, 500 to 570 SE 15th Ave., has expanded the Salon Professional Academy, a beauty salon training academy, to 13,300 square feet and leased The Zoo Health Club, a gym and fitness facility, to 8,200 square feet.

Sunshine Square is a 147,000-square-foot center located on the southwest corner of North Federal Highway and Woolbright Road.

The center recently completed a renovation that includes fresh facades, a new paint scheme, tropical landscaping and a resealed parking lot.

“We completely renovated the land there and might partake in a phase two sometime down the road,” Schlang said. “East of Federal, there are high-income residents who like to come to that plaza and shop. It also doesn’t hurt that they are building 180 residential units north of Woolbright by the plaza.”

Bryan Wegman, who lives off Federal highway, south of Woolbright Road, said he was amazed at the difference in the plaza since the developer took over.

“It is like night and day,” he said. “A little over a year ago, this plaza looked horrid. Now it is one of my favorite places to come and shop.”

Based in Boca Raton, Woolbright specializes in the development and redevelopment of open-air shopping centers.

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

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The Sand Sifters, a local nonprofit beach cleanup group, is having a toy drive for the Community Caring Center of Boynton Beach along with the group’s usual monthly cleanup.

Gary Solomon, founder of the Sand Sifters, said he knows that the economy is bad but the children receiving the donated toys are in great need.

Solomon said any new packaged toys would suffice.

The cleanup is set for 8 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 6 at Oceanfront Park, 6415 N. Ocean Blvd.

For information, call 561-734-9128.

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

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The Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave., is presenting the work of two local photographers in its Second Floor Gallery from Nov. 13 through Jan. 5.

The exhibit will feature People, Places & Things by Ocean Ridge resident Joyce Bruck and Birds of Florida by Delray Beach resident Michael Rosenbaum. The photographs capture the world in vivid detail, said Bonnie Stelzer, director of community relations for the library.

Bruck has traveled to all seven continents and more than 95 countries. Her experiences are reflected in the diverse subject matter of her photos. Bruck will also present two Armchair Travel programs at the Delray Library, 2 p.m. Feb. 18 and March 3.

Rosenbaum, a library employee, has been photographing nature since 1999. In 2006, he made it his mission to document bird behavior and portray wildlife.

For information on this exhibit, call 561-266-9490.

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

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Through citizen advisory boards, the City Commission gains valuable information and insights that help commissioners make better decisions, said Wayne Segal, spokesman for the city of Boynton Beach.

Segal said the boards are a vital part of the governmental process and that by serving on one of them, a citizen can make a meaningful contribution to the quality of life in Boynton Beach.

The city is seeking people willing to share time and talents by serving on an advisory board.

Board members will help solve problems, strengthen the community, improve lives and connect to others.

For information, or to receive an application, call 561-742-6060 or visit www.boynton-beach.org.

The application deadline is Nov. 14.

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

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Life is Sweet, the third annual fashion show fundraiser sponsored by Bethesda Women’s Health Center, took place Nov. 8. Breast cancer survivors, escorted by Bethesda physicians, walked the runway as family and friends cheered them on in support of their battles against cancer.

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Holiday parade assistants are wanted to work with the City of Boynton Beach Recreation and Parks Department during the annual Holiday Parade on Dec. 6.
Parade assistants play a key role helping on parade day and working alongside parade staff to keep things running smoothly.
Assistants help direct people to their location, lead participants through the route and prevent spectators from moving into the street.

Janice Phillips, Civic Center supervisor, said a key rule is volunteers must be older than 18 and be sure they can commit. Walking is also an essential part of the position.
“What we are looking for is people who don’t mind walking to walk with the units,” she said. “It is really to make sure there are not a lot of gaps in between them.”
She also said volunteers would sure up the parade and make sure everything was running smoothly.
Parade assistants are required to attend one information session, and must be present on parade day from 3 to 7 p.m.
A training meeting this month will take place in advance of the parade. On parade day, parade assistants will be provided with an afternoon snack and refreshments.

To sign up, call Janice Phillips at 561-742-6243.

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

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The Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group is having its monthly mixer from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Banana Boat, 739 E. Ocean Ave.

Katie Smith, event organizer, said in addition to an evening of networking, the group is having a canned-food drive to support the Community Caring Center of Boynton Beach.

Anyone who wants to help can by bringing a nonperishable Thanksgiving Day Feast item to the mixer.

The event is $5 for chamber members and $10 non-members.

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

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Recently completed Fire Station No. 44, 6670 Flavor Pict Road, had its grand opening Oct. 31.

Capt. Don Delucia of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue said the building took about one year to build, which is standard, and cost, with land, about $2.7 million.

Station No. 44 will be responding to a projected call load of 2,200 calls per year and will reduce the workload of three other fire stations that have previously been covering the area.

Delucia said the three other stations No. 44 would help include, 41, 42 and 47, all located throughout West Boynton.

“This station just makes the fire department more accessible to the community,” Delucia said. “It is now in their backyard.”

The station is equipped with a standard three personnel includng a lieutenant, paramedic and a driver. The station also has a fire engine and rescue truck.

“Depending on the call they take, then they will take the proper engine or truck,” Delucia said.

The average response time to calls within the station’s response zone will now be reduced about a minute and a half from what they were from other stations in the area.

West Boynton resident Carol Granger said the reduced time to a response is what helps her sleep better at night.

“I know if something happens to me, I won’t be waiting forever for someone to come and help,” she said.

For information about the new station, call Capt. Don DeLucia at 561-616-7077.

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

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The Internal Revenue Service, United Way of Palm Beach County, and 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast are partnering to reach more than 4,000 local taxpayers and residents whose economic stimulus checks or regular refunds checks were returned to the IRS by the U.S. Postal Service due to mailing address errors.

Dianne Laubert, United Way spokeswoman, said the checks total about $4 million, and should belong to residents of Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties.

If someone is missing their check, they must update their address with the IRS. Once the address has been updated, the IRS will send the check to the new address.

Laubert said time is short for those who are missing their economic stimulus checks.

Addresses for those expecting an economic stimulus check must be updated with the IRS by Nov. 28, so that these checks can be reissued by Dec. 31. Taxpayers expecting regular refunds have more time to claim their refund but also must contact the IRS to update their address.

To assist taxpayers, the IRS and United Way of Palm Beach County are conducting a special outreach campaign to let the public know about these returned checks. In addition, United Way of Palm Beach County and 211 are providing assistance and instructions about updating address records.

There are three ways for taxpayers to update their information.

First, people can update address information through the IRS’s Web site at www.irs.gov. Click on “Claim Your Undelivered Tax Refund or Stimulus Check” and then follow the instructions given. Taxpayers without Internet access can call 1-800-234-2942.

Second, people can call 211, the information and referral line for the community. The IRS has provided 211 with a list of local residents whose check was returned to the IRS. 211 can verify if someone’s name is on the list, and provide further instruction about updating one’s address. Residents can call 211, or 561-383-1111. This is a free call.
Residents can also get help through the United Way of Palm Beach County, which will provide assistance on the following designated dates and times at its Prosperity Centers.

The United Way Delray Beach Prosperity Center is located at 141 SW 12th Ave. and can be reached at 561-243-7633. The United Way West Palm Beach Prosperity Center and Pleasant City Multi-Cultural Center is located at 501 21st St. and can be reached at 561-655-7581.

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

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The Palm Beach County Community Food Alliance is accepting donations for CBS 12’s Project Thanksgiving, a program that provides Winn-Dixie gift certificates for holiday meals to families in need living in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties.

A contribution of $10 or more will provide a holiday meal to one local family.

Administrative support is provided by United Way of Palm Beach County, 2600 Quantum Blvd., in Boynton Beach and the Palm Beach County Community Food Alliance, said Dianne Laubert, United Way of Palm Beach County spokeswoman.

Laubert said last year, with donations from the community and corporate sponsors, more than $134,711 was raised to assist families who might otherwise not have been able to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.

Alex Stevens, director of the Palm Beach County Community Food Alliance, said it is especially difficult for food insecure families during the holidays.

Donations can be made through United Way of Palm Beach County’s online donation page at www.unitedwaypbc.org, or by sending a check payable to United Way of PBC/Project Thanksgiving to:

Project Thanksgiving
C/O United Way
PO Box 20809
West Palm Beach, FL 33416

In addition, customers can make donations at any Winn-Dixie and Wachovia locations.

For information, call 561-375-6600.

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

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The JCC of the Greater Palm Beaches Annual Book Festival features two Book Festival luncheons this season.
The first luncheon is presented by the JCC Hochman Branch, 8500 Jog Road, with former Vermont Gov. Madeleine Kunin (D) as keynote speaker. She was governor from 1985 to 1991.
The luncheon is at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 18 at The Bonefish Grill, 9897 Lake Worth Road.
Tickets are $45 for JCC members and $55 for nonmembers. A $100 sponsorship ticket includes a personalized autographed copy of the book.
Kunin, 75, was the first Jewish woman to be elected governor of any state, and the first women to be elected governor for three terms.
“She was part of the author group recommended to us by the Jewish Book Council in New York,” said Edith Steindler, the event's chairwoman. “She seemed perfect for our democracy here in Boynton Beach.”
Steindler said she has gotten rave reviews from other organizations that have had Kunin speak at their events..
“Also her book is wonderful for young women of today,” she said.
Kunin was born in Switzerland and came to the U.S. in 1940 when her family fled Europe. She also served in the Clinton Administration as Deputy Secretary of Education, and as Ambassador to Switzerland from 1996 to 1999, where she played a role in the return of Jewish banking assets to Holocaust survivors and their heirs.
Her new book, “Pearls, Politics, and Power: How Women Can Win and Lead,” is what she described as a political call to action for women to assume their rightful places in the nation’s corridors of power.
For reservations, call 561-736-4752.

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

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The Santaluces Marching Chiefs will have its annual marching band competition, the Santaluces Invitational 2008, from 3 to 10 p.m. Nov. 8 at Santaluces High School, 6880 Lawrence Road.
More than 25 marching bands from around the state are set to compete in the event. The Marching Chiefs do not compete in its own competition, said Adam Fiveson of the Santaluces Marching Chiefs Parents’ Association.
Awards will be given out to other bands in music execution, outstanding drum majors, color guard, drum line and brass. The final round of competition is set for 6 p.m. as the largest of the bands compete for the title of Grand Champion.
Tickets for spectators will be available at the gate throughout the day for $10, and $7 for seniors and students, with admission good for the entire day.
Part of the competition will include a ceremony for local veterans in recognition of Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11.
The Santaluces Marching Chiefs are two-time Florida Marching Band Championships Class 4A State Champions, two-time FMBC State runners-up and have been an FMBC State Finalist every year since they began attending in 2002.
The Marching Chiefs have received a superior rating at FBA District Marching Band MPAs for the past 25 consecutive years and are in need of fundraising for upcoming events including state competition.
“Superior rating is the top ranking you can receive,” Fiveson said. “Lots of the kids can’t afford their share of the funds but our job is to help the kids not have to worry about that.”
Fiveson said the annual budget could run about $150,000.
“The best thing I can say about our kids is that they win or lose with such grace,” he said.
For information about the Invitational, call Adam Fiveson of the Santaluces Marching Chiefs Parents’ Association at 561-432-9959.

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

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The Armchair Travel Series is a way for residents to learn about far away places without the expensive costs of traveling.

The Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave., is starting the series again in December and January, with Boynton Beach guest Harald Richter.

Richter, who was born in Berlin and has traveled extensively throughout the world, will speak at 2 p.m. Dec. 2.

He worked for three years as a special ophthalmic photographer at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He brings a different perspective to his travel adventures. 

He is also set to share many of the photographs from his travels.

Another Boynton Beach guest, 
Eleanore Mann, is set to present a program “Northern Mexico & Copper Canyon” at 2 p.m. Jan. 6.

Mann has traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia, and South America and will share her travel experiences with the audience. 

Richter returns 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20 with a trip to Greece, figuratively.

Bonnie Stelzer, the library's director of community relations, said people always enjoy when Richter and Mann come to the library and share their experiences.

“They are both very interesting and have traveled the world,” she said. “This program is a way for people to travel without leaving their chairs.”

The programs are free and open to everyone. Registration is not required.

For information, call 561-266-9490.

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

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Shannon Ludlow (seated), Kevin Ludlow (left) and Kevin Rao campaign for Adam Hasner in Delray Beach.

The Ludlow brothers have been at the voting precinct at 188 S. Swinton Ave. since 7 a.m. Shannon, 30, and Kevin, 28, both Boynton Beach residents, plan to campaign for Adam Hasner until 7 p.m. tonight. Adam Hasner is a state representative vying for re-election to the Florida House District 87.
“I believe in his message of helping people with homeowners insurance,” Shannon Ludlow said.
The Ludlows are just a few of 100 volunteers working with the Adam Hasner campaign.
Kevin Rao, 39, a Deerfield Beach resident, joined the Ludlow brothers at 1 p.m. with his sign in hand. Rao, a Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue firefighter and member of Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County Local 2928, said Hasner’s views on public safety made him want to come out and support with volunteerism on Election Day.
“We’ve been doing a lot of work with Adam Hasner. He’s very supportive of Public Safety,” Rao said.

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Chris Marsh of Lake Worth; Brett Johnson and Jeff Sullivan, both of Royal Palm Beach, enjoy their free chicken tender meal at Shane's Rib Shack they received for voting in today's election.

By NADIA SOROCKA
Throughout the western communities voters were rewarded for voting with free food and beverages. Shane's Rib Shack gave away free chicken tender meals, which include three chicken tenders, fries and a drink, to the first 300 customers with voter stickers at both the Royal Palm Beach, 11051 Southern Blvd., and Boynton Beach, 950 N. Congress Ave., locations.

Shane's Rib Shack owner Jerry Oxenberg said the giveaway brought in a new crowd to the restaurant.
"We have been busy today; free is popular now," said Oxenberg.
"It was a good meal," said Bob Slater who was working in the area and had heard of the giveaway and decided to come in.

Starbuck's Coffee offered a tall brewed coffee to customers who came in and said they had voted. The influx of voters getting free coffees made the environment of the Starbucks in Wellington political as people discussed who they had voted for both inside and outside the coffee shop.

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Jean Philippe Labbe, a Boynton Beach resident, makes a campaign sign at the Obama campaign office in Delray Beach.

By DAVID DiPINO
Jean Philippe Labbe, a Boynton Beach resident, came to the Barack Obama office early Election Day morning with the purpose of handcrafting a homemade Barack Obama sign.

He said he came to the office to construct the sign.

“I came here used some tape… taped Obama’s face on one side and a Obama/Biden campaign sign on the other,” Labbe said.

Ten minutes later Labbe was ready to hit the streets with sign in hand.

“I’m going to downtown Delray Beach,” he said.

“I’m going to do my own campaigning down Atlantic Avenue.”

Jean Philippe Labbe, a Boynton Beach resident, gets serious with the staples on his Obama campaign sign.

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Boynton Beach police need help in identifying a man who robbed an Advance America cash advance store at gunpoint the morning of Nov. 3.

Stephanie Slater, spokeswoman for the police department, said the man was armed with a black revolver and went into the store just after 10 a.m. He then covered his face with a stocking and forced an employee to open the safe.

Slater said he was in his mid 20s to 30s wearing a blue shirt, white shorts, and had short hair with a mustache.

Police have reason to think he is the same man involved with other Advance America store robberies in Margate.

Anyone with information should call Boynton Beach Detective Alex Moreno at 561-742-6138 or Sgt. Paul Sheridan at 561-742-6133.

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

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The Visiting Nurse Association of Florida is partnering with Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc. for a “Support our Troops” collection drive during the VNA Air Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 8 and 9 at Witham Air Field, 1871 SE Airport Road, in Stuart.

Air show attendees can support troops by bringing items, including foil-packed tuna or chicken, male deodorant, small hand sanitizers, boxes of single serving flavored drink packets, travel pack baby wipes, beef jerky, sunflower seeds and peanut butter.

Donations can also be dropped of at the VNA of Florida home office in Stuart, 2400 SE Monterey Road.

With the current economy and the holidays approaching, Lynelle Chauncey Zelnar, executive director and founder of Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, said the timing of the air show could not be better.

Forgotten Soldiers send monthly care packages to soldier serving overseas.

For information on Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc visit http://www.forgottensoldiers.org.

Established in 1976, the VNA of Florida is a nonprofit, community-based healthcare agency offering complete home health services including skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutritional counseling, medical social work and home health aides.

For information about the VNA Air Show, or to sign up for any of the involvement opportunities, visit the Web site at www.vnaairshow.com or call 772-286-1844.

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

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The Schoolhouse Children’s Museum, 129 E. Ocean Ave., is inviting community members to adopt a plot in its annual garden project beginning this month and plant their own vegetables, herbs and flowers

Kelsey Harris, the museum's director of operations, said lots are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

She said the museum would provide all the necessary items including dirt, tools and seeds. Sponsored by Hunter’s Run, the garden is an opportunity for families to plant and grow together.

The garden project began as an opportunity for children and families visiting the museum to learn how Boynton Beach’s first settlers farmed the land.

Harris said today 25 percent of the nation’s bell peppers are grown in Palm Beach County, which shows how important agriculture is in the area.

With support from Hunter’s Run, the museum this year is inviting families to plant a plot and grow together. One plot within the garden will be dedicated to demonstrating pioneer techniques, and the rest will be reserved by residents to plant and harvest.

To reserve a plot, call 561-742-6785.

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

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