Gerda Klein lost her son, David, three years ago to suicide after he had been dealing with bipolar disorder.

“Who knows perhaps 20 years ago if my son had been given the proper testing or screening as a teen, maybe things could have turned out different,” Klein said.

After her son’s death, Klein said she was prompted to act. She started taking classes “Breaking the Silence” at Boca Raton’s Promise, which helps to break the stigma of mental illness and help children deal with it.

“The classes help to enable young people and break the stigma of mental illness so they can come out and get help,” she said.

Klein met Lorraine Michaelis through the classes and the two decided Boynton Beach was the area for which they wanted to focus their help.

“We want to identify and educate young and old about teen depression,” she said.

One in eight adolescents may suffer from depression. Of all the teens struggling with mental and emotional behavior problems, seventy percent go without any sort of intervention or treatment.

The Boynton Beach Mental Health Initiative, Michaelis and Klein’s Boynton creation, invites the community to attend a special educational program, “Let’s Talk About Teen Depression”, 10 a.m. to noon July 18 at the Boynton Beach City Library, 208 S. Seacrest Blvd.

The event at the library will be the first that BBMHI will put on, but Klein said she has gotten enthusiastic feedback from the community.

Read more about this story in the July 8 issue of the Boynton Forum.

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

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Rothman Family Chiropractic, 1871 W. Woolbright Road, is celebrating its 11th anniversary with a “Christmas in July School Supply Fundraiser,” benefiting The Caridad Center, to begin July 1 and continue throughout the entire month.

Nicole Rothman will be offering a complete initial evaluation for $11 all month long for all new patients in exchange for three new school supply items.

This visit is typically valued up to $275, Rothman said.

In addition to the discount, Rothman said on July 15, she would be offering free chiropractic adjustments to people of any age who live in the local community in exchange for five new school supply items or an $11 donation.

Rothman said the Caridad Center is in desperate need of school supplies for the upcoming school year.

Residents can also drop off donations from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1871 W. Woolbright Road.

The Caridad Center, 8645 W Boynton Beach Blvd., provides free medical and dental care to a large population of agricultural workers, laborers and the working poor of Palm Beach County through volunteer work. The center also provides school supplies to children who cannot otherwise afford them.

Megan Doney, special events director for the Caridad, said Rothman Chiropractic did all the research and found the center on its own.

“We really need the help, especially this year,” she said. “Our waiting rooms are full and our social services line grows every day.”

Read more about this story in the July 8 issue of the Boynton Forum.
For information, call 561-740-2340 or visit www.DrNicole.com.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com. Mike Rothman is not related to the subject in this story.

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Sara Boyd’s restaurant Just Wings & A Few Other Things is known for its 17 sauces from which to choose at its 1600 N.Federal Highway location.

Boyd often suggests placing orders that include combing a selection of flavors, such as hot honey, some raspberry and lemon pepper.

Boyd celebrates her second anniversary this month at her Boynton Beach location after opening her original wing shack in 2000 in the Fort Lauderdale area.

The idea came from a visit Boyd had with her daughter, Angel, in Atlanta, where she was going to college.

“I saw all these wing places up there and just thought that we don’t have anything like that in South Florida,” Boyd said.

Margee Walsh, Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency spokeswoman, said breakfast items are now available on the take-out menu.

Walsh said in addition, a variety of spicy, flavorful “other things,” or menu items, such as fried shrimp, pork souse, a popular Caribbean stew, chicken gizzards and oversized, homemade red velvet cupcakes are also on the menu.

All the wings can be washed down with a chilled, sweet tea.

Boyd said residents come in mainly for her wings, and keep coming back while they decide which of the 17 flavors are their favorite, such as the sweet & sour or Thai.

“Our flavors are addicting,” Boyd said. “We have honey garlic, spicy garlic, Caribbean, the house special and lemon pepper.”

The prices for wings range from $5.50 for the “snack” of five wings and fries to $7.50 for 10 wings. For 16 wings, the cost is $9.75.

In addition, lunch specials and party platters are available. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

For information, call 561-740-9613.

The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, established in 1982 serves to encourage diverse redevelopment activities, stimulate economic growth, create a destination core and enhance the visual appearance of the community.

The Boynton CRA also serves to promote businesses within the community as part of their goals.

Walsh said the CRA has begun a downtown small business-marketing plan to help promote the 500 businesses located in the CRA’s district.

“The economy is just so bad, everyone needs to step up to the plate and help,” she said. “This wing restaurant is just another example of a hidden gem in Boynton that people may not know because it is not a chain.”

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

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Glenn Jergensen, president of the Boynton Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber Young Professionals Steering Committee has decided to hold a monthly business card exchange for Boynton Chamber young professionals on the first Thursday of each month.

The idea is to get the young professionals who are members of the chamber networking and exchanging information.

The owners of Slainte Irush Pub, 1500 Gateway Blvd., have offered to have the card exchanges at the pub.

The first card exchange is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. July 2. The cost is $10 for one drink ticket and appetizers.

RSVP to CNorsesian@ymcaspbc.org or 
call 561-732-9501.

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

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The Community Redevelopment Agency is having a July Fourth celebration from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Intracoastal Park, 2240 N. Federal Highway.

Kathy Biscuiti, the CRA’s special events director, said the night’s festivities would include live music by the Synthesis Band, a patriotic salute, a fireworks display by Fireworks by Grucci, and food and beverage vendors on site.

“The Fireworks by Grucci is an international company that does fireworks all around the world,” Biscuiti said. “It will also be a fully choreographed show, so it should be great.”

No pets or personal fireworks allowed.

Biscuiti also said park and ride the free shuttle from Bank of America on Federal Highway and Ocean Avenue.

For information, call 561-742-6246.

In addition to the CRA’s fireworks, the Sand Sifters, a local beach cleanup group, is having an “All-American Cleanup” from 8 to 10:30 a.m. July 4 at 
Oceanfront Park, 
6415 N. Ocean Blvd.

Gary Solomon, the group’s organizer, said free T-shirts are available while supplies last. In addition, free hot dogs and snacks will be offered.

The July 4 Sand Sifters cleanup will also have free surf lessons by Kahuna Surf School but only for the first 10 to register.

The Sand Sifters will also be collecting items for the Forgotten Soldiers, another local nonprofit that sends monthly care packages to soldiers overseas.

The group is looking for donated item, including beef jerky, trail mix, small bottles of mouthwash, small bottle of foot powder, foiled tuna and letters of encouragement to the soldiers.

For information on the cleanup, call 561-734-9128.

For all local events, the U.S. Coast Guard has issued an advisory with regard to Fourth of July events that are staged in coastal areas. These events have the potential to impact endangered species.

The Coast Guard said vessels should not anchor on a coral reef. If a vessel anchors in the Elkhorn/Staghorn coral critical habitat, it should anchor over a sandy bottom that is free from coral or Johnson's sea grass.

In addition, all vessels should maintain a lookout for endangered species, especially sea turtles and manatees.

If a collision with manatee or marine wildlife occurs, call 888-404-FWCC for rescue and recovery.

Finally, a federal or state agency may impose a civil fine of $25,000 and/or criminal penalty of $50,000 and/or up to one year in jail for violating the Endangered Species Act or state statute by taking an endangered or threatened species or damaging coral.

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

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Gary Horner, karate master at the Karate Center, 7000 Charleston Shores Blvd.
Age – 58

How did you get into this line of work?

“My daughter started training with martial arts with an after-school program. I started to train formally and got my black belt. I realized I had a talent for it and it took off from there.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“The biggest kick I get is seeing the students grow and reach their goals.”

What is a normal day like for you?

“I start in the late morning with busy work, paper work. Then I start teaching from 4 to 9 p.m. with ages 3 to adult.”

What kinds of classes do you offer?

“We study the traditional Korean style. We also work on the classic forms with the physical, including sparing and self-defense. There is also the mental, the spiritual and the learning the history of martial arts.”

Read more about this story in the July 1 issue of the Boynton Forum.

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The Boynton Veterans’ Council has plans to install additional monuments to the two that are already erected in Bicentennial Park, located at the corner of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Federal Highway.

Tom Kaiser, spokesman for the council, said in addition to the two monuments in the center of the park, the group has plans to erect a World War I monument at 10 a.m. Nov. 11.

The theme of the new WWI monument is a pigeon with a medal around its neck to celebrate the bird that flew to the American forces to deliver a note that 500 American soldiers were in danger.

“The war was over in 1918, but 500 soldiers were surrounded by 5,000 Germans,” Kaiser said. “The Germans shot the pigeon down, but it got back up and flew 30 miles to deliver the note. The soldiers were eventually rescued.”

Kaiser said the new monument would be 42 inches tall and 28 inches wide and would be crafted by Lake Worth Monument, who crafted the original two already standing.

The Veterans’ Council has no plans to stop there.

On Dec. 7, the council also plans to erect a Pearl Harbor monument, with the theme WWII and the Arizona, one of the ships that were destroyed by the attack of Pearl Harbor.

“Half the people that died that day were on the Arizona,” Kaiser said.

To donate or buy a memorial brick, call Tom Kaiser at 561-276-1796.

Read more about this story in the July 1 issue of the Boynton Forum.

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

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Nick and Marianne Tamposi, owners of P Model Management, 3925 Boynton Beach Blvd., came up with the dream of housing a hair salon adjacent to the modeling agency after a string of models came in with ruined hair from area salons.

Not wanting their talent to be passed over and jeopardize their careers, they decided to put a plan into action.

Pink Salon in Boynton Beach opened just over a year ago to cater to anyone who is interested in having a hairdresser interpret their style.

With the current economic struggles, the salon has kept their prices low to give anyone a chance at the celebrity hair experience.

Tamposi said a haircut runs for $55, with a partial coloring going for $70 and full coloring for $110.

“Our client list has just been growing each and every month,” Tamposi said. “I think this is because we keep our prices reasonable even with the slow of the economy.”

For information, call 561-736-0758.

Read more about this story in the July 1 issue of the Boynton Forum.

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

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I don’t know if you noticed but I’m pretty pale. Good looking but pale.

Dave and I needed to work on our tans, so we headed out to the first MicroGiving Charity Fishing Tournament and Beach Party June 20 in Boynton Beach

The fishing tourney ran from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a beach party at 4 p.m. at MicroGiving owner John Ferber’s home.

MicroGiving is an online community, based in Boynton Beach, that connects those who have (donors) with those who need (recipients).

Dave and I showed up and parked at the lot on the corner of Woolbright Road and Federal Highway. Like celebrities, we were shuttled from the lot to Ferber’s house.

We were on the VIP list, but got held up for a second at the door. I guess our celebrity status only reaches so far.

After Dave flirted with the girl at the door to get us in, we realized we had made a huge mistake. I was wearing a long-sleeve, black button down and slacks. Dave was dressed similarly.

“Hey nice outfit,” some guy joked.

If I had a nickel for every person that made fun of our outfits, I could quit the paper and buy Ferber’s house on the beach.

The party was first class. They had a drinking and food tent right on the beach with tropical drinks, burgers and hotdogs.

Dave bought a $6 Sky Pineapple vodka and cranberry juice. It sounded like a fruity, delicious drink, but I proceeded to take his man card for that purchase.

In addition to the bar tent, there were vendors set up everywhere and a live band on the beach.

Next, some girl came off the water running in my direction.

“Finally, someone recognizes us,” Dave said in excitement.

And just like out of a movie, she ran right past me and said hi to the girl behind me. That summed up our day.

After sweating through our outfits, Dave and I decided it was time to take off. Next year, I’ll have to wear a t-shirt and shorts, if we get invited back. If that happens, I'm sure it will rain.

Either way, it was for a good cause and I’m glad we were a part of it.

**** Four stars out of five.

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Local artists and the local library have joined together for a new exhibit.

The Artists of Palm Beach County have an exhibit that opened June 16 and is running through November at the Boynton Beach City Library, 208 S. Seacrest Blvd.

The exhibit is on the second floor
of the library and will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Boynton Beach Art in Public Places has partnered with the new Boynton Beach City Library to house the exhibition of works by members of Artists of Palm Beach County.

“The Artists of Palm Beach County have about 100 artists of all mediums that were created by the artist for the artist,” said Debby Coles-Dobay, the city's public art administrator.

See the works of individual artists in the show at www.artistsofpalmbeachcounty.org/bbclexhibition.php.

Read more about this story in the July 1 issue of the Boynton Forum.

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

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Boynton Beach children will get a chance to play football with some of their heroes starting the second week of July.

Registration is under way for ages 8 to 15 for the Boynton Beach Police Athletic League’s Football Camp with the Pros, featuring Mike Rumph, former NFL defensive back, and Sabby Piscitelli of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Frank Ireland, the city's recreation supervisor, said the football camp concentrates on speed, strength and conditioning in the positions of quarterback, running back, receivers, lineman, linebackers, defensive backs, defensive line and special teams.

This year’s camp is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 9, 10 and 11 on the field at Ezell Hester, Jr. Community Center, 1901 N. Seacrest Blvd.

The cost is $75 per child, with lunch included. Registration forms are available at the PAL Office in the at Ezell Hester, Jr. Community Center or online at www.bbpd.org/pal.htm.

Make checks payable to Boynton Beach PAL and send to Officer Bill Tome at 100 E. Boynton Beach Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33435.

All proceeds benefit the Boynton Beach Police Athletic League. Tome said some kids have already registered but that they need more.

"It is slow right now but usually picks up," he said. "Fun is guaranteed with this event and kids leave better at this sport."

Tome said all the children enrolled perfect their sport by the end of this camp with tips from the coaches and pro football players.

For information, call Officer Bill Tome at 561-702-4887.

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

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The city of Boynton Beach Recreation and Parks Department’s Senior Center, 1021 S. Federal Highway, will be offering Dancing at Rick’s Café at 1 p.m. Thursdays.

Steve Lulkin, the center's supervisor, said the participants could listen and dance to the music of Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Gene Krupa and Glenn Miller.

Each Thursday, an entire hour will be dedicated to each entertainer with narration before each song.

Seniors are invited to come out July 9, 23, 30, Aug. 6 and 13. The dance room will be set up in café style.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase at each event.

Interested guests must be registered at the Senior Center to join in this program. For information, call 561- 742-6570.

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

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The Community Redevelopment Agency is having a July 4 celebration from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Intracoastal Park, 2240 N. Federal Highway.

Kathy Biscuiti, the CRA’s special events director, said the night’s festivities would include live music by the Synthesis Band, a patriotic salute, a fireworks display by “Fireworks by Grucci,” and food and beverage vendors on site.

“The Fireworks by Grucci is an international company that does fireworks all around the world,” Biscuiti said. “It will also be a fully choreographed show, so it should be great.”

No pets or personal fireworks allowed.

Biscuiti also said park and ride the free shuttle from Bank of America on Federal Highway and Ocean Avenue.

For information, call 561-742-6246.

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

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After almost 30 years of success in Delray Beach, the Green Owl Restaurant has expanded and opened a location in Boynton Beach at 1889 W. Woolbright Road.

David Gensman, the restaurant’s owner, said he has worked in the Delray Green Owl since 1983 and took it over in 1995.

“We really weren’t looking to expand, but stumbled upon this place and it had a good deal on the lease,” Gensman said.

The restaurant is open from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; and 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, with breakfast only.

The Green Owl, which opened in Delray Beach in 1981, is known for its breakfast specials. The Big Breakfast for $6.95 has three eggs, two bacon strips, one sausage, home fries or grits, and hotcakes or toast.

“I’d like to think the consistency of our food is what draws people to our place,” Gensman said.

Gensman said with the economy the way it is, the restaurant tries to keep the price of the food down and affordable.

For information, call 561-733-0869.
Read more about this story in the June 24 issue of the Boynton Forum.

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

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Charles Anderson, new CEO and president of United Way of Palm Beach County, 2600 Quantum Blvd.
The board of directors unanimously approved the hiring of Anderson.
Age – 56
Born – Connecticut
Live Now – Boynton Beach
Activities – Play golf
Unknown fact – Loves to collect baseball memorabilia
He is a Yankees and Giants fan
Started job June 1

How has the first two weeks been on the job?
“It has been good and I love what I do. It is a good cause and we have a solid foundation here.”

What does a normal day entail for you?
“Oh my. I am trying to reach out to different parts of the community for information. I probably have three or four meetings a day with various leaders in the community.”

How did you get started in this line of work?
“I got into social work because of a teacher. Irene Brower was just amazing and got me to be a Big Brother and it took off from there.”

Read more about this story in the June 24 issue of the Boynton Forum.

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Debbie Eberlin, a Boynton Beach resident, has been job searching for the past three months and reached her boiling point.

“I have really tried to search and focus, but I have started t get really frustrated,” she said.

In the current recession, Eberlin is not alone. As of May, 9.1 percent of the work force in the country was out of work.

The Hochman JCC, 8500 Jog Road, in conjunction with the Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Service hosted a Career and Wellness Boot Camp June 16 designed to improve the job-hunting skills of unemployed members of the community and help them remain in sharp mental, emotional and physical shape.

Elaine Rotenberg, clinical director for Alpert Jewish Family, said about a year ago the service started a career resource center and wanted to bring it to the JCC.

“The idea is to help these people retool and get job ready,” Rotenberg said. “We also want to focus on the health and wellness part, so that these people know they are not alone while they are searching for jobs or shifting careers.”

Rotenberg also said the class was designed to help the applicants find different ways to cope with maybe losing a job, including volunteering and still finding time to relax.

“Being out of work sometimes is a full-time job in itself and we want them to still enjoy life,” she said.

Anita Seidemann, who runs Alpert’s career resource center, covered various job-searching topics, including resume building and networking.

Read more about this story in the June 24 issue of the Boynton Forum.
Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

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The economy is affecting everyone, even nonprofits that simply send best wishes to United States soldiers fighting wars overseas.

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach of Boynton Beach has put out a request for a new home.

The building that has been the organization’s home since March 2004, 1114 N. Federal Highway, has been foreclosed on and the group must be out by the end of the month.

“I don’t want anything negative to be said about the landlord because they have been fantastic, it is just the economy,” said Lynelle Chauncey Zelnar, executive director and founder of FSO.

The group sends monthly “we care” packages to servicemen and servicewomen serving overseas for as long as they are deployed. The packages include essentials including toothpaste, socks and food.

The monthly packages are pricey to ship and can range from $11 up to $45 per package, another funding need for the nonprofit.

“We ship 350 to 500 packages per month, more and more servicemen and women are signing up every day,” Zelnar said.

Zelnar said currently the group has about 1,500 square feet and needs at least that much for the next home.

The space will be used for an administrative office, to have volunteers come in on a regular basis to donate time to help with inventory counting of all the donated items and placing in prospective bins, reviewing letters of encouragement, typing thank you letters, sending out information packages, or filling T-shirt orders.

Zelnar said the group needs from 15,000 to 25,000 square feet and that she would prefer to remain in Boynton Beach but anywhere in Palm Beach County would be fine.

For information about Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, call 561-369-2933 or visit http://www.forgottensoldiers.org.

Read more about this story in the June 24 issue of the Boynton Forum.

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

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Americans are turning to continuing education and lifelong learning classes to deal with tough times, according to surveys of programs around the country by the Learning Resources Network, LERN, a national association in lifelong learning.

William Draves, LERN president, said during the past six months, classes to respond to the needs of the public during the recession have picked up.

Whether it is professional or work-related learning, or vocational learning, the main theme is addressing the tough economic times.

With vocational learning, Americans are taking more courses around the concept of frugality. Popular courses include home repair, cooking, gardening, auto repair and other activities that save money.

Virginia Shea, senior recreation manager for the Boynton Recreation and Parks Department, said the Learning Resources Network is a national association serving 2,000 programs a year in universities, colleges, public schools, recreation departments, and trade associations offering continuing education and lifelong learning courses.

Shea also said the network consults with her department and inspires some of the classes the department offers.

“They help us maintain our Web site, finish our magazine and give us class ideas for the demographic we serve,” she said. “We haven’t done it in a while but one class was the gardening that was inspired from them.”

In Boynton Beach, the Recreation and Parks Department offers a wide variety of programs, particularly for children and seniors.

Some of the program offerings this summer include Hooked on Fishing offered by the Florida Fishing Academy at Boat Club Park on Saturday mornings; Creative Concepts, 8, one-week themed camps for ages 7 to 12 at the Art Center; Princess Dance Camp, a one week camp for ages 4 to 10 where kids can dress up as their favorite Disney princess at the Civic Center; and kayaking on Saturdays at Intracoastal Park.

For national information, call Nancy Hulverson at 800-678-5376.

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

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The Boynton Beach Mall, 801 N. Congress Ave., will have a free Flood & Hurricane Awareness Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 20.

The expo will be in conjunction with the Division of Emergency Management and the Palm Beach Community Rating System Committee.

Pamela Kluge-Rada, a spokeswoman for the mall, said the event would feature representatives from various public sector agencies available to answer insurance, flood, safety procedures and other hurricane-related questions.

There will also be a free drawing for a generator.

For information about the Flood & Hurricane Awareness Expo 2009, call 561- 736-7902.

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

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The economy is forcing more budget cuts from the city’s government and community agencies.

The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency’s board voted Tuesday, June 9, to eliminate the two southern trolley routes, effective July 3.

Margee Walsh, CRA spokeswoman, said their decision was based on a preliminary estimate of a $2 million revenue shortfall for next year.

The Northern trolley route, or Yellow Line, will remain in operation, while CRA staff evaluates its cost-effectiveness.

Factors that influenced the board’s vote to cancel the southern routes were the annual operational cost of $235,800, a similar funding issue currently facing Tri-Rail officials, and lack of riders.

Mayor and CRA Chairman Jerry Taylor said when the CRA launched the new southern routes last year, it would be a 19-month trial period and would be reevaluated on performance and need, which was found to be lacking.

Taylor also said ridership had not increased like what was estimated.

As of July 3, as many as 16 stops, including the Green Line, providing service to riders along the eastern portion of Federal Highway with transfer stops at Bethesda Hospital, will be canceled.

The running time of the Green Line was from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In addition to the Green Line, the Red Line, providing service to riders primarily west of Interstate 95, through Leisureville and on to Congress Avenue and the Boynton Beach Mall, will be shut down.

The running time on the Red Line was the same as the Green.

Walsh said evaluation of available funding sources for remaining Northern Route (Yellow Line) will take place at the CRA’s budget workshop in August.

Lisa Bright, the CRA’s executive director, said the trolley couldn’t afford the occasional rider anymore, but only for riders who absolutely need it.

The remaining Yellow Line is mainly used for students and residents trying to get to work.

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

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Even with the housing market in Palm Beach County stalled, opportunites for local builders may come elsewhere.

Lisa Bright, the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency’s executive director, gave a redevelopment opportunities status report June 9 at the Gold Coast Builders Association’s meeting at 2101 Corporate Drive.

Steve Myott, chairman for the Commercial Builder’s Council of the Gold Coast Builder’s, said they had Bright come out to speak because more and more residential builders are moving into the commercial sector.

“Everyone needs to know where that opportunity is,” Myott said. “Lisa is from the Boynton CRA, and there are seven total CRAs in Palm Beach County and 80 in the state.”

Myott said the redevelopment of the east cities like Boynton was an opportunity for the builders moving into the commercial area.

Bright's discussion included updates on Boynton Beach’s Downtown Master Plan, purchase of the Boynton Harbor Marina by the CRA in 2006 and ongoing renovations, as well as the agency’s long-term commitment to create workforce homeownership opportunities.

For information about the Boynton CRA, call 561-737-3256.

Read more about this story in the June 17 issue of the Boynton Forum.

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

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It’s summertime and there is a long list of blockbuster movies that I want to see including “The Hangover,” “Public Enemies” and “Angels and Demons.”

Dave and I decided to hit up the relatively new Muvico 14 in Boynton Beach by the Boynton Mall to see the historic drama “Angels and Demons,” based on the smash hit novel by Dan Brown.

The movie is based in Vatican City, and did all it could to makeup for the flop that was “The Da Vinci Code.”

“Let’s do this!” Dave said with anticipation.

“Wait, wait,” I said, heading to the concessions. “I need my tasty treats. I cant watch a movie without them.”

I picked up a medium popcorn, medium Dr. Pepper and a bag of Twizzlers. Before you ask, yes I drank my Dr. Pepper out of a strawberry Twizzler, which doubles as a straw. It was delicious. I didn’t even mind that the movie was $10 and the food was almost $15.

The theater is only a couple of years old, still has a new smell to it and is a great place to enjoy a flick. The seats recline and are very comfortable. Even big Dave liked them.

I read all the Dan Brown books and you know a movie was good when you know how it is going to end and just don’t care. I still enjoyed every second.

Read more about the review in the June 17 issue of the Boynton Forum.

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Akbar Watson was looking for a book almost 20 years ago and couldn’t find it at his local bookstore.

Shortly after his fruitless search, Watson started selling books on black history and culture out of the trunk of his car.

In 1993, Watson opened Pyramid Books, 544 Gateway Blvd., specializing in the types of books he was looking for but could not find.

Denise Evans, store manager, said Pyramid has a variety of different categories for all ages.

“The younger kids come in and buy the street lit books or books on urban hip-hop,” she said.

Street lit includes books by Wendy Williams and Nikki Turner.

“For the older reader, people are getting into Hilton Hotema,” she said. “These are metaphysics books on the mind, body and soul.”

Pyramid Books also has historical books on Egyptian culture, mediation and a shelf on Black history.
There are also the classics by authors like Maya Angelou.

Evans said fiction paperbacks run from $12 to $15 and hard cover fiction runs from $21 to $25. Paperback non-fiction runs from $15 to $29.

The store also has DVD movies on culture and history, including classics like “Roots,” a 1977 award-winning series on enslavement.

For information, call 561-731-4422.

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

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The Boynton Beach Recreation and Parks Department recently announced that the Boynton Beach Ocean Rescue was certified by the U.S. Lifesaving Association for meeting their recommended standards for lifeguard agencies.

Vicki Robertson, spokeswoman for the Boynton Beach Recreation and Parks Department, said to be USLA certified, certain standards must be met.

The standards include completing 21 hours of in-house training using USLA curriculum conducted by a USLA Lifeguard instructor.

Instructor requirements include completing a USLA Lifeguard instructor course and having five years experience on an USLA certified Ocean Rescue Beach Patrol.

The curriculum taught to staff included approaching a victim, methods of lifting and removing victim from water, identifying primary and secondary functions of a lifeguard, identifying the need for environmental exposure, daily physical training and rough water rescues.

The curriculum also includes multiple victim rescues, rescuing scuba diver, panic victims, unconscious victims, identifying symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Boynton Beach Ocean Rescue exceeds the USLA standards by completing 30 hours of lifeguard training per year.

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

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In her new book, “Journey to Market in Indonesia,” Boynton Beach author Stephanie Michelle Plett takes young readers on an adventurous trip to Indonesia.

On their journey, children of all ages will travel to a culture where rich tradition and colorful foods are valued.

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, “Journey to Market in Indonesia” helps the youngest readers count to 10 and teaches older readers new Indonesian words and culture.

The book also includes a glossary of Indonesian numbers, colors and foods.

The book is available at any bookstore nationwide or can be ordered through the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore or by visiting barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com or target.com.

Plett traveled extensively before graduating with a degree in theology from Palm Beach Atlantic University.

A lifelong dream to write children’s books and a desire to share her travels with her own two children led Stephanie to write “Journey to Market in Indonesia.”

Sunnie Atkins, marketing representative for Tate Publishing, said the book is juvenile fiction and for ages just a little older than elementary school.

“It is for those tweeners that are just a little older than elementary but younger than some middle school,” she said. “It is more historical with people and places.”

Atkins said a unique aspect about the book was that when people purchase it from Tate, they also get the eLIVE, which is a free audio version downloadable at www.tatepublishing.com.

Tate Publishing out of Oklahoma City publishes a variety of books including children’s, juvenile fiction and non-fiction.

For more information, call Sunnie Atkins at 888-361-9473.

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

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Residents in Boynton Beach will need to wear their seatbelts in their cars or receive a ticket.

The Boynton Beach Police Department participated in the national Click It or Ticket campaign from May 18 through 31 and issued 854 seatbelt tickets.

Stephanie Slater, spokeswoman for the Boynton Police Department, said motorists throughout the city got tickets for not being buckled up in their vehicles.

Click It or Ticket is a cooperative effort of the Florida Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and law enforcement agencies across the state.

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

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Lisa Bright, the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency’s executive director, will give a status report at 8 a.m. June 9 at the Gold Coast Builders Association’s meeting at 2101 Corporate Drive in Boynton Beach.

Bright, who has been with the CRA since 2005, plays a key role in advancing the programs and projects that guide redevelopment in the CRA’s 1,650-acre district.

Her discussion will include updates on Boynton Beach’s Downtown Master Plan, purchase of the Boynton Harbor Marina by the CRA in 2006 and ongoing renovations, as well as the agency’s long-term commitment to create workforce homeownership opportunities in Boynton Beach.

Margee Walsh, spokeswoman for the CRA, said the Marina Renovation Plan, which is an integral component of the Downtown Master Plan’s recommendation for a Transit Oriented Development district, was submitted, along with the Seacrest Boulevard project, for consideration as part of the $83 million Federal Appropriations Request.

Gold Coast Builders Association is a professional trade association chartered by the National Association of Home Builders and affiliated with Florida Home Builders Association.

Membership in the Association promotes the enhancement of professionalism within the industry, educational opportunities, the exchange of ideas and community leadership.

For information on the June 9 meeting, call Suzanne Ross at 561-732-5959, ext. 102.

For information about the Boynton CRA, call 561-737-3256.

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

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Billie Jung, Recently retired employee at St. Mark Catholic School
Age – 79
Born – Texas, raised in Chicago
Lives now – Boynton Beach
Started at St. Mark in 1969, worked there for 40 years
Retired from St. Mark on May 29
She has worked in the school office, been home and school president, currently administers the after-care program
Heroes – Husband Ted, who died at 37
Activities when not at school – Tennis, cards
Has been through five principals since working at St. Mark
Has three daughters – Linda, Cindy and Heidi
Loves to play the violin

How did you get into the education field?

“When I brought my daughters to Florida, they registered at St. Mark. I started coming in a few times a week to help out and it became a full-time job.”

What will you miss most about working at St. Mark?

“I will miss the faculty, the children. This place has become my home, my family.”

What is your favorite part of working with children?

“Oh, watching the children grow up to become someone special is just so rewarding. I have never, ever had a problem with a child here.”

What does the future hold for you?

“I m going to spend more time with my daughters and my eight grandchildren.”

How will the school get by without you?

They will do just fine, I’m sure.”

Any trips or vacations planned after 40 years?

“I am going to Ohio to see my middle daughter, Cindy. Then I hope to volunteer to work with the new babies at the Bethesda Hospital.”

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Boynton Beach recently received a $71,497 grant from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

Vicki Robertson, spokeswoman for the Boynton Recreation and Parks Department, said the grant enabled the city to make multiple improvements to the Boynton Beach Senior Center, 1021 S. Federal Highway.

The city replaced the front entrance awnings to shade seniors as they wait for transportation, installed new awning and relocate handicapped parking closer to rear entrance, replaced the air-conditioning unit and provided hurricane shutters.

In addition, additional video surveillance cameras for security were installed and restroom fixtures with automated sensors were put in.

Robertson said the city completed the renovations by providing a new roof for the building.

Nearly 65,000 seniors visit the Senior Center on an annual basis, many visiting daily for a hot lunch, exercise, socialization, medical screenings or to use the computer lab.

Regen Anthony is a widow who lives in Boynton and only comes to the Senior Center to use the computer lab.

“I don’t really have a lot of money, so I can’t afford to buy a computer,” she said. “Plus my kids don’t want some old bat using theirs.”

Anthony said her husband, James, used to come to the center to exercise before he died just more than one year ago.

“I think the additions are nice,” she said. “They are subtle but you can tell if you come here a lot.”

One improvement that is not subtle is the new public address system.

“The seniors like it now because we play music throughout the entire building,” said Steve Logan, Senior Center supervisor. “There are also automated doors on the handicapped bathrooms that are now more accessible to seniors.”

Logan said some of the most popular programs the center offers includes dancing Thursday afternoons with a live band and a chair exercise program.

“This is the slow time of the year and we still see 150 to 200 people come in every day,” he said.

The Senior Center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays.

For information on Senior Center activities, call 561-742-6570.

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

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RE/MAX Advantage Plus Realtor Jeffrey Katz
 has announced the recent integration of his two Web sites, www.JeffreyJKatz.com and www.55-Plus-Communities.com.

With the integration of the two sites, prospective buyers are provided with an 
interactive tool and one-stop shop for locating properties in the 55-and-older communities of Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Lake Worth, West Palm Beach and other surrounding areas.



Katz said the actual integration makes JKatz.com the search part of the two and 55-Plus-Communtities the results.

“So someone enters what they are looking for in my first site and it is pre-selected for 55-plus communities, and it seamlessly goes to the other site with results,” Katz said. “So my site is the front end and 55-plus is the back end.”

His site, www.JeffreyJKatz.com, will now feature a list of every 55-and-older community home, villa and condo for sale in Palm Beach County, categorized by subdivision, price and type of housing.


He said single-family homes can go for anywhere from $300,000 to $600,000 on average.

“It is a buyer’s market for 55-plus communities,” Katz said. “I mean you can find a condo for $40,000 but you get what you pay for with that.”

Katz said a 55-plus community is basically a country-club type of community without country club fees and children younger than 18 are not allowed to live there usually.

“They usually have beautiful clubhouses and pools,” he said. “It is buying a lifestyle.”

Katz said his site has been up for about seven years now.

Upgrades also include consistently updated data, detailed property photographs, extensive mapping features and virtual tours.


Rhonda Moses, a client of Katz, who bought a three-bedroom home in Valencia Pointe, said she built her home from scratch and that Katz offered something special to her.

“Every week, he put up photos of the progress of the home,” she said. “Me and my girlfriends would go on and see what was completed that week.”

Moses said she started to look for a home last May.

“I knew nothing about looking for a home,” she said. “I stumbled upon his site and it couldn’t be easier to use. I entered in my info and got a call from Jeff no more than 20 minutes later.”

Moses said she recommended Katz to all of her friends looking for affordable, 55 and older communities.

Jeffrey Katz of RE/MAX Advantage Plus specializes in the purchase and sale of single family homes in the 55-and-older communities in his market, which include Valencia Palms,
Valencia Pointe, Valencia Reserve, Valencia Shores, The Cascades, Bellaggio,
 Villaggio, Valencia Falls and Venetian Isles.

Based on sales commission in 2008, Katz was named to the top 100 RE/MAX Realtors out of more than 4,000 in the RE/MAX Florida Region.



For information, call 561-573-3373 or 561-496-2000.

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

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Teachers at Christa McAuliffe Middle School and American Life Publishers are partnering to produce a book, “A Parent’s Guide to Middle School Academics.”

American Life managing editor Patricia Mavo said the book would be written over the summer and that 12 teachers from the school, 6500 Le Chalet Blvd., would give input and help write certain chapters.

Mavo said the inspiration for the book came from her own experiences as a parent of three children who entered and are in middle school almost consecutively at Christa McAuliffe.

Mavo’s daughter, Katie, entered middle school in 2006, and Mavo’s two boys followed. She said one of her main problems was understanding how the teachers assessed her children and keeping her children motivated.

“The information out there is just so scattered,” Mavo said. “We will be talking to Palm Beach County administrators directly for content and the 12 teachers will also write content.”

Mavo said, as of now, 18 chapters are planned. The goal is to compile the scattered parent resources found in multiple booklets and Web sites into one user-friendly guide for parents of middle school students.

Some topics to be covered include how students learn and how teachers assess, resources for homework help, strategies for student success, FCAT testing, ESE and gifted classes, student health, sex education, PTSA and SAC, student and parent services, and how to apply to choice programs.

Christa McAuliffe Principal Faith-Ann Cheek said first and foremost, the guide would be user-friendly.

Cheek said the book would help parents adjust to the many changes that students experience when they transition to middle school.

“By perception only and I want to emphasize that, elementary school is looked on as more nurturing,” Cheek said. “When you get to middle school, there is a greater level of self responsibility for the students and the academics are harder.”

Cheek said among the 12 teachers signed on to write the book, some are special education and nationally certified.

Twenty percent of the proceeds from the book will benefit each middle school that sells the resource.

Plans include an accompanying Web site to provide online resources for parents to just “point and click” on the topics covered in the book.
 


Chapters cover topics such as how students learn, how teachers assess, and a variety of local and state resources for homework and testing assistance.

For information, call Patricia Mavo at 561-254-1883, or e-mail her americanlife@bellsouth.net.
 


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Temple Beth Kodesh, 501 NE 26th Ave., will be presenting a special screening of the new documentary “The Case for Israel ” at 12:30 p.m. June 15.

The screening is for a documentary based on the book by Alan Dershowitz.

Among the many topics covered in this film include: Alan Dershowitz refuting the characterization of Israel as an apartheid state, Caroline Glick discusses the broader context of culture and values that are necessary elements for peace, and Alex Safian and Natan Sharansky discuss the effectiveness against terrorism of Israel ’s security barrier.

For information, call 561-586-9428.

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

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Cheryl McKeever, principal of Crosspointe Elementary School

McKeever was named the Elementary Principal of the Year by the Florida Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals

Born – Jacksonville
Lives – Lake Worth
Heroes – Mother, Ella Mae and grandmother, Leona Hooks
Activities – Reading
She beads her own custom jewelry.
She loves to shop.
She ended up in South Florida because of husband, Vito McKeever
Her husband was an athlete at the University of Florida
She has two children – Juan and Lauren.
Crosspointe Elementary is at 3015 S. Congress Ave.
McKeever was also principal at Bear Lakes Middle School.

How did it feel once you found out you won the award?

“I never thought I would win. It really feels good and I could not believe it at first. Sometimes you do things as an administrator that you feel go unnoticed.”

How did you get into education?

“I started out in the nursing program. But I found out I had a knack for education and loved to work with children. I want to make a difference for those underdog children.”

What is your favorite part of working in education?

“Letting the children see the human side of me. I dance with the kids and sing with them, and they know I care.”

What is your future?

“I am still contemplating down the road of becoming a superintendent someday. But I am not done working with kids just yet.”

What is the future of Crosspointe?

“To continue to make progress here. When I got here, we were a C-rated school. Last year, we were a B, and we are taking the A this year.”

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Cheryl McKeever, principal of Crosspointe Elementary in Boynton Beach, has been named the Elementary Principal of the Year by the Florida Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals.

McKeever will be honored at the Florida Association of School Administrators’ Summer Conference in Orlando, July 27 and during the National Distinguished Principal Recognition ceremony in Washington D. C. in October.
 


McKeever said when she was first notified about the award, she felt privileged to be recognized amongst the best.

McKeever was appointed Principal at Bear Lakes Middle School in September 2000 and transitioned in June 2006 to principal at Crosspointe Elementary School.

Both schools she was principal at received the Florida Gold School Award and 5 Star Award each year.

This school year, Crosspointe Elementary has logged 7,116 volunteer hours with 175 parent and community volunteers.
 


McKeever has been employed with the School District of Palm Beach County since August 1993, serving in many capacities from assistant principal to personnel specialist.

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

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The City of Boynton Beach recently received a $71,497 grant from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

Vicki Robertson, spokeswoman for the Boynton Recreation and Parks Department, said the grant enabled the city to make multiple improvements to the Boynton Beach Senior Center, 1021 S. Federal Highway.

The city replaced the front entrance awnings to shade seniors as they wait for transportation, installed new awning and relocate handicapped parking closer to the rear entrance, replaced the air-conditioning unit and provided hurricane shutters.

In addition, additional video surveillance cameras for security were installed and restroom fixtures with automated sensors were put in.

Robertson said the city completed the renovations by providing a new roof for the building.

Nearly 65,000 seniors visit the Senior Center on an annual basis, many visiting daily for a hot lunch, exercise, socialization, medical screenings or to use the computer lab.

The Senior Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays.

For information on Senior Center activities, call 561-742-6570.

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

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