Boynton Forum

Eating a stack of buttermilk pancakes could actually help sick children.

Don’t see the connection?

National Pancake Day 2010 is from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 23 at all participating IHOP Restaurants. What this means is IHOP will give away free short stacks of buttermilk pancakes, and hope that customers leave donations behind for Children’s Miracle Network.

“What a great cause!” said Janet Alexander, spokeswoman for IHOP Restaurants. “February is National Pancake Month Day, and everyone loves pancakes.”

Alexander said the program for the Children’s Miracle Network started about five years ago when the company wanted to do a national campaign for a cause.

“It is amazing the different things they see in children such as cancer, AIDS and diabetes,” Alexander said.

She said the efforts of the 38 IHOP locations in Miami, Dade and Monroe counties would be donated to the Miami Children’s Hospital, and the donations from the three local IHOPs in Lantana and Delray Beach would go to Shands Children’s Hospital in Gainesville, also associated with the Miracle Network.

The IHOP in Lantana is located at 1501 S. Dixie Highway, and located in Delray Beach at 1010 NE Fifth Ave. and 4745 W. Atlantic Ave.

Maria Moldes, director of the Children’s Miracle Network at the Miami Children’s Hospital, said the goal this year to generate more than $1.75 million for Children’s Miracle Network programs.

If the goal is reached, IHOP will have raised $5 million in the past five years total for the network.

More than 1,400 IHOP restaurants throughout the United States will give out pancakes in hope that customers donate what they would have paid for them to the cause.



Children’s Miracle Network is an international nonprofit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals. The organization touches the lives of 17 million children each year.

“The funds they donate to us are unrestricted,” Moldes said. “They will not be tied down to one area. Last year, $25,000 was donated to our hospital alone.”

Moldes said celebrities are getting involved also. Miss Florida USA 2010 Megan Clementi will be serving and flipping pancakes from 10 to 11 a.m. at the IHOP on Sunset Drive in Miami on Feb. 23.

In addition, Children’s Miracle Network “Miracle Balloons” will be sold for $1 and $5 each and displayed at participating IHOP restaurants through Feb. 23.

In 2009, IHOP gave away 3 million pancakes and raised nearly $1.5 million in support of Children’s Miracle Network.

For information, visit www.ihoppancakeday.com.

A group of dedicated students at Boynton Beach High School will not stop until they have made significant changes at their school.

The Teen Leadership 2 students at the school, 4975 Park Ridge Blvd., have started a group called “Commit To Change.”

The initiative is a carry over from last year when the teens worked with Aid To Victims of Domestic Abuse teaching lessons about violence prevention to local elementary and middle school students.

“Some of those children graduated, so the remaining ones still wanted to take action,” said Geri Grocki, teen leadership teacher. “They created the Teen Leadership 2 group, which is not a class but a group that meets after school.”

The group’s vision is to educate other students and staff about diversity issues and create a safe and supportive environment on the campus of Boynton High, as well as the community they live in and eventually the world. 
 


Grocki said the students even made a logo for the group that meets Thursdays.

“They discuss topics like race, religion, sexuality and even the environment,” she said. “It started off with six students.”

Those six had Dr. Laura Finley, a professor at Barry University and author of several books about developing peace, present grade-level assemblies to the student body of Boynton High back in November.

Her presentation looked at the global issue of peace and segued to that of the United States and then to what happens in our own communities. Students were empowered to realize that even one person could make a difference.

“Eighty-seven kids showed up to our first meeting after Finley came,” she said.

With the masses of the group growing quickly, it brought in a sexuality speaker in December and Toward A More Perfect Union to speak in January.

Grocki said “Commit To Change” would bring in more speakers from various community organizations to address specific issues that can cause problems on a school campus or in a community.

Students then take the information that they learn and find ways to educate in their community. 


Education from the students themselves includes a “No Name-Calling Week,” where students would call out anyone who used bad words against another.

"No Name-Calling Week" was very productive. People weren't using their
words to hurt but to encourage others,” said Kenyanna Deavers, a senior at the school. “I grew over the week since I
 focused on not calling or saying anything offensive. Even though I was 
not successful in all my attempts, I know that my attitude began to
alter in a more positive way."

Linda Brooks, 11th-grader, is another student who thinks the special “No Name” week made a difference for the simple fact that she saw people apologizing for any comments that slipped out.

“I think it should be done again,” Brooks said.

In addition, the group has and will have several events to raise $10,000 for Haiti relief. From concerts to blood drives, the group will continue till it has made a change.

Mark Karageorge, candidate for Boynton Beach District 3 Commission seat
The municipal election is March 9.
Age 48
He is a community manager with Greystar Management Services.
Karageorge was the chairman of the American Assembly 20/20 Vision subcommittee on Neighborhood Revitalization, Affordable Housing, and Business Development & Retention
He is a member of the city's Code Compliance Board.
He loves sports and the beach.
His hero is his grandfather, Mark Karageorge.
He went to Robert Morris College.
He was born in Pittsburgh.
He has been living in Boynton for 10 years.

Why did you decide to run?

“I’ve been involved with the city with Code Compliance and 20/20. I want to create jobs and get our plans moving forward. The only way to do that is to be part of the commission.”

What is your platform?

“The millage rate is up, seniors are having to go back to the workforce, even though they should be enjoying their retirement. I want to help stop this. Other cities are implementing items in two to four months that take us two to four years. I got into this to be a public servant not a politician.”

What do you do for a living?

I manage apartment communities. I work for Greystar Management, the fifth largest in the U.S. for properties.”

What’s your favorite part of your career?

“I enjoy being able to provide housing for people who need it.”

The police department might be heading west, what do you think of that?

“I think it was flawed from the start. The need for that space in undeniable but right now may not be the right time to move. I'd love to keep it in my district but the RFP process was flawed and site were not considered.”

Where is Boynton heading in the near future?

“We are in a period of great opportunity. We have to be prudent with the economy though and be business minded. We have to generate jobs, work with the chamber and increase land value.”

With everyone tightening their metaphorical financial belts, this year’s tax refund is more important than ever.

The refunds residents get this year probably will not go toward a new Jacuzzi or ski trip but to paying the mortgage or buying groceries for the family.

Dianne Laubert, senior director of communications for United Way of Palm Beach County, said there are extra tax breaks this year residents can take advantage of to increase their refund and stretch its usefulness just a bit longer.

United Way will once again have its VITA program until April 15 with 20 sites, where it provides income tax preparation for free to households earning $49,000 or less.

Forest Park Elementary, 1201 SW Third St., will be the key site in Boynton Beach, running from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Laubert said during the most popular times, upwards of 40 people are at the site getting their taxes done.

“There is a big increase in February once everyone gets their documents and their W-2 forms,” she said.

Vivian Pazmino, VITA Program manager, said there are a few key changes from last year that might have the average return up to $3,000 from last year’s $2,000.

“This year, a parent can claim up to three children instead of last year’s limit of two,” she said.

In addition, school materials can be added to tuition and can be an exemption, as well as a new car purchased after Feb. 17.

The VITA Program also helps tax payers save more than $1 million in tax-preparation fees they would have paid had they used a tax-preparation company. 


In all, the VITA Program has had a $113 million impact on the local economy, with taxpayers using their refunds to invest in education or housing.

Last year, more than 9,500 residents used the VITA Program, and received $15 million in refunds.

Before United Way’s involvement began in 2004 in the VITA Program, only 641 residents were using the service, Laubert said.

“Basically, they came to us and said we have $12 million in unclaimed tax credits,” Laubert said.

All returns processed at VITA sites are e-filed so filers can receive their refund money quickly, normally in 10 to 12 days.

To find a VITA site, residents need to call 211, the county’s information and referral line or visit www.unitedwaypbc.org.

* One client, Joann Arroyo, had her taxes done at a VITA site and came out with a new home.

She was told how she could use the Individual Development Account to become a homeowner.

“I put in $2,000 and they matched it 2 to 1, by putting in $4,000,” she said.

Using IDA she had $6,000 to move her and three children into a new home. She also said with VITA, she has never had a problem with the IRS and her refunds come quickly, which she needs.

“I have been using VITA for five years and will continue to use them,” she said. “They help a lot.”

* Lawrence Yablon is once again in charge of organizing the AARP free tax preparation at the Boynton Beach Senior Center, 1021 S. Federal Highway.

The program started Feb. 1 and he said they have seen an average of 16 to 17 people per day so far come in from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

“This program is marketed to seniors but welcomes all ages and all income levels, even though it is for low to moderate incomes,” he said.

With the AARP tax preparation, the refund usually takes 10 to 14 days to be received and residents need to bring all 2009 documents, in addition to their 2008 tax return.

The program, sponsored by the IRS, saw about 1,000 people walk through the doors and have their taxes done last year.

More than 35 people volunteer on a rotating schedule at the Senior Center to bring this free program to the masses.

For information, call 561-742-6570.

Hudson Realty, Inc. is celebrating its 30th year at 300 S Federal Highway in Boynton Beach.

As a full-service real estate brokerage, Hudson Realty, Inc. is active in the sale and leasing of both residential and commercial properties in Southern Palm Beach County.

The group’s market area includes Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Ocean Ridge and Lake Worth.

Hudson Realty has been serving Palm Beach County from the oceanfront to the western communities since 1980.



James Hudson, president of Hudson Realty, said he was looking for a home in Fort Lauderdale in the 1970s and saw the process of selling a home first hand.

“It looked like a good career,” he said.

Hudson said his office has a hometown feel that separates him from other offices in the area that might not have lasted three decades.

“Plus, we didn’t expand to seven or eight offices like others,” he said.

Hudson Realty's staff of licensed sales professionals, almost 35 in all, is ready to assist in any type of real estate transaction. Hudson said professional standards and his clients' interests are his top priority.



As for Boynton, Hudson thinks things are looking up for the city after hitting rock bottom.

“It is a good time to buy,” he said. “We have even been getting interest from Europeans who see the value here.”

Some of Hudson’s staff has been in the business as long as him.

Sam Burger was the owner of B&R Realty Inc., from 1977 to 1986 and owner of Burger Realty from 1986 to 1996. Ever since 1996, he has been with Hudson Realty Inc.

Burger was in the retail industry for 20 years before becoming a broker and worked in 12 to 13 stores from Texas to Mississippi.

“I always thought those real estate people had it pretty well,” he said, referring to why he took the course and started with real estate in 1977. “James [Hudson] is a laid-back type of person and fits my personality.”

Burger said hard work from the staff is the main reason Hudson has lasted more than 30 years in the business.

Burger is a million-dollar producer with 32 years experience in the Boynton and Delray area. Sam has also been married 50 years.

Hudson Realty is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

For information, call 561-734-6000.

The time is now for a small business to expand in Boynton Beach.

The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency has developed a trio of programs to help small businesses expand an existing enterprise or start a new one.

Lisa Bright, CRA executive director, said the reason for the program is that the agency has space in the downtown that developers cannot rent because small businesses do not have the money to pay for certain expenses.

The CRA has targeted specific reasons, and Bright and her team have created three programs to combat the issues.

Margee Walsh, CRA marketing director, said the addition of the new programs complement the existing economic development options and help to make having a small business in the downtown more affordable.

Walsh said the three new initiatives include the Commercial Rent Subsidy, Commerical Interior Build-Out and Business Signage Improvement programs.

First, the Commercial Rent Subsidy program will assist with rent for the first year for a new or expanding business. It will pay one-half or up to $600 a month to the landlord for qualifying businesses.

Next, the Commercial Interior Build-Out program will help businesses that are new or expanding with interior build-outs. The number of jobs created by the business will determine how much the CRA will invest, up to $15,000.

“Our job is to get our citizens employed,” Walsh said.

Finally, the Business Signage Improvement Grant program provides up to $1,500 in matching funds to install new signage.

Bright said she had been trying to enact the three programs for almost two years now.

“We were not getting a lot of traction until Ron Weiland, who voted them down twice, decided to champion the cause,” Bright said.

Boynton Beach Commissioner Ron Weiland did not support the these economic development programs at first but once he started talking with business leaders and heard what they needed, he changed his position.

Weiland said he now supports these efforts because these programs will help to fuel small business and revitalize downtown Boynton Beach.

Bright said the reception of the new programs has been overwhelming, with an average of 30 people coming into apply in the past few weeks.

“This is one of the biggest items guiding the city in the right direction,” she said.
The budget, for now, is $50,000, Bright said.

She also said with all the applicants, the agency might have to apply for more funding.

“It is about educating the public about the stimulus money that is dropping quickly and how to get it,” she said.

The CRA will know in about 90 days who qualifies for the three programs after applications are submitted and filled out.

For information about or to apply for a Boynton Beach CRA business development program, call 561-737-3256 or visit www.boyntonbeachcra.com/grants.php.

A house can look flawless to the untrained eye but could have major issues that only experts can find.

Krystal Kenison bought a home in Palm Beach Gardens a few years back and had an inspector come out and he missed a few things.

“It ended up costing me some money,” she said. “It was just one guy who putted around.”

Inspections aren’t just for buyers like Kenison. From minor renovations to complete home staging, homeowners looking to sell are using it too.

A pre-sale inspection can identify problems that a homeowner can opt to fix in advance before selling. When the buyer’s home inspection takes place, it won’t reduce the sale price of a home or even cancel the deal.

Colin Conroy is the local owner of 12 HomeTeam Inspection services from Jupiter down through Palm Beach, Broward and Dade counties. This includes Boynton Beach.

“About 15 years ago, I moved to South Florida from Australia and decided home inspection was my next career choice,” he said.

All HomeTeam inspectors have been professionally trained and certified to meet these regulations since the company’s inception in 1991.

Each inspection covers 400 points inside and outside of the home, after which a qualified and professional HomeTeam inspector will provide a comprehensive report.

Kenison is in the process of buying a new home in Delray Beach. This time, she had HomeTeam come out and she said they brought five specialized professionals.

“They were specialists in A/C, alarms and termites,” she said. “It will end up saving us money at closing time. I wish I had these guys before.”

HomeTeam can offer higher-quality services in quite literally half the time it takes for a similar company to complete the same task, which is key with foreclosures that often need to be inspected on very short notice.

Conroy said the time of the inspection is around 90 minutes, far less than one regular inspector.

HomeTeam inspects for a variety of issues with a home, including drainage, A/C units, maintenance of appliances, roofing, plumbing, water intrusion, rotted wood and electrical issues.

“We have more than 50 different people and experts that work with us,” he said.

Conroy said the price, with economic struggles, also would not break the bank. A 2,000-square-foot home goes for around $350 for an inspection from HomeTeam.

If the inspection reveals any issues, buyers can either request that the seller make repairs before the closing or they can walk away from the deal completely, Conroy said.

Sandy Sabo used HomeTeam twice, in 2002 and 2005, to buy two homes in Fort Lauderdale.

“They were prompt and clean,” she said. “The best part was I asked questions and they answered everything for me.”

Sabo said the process of buying her homes was a lot easier knowing nothing major was wrong with the property.

HomeTeam Inspection Service was founded in 1991 by Paul Spires, Jr. in Milford, Ohio to address the growing need for cost-effective property inspection from certified professionals.

HomeTeam Inspection Service has about 200 franchises in 45 states and Canada.

For information about HomeTeam Inspection, call 954-941-1602.

Renette Nelson, first-time homeowner
She is a single mother.
Age 34
She recently bought her first home in Boynton Beach.
The new home is along Northeast 12th Avenue.
Activities – Church
Job – Wal-Mart
Born – Haiti
Grew up in Miami
Children – Two boys, Alex and Charleson
She moved into her new home in August with the help of Habitat for Humanity and United Way of Palm Beach County.
The home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

How did United Way help you get your first home?

“They ran my credit and got me into this program to manage my money. They had me open an account where I put $50 in until I had $2,000. Then they matched it with $4,000 for my down payment.”

What kind of classes did they have you take?

“I took several of them. It told me stuff I needed to take to the bank for a loan. I also took classes with Habitat on how to keep my credit good.”

What does your new home look like?

“It has three bedrooms with a car garage. It is a peachy color. I was paying more in the apartment before than I am now for a home I own.”

Did you ever think you would be a home owner?

“It is a dream come true. I got a price I could afford through Habitat and United Way.”

What is your favorite part of the new home?

“My room. It is big, so I can do a lot to it and move things around. I couldn’t before in my old room.”

With the 90th anniversary of the Boynton Beach Police Department taking place this year, the Boynton Beach City Library is seeking help from the public for an upcoming exhibit.

Archivist Janet DeVries is looking for donations of artifacts and information for the future exhibit “Boynton’s Finest: 90th Anniversary Tribute to the Boynton Beach Police Department.”

The exhibit is set to open at the library, 208 S. Seacrest Blvd., June 1.

She is looking for uniforms, equipment and other items for loan to the library.

To donate, call 561-742-6397 by March 1.

The majority of residents who qualify are unaware that a certain community in Boynton has multiple programs aimed at getting them into their own home at greatly reduced mortgages.

Mara Mades, executive vice president of development firm The Cornerstone Group, recently said that closings have started for the first building in the second phase at Preserve at Boynton Beach, 1866 NE Fifth St.

Currently, 54 units in five buildings have been completed, with 126 units in 10 buildings remaining. Prices range from $199,990 to $219,990.
 


Through the city of Boynton Beach’s State Housing Initiative Partnership Program, buyers are eligible for an $8,000 loan for closing costs, where buyers are granted 18 months to repay the loan. To get the loan, the resident needs to have a contract by April 30 and close by June 30. Most residents are privy to this information.

What isn’t well known is that The Cornerstone Group has also enacted a purchasing opportunity to help households afford a home.

The Cornerstone Group has obtained an allocation of $5 million of Community Workforce Housing Incentive Program funds. The funds are only designated for The Preserve.

The CWHIP funds are funds for households earning up to 140 percent of the median income. These households can access CWHIP funds of up to $75,000 per household.

Mades said for the purpose of this program, the median income in Palm Beach County would be $75,400.

“It is set up that for a family of four, you can be making $105,560 and still qualify,” Mades said.


The way these funds work is a household can get $75,000 taken off its loan amount. For example, if a home were selling for $200,000, the loan amount would be $125,000. Now, this money is not the homeowner’s to keep but to use for as long as wanted.

Laura Arias, sales specialist for The Preserve, said the homeowner then does not have to pay back the $75,000 unless the home is sold. Even then, the allocated funds might pass to the next homeowner, if qualified.

The CWHIP money is the true definition of a subsidy from a provider to solely help people live in the community and not let it sit there unused.

“It is like an uncle loaning you money,” Arias said about the fact that if the homeowners stay in the Preserve, 
they do not have to repay the $75,000.

The CWHIP money can also go toward closing costs and down payments, which can be a deal breaker for buyers.

When all is said and done, with the SHIP and CWHIP programs, Arias said monthly payments for homes at The Preserve may total less than $1,000. 
 


A $1,000 is just around the monthly rate that Dani Raison can pay. Raison is a social worker in the area.

“I don’t have a lot of money to throw around,” she said. “I need programs like this, otherwise, I’ll never own a home.”

Raison said she has been renting for years and is sick of sinking money into a non-investment.

When fully built out, The Preserve at Boynton Beach will consist of 60 villas and 120 town homes built in 15, three-story buildings and one community clubhouse. 


The Preserve at Boynton Beach is located at just south of Gateway Boulevard on Northeast Fourth Street.

For information on Preserve at Boynton Beach, call 866-740-3111 or visit www.preserveboyntonbeach.com.

No more than four years ago, Lisa Lucas purchased two homes, one in Boynton Beach and one in Delray Beach, assuming the transaction was a sound investment.

Like many others, the assumption was wrong and Lucas is now in a state of financial flux. The home she bought for $479,000 in Delray Beach with four to five bedrooms, a large yard and other amenities recently went to short sale for $79,000.

With a short sale, the seller can remain out of the foreclosure quicksand but the price keeps lowering until a purchase is approved. For this significant drop in price, Lucas only loses 100 points on her credit score and the debt is wiped clean.

With foreclosure, the credit score is affected more severely, typically causing a 200- to 300-point drop.

“Someone might walk away with this home for less than $100,000,” she said.

If her short sale on the Delray home does not go through by Feb. 19, then foreclosure becomes a reality.

The predial nightmare doesn’t end with Lucas’ holdings in Delray Beach but continues at her own residence in Boynton Beach, near Bethesda Memorial Hospital.

She is currently vying to modify the loan that was taken out on her $400,000 Boynton home. Hardship letters and other statements have been part of the eight-month process to change the loan so she can keep her home and avoid another short sale.

While trying to avoid another one of her homes being sold for a fraction of its original price, Lucas is dealing with forthcoming lawsuit from CitiBank and the nonpayment of $12,000 from tenants at the Delray home.

Wes Cherry, a Palm Beach County Realtor, said a story like Lucas’ is all too common in this financial climate.

“It’s horrible,” he said. “In no way did I get into this business to rip apart people’s dreams. I wanted to give people their dream homes. Instead I am taking them away and these days, selling them to other for almost nothing.”

Cherry said the unemployment rate, which recently dipped below 10 percent in Florida, is a main cause for the foreclosures and short sales.

“Without stable income, these people can’t sustain payments,” he said. “Even if they just got cut back hours at their jobs or demoted, they have to give up their homes.”

An established director is making strides to affect change for underprivileged local children.

Gary Davis teaches the Art of Filmmaking class to children at risk from 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays at the Carolyn Sims Center, 225 NW 12th Ave.

“One single day might make a difference to one of these children,” Davis said. “It is my third year here and some of these 16-year-olds are brilliant, future film makers.”

Davis, born and raised in the high-crime area of Camden, N.J., said movies were an escape for him growing up.

“I was making movies when I was 10 but didn’t have anybody to guide me,” he said. “I always wished I had someone to instruct me on filmmaking.”

Davis said anywhere from five to 20 students show up each week to learn from his experience in films, including “Zen,” a movie he said he might be most proud of in his long career.

“Zen” was shown at the Boynton Beach Cinema on April 12, 2007 and even had a DVD released two days later.

Davis said “Zen” has a lot of similarities to “2055,” a new film about a possible dark future for the world.

* In addition to the classes at the Sims Center, Davis will have a movie premiere Feb. 23 for “2055” and another film at the Boynton Cinema, 9764 S. Military Trail. Some of his actors, including a few os his students, live in Boynton Beach.

Davis, who directs and for the first time in years, acts in “2055,” said in his futuristic tale has the world nearly destroyed and people are living in the aftermath with no running water or electricity.

He plays Sergeant Ty on the hunt for weapons of mass destruction.

He compares the ensemble movie to a cult classic TV show, “Firefly,” a 2002 program that also took a glimpse into the future. Joss Whedon, famous for his “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series and a favorite of Davis’, created “Firefly.”

“2055” starts out like a western in the 1800s with a hero, villain and damsel in distress, then takes a closer look at war and armies looking for dangerous weapons.

“There is a wicked judge who controls the town,” Davis said. “It is a really wild movie.”

"2055" stars Miranda Khan of West Palm Beach, Joe Mignone from Boca Raton and Jeff Wiser of Delray Beach.

In his second movie, “Don’t mess with the IRS,” written and produced by a former IRS agent Barry Steiner, people are getting tax refund checks in error up to $1 million dollars.

Davis also makes an appearance in the second film as FBI Special Agent Washington, trying hard to find out who is behind the large tax refund check scheme.

Briana Sullivan, a 16-year-old student of Davis and at Park Vista High School, plays a TV reporter, who gets to report on all the refund checks and how it is affecting the country.

“He wanted one of us from his Art of Filmmaking class to be in the movie,” she said. “He thought I would fit the character because I say what I feel.”

Sullivan said she prepared for the role by think about what she would do if she received a $1 million refund check.

“It is also a pushy character, which works well,” she said.

For information about the premier, call the Boynton Cinema at 561-366-7500.

Score a victory for the Boynton job market but with a few opinionated drawbacks.

The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Board gave approval Feb. 9 to enter into a direct incentive funding agreement with Walmart Stores for $406,026.

In addition, the City Commission passed the site plan for the store Feb. 16 and voted to pass four zoning variances for the proposed store, which will help it get off the ground.

Lisa Bright, CRA executive director, said her staff worked for nearly three years with the developer 3600 Holdings and Walmart to build a smaller, full-service Walmart store.

The Walmart store, planned for 3629-3675 S. Federal Highway, will be about half the size of a traditional store at 93,755 square feet. Walmart has moved to a smaller store to keep up with the economy and cut costs even further for neighborhoods where a big box store is usually not viable.

The new store will feature an emphasis on green design with energy-efficient technology.

Bright said the energy-efficient technology includes refrigerator sensor systems that if left open trip an alarm alerting staff to close it and low-flow water components.

For the unemployed resident, the DIFA will provide funding to create 150 full-time jobs at an average of $11 per hour, Bright said.

Bright said with the unemployment rate in Florida at 11.6 percent, 2 percent above the national average, the store was needed for the residents who are out of work and might be losing their homes or other necessities.

“There was one man who came to a meeting that started at Walmart 25 years ago as a bagger and is now a regional manager,” she said. “So the company is an upward one.”

Bright also said that the local population fits into what Walmart needs as far as workforce, with 88.9 percent of the residents with a high school diploma or equivalent, and 23.1 percent with a bachelor’s degree.

The store will be smaller and the savings will be passed directly onto the consumer, Bright said.

“You notice the price difference right away,” Bright said. “A can of cat food is 50 cents elsewhere and is 39 cents at Walmart.”

Jim Knight, a broker with 3600 Holdings, said without the CRA, this progress could not have taken place. He cited the removal of nearby Club Ovation, with a capacity for 2,000 people, to rezoning of the land as key movements forward for the property.

“I was embarrassed as a property owner to admit we owned the property when that strip club was in there,” Knight said. “There were numerous shootings there and Walmart will be a catalyst for change all along the area.”

Knight said that in 2003, 3600 Holdings took over the property and for some time he has been pushing to get rid of Club Ovation, 3637 S. Federal Highway.

The strip club was raided last year and Bright said even rapper Eminem’s posse, D-12, refused to go to Club Ovation while they were in town because of the danger it presented from past stabbings and shootings.

One of the most prominent shootings took place Jan. 2, 2005 during Hot Chocolate Sunday, a club promotion.

For information on the CRA, its events and activities, call 561-737-3256, or visit www.boyntonbeachcra.com.

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

The Ocean Avenue Green Market is trying to give struggling artists a chance to spread the brilliance of their work through the Emerging Artists program.

Sherry Johnson, the green market's director, said the market is inviting emerging artists to come to the cafe at 400 E. Boynton Beach Blvd. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday to display art and potentially make sales.

Johnson said the artists come out when the weather is nice.

“As you can tell, the recent weather has taken its toll on the number of people displaying their work,” she said.

Tents are provided for an outside display and during good weather, Johnson said as many as 10 artists can fit.

The art on display in the past has included hand-blown glass, Southwestern art and other crafts for purchase.

Johnson said the market tried to expand to the Boynton Mall, along Congress Avenue but that it did not provide a good venue with too much competition.

In addition to the art, the bakery and deli is also open at the café, the only venue now for the market.

“Artists can display their art in our space for free, while crafters are $15,” Johnson said. “There is a fine line between what is art and what is crafting.”

Johnson said she continues to try to create a business incubator for residents and thus the reason for a program to help emerging artists.

On such artist is Jules Greenbaum, a former art director for IBM.

Greenbaum took a trip to Santa Fe 15 years back and saw Indian art producing good money for the collection.

“I said that I could do that!” he said. “I started doing acrylic on canvas.”

Greenbaum has been displayed in a gallery in Fort Lauderdale and thought the green market would be a chance to further his reputation as a Southwestern artist.

Another artist taking advantage of the program is Carol Friedman, who sells glass jewelry and glassware.

Friedman has been an artist for 50 years with an art degree from Boston University.

“The program is great,” said Don Livingston, Friedman’s husband. “But, I just wish more people would show up to see. Carol has been a teacher, water colorist and artist for almost 60 years.”

For information, call the market at 561-752-8598.

By giving a donation to those fighting for American freedom, residents can have their posture looked at by professionals.

Michael Arra and Ruth Berman, local chiropractors in Boynton Beach, 901 N. Congress Ave., Suite D 104, are donating chiropractic free services from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in exchange for donations to Forgotten Soldiers Outreach.

The free services will include new patient consultations, exams, X-rays and adjustments for current patients.

Berman said the value of this service is worth almost $250 and is simply to say thanks to the community they have been a part of for two decades.

In addition to the services, there will be music, snacks and some giveaways.

FSO is a local nonprofit that runs off donations to send monthly care packages to soldiers overseas.

For information or to reserve an appointment, call 561-732-4661.

Marlis Winter - director and founder of The Club Singers of Boynton Beach
The Club Singers is a philanthropic group founded on the premise that monies raised from engagements would be donated to worthy causes.
The group has donated $12,000 in the past 10 years.
The group sings in five-part harmony.
The Singers are composed of mostly seniors from the Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and Boca Raton.
They practice in Delray Beach on Tuesdays at Temple Anshei Shalom.
They sing in nursing homes, gated communities and have sung at City Place in West Palm Beach.
They have also sponsored music scholarships for individuals at the local high schools
Age 74
Activities – read, travel
Heroes – Father, Oskar
Born – Germany
Has been in music industry for 40 years

How did the choral group start?

“I moved down from the north and three people down here were anxious to start a choral group. So we handed out fliers and now we have 80 people.”

Has music always been your career?

“I have been doing it my entire life. I also taught German. I have my master’s degree in German.”

What is your favorite element to singing?

“The results. They are so gratifying. We are a five-part harmony, so each has their own part and they blend together.”

What does the group do?

“We perform for communities, including men’s clubs and women’s clubs. We sometimes also go to nursing homes.”

What does your future have in store?

“I will never be walking with a walker.”

What is the group’s future?

“We will be doing this as long as we are able to. We are all seniors.”

With all the civic-minded individuals running for mayor and District 3 Commissioner making their last second push on the campaign trail, one man is running unopposed and can exhale.

William Orlove, taking over for Ronald Weiland as District 1 Commissioner, has no opponents and has no debates. He has planning on his mind.

Orlove, a Boynton resident since 1998, decided to run last May because he wanted to up his involvement in the city after working on the advisory board for the Parks and Recreation Department.

“It is a definitely a big relief,” he said. “But part of my plan was to get out early and hear the issues in my district. So, either way, I think I would have been in a good position if someone had chosen to run against me.”

Orlove is currently the associate director of marketing and communications for the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County and has worked for nonprofits since 1996.
Instead of resting, Orlove has decided to attend the usual luncheons and events to speak and let people know his issues and plans.

“Someone recently asked me, ‘Are you going to speak?’” He said. “Of course I will because people still need to know where I stand.”

Currently, he is getting to know the people he will be working with at city hall, including the department heads of staff.

“Obviously Parks and Recreation is near and dear to my heart also,” he said. “There are a few projects that I want to move forward with when I take office including the boundless park and rejuvenation of downtown from Seacrest to Ocean Avenue.”

Orlove said the preservation of the Old High School in Boynton Beach was also a priority.

Conversely, Steve Holzman is still hitting the pavement and making his last-second push to become District 3 commissioner.

Holzman has an opponent, Mark Karageorge, so going door-to-door is still a priority.

“It is really about getting out there and spreading the word that I am here to help move the city forward,” he said. “I want lower taxes, a lower water bill and a quality of life for the residents here.”

Holzman also emphasized that he wants, if elected, to end negotiations to move the police station west and keep it downtown.

In fact, Holzman said the debacle of the possible move to the west for the police is the reason he got into the race.

Holzman’s opponent, Karageorge, agrees that there were other options instead of moving the department into Renaissance Commons.

“We should have put the police on city-owned land,” Karageorge said. “We had other options that just should have been considered.”

Betsy Robinson of Boynton Beach has been a South County board member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Palm Beach Area Chapter since 2009.

She was co-chairwoman of NCCI Holdings internal cancer campaign for the last two years, raising $25,000 to $58,000 each year

She also is a three-year member of NCCI's internal Share the Spirit committee, raising money for several local nonprofits in need during the holidays.

NCCI in Boca Raton employs nearly 1,000 professionals dedicated to the workers compensation system. NCCI provides information and analytical services to key audiences throughout the country.

Age 43
Activities – “Volunteering is my life.”
Heroes – Grandmother, Sonia Davis
Born – Cleveland
Grew up – New Jersey

How did volunteering become such a large part of your life?

“I don’t know. I like to give back and help others. In college [University of Hartford], I wanted to be a social worker.”

Why did you become a board member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society?

“My dad was diagnosed with leukemia in Jan 2008 and died from it. This is something people need to know about.”

Where does the money go toward?

“It goes toward research. A lot of people need to know about it. People read about child leukemia but later in life it is harder to find a cure.”

What do you do at NCCI?

“I am an underwriting analyst. I process applications for people who need workers compensation.”

Any plans or events this year for the Leukemia Society?

“We have the “Light the Night Walk” on Nov. 6 in Boca Raton. We also are working on a fundraiser around back to school time.”

What is the future of Leukemia is people keep volunteering and donation to the cause?

“I don’t know. Hopefully it will make a difference. I think they have to find the cause before they find the cure.”

With the possible police station move, redevelopment in the downtown, creating jobs within the city and a new Walmart on the minds of residents in Boynton Beach, the decision for mayor in the March 9 election becomes more important this year.

Candidates, seven in all, have thrown their hats into the ring with varying levels of experience.

* Jose Rodriguez is leaving his seat as District 3 commissioner and vice mayor to vie for the coveted mayoral spot. He has been in Boynton Beach for 25 years and entered the race after what he calls the “police station debacle,” in which the station was to be moved west to Renaissance Commons.

He has served as chairman of the Youth Violence Prevention Program, and has involvement with the Planning and Development Board.

Rodriguez, if elected, plans to focus on the downtown master plan and his “obligation to develop the east portion of the city.”

“I have been the only one in the past to vote to reduce the tax and water bill,” he said. “I have been the lone wolf defying the status quo.”

He also said that he has been vying to create a new Community Redevelopment Board since May 2009, maybe even place two civilians on this board to promote change.

Currently, the City Commission also serves as the CRA Board.

* Commissioner Ronald Weiland, and former commissioners Carl McKoy and Mack McCray are running.

Weiland has spent the last 35 years in Boynton Beach and is calling on his ability to disagree with the commission as a strong suit.

“I have the unique ability to disagree with you today and work with you tomorrow,” he said.

As for his support of the move of the police station to the west, Weiland said that his decision might be different if the move was three years from now but that it is today and a choice had to be made.

Weiland has been District 1 commissioner since 2007 and was vice mayor in 2000 and 2001. Before 2007, he served two terms as commissioner, as well.

If elected, he said he would like to work on phase 2 of the marina restoration project.

* Carl McKoy has been in the city for 15 years. He served two terms as District 4 commissioner and said he is “a champion of transparency in government.”

“The public is fed up with what it is seeing in our city,” he said.

McKoy added that as mayor he would campaign for the reconsideration of the vote to move the police out west.

* Mack McCray was District 2 commissioner from 2001 until 2007 and served the term limit. He said he believes in transparency in government and for an independent CRA Board.

“I have lived in Boynton for more than 55 years,” he said.

McCray said he joined the race because he saw items not getting looked at that he thought should have been priorities, including the Heart of Boynton redevelopment and the downtown area.

* Brian Edwards, a former vice president for the United Way of Palm Beach County, is a relatively unknown candidate who stepped up recently to run.

“People are saying that I have no chance since I came in late,” he said. “I think I am the only chance you have when you consider the opponents.”

Edwards also weighed in on the police move out west and said his choice would have been to ask the voters if they could afford the move first.

He currently is part of the Division of Emergency Management as a Palm Beach County senior planner.

If elected, Edwards said he plans work to reduce the tax rate in the city and expand the Arts Commission’s reach within the city. He also wants to use the Old High School to jump start revitalization of Ocean Avenue.

* Cliff Montross and Piotr Blass are also running.

Montross has been in Boynton for 14 years and in politics his whole life, coming down here from New Jersey.

“I ran for sheriff some years ago and have always been involved in politics in the local and county level,” he said.

If elected, Montross focused on the meeting themselves that he wanted to change, especially the time.

“You have no pre-meeting. So, you have people out there past midnight,” he said. “I also want to televise the meetings so the public can see them.”

Piotr Blass could not be reached for comment.