The local United Way of Palm Beach County has some lofty aspirations when it comes to fundraising this year.

The United Way of Palm Beach County, 2600 Quantum Blvd., announced that the organization has a goal to raise $13.8 million this year. The $13.8 million is 8 percent more than what the organization raised last year.

The need for an 8 percent bump in funding comes from last year’s economic struggle, which caused a 5.8 percent cutback to its many agencies last year.

Chuck Anderson, United Way of Palm Beach County CEO, said with the United Way helping out so many agencies, they feel a strong responsibility to close that funding gap that shrunk last year.

“Demand for the services from those organizations are up 84 percent and two-thirds of them can’t meet those needs,” Anderson said.

One such organization that is hoping this year’s campaign is a success is the Lord’s Place in West Palm and Boynton.

Diana Stanley, executive director of the Lord’s Place, a United Way-funded agency, said the recession hit them rather hard last year but that the nonprofit stayed true to its work helping the homeless.

Stanley said donations to the United Way of Palm Beach County would help to prevent programs that help people in need from being shut down.

Stanley said in her experience with the nonprofit world, the worst times for people are usually when they reach down deep in their pockets to help organizations like the Lord’s Place.

In addition to the United Way’s workplace campaigns, people can make donations online via the organization’s Web site at www.unitedwaypbc.org.

United Way of Palm Beach County’s campaign video can be found at , which demonstrates the needs in the community.



To make a corporate gift, call Larry Miller, VP Resource Development, at 561-375-6600.

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



> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

Charles Norcross noticed the aesthetic and durable quality of bamboo while on a trip overseas when he got a chance to see flooring made from the substance.

Norcross started TruBamboo LLC in Jupiter in 2003 with the mission of making durable products for inexpensive prices.

Brittni Stallings, a spokeswoman for TruBamboo, said about one year ago, the company had grown so large in Jupiter and West Palm Beach that it decided to try its hand in Boynton Beach at 1115 Gateway Blvd.

Customers can pick up bamboo cutting boards for anywhere from $2.99 to $24.99. The manufacturer of bamboo houseware products
 also sells bamboo bowls, utensils and has dabbled in an array of other bamboo products.

In all, TruBamboo operates and distributes 
three lines of products with more than 100 items throughout the 
world. Locally, products can be bought at Publix, Winn-Dixie, and Bed,
 Bath and Beyond.

Jason Norcross, executive vice president of sales and marketing, said his father had been designing products and selling through these types of channels for more than 35 years.

“He started with patio furniture and even invented the BBQ grilling fork with the thermometer in it,” Jason Norcross said. “When it comes to the success of a product, you need a quality price, packaging, functionality and aesthetics.”

The distribution center, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, does not sell items directly to customers from the 36,000-square-foot facility, but items can be bought through the new Website, www.trubamboo.com.

For information, call 561-832-0628.

Read more about this story in the Oct. 7 issue of the Boynton Forum.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

He doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke and is a philanthropist who launched a Website, IsThereSomethingICanDo.com that is a Google for finding charities.
No, he’s not a Jonas brother or even Mother Teresa , but Grammy-nominated artist Akon.
The hip-hop collaborator from Senegal took time off from his busy schedule to talk with Forum Publishing Group writers Mike Rothman and Dave Dipino about the Second Annual Think Pink Rocks Charity Concert coming up Oct. 3 at Mizner Park in Boca Raton.

He also discussed his inspirations, past and present, and even let the world know for the first time about his new album “Stadium Music,” set for release before the World Cup in 2010.

MR: Hey Akon, what’s going on? Where are you calling us from right now?

Akon: I’m at home in Atlanta.

MR: We just wanted to thank you for taking time out to talk with us and I am going to throw things over to Dave to get this started.

DD: With the album “Freedom” what were your goals and aspirations, and almost one year after the album’s release, do you feel like you’ve accomplished those goals?
Akon: With the “Freedom” album my goals were to expand my horizons with the Euro Market. A year later I’m very happy with the cross marketing we’ve done outside the domestic markets.
DD: Can you talk about the song “Keep You Much Longer” and where you were coming from as an artist when you wrote that song?
Akon: It’s about trying to make it [in my career] while I’m heavily involved with my girlfriend. But, there’s no time for her and eventually the tables turn and she has no time.
MR: I read on your website that you are currently working on your next album. After your last album “Freedom” in 2008 with its autobiographical, heartfelt nature, what kind of identity do you want for this album?

Akon: Every album is a different situation. This album is more experienced-based with the more experiences I have had. The album is called “Stadium Music” and I am setting this whole album up for the World Cup 2010. I’m making a bunch of crowd, stadium-type dances and anthems that will be for the soccer hype. When the World Cup in 2010 comes along, people will have that party music to dance to.

MR: You have worked with hundreds of amazing artists, including T-Pain, Eminem and Michael Jackson. Is there anyone in particular that you were extremely excited or in awe of working with?

Akon: Oh MJ, hands down. I was shocked that he even wanted to work with me. I was working my career so that I could one day work with him and then found out that he already had plans and wanted to work with me. It happened so naturally.

DD: Is there anyone you’ve yet to work with that’s on your list?
Akon: No. I’ve already covered everyone on my list. I can’t think of anyone I haven’t worked with… It’s forcing me to actually create new artists and try to find new talent.
MR: Obviously you are a very charitable person with initiative like the Konfidence Foundation and the website, IsThereSomethingICanDo.com. How did you get connected with Think Pink?

Akon: A friend brought it to my attention three years ago and told me how it was for breast cancer and a good cause. I told him to just count me in.

DD: Has cancer affected you or someone you know with in your life?
Akon: No absolutely not. I was blessed actually because no one in my family has even been affected. I would like to be able to know more about it and be able to about it when it happens or if it happens.
DD: What do you hope to accomplish and what can the fans of your music expect for the Oct. 3, Think Pink Concert?
Akon: We had a great time last year. I know this year will be an incredible time. As for collaborating, we’ll see who’s down in Florida that I’ve collaborated with and ready to jump on stage with me. Kardinal Offishall always pops up when I go somewhere. He’s always there.
DD: Can you tell me about your record labels?
Akon: Kon Live and Konvict Muzik are my two record labels. Kon Live is more pop with Lady Gaga as the franchise [over there] at the moment. Of course T-Pain is on Konvict Muzik.
MR: One of your most recent single, “Sexy Bitch” has an insanely contagious beat that I have had stuck in mead head the entire morning. Thank you by the way.

Akon: No problem.

MR: With “Sexy Bitch,” what were the inspirations there?

Akon: That song is actually also going to be on “Stadium Music.” I put it on David Guetta’s album because I am not dropping an album this year, and I wanted get everyone familiar with what they are about to hear from me next year with “Stadium Music.”

MR: I also heard you don’t drink or smoke, how does this affect or help your concentration with your music?

Akon: It definitely helps me focus on my music that I don’t drink or smoke. This way I don’t make any bad decisions.

The Second Annual Think Pink Rocks Charity Concert is set for 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 3 at Mizner Park, off Federal Highway, between Palmetto Park and Glades roads. Tickets are on sale for $30 and can be bought at www.thinkpinkrocks.com.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com or 954-871-1233.

Dave Dipino can be reached at ddipino@tribune.com or 954-621-5000.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

A first-year Boynton Beach elementary school has turned leisure reading over the summer into a world record.

Sunset Palms Elementary, 8650 Boynton Beach Blvd., amassed 683,057 summer reading minutes, which secured them a first place in the Scholastic Book of World Records 2010.

The Scholastic Read for the World Record was a program designed to get students reading four or more books over the summer to help prevent the effects of time off from school and keep students from getting complacent.

“I think they determined that if the children read four or more books over the time off, that would help them avoid the summer slide,” said Allison Mittleman, the school's media specialist.

The summer program began May 1 and students have been entering the time they spend reading on www.scholastic.com/summer. 


“Our original goal was actually 1 million minutes, where if every kid read 20 minutes a day, seven days a week, it could work,” Mittleman said. “But I think setting the record is just as good.”

The school had more than 750 students last year when the challenge began and now has an enrollment of more than 900 with the new year.

Karen Riddle, principal of Sunset Palms, said it is obvious through setting the world record that the school accomplished its goal to instill a love of reading at Sunset Palms Elementary.

An assembly took place Sept. 24, where Pacheco and other Scholastic representatives came down to congratulate the students on the record.

For more information call Sunset Palms Elementary Media Specialist at 561-752-3344.

Read more about this story and see photos of the assemblies in the Sept. 30 issue of the Boynton Forum. 


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

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

Rachelle Savitz - teacher at Boynton Beach Community High School
Savitz has been named the Florida Teacher of the Year for Secondary Reading by the Secondary Reading Council.
SRC is an organization that is affiliated with the Florida Reading Association.
Age – 29
Years Teaching – 8
Activities when not working – Teaching at Barry University
She also works the concession stands during football games.
She teaches four classes with about 100 students.

How did you get into teaching?

“I didn’t know until senior year in high school that I wanted to go to college. I realized I wanted to help other students who didn’t think they could make it.”

What is your favorite part of teaching?

“Getting to know each of my students. They are all different.”

Tell me more about the honor from the Secondary Reading Council?

“You have to be nominated by somebody, then you have a lot of work to do. You have to put a portfolio together.”

What was your first reaction when you received the honor?

“Disbelief. It is such a huge honor and I had only been teaching reading for four years.”

Read more about this story in the Sept. 30 issue of the Boynton Forum.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

For the last two weeks, residents might have noticed some unusual art pop up along the streets.

The 10 new pieces of art are part of the Avenue of the Arts on-loan program and were installed from City Hall, 100 E. Boynton Beach Blvd., continuing south on Seacrest Boulevard and then east on Ocean Avenue to the Boynton Harbor Marina.

The theme of this year’s art was the environment. Some of the artwork is made from recycled materials while others illustrate awareness of environmental concerns. 



“Our city is big into green initiatives, and we have a Green Alliance trying to attract more green businesses and buildings to the city,” said Debby Coles-Dobay, the city's 
public art administrator. “The art that was submitted was either made from recycled debris or had that theme.”

A rather large example of the environmental art is at the Boynton Harbor Marina entrance. Rick Beau Lieu created a 500-pound sculpture, the "Opus 4 Manatee Calf,” from recycled oil pipes off an oilrig from the Bahamas.

Another piece was from artist Beth Nybeck, who is not local and had to transport it from Iowa. "Point Defiance" is a large stainless steel abstract bear that is balancing on a shrinking polar ice cap.

The Avenue of the Arts is a program that is funded by the City's Public Art ordinance that applies to development and redevelopment.

Coles-Dobay explained that the art is funded by a 1 percent public art fee for all private development and redevelopment that takes place within the city.

“The art is on loan, so we are only really giving the artists a stipend to cover shipping costs and installation fees,” she said.

Read more about this story in the Sept. 30 issue of the Boynton Forum.
Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

He’s back! No, not Brett Favre but the one and only Dave Dipino.

With that said, we decided to ease David back into the fold and cover an event we all know the big guy could handle, some Sunday night football at Benny’s Ice House in Boynton Beach, 9803 S. Military Trail.

Now walking into Benny’s, which believe it or not I had heard great things about, the place looks more like a tiny hurricane shelter than a bar. I hoped that meant the place was built to withstand tons of Category 5 fun. We would have to see.

Benny’s was classic. The inside was a spitting image of the bar in the movie “Dazed and Confused” with pool tables, a wrap around 1970s bar, the smell of old men or WWII vets smoking in the air and even the video game Galaga in the corner. I didn’t have any quarters, so I couldn’t play.

I am not kidding when I say that an older gentleman actually sat down beside me, was wearing a short-sleeved, white button down shirt, pulled out a cigarette from his front pocket, lit up and asked the waitress, who he already knew, for a cold one. A cold one is war veteran talk for a beer.

He then turned to the guy to the left of him and started to complain about his wife, Al Bundy style. It was classic. There is that word again.

It really was like a "Cheers” and I think the faithful were not very happy that we “young bucks” were crashing their party.

So in textbook Rothman fashion, I decided to stay a while and order a Miller Lite and 10 jumbo hot wings. Dave ordered the chicken philly. The cook was Criss Angel or some kind of magician because his sandwich came out as a steak philly.

To my delightful surprise, my wings were meaty and bursting with flavor. The cold Miller draft was a nice complement to the fiery wings happily burning my mouth.

You aren’t going to take an important date there on a Friday night but if you are looking for a warp back in time to a bar that looks like Goose and Maverick from “Top Gun” might walk in, then Benny’s is the place for you.

Oh yeah, didn’t we go there to watch football? Well, maybe next time.

*** Three stars out of five.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

A certain part of Boynton Beach's fire rescue assessment helps to assist residents financially residents who may have issues in paying all or part of the small assessment.

Wayne Segal, Boynton Beach spokesman, said the fire rescue assessment was part of residents’ tax bills at the bottom of the bill.

“For example, a single family home assessment is $68 a year,” Segal said. “The assessment itself is collected to fund fire-rescue items.”

The assessment does not fund items such as the EMT.

Segal said the Hardship Extension Loan Program offers assistance for relief from the entire annual assessment, for a portion of it, deferral for all payments or deferral for a portion of it. Segal said the relief that a resident can get is based on need. Those who are not in need will not qualify.

The application deadline for the relief is Nov. 1.

Residents can download the application at . Applications are also available at all city facilities, or by calling 561-742-6060.

Individuals who are eligible for the assistance include residential property owners who qualify for certain poverty guidelines, property owners who are disabled veterans or surviving spouses of veterans and permanently disabled persons.

Qualified individuals also include residential property owners that qualify for the additional homestead exemption for residents 65 and older, and residential property owners that are qualified under the Florida Homestead Property Tax Deferral Act.

Barry Atwood, the city's director of finance, said Boynton Beach is one of only three or four cities in Palm Beach County with the fire assessment.

“It is very popular in Broward County,” he said.

The applicant must provide documentation showing eligibility for the waiver or deferral and also include a copy of the tax bill and describe the circumstances of the hardship.

Once the application is submitted, a Hardship Waiver Review Committee will go over the application and the committee will provide a decision to the resident.

For more information, call 561-742-6310.

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

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

Wayne Segal, director of public affairs for the city of Boynton Beach
Age 60
He has worked in Boynton since March 2000.
He loves to travel and is planning a trip to Seattle.
Growing up, he always knew he wanted to something in communications.

What is the one aspect of your position you like the most?

“Communicating to the citizens of Boynton Beach exactly what the city is doing. That is why I love social media so much.”

What do you do during a regular day?

“Right now we are working on an 18-minute spot on the TV about utilities.”

How did you get into this line of work?

“It started as a hobby in high school. We had a short wave radio club. Not that young people know what short waves are.”

What do you see in your future?

“I want to see where the social media takes me. That is what the job is going to morph into.”

Read more about this story in the Sept. 23 issue of the Boynton Forum.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

Women's Circle Inc. got the news Sept. 8 that the Boynton Community Redevelopment Agency approved a $100,000 interest-free, mortgage loan for the nonprofit to buy a needed larger facility.

The Women’s Circle was sharing a duplex at 145 NE Fourth Ave. with the Community Caring Center and co-founder Lorraine Ryan said the new space will be almost 1,200 square feet compared to half that before.

The duplex the Women’s Circle will take over is at 912-914 SE Fourth St., near the Boynton Beach Senior Center.

“We will have three on-street, parallel parking spots near the property and utilize the west end of the Senior Center parking lot,” Ryan said.

The Women's Circle was founded in 2000 to improve the lives of low-income women with education and job assistance.

The organization provides free classes in literacy, English and computer skills. It also provides with résumé help and job searches.

Attendance last year for programs was 160 and Ryan said 13 women could often be seen studying in a 10-foot-by-12-foot room.

“The important date we are focusing on is Sept. 30, when we will have the closing on the property,” Ryan said.

Mary Crawley, a spokeswoman for the Women’s Circle, said the group expects an extensive renovation of the property to begin with a groundbreaking Oct. 5.

For information, call the Women’s Circle at 561-364-9501.

Read more about this story in the Sept. 23 issue of the Boynton Forum.

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

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

David Green’s interest in acupuncture started when his mother, Cheryl, was struggling with arthritis in her knee.

The word acupuncture is derived from the Latin "acus" meaning needle, and "pungere" meaning to prick.

Green said the alternative therapy of acupuncture helped his mother as it has been used for thousands of years to treat pain for others, as well. It is also used as an addition to help lower dosages of pain medication.

“I really wanted to get involved with medicine and the more I learned about acupuncture, the more I got excited about it,” he said.

Now, Green has been practicing acupuncture for more than two and a half years and opened a new facility in May at 3379 Woolbright Road.

“Acupuncture is just a good way of treating pain without using drugs or at least reducing the use of drugs,” Green said. “Boynton is a good place because there is a large demand with not a lot of other acupuncture places in the area.”

Green said that the Chinese figured out that there are channels all throughout the body that carry energy and that blockages can occur that cause pain. Acupuncture is supposed to open up these blockages and release chemicals into the body that ease pain.

At Green Acupuncture, David Green uses fine needles, which stimulate the nervous system to release the chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain.

Green is a Board Certified Acupuncture Physician and said that reports state that acupuncture is effective for migraines, neck pain, back pain, tendonitis, arthritis, shoulder pain, surgical pain and cancer pain.

For information, call 561-414-6915.

Read more about this story in the Sept. 23 issue of the Boynton Forum.

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

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

Glenn Jergensen, president of the Boynton Chamber of Commerce
Age – 54
Heroes – Father, Roland
Activities – Golf
Glenn also likes to woodwork and fix things around the house
Born – Rhode Island
Live now – Wellington
Wife – Helen
Dog – Bella

How did you get into this line of work?

“Well, I was on the board for eight years, then was chairman of the board. I have always liked helping small businesses.”

What is the best aspect of what you do?

“Meeting the members and talking to small businesses to see what they need. We have 700 chamber members and more than 50 percent are small businesses with one to three employees.”

Do you have any initiatives planned?

“We are working to revamp the Web site and continue networking. We want to work on getting together a Facebook page and take some technology classes.”

Read more about this story in the Sept. 9 issue of the Boynton Forum.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

With the swine flu virus threatening to hit America hard over the next few months, local hospitals are preparing to mitigate the effects that the illness might have on people in the surrounding communities.

Dr. Albert Biehl, vice president of medical affairs at Bethesda Memorial Hospital, said that as many as 40 percent of the population is expected to get the virus in the coming flu season.

“We were briefed recently and expect to see an increase in cases come mid-September,” Biehl said.

The H1N1 flu virus could cause up to 90,000 deaths in the country, mainly among
 children and young adults, according
 to a report released last week by a presidential advisory panel.


The advisory panel also said the outbreak could lead to 1.8 million hospital admissions.

Biehl said with the number of possible cases in mind, the hospital has what he called a “mini-disaster plan” for the outbreak.

The plans has the ER handing out prescriptions for Tamiflu, the 42 bays in the ER to be used for infusion therapy, and if needed, the waiting rooms and other areas to be converted to treatment rooms.

Lisa Kronhaus, public relations director for Bethesda, said the first phase of the hospital’s plan was to educate the staff and the doctors about the new flu strain.

The next step, she said, is to educate the public.

Kronhaus said washing hands, coughing in a sleeve, sneezing in the arm and staying home while being sick are some of the tips they gave parents and children.

She said the hospital plans to send more representatives out to nearby schools to educate.

Read more about this story in the Sept. 9 issue of the Boynton Forum.

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

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

Finally, I would have my chance to shine. To show the world what I have to offer and how valuable I truly am.

Tempted Tai and Sushi in Boca Raton hosted a fashion show to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Hue Hair Salon, located in the same plaza.

You know what this means? I would get to show the world and Hue Salon my fabulous, legendary, dare we say historic … hair.

Also I might cover the fashion show a bit.

Jason, who filled in for Dave for the fourth time, brought his boyfriend to the party.

Tempted Tai is made in the mold of real New York City sushi joints, with a real Manhattan feel. I will refrain from making any “Sex and the City” comments.

Like the baller that I am, I took the elevator up to the second floor, where the sushi restaurant is located. The inside was an eclectic mix of different elements.

A wood floor, which became a makeshift runway, was the setting for the cocktail area, with the sushi and drink bar located in the far corner. You can literally grab a pre-meal drink while watching your sushi be prepared.

The dining area had a mixture of light blue and a design that looked like braille on the walls. There even was a little Buddha fountain in the corner.

The fashion show went off without a hitch. To my dismay, I was not called upon to be a guest model. I’ll just keep telling myself they didn’t see me. It helps me sleep at night.

In addition to the restaurant itself, the fashion show was New York style with rows of white plastic chairs lined up all along the runway. Lights were flashing from digital cameras as guests took a couple pictures of the models gliding up and down the runway.

The fashion show ended quite early, giving me enough time to grab a drink, mingle with some of the models and enjoy the rest of my night.

The night went well. So well that I’ll be back next year for the second anniversary of Hue. Maybe by then, they will smarten up and have me model for them.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

After being in Boynton Beach for six years, the Coin and Jewelry Exchange has moved to the city of Atlantis at 5852 S. Congress Ave.

With the economy struggling more than ever, owner Jay McHugh said people are selling more and more of their unwanted gold and silver jewelry.

“Problem is they are not buying,” he said. “You need both sides of the business to be successful.”

Many of the past Coin and Jewelry Exchange clients, sellers and buyers, may have questioned where their Boynton Beach staple, which was located on Congress Avenue, had gone. It simply moved a few miles north.

The move was also into a storefront. In Boynton, it used to be located in an office.

McHugh said he might see 200 people per week stop in the store to sell and buy jewelry, but mainly to sell.

Times are tough and people are looking for quick cash to pay bills and settle debts.

Mary Beck is one of those people who said she needs to be more liquid. She has been looking to get rid of a few gold watches and some diamond jewelry just to pay utility bills and the mortgage on her Boynton Beach town home.

“Times are tough right now,” she said. “I’m a teacher just looking for work and believe things will get better. I don’t want to sell to a pawn shop and get almost nothing for my jewelry.”

The exchange is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Read more about this story in the Sept. 9 issue of the Boynton Forum.

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

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) | Share: